Finally! SA expats to get smart IDs abroad as Home Affairs unveils long-awaited digital breakthrough
Image: Parliament of SA
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says his department has 'heard the pleas for help from South Africans living abroad' who currently face long delays when applying for smart IDs and passports.
Delivering his Budget Vote speech on Wednesday, Schreiber announced that the department will begin rolling out new facilities abroad before the end of this month, with a five-week turnaround time for document processing.
'We have heard the pleas for help from South Africans living abroad who currently often may wait more than a year just to get a new smart ID or passport,' said Schreiber.
'I am pleased to announce that by the end of this month, we will begin to launch new facilities abroad to assist South Africans living overseas.'
He said the initiative will start in Australia, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates, with France, Germany, and the Netherlands following later this year, and North America in early 2026. 'These new facilities will ensure a five-week turnaround time for IDs and passports,' the minister confirmed.
This move is part of Schreiber's broader 'Home Affairs at Home' reform vision aimed at transforming how citizens access government services.
Home Affairs has heard the pleas of South Africans living abroad, who have struggled for years to renew their passports and IDs, often waiting 12+ months just to get a new passport. From end July, we're launching new facilities abroad - with a turnaround time of just 5 weeks.… pic.twitter.com/cNIWtrFxFY — Leon Schreiber (@Leon_Schreib) July 9, 2025
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
''Our ultimate aim, as I said, is to deliver Home Affairs at home, which will enable every South African, no matter where you are in the country or in the world, to obtain services from your government online,' he said.
Schreiber emphasised that these efforts mark the beginning of an ambitious journey towards a fully digital ID system. 'The civic service reforms we will deliver during the current financial year are all part of laying the foundation for our ambitious plan to create South Africa's first ever digital ID system.'
He added that this digital-first approach will eventually allow citizens to order IDs and passports through banking apps and even have them delivered to their homes using advanced facial recognition technology.
According to Schreiber, the department has made visible progress in the past year, including the delivery of nearly 3.6 million smart IDs, which he considers a record. 'If this is just some of what Home Affairs could do in one year, just imagine what we can do in five,' he said.
He also announced plans to digitise the application process for South Africans in-country by expanding smart ID and passport services to 100 additional bank branches this year, with the goal of reaching 1,000 over the medium term. A new home delivery option using facial recognition is also in the pipeline
'It won't be long until you can log into your bank app and see the Home Affairs logo sitting there, ready for you to interact and order your documents remotely,' Schreiber said.
Schreiber also noted the current gap in service availability at home. 'Many people do not realise that 101 out of the 348 existing Home Affairs offices still do not even have the capability to issue smart IDs,' he said.
He added that the department plans to scale up its partnership with banks to expand access.
To support these sweeping reforms, Schreiber tabled a budget of R11 billion for Home Affairs for the 2025/26 financial year.
This includes a baseline increase of R321 million this year, R1.2 billion in 2026/27, and R369 million in 2027/28. The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) will receive R2.1 billion this year, including an additional R885 million to prepare for the 2026 local government elections, he said.
The Government Printing Works is allocated R1.8 billion for this year.
However, Schreiber cautioned that the Border Management Authority (BMA) remains underfunded, despite its key role in digital transformation and immigration security.
'The BMA budget will only increase from R1.7 billion to R1.9 billion over the next three years, which, as I say, remains insufficient,' he said.
'We will continue to work on self-financing and finding alternative revenue sources for the BMA to unlock greater investment and further accelerate our digital transformation efforts.'
