Residents of Orange Farm can now access certain Home Affairs services closer to home following the launch of a new digital partnership between the Department of Home Affairs and South Africa’s banking sector.
The Capitec branch at Eyethu Mall in Orange Farm is among the first bank branches in the country to go live under the new system, allowing qualifying residents to apply for Smart ID services directly at the bank.
Home Affairs says the new digital partnership aims to reduce long queues and bring government services closer to communities by using bank branches as secure service points.
According to the department, the system allows clients to complete Smart ID applications in five to ten minutes, without filling out paperwork or making advance bookings.
In the first phase of the rollout, South Africans who still have the green ID book can apply to convert it to the Smart ID card, while existing Smart ID holders can apply for replacements.
Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said the reform marks a major step in modernising public services and improving access for citizens.
“Instead of forcing people to go to Home Affairs to endure long queues and manual processes, we are using technological security and efficiency to bring Home Affairs to the people,” he said.
The department says about 16 million South Africans still rely on the green ID book, which is more vulnerable to fraud, making the transition to Smart ID cards an important priority.
More services are expected to be introduced as the system expands during 2026, including first-time Smart ID applications, passport services and additional bank branches joining the programme.
For residents of Orange Farm and surrounding areas, the service at Capitec Eyethu Mall could mean less travelling and quicker access to key Home Affairs services within their own community.
