A Milestone for Smart ID and Passport Services
South Africans will soon access Smart ID and Passport Services at Pick n Pay stores nationwide. This breakthrough forms part of the Department of Home Affairs’ (DHA) bold “Home Affairs @ home” initiative. The new partnership with TymeBank means these essential services will expand far beyond government offices and select bank branches.
The move is expected to improve convenience and reduce queues at DHA branches while bringing critical services closer to millions of citizens.
Why Pick n Pay Stores Are Involved
Unlike traditional banks, TymeBank does not have physical branches. Instead, it operates over 1,400 kiosks across South Africa. These kiosks are located inside Pick n Pay, Boxer, and TFG stores. By hosting DHA service kiosks, Pick n Pay will become the first national retailer to provide citizens with direct access to Smart ID and Passport Services.
You can read more about this development in our article: TymeBank to Join Major Banks in Offering Smart ID and Passport Services
According to TymeBank, the partnership will make use of its technology-driven model. This will ensure that services are delivered securely, efficiently, and at scale.
Building on the eHomeAffairs System
The roots of this project go back to 2016, when the DHA introduced the eHomeAffairs platform. Initially, this allowed citizens to apply for Smart IDs and passports through a small number of bank branches. Banks like FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank, and Absa participated in the pilot.
While the project was successful, it remained limited to about 30 branches. The new expansion aims to reach 1,000 service points by 2029, including both bank branches and retail stores.
A Pro-Poor and Inclusive Reform
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber called the expansion “the most pro-poor and inclusive reform Home Affairs has implemented in its existence.” He explained:
“Through this partnership, millions of South Africans will for the first time ever have access to a Smart ID and passport, many of whom live in the most remote and impoverished parts of our country.”
This shows the government’s commitment to making services more accessible for marginalised communities. By leveraging retail spaces, Smart ID and Passport Services can now reach areas previously underserved.
How the Rollout Will Work
TymeBank plans to start with a test-and-learn phase at its Johannesburg head office. Once systems are stable, the services will expand nationwide. Citizens will be able to:
- Apply for Smart IDs and passports at in-store kiosks.
- Complete biometric verification directly at these points.
- Collect documents via courier or at designated outlets.
This model builds on digital innovations already used in banks, but it scales access by tapping into Pick n Pay’s large footprint.
Learn more about Capitec’s rollout in our feature: Capitec Unveils Plans to Issue Smart IDs and Passports at Branches.
The Role of Technology in Service Delivery
Karl Westvig, CEO of TymeBank, said:
“This is a natural alignment between two digitally enabled organisations that are driven by a shared commitment to serving and uplifting South Africans with technology-enabled progress.”
The collaboration is not only about convenience but also about data security and system integrity. TymeBank emphasised that Smart IDs and passports issued through this process would be protected by strong digital safeguards.
What This Means for South Africans
For the average citizen, the benefits are clear:
- Less time spent in queues at DHA branches.
- More accessible service points, often in communities where people already shop.
- Faster, digitally enabled processing supported by secure systems.
This rollout is also a step towards phasing out the green barcoded ID book and ensuring that more South Africans move onto the modern Smart ID system.
Looking Ahead
The launch of Smart ID and Passport Services Launching at Pick n Pay Stores represents a turning point in how the state delivers essential services. By combining retail convenience with government oversight, this initiative offers a practical, inclusive solution for millions of citizens.
As the rollout progresses, South Africans can expect smoother, faster, and more accessible experiences when applying for IDs and passports.
Discover Absa’s digital strategy in our article: Absa Unveils Plans for Smart ID and Passport Banking App.