Absa Expands Smart ID Services with Mobile Home Affairs Unit and Digital Integration

South Africa has launched its first bank-based mobile unit for Smart ID renewals, as Absa and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) deepen their partnership to improve access to identity services.

Unveiled at Absa’s Tembisa branch, the mobile unit will initially operate across Gauteng, taking selected Home Affairs services to remote, peri-urban and underserved communities. The initiative complements the expansion of Home Affairs services to more Absa branches and new functionality on the Absa Banking App, where customers can book appointments and track applications.

Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said the launch is another milestone in the Department’s Home Affairs @ home reform programme.

He noted that access to Smart IDs has expanded rapidly through the Department’s partnership with the banking sector, with service points growing from 214 to 541 in just four and a half months. The number is expected to reach around 750 participating bank branches by the end of 2026.

“The launch of South Africa’s first bank-based Home Affairs mobile unit brings secure identity services closer to where South Africans live, work and bank,” Schreiber said.

Absa Group CEO Kenny Fihla said the partnership demonstrates how trusted institutions can help deliver essential public services while supporting national priorities.

“Identity is fundamental to economic participation. By leveraging Absa’s infrastructure, digital capabilities and nationwide footprint, we are helping make critical government services more accessible while maintaining high standards of security and customer experience,” he said.

Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, Chief Executive of Personal and Private Banking Pan-Africa at Absa Group, said the initiative is designed to meet growing customer demand for accessible, secure and convenient services.

The service is powered by the Department of Home Affairs’ secure Digital API Gateway, enabling customers to access eligible Home Affairs services through participating Absa branches and the Absa Banking App while ensuring the Department remains the custodian of national identity data.

As part of the rollout, 12 additional Absa branches began offering Smart ID renewal services on 20 July, with another 60 branches expected to join before year-end. Eligible customers can replace lost, stolen or damaged Smart ID cards, convert green barcoded ID books to Smart IDs, and update IDs following changes in marital status. Existing passport and Home Affairs services at participating Absa branches will continue uninterrupted.

//Staff writer