Capitec, in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), has launched an in-branch Smart ID service at select locations, including Bloemfontein Plaza, as part of a phased national rollout set to reach 100 branches by mid-2026.
The new service allows clients to apply for a Smart ID using a dedicated Self-Service Terminal (SST) with no prior booking required. The paperless process takes less than five minutes, with applications integrated directly into DHA systems for secure, real-time processing. Clients are notified when their ID is ready for collection from the branch.
Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, highlighted that over 4.4 million South Africans over 16 years old lack a green ID book or Smart ID card, limiting access to employment, banking, and voting.
“This is what effective public-private collaboration looks like. It uses innovation and national reach to ensure every South African can obtain the identity they need to participate fully in our economy and democracy, closer to where they live. This is our vision to deliver Home Affairs @ home, in action.”
Capitec CEO Graham Lee said the service is about simplifying access and supporting economic participation. “An ID is a catalyst for economic participation. We serve close to half of South Africa’s adult population, and we know that time is our clients’ most valuable asset. By integrating Home Affairs services into our branches, we are using our scale and technology to shorten long journeys and help fill a real gap in underserved communities.”
Bloemfontein Plaza is now one of the branches where residents can conveniently apply for their Smart ID.
Compiled by Gypseenia Lion