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
IOL Politics
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
20 minutes ago
- IOL News
Time for liberation movements to rebuild trust, rethink strategy
Liberation movement leaders at the summit hosted by the African National Congress on July 25-27 in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. Image: ANC/X Dr. Reneva Fourie Many South Africans failed to appreciate the relevance of the Liberation Movements Summit, held in Johannesburg from 25 to 28 July. In an era marked by widespread public disappointment and growing criticism, the very premise of such a gathering appeared, they argued, outdated if not entirely obsolete. Movements such as South Africa's ANC, Mozambique's FRELIMO, Namibia's SWAPO, Angola's MPLA and others are not conventional political parties. Their legitimacy was not conferred solely through elections. It was earned through generations of collective resistance, sacrifice and clarity of purpose in the face of colonialism and apartheid. They were forged in the trenches of anti-colonial struggle and shaped by the convictions of those who believed in dignity, equality and justice. However, in the years since the dawn of democracy, these once-powerful connections to the people have frayed. The post-liberation period has, for many citizens, become associated less with freedom and opportunity, and more with corruption, inequality and governance failures. In the wake of immense sacrifice and hard-won liberation, the urgent and deeply complex question confronting Southern Africa's former liberation movements is whether they have eroded their moral authority through complacency, self-enrichment and detachment from the aspirations of the people. The Liberation Movement Summit sought to confront these realities directly. It did not offer a platform for nostalgic celebration but one for critical reflection and collaborative renewal. Its central assertion was that historical legitimacy cannot excuse present failures. Rather, it is only through meaningful action, grounded in principle and delivered with urgency, that these movements can continue to play a relevant role in shaping their societies. The summit occurred within an increasingly unstable global environment. The declining coherence of the neoliberal project, further unravelling through the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the war in Ukraine and destabilisation across West Asia, has disrupted many of the ideological assumptions that underpinned global governance for the past three decades. Added to this is the rise of narrow nationalism, a retreat into bilateralism and the erosion of respect for international law, particularly by powerful Western states. This evolving landscape has profound implications for the continent. African states face increased vulnerability to external manipulation, regime-change agendas and exploitative economic arrangements. The summit, therefore, was necessary to provide a space for shared analysis, introspection and strategic coordination to enhance sovereignty and to assert a united voice in shaping a more just and inclusive global order. However, it was not only external pressures that required attention. Internally, liberation movements face complex democratic terrains that demand new forms of engagement. Factors such as declining electoral support, shifting generational political identities, and the enduring impact of structural inequality, poverty, unemployment and insecurity required thoughtful responses. The situation in Sudan was referenced as a painful example of how internal contradictions, if unresolved, can be exploited by external actors and descend into devastating conflict. It served as a reminder that liberation is not a singular event, but an ongoing process that requires vigilance, renewal and integrity. The summit's focus on democratic sustainability, effective governance, economic transformation and international solidarity was not incidental. It signalled a clear understanding that liberation must be understood as a living project. One of the central issues raised was the growing gap between political rhetoric and implementation. Widespread dissatisfaction does not stem from a lack of vision. It stems from the failure to translate that vision into material change. Inadequate socio-economic development, deteriorating public services, and perceptions of systemic corruption have undermined the legitimacy of former liberation parties. Where liberation once promised dignity, many now experience marginalisation. Discontent is particularly acute among young people and women. These are not marginal constituencies. They were at the centre of liberation struggles and remain central to any democratic renewal. Yet they are often excluded from decision-making spaces. The summit emphasised that genuine empowerment must move beyond rhetoric. It requires shifts in institutional culture, the opening up of leadership opportunities and policy frameworks that respond to the realities and capabilities of young people and women. The summit also reaffirmed the enduring relevance of international solidarity. While formal colonialism has ended, other forms of domination persist through financial dependence, extractive corporate practices and systemic inequality in global institutions. Collective resistance remains necessary. Regional cooperation is essential not only for economic development but for protecting sovereignty and pursuing peace on the continent's terms. By revisiting the principle of Pan-Africanism and anchoring itself within a broader vision of progressive internationalism, the summit resisted the idea that liberation movements are simply relics of a past era. It positioned them as political institutions still capable of shaping the future, provided they act with courage, humility and commitment to the people they claim to serve. In this sense, the summit was not a retreat into history. It was an attempt to reframe the liberation narrative to meet current realities. It outlined a multidimensional approach, encompassing accountability in governance, inclusivity in political participation, innovation in economic policy, and coherence in international engagement. The chosen theme, 'Defending the liberation gains, advancing integrated socio-economic development, strengthening solidarity for a better Africa', was both affirmation and provocation. It affirmed the commitments that guided the anti-colonial struggle, while insisting that the defence of those gains cannot rely on slogans. It must be evidenced in action. The political renewal required is not superficial. It cannot be achieved through new slogans or minor adjustments. It requires deep institutional reform, alignment with democratic values and a reconnection to the needs and aspirations of the people. If this does not occur, these movements risk losing not only electoral support but also their historical legitimacy. Even so, the summit offered a timely opportunity to regroup and recommit. It provided a forum to rethink strategy, rebuild trust and begin crafting a credible future. If these movements can confront their shortcomings with honesty, implement their commitments with discipline and listen to their people with sincerity, they may yet remain relevant in the evolving story of African freedom. * Dr Reneva Fourie is a policy analyst specialising in governance, development and security. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.
