EFF warns against 'commercialising' South African identity documents.
Image: FILE
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has slammed what it calls an attempt by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to hand key government services to private banks, warning that South Africans' identity documents must never become a commercial product.
The party rejected the proposal outright, saying the move risks turning a basic right of citizenship into a profit-driven service.
It insisted that documentation such as identity cards must remain firmly under the control of the state.
"We reject the attempt by the DA to outsource Home Affairs services to private banks," the party said.
The EFF stressed that identification documents are not just paperwork but the very proof of belonging to the nation.
"Identity documentation is a fundamental right and the foundation of citizenship, not a commercial service."
The criticism comes as Home Affairs continues rolling out digitised Smart ID applications through partnerships with bank branches.
However, the department, led by the DA's Dr Leon Schreiber has a more optimistic view of the development.
The initiative allows applicants to start and complete the process more quickly, with services currently available at selected Capitec Bank and Standard Bank branches.
The number of participating branches is expected to grow from nine to 17 by the end of the week.
First National Bank (FNB) is also nearing the end of its testing phase, while other banks in the digital partnership are at different stages of development.
"The fact that we have already reached this milestone after just 20 months in office, means that we are on track to deliver on our goal to invert the principle of how government services work.
"Instead of forcing people to go to Home Affairs and endure long queues and manual processes, we are leveraging technological security and efficiency to bring Home Affairs to the people, delivering access, inclusion and dignity for all," said Schreiber.
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