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South Africa Shows Its First Digital ID

Photorealistic editorial image of South African citizens using smartphone biometric identity verification and a secure Smart ID card at a government service counter

South Africa has demonstrated its first working Digital ID prototype as the Department of Home Affairs prepares to retire the country’s long-running Green ID book.

In an October 1 address, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said production of the Green ID book will end on March 31, 2027. The document will stop being recognised as valid identification one year later, on March 31, 2028.

Schreiber demonstrated the first working prototype of South Africa’s Digital ID on October 1.

The planned Digital ID would live on a smartphone and operate alongside the physical Smart ID card. Home Affairs says biometric verification would be used for remote identity checks, while users would be able to see when their information is accessed. Participation is expected to be voluntary. Final regulations are still being prepared.

A 2026 explainer covers South Africa’s expansion of Smart ID services through bank branches.

SABC News reported that more than 500 bank branches were already being used for Home Affairs services when the prototype was unveiled.

The shift also makes digital identity a cybersecurity issue. BitcoinVersus has explained the basics of authentication and authorization, passkeys, and multi-factor authentication.

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