By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Pictures: Supplied – FNB
Seen Here: Harry Kellan, CEO of First National Bank, announces the bank’s expanded partnership with the Department of Home Affairs to roll out Smart ID card application services across FNB branches, bringing essential identity services closer to communities across South Africa. Photo Credit: Supplied.
Johannesburg — South Africans may soon find it easier to apply for Smart ID cards as First National Bank (FNB) prepares to roll out Smart ID card application services across its branch network, following successful testing of the system.
The initiative forms part of an expanded partnership between the bank and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), aimed at improving access to identity services and reducing the administrative hurdles often associated with obtaining official documents.
Bringing identity services closer to communities
The new rollout comes after the Department of Home Affairs introduced a digital partnership model that enables banks to connect directly to the department’s back-end systems. This integration is expected to make the processing of Smart ID applications faster and more reliable.
Through the programme, South Africans will be able to apply for the re-issuance of Smart ID cards at selected FNB branches, with plans to later integrate the service into the FNB Banking App.
According to Harry Kellan, Chief Executive Officer of FNB, the development represents a major milestone in expanding essential public services.
“Smart ID cards are critical for accessing services, securing employment and participating fully in the economy. With the modernised systems introduced by Home Affairs, we can now extend these services to millions more South Africans through our infrastructure,” Kellan said.
Seen Here: (Middle) FNB CEO Harry Kellan + FNB Consultants Photo Credit: Supplied.
National rollout underway
FNB plans to scale the service to more than 240 branches over the next year, significantly expanding access to identity services across the country. Locations offering the service will be updated regularly on the bank’s website and mobile app as additional branches are activated.
The programme builds on a long-standing collaboration between FNB and the Department of Home Affairs that began in 2015.
During that period, the bank has issued more than 570,000 official documents, including over 258,000 Smart ID cards and more than 312,000 passports, through seven participating branches.
These services will continue to support customers requiring passport applications and first-time Smart ID issuance.
Seen Here: Zibu Nqala, CEO of FNB Points of Presence. Photo Credit: Supplied.
Part of a broader modernisation drive
Leon Schreiber, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, described the partnership as a key component of the government’s Home Affairs @ Home reform programme, which aims to modernise how citizens access identity services.
He explained that connecting banks directly to government digital systems allows the department to expand its reach through trusted institutions that South Africans already interact with daily.
“Partnerships like this help modernise Home Affairs, strengthen the integrity of our national identity system and make it easier for citizens to obtain the documents they need to participate fully in society and the economy,” Schreiber said.
Reducing queues and travel time
For many South Africans, particularly those living far from major urban centres, accessing Home Affairs offices can involve long queues and significant travel costs.
Zibu Nqala, CEO of FNB Points of Presence, said the bank’s extensive branch network plays an important role in bridging that accessibility gap.
“Our branches allow us to reach communities that have historically struggled to access Home Affairs services. This expansion will bring essential identity solutions closer to our customers’ doorsteps,” she said.
Affordable and accessible
During the initial phase of the rollout, customers will pay only the standard Home Affairs application fee of R140, with no additional convenience charges.
Officials say the initiative is expected to dramatically reduce waiting times, streamline the application process and simplify access to one of the most essential documents required for everyday life in South Africa.
As the programme expands nationwide, the partnership between FNB and the Department of Home Affairs could become a cornerstone of the country’s efforts to digitise government services and improve accessibility for all citizens.
