TymeBank announces a landmark partnership with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to enable millions of South Africans across the country to secure Smart IDs and passports quickly, securely, and conveniently.

As one of the world’s fastest-growing digital banks, TymeBank will play an integral role in the DHA’s transformative initiatives to expand the efficient delivery of public services to the nation, including its more than 11 million customers.

The collaboration will ensure that South African citizens benefit from TymeBank’s cutting-edge technology to access DHA services in an inclusionary, seamless, and efficient way. The partnership will reinforce data security and system integrity, ensuring that Smart IDs and passports are issued with the highest levels of protection and reliability.

Minister of Home Affairs Dr. Leon Schreiber said, “As one of eight banks in South Africa participating in our digital partnership, TymeBank will help us to further accelerate our journey towards achieving our vision of Home Affairs at home. South Africa is a leader in digital financial services, and it is high time that we leverage this knowledge to improve the state’s ability to deliver services. Through this partnership, millions of South Africans will, for the first time, have access to a Smart ID and passport, many of whom live in the most remote and impoverished parts of our country. This is why I say that this is the most pro-poor and inclusive reform Home Affairs has implemented in its existence.” 

Karl Westvig, CEO of TymeBank, described the partnership as a natural alignment between two digitally enabled organizations that are driven by a shared commitment to serving and uplifting South Africans with technology-enabled progress.

“TymeBank’s mission has always been to expand banking using an innovative, secure and technology-driven model that offers simple, accessible, and affordable products to all South Africans. We are proud to bring that same secure digital capability to support Home Affairs in delivering trusted, citizen-focused services.” TymeBank will first embark on a comprehensive test-and-learn phase at its Johannesburg head office before the DHA services can be expanded to TymeBank locations nationwide. Customers will be informed when DHA services are available at their nearest TymeBank location.