According to news24.com, South Africans are going to get security updates to their smart ID cards and South African passports.

South Africans are set to receive new “refreshed” smart identity documents (IDs) and passports, announced Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber. Speaking at the department’s budget vote speech, Schreiber revealed that these documents will feature updated security measures to prevent fraud and enhance global trust.

Some of the features of the current South African smart ID card

The updated smart ID cards and passports aim to make it significantly more difficult for fraudulent documents to pass as authentic. This move is intended to build trust among more countries and organizations worldwide. Schreiber did not specify when the new documents would be introduced or detail the specific security features.

South Africa introduced smart ID documents in 2013, replacing the older green ID books. The new cards are smaller and designed to combat forgery. Although the green ID books were meant to be phased out, they are still in circulation and accepted.

Last month, former Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi indicated that green ID books would be phased out “very soon”. Thulani Mavuso, Deputy Director General at Home Affairs, later clarified that no specific timelines have been set. However, he mentioned that the remaining green ID books are expected to be phased out and replaced with smart IDs within approximately two years.

Stay tuned for more information on the rollout of these enhanced documents.