Absa and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) have launched South Africa’s first bank-based mobile unit for Smart ID renewals, designed to take selected Home Affairs services directly to remote, peri-urban and underserved communities.
The partnership introduces a new digitally integrated service model that enables customers to access eligible Home Affairs services directly through participating Absa branches and the Absa Banking App.
The service is enabled through the Department of Home Affairs’ secure Digital API Gateway, which connects participating banks directly to Home Affairs systems while ensuring that the Department remains the custodian of all national identity data.
As part of the rollout, 12 additional Absa branches will begin offering Smart ID renewal services in July 2026, with a further 60 branches expected to be added by the end of the year.
During the initial phase, eligible customers will be able to replace lost, stolen or damaged Smart ID cards, convert green barcoded ID books to Smart ID cards, and update cards following changes in marital status. Existing Absa branches currently offering passport and Home Affairs services will continue operating as normal.