NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 238 / CW334E
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 18 May 2012
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 13 of 2012
Mr D A Worth (DA-FS) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether the new Smart Card Identity Document (ID) will replace the
green bar-coded ID; if not, what is the position in this regard; if
so, (a) when will the national roll-out begin and (b) what will be the
cost for each card;
(2) whether the proposed Smart Card ID will be secure; if not, why not;
if so, what are the relevant details regarding its security features?
CW334E
REPLY:
1) Yes. The new Smart Identity Document will replace the green bar-coded
Identity Document.
(1)(a) The national roll-out will be implemented in phases. The first
phase of the roll-out will commence in November 2012 and will focus on
South African citizens who are 16 years of age, as these citizens are
first time applicants for Identity Documents. The second phase will
then commence in April 2013.
(1)(b) The cost for each card is estimated at R140.00.
2) Yes. The Smart ID card will be more secure than the green bar-coded
ID. The Smart ID card has, amongst others, more than 6 security
features (which cannot be disclosed for security reasons), have
authentication by fingerprint biometric feature and pin number. The
reliability and validity of Smart Card systems are well proven.
Digital signature technology has been shown to offer far better
protection against a full range of security threats. The systems
enable a more secure, efficient and cost effective service.