NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 2327
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 13 September 2013
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 30 of 2013
Mr N Singh (IFP) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) What is the total cost of the national implementation of the Smart
Identity Cards;
(2) whether there are any negotiations with National Treasury to consider
a policy to exempt persons who are (a) poverty stricken and (b)
receiving social grants; if so, what are the relevant details; if
not,
(3) whether her Department will waive the proposed fees of R140,00 per
card issue for, (a) the recipients of social welfare grants and (b)
poverty stricken persons; if not, why not; if so, what are the
relevant details?
NW2781E
REPLY:
1) The total cost of the national implementation of the Smart
Identity Cards is estimated at R5,345,165,000.00 â the figure is
based on the total number of clients (38,179,750) with Identity
Documents registered in the National Population Register as on 21
May 2013.
(2)(a) & (b) Yes. We are in discussion with National Treasury on
various options.
(3)(a) & (b) At present the status quo remains in place. Citizens will
pay the current fee for replacement (R140) and first issue
applicants will not pay any fee. Should this practice be changed
following our discussions with Treasury, we will announce the
changes..