Standard Bank has joined the Department of Home Affairs’ (DHA) new digital partnership model aimed at making smart ID and passport services more accessible to South Africans.

Through the partnership, the bank will soon enable clients to apply for and renew their smart ID cards and passports via its digital banking channels. For nearly a decade, Standard Bank has been offering these services in nine branches and will now work with the DHA to expand the offering nationwide.

The initiative supports the DHA’s plan to extend these services to 1,000 bank branches by 2029, enhancing convenience for citizens and alleviating long queues at traditional Home Affairs offices.

Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, welcomed Standard Bank to the programme, noting that the collaboration brings the department closer to its vision of delivering identity services efficiently and conveniently across the country. He added that partnering with leading financial institutions ensures wider access to essential services for both rural and urban communities, paving the way for a more digital-first public service environment.

Standard Bank Personal and Private Banking CEO, Funeka Montjane, expressed pride in joining the initiative, saying the collaboration will save clients time and make it easier to access vital identity services.

Details on participating Standard Bank branches and the rollout of digital services will be announced in the coming months.

//Staff writer