IOL News
20 minutes ago
- IOL News
Are Trump's tariffs changing the way we invest? Insights from the smart money
Money is moving into gold as US President Donald Trump's tariffs take effect. Image: Ron | IOL When the only economic certainty is uncertainty, and US President Donald Trump's 30% trade tariffs came into effect today, investors are rethinking their strategies and shifting their money into gold, tech stocks, or cash – a move towards resilience and diversification. According to gold trading platform ISA Gold, the year-on-year price of gold has surged, reaffirming its role as a strategic hedge against economic instability. Those who bought bullion in July 2024, amid a weakening rand and turbulent global markets, are now enjoying double-digit returns. "Clients who secured Krugerrands or gold bars through our platform last July are seeing portfolio gains that outpaced inflation and equities, proof that physical gold remains an essential part of any diversified investment strategy," said Aziz Moti, COO at ISA Gold. The yellow metal has gained about 42.33% in a year. Moti believes the rally is underpinned by global uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, a weakening US dollar, and strong central bank purchases. "Central banks have been on a buying spree, and that has only added to gold's momentum," he noted. Goldman Sachs recently raised its year-end 2025 forecast for gold to $3,700 per troy ounce, up from the current $3,305, citing sustained central bank buying and ongoing safe-haven demand. In a more bullish scenario – should central banks ramp up purchases or the US slip into recession – the price could hit $3,880 per ounce, said Moti. By Thursday afternoon, gold was already up 6.25% for the year. 'There continues to be a notable uptick in gold investment through exchange-traded funds, digital platforms, and physical bullion. This is not a short-term reaction. Investors are looking for security, legacy, and tangible value,' Moti said. While gold remains the ultimate safe haven, data from BrokerChooser shows that market anxiety is spreading across asset classes. Searches for 'is Trump good for the stock market' have jumped 170% in the past month, while 'should I sell Tesla stock now' soared by more than 5,000% after Trump publicly clashed with Elon Musk. South Africans are also closely watching the so-called 'Magnificent Seven' tech stocks. Nvidia, Tesla, and Tencent – partly owned by local giant Naspers – dominate interest, with Microsoft and Meta also winning favour after strong quarterly results. Gold continues to glitter Image: Trading economics According to CNN, 'the economy was supposed to crumble. The trade war was expected to escalate out of control. Markets were forecast to plunge. None of that happened – at least, not yet.' PPS Investments warned that while the full effect of Trump's tariffs is unclear, growth in the US could slow as higher import costs push up inflation. It favours domestic cash and yield-enhancing floating-rate notes while maintaining a neutral stance on offshore equities and fixed income, with gradual diversification away from the US. This, it says, should help investors limit the whipsaw effect of market reactions to tariff headlines. For Moti, gold's appeal is rooted in its track record. 'Gold has outperformed currencies for decades and weathered world wars, recessions, and a pandemic. Even as cryptocurrencies grow in popularity, gold continues to hold its ground as the traditional safe-haven asset,' he said. Bloomberg Intelligence supports this view, noting that institutional investors still regard gold as a hedge against long-term inflation and geopolitical risk, while crypto remains a high-risk, speculative play. As Trump's tariff storm intensifies, it seems the smart money is spreading its bets. IOL
IOL News
20 minutes ago
- IOL News
‘It's our death sentence': SA couple pleads to stay in Australia amid safety fears
Charné-Lee Gunning, 31, and Ivan Strauss, 37, are facing an anxious wait in Western Sydney, Australia, as their application for protection visas hangs in the balance. Image: / Screengrab Charné-Lee Gunning, 31, and Ivan Strauss, 37, are facing an anxious wait in Western Sydney, Australia, as their application for protection visas hangs in the balance. The South African couple claim they face a "death sentence" if they are forced to return to South Africa. Gunning and Strauss arrived in Australia on visitor visas in December 2018 after fleeing South Africa due to fears of racial violence. Now, seven years later, they are pleading with the federal government not to deport them, alleging that their lives would be at risk if they were to return to their home country. According to them, they would be targeted for being white. Gunning stated that returning would be "our death sentence, especially with what's going on in South Africa at the moment. It has gotten a lot worse since we left". The couple revealed they had been victims of crimes from an early age into their adulthood. They note that this contrasts with Australia, where they can drive with windows open. Gunning added: "The nightmares are still there, but I have a sense of safety here that I've never had before". Despite their protection visa application being initially denied, they have appealed and are currently awaiting a decision from the Administrative Review Tribunal. If their appeal is rejected, they would have only five weeks to leave Australia. The couple say they are willing to relocate anywhere in Australia, even to the most remote places, to remain in the country. The couple's case followed months after former US President Donald Trump fast-tracked visas for white South African farmers, claiming they were victims of "genocide". This claim was rejected by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who stated that "People who do get killed, unfortunately through criminal activity, are not only white people, majority of them are black people". This case brings Australia into the spotlight of whether the country should adopt a similar stance to the US and consider white South Africans as refugees from violence. Shadow Immigration Minister Paul Scarr has emphasised that asylum and humanitarian visa applications should be assessed equally, regardless of the applicant's origin. A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs declined to comment on individual cases due to privacy reasons. TikTok user Edlin (edlin1344) shared the couple's plight on the social media platform, igniting a heated debate online, drawing comments of mockery while others acknowledged the crime rate. Many comments expressed strong scepticism and denial of the couple's claims. Some also accused the couple of dishonesty, suggesting they should be upfront about simply wanting to stay in Australia for "great career opportunities" rather than "acting like you are hunted". Others speculated they might be "running away from their debts". The claim of a "death sentence" was often met with disbelief or mockery. While many disputed the extreme nature of the couple's fears, some acknowledged high crime rates in South Africa, but reminded the internet community that it as a universal issue or one disproportionately affecting poorer communities. IOL NEWS
