{
  "id": 145366,
  "title": "SERVICE WITH A SMILE: Smart thinking — Minister Schreiber takes credit for Home Affairs’ bank ID card revolution",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/service-with-a-smile-smart-thinking-minister-schreiber-takes-credit",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-04T21:04:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Maverick",
    "slug": "daily-maverick",
    "url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-08-04-smart-thinking-minister-schreiber-takes-credit-for-home-affairs-bank-id-card-revolution/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber took credit for the rapid roll-out of smart ID cards, attributing the success to leadership and clear vision. The project, initiated in partnership with FNB in 2015, has already issued over 15,000 smart ID cards since its inception. Schreiber highlighted the role of FNB in embedding Home Affairs agents in bank branches and emphasized the importance of a unified strategic vision in coordinating technological integration.\n\nThe new electronic travel authorization (ETA) system, also using pre-existing biometric technology, document verification systems, and machine learning, is set to secure border access. FNB utilizes a dedicated tablet and photobooth for biometric capturing, while Capitec has automated the process with kiosks, reducing the time required to complete the ID card application from a full day to 15 minutes.\n\nThe system, currently operational in 372 FNB, Standard Bank, Capitec, and Absa branches, is expected to reach 750 branches by the end of the year. The DHA is also working on a new website to provide a real-time database of available smart ID locations and an appointment booking system. Schreiber reported that the online booking system worked as advertised during his test. The next steps include expanding banking services, launching home deliveries, and rolling out the digital ID card system.",
  "summary": "After the June 30 xenophobia protests delayed the launch of Home Affairs’ new online service, Minister Leon Schreiber was finally in an FNB branch to cut a ribbon and wax lyrical about the future of Home Affairs.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}