Johannesburg (IT News Africa) —THE opposition Independent Democrats has questioned the delay in the Home Affairs Department’s issuing of the State Information Technology card, also called the smart card.
Joe Mcgluwa, the ID Spokesperson for Home Affairs, has submitted a question, for written reply to Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, asking why her Department has still not issued the smart cards, despite a commitment to start doing so from December 2008.
He wants to know whether the cards will be issued soon.
“The State Information Technology Agent (SITA) has been dragging its feet for almost 14 months, after a tender was allocated in June 2008,” Mcgluwa said.
The current green ID card has contributed to the high levels of corruption in Home Affairs and because the smart card is recognized as the most appropriate technology for identity, it is imperative that its introduction takes place urgently, he said.
“Its introduction presents a real opportunity for the Department to tackle corruption and to create jobs during the economic recession,” added Mcgluwa.
Government has already budgeted R114 million for the project, while SITA continues to offer vague excuses about the adjudication of the tender.
According to SITA, confidential information was made public which compromises the integrity of the process.
By Mthulisi Ncube
