South Africa’s green ID book is far more susceptible to fraud than the newer smart ID card, confirming the need to shift to the newer technology. Smile ID published its 2025 Digital Identity ...

Moreover, Smile ID’s 2024 Digital Identity Fraud in Africa report found that South Africa’s green ID books are the most ...

Home Affairs announced its plans in 2013 to discontinue the old South African identity books in favour of securer smart IDs. Almost immediately, disinformation spread about their impending invalidity.

If you are still using a green ... ID books can be altered or faked. Criminals exploit these weaknesses to hijack identities, access credit, and commit other financial crimes. The South African ...

However, South Africa’s progress in rolling out smart ID cards has been slow. When the system launched, 38 million green ID books were in issue. Moreover, the Department of Home Affairs has also ...

However, phasing out green ID books means the department must improve its operations and ensure smart ID cards can be issued across South Africa. Schreiber said they want to make applying for a ...