Issued by: Department Of Home Affairs
MEDIA RELEASE
The Department of Home Affairs is in the process of introducing an identity card which will replace the existing green identity document. This will coincide with the implementation of an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
This step has been prompted by the fact that the present identity document is not user friendly as well as the fact that a higher degree of security has become essential. The new system will not only benefit the Department of Home Affairs but also other Government Departments such as the Department of Welfare, who will be able to verify identities to ensure that only South African citizens obtain the benefits of social pensions.
Extensive consultation have taken place and tender specifications are being drafted at present. No firm date has yet been set to call for tenders.
Members of the public will not be expected to replace their existing identity documents when the new system comes into operation, as none of the existing identity documents will become obsolete. Further media releases will follow as the project progresses.
Issued by: Subdirectorate Communication Department of Home Affairs Place: Pretoria Date: 1996/04/29