Rich South Africans are buying homes in one of the safest countries in Africa
More wealthy South Africans are buying homes in Namibia, ranked as one of the safest countries in Africa, for tax benefits and permanent residency.
This follows the announcement on Monday (11 August) that the department would be launching a new digital partnership model with the banks to expand services to hundred more branches.
Speaking at Capitec’s head offices on Tuesday, Schreiber noted that the next rollout phase marked a significant digital shift for the DHA.
Using the upgraded online verification system and a new strategy to digitally integrate with banks, including via banking apps, the department is now able to rapidly roll out Smart ID services.
This had previously been limited to around 30 bank branches using an old system that duplicated roles and functionality, while the OVS was notoriously unreliable.
Now, with the department’s new “live capture” system and working with the banks’ systems, South Africans can expect to see Smart ID and eventually passport services at hundreds of branches.
The department had set the goal of rolling out Smart ID and passport services to 100 banks by the end of the year, and 1,000 branches by the end of the medium-term (2028/29).
Standard Bank said that specific details on participating branches and digital service rollouts will be shared in the coming months.
“We are proud to be part of this forward-thinking collaboration that will save our clients time and make it easier to access essential identity services,” said Standard Bank Personal and Private Banking CEO, Funeka Montjane.
Capitec confirmed that it would launch Smart ID services at 10 branches in October, and hit 100 branches in early 2026, clearing the DHA’s target alone.
With FNB and now Standard Bank on board—having already expressed willingness to roll out these services beyond participating branches—the number is set to skyrocket.
Both FNB and Capitec have confirmed that the next wave of branches will focus on under-represented and under-serviced areas.
“South Africans are so tired of races to the bottom. It is inspiring to see us all pull together to include every single citizen in providing access to these vital services, no matter who they are or where they live,” Schreiber said.
Capitec outlined how the Smart ID process will work at its branches from October:
- Photo capture: if the DHA does not have a suitable ID photo on file, clients will be able to visit a special Smart ID terminal in select Capitec branches.
- Biometric verification: Clients enter their ID number, have their photo taken, and the system verifies their identity against the DHA database in real time.
Collection: The Smart ID will be available for collection at the same branch within weeks.
A big part of the new partnerships is to integrate DHA services into banking apps, which will happen further down the line.
The DHA and participating banks have also confirmed that home delivery of Smart IDs will be a prominent feature in the future as the partnerships blossom.
Issued on BusinessTech by Staff Writer | https://businesstech.co.za/news/banking/834705/great-news-for-standard-bank-customers-in-south-africa/
