Is it possible that the green barcoded ID books are on the verge of being phased out? It’s been more than 10 years since they were first introduced into the system, and even though smartcard IDs are now the more commonly used form of identification, there are discussions about phasing out the green books.
Speaking to the above-mentioned source on the expiration dates of the green ID books in 2017, the Department of Home Affairs said, “We wish to make it clear that the green barcoded ID book remains a legal form of identification and will continue to be until such time that the Live Capture System is rolled out to all Home Affairs offices to enable South Africans to apply for Smart ID cards at their nearest offices.”
Security strategist, Andy Mashaile told SABC News that, the green ID books need to be phased out due to the high identity theft rates in the country.
He adds, “South Africa needs to be able to deal effectively with the crime of fraud that you ensure that you use technology for verification that has biometrics amongst other things so that you can then be able to when you go to store, that ID can be scanned. I am assuming and know that it will be connected to the Home Affairs national identification system. It will be able to bring up your face as well as all the other biometrics that are being loaded onto the smart card.”
Although green ID books are still valid, news publication, EyeWitness News reported that the Department was no longer issuing them to citizens within the country.
The news publication also adds the benefits of getting a smartcard ID:
- Microchip in the card that stores citizen’s data.
- ‘Match on card’ capability that enables biometric verification via the microchip without access to a central database.
- Visual features to avoid identity theft.
- Made out of polycarbonate which lasts longer.
WATCH THIS:
