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From this experience, we are better placed to argue for the adoption of identity ecosystems for service deliv- ery. Digital transformation has shown great potential to open new pathways towards smarter platforms and new ways of service delivering.
The department has introduced inno- vative modes of service delivery. It has launched an electronic platform – eHomeAffairs – through which citi- zens can now apply for new smart ID cards and passports online, from the comfort of their homes or offices, by simply visiting the website. The eHo- meAffairs portal was made possible by the partnership of Home Affairs with four major commercial banks in South Africa – ABSA, First National Bank, Nedbank and Standard Bank – entered into in April 2016 and piloted in 13 bank branches in Gauteng and Western Cape provinces.
Going forward, and in line with the goal of building a ‘future-fit home-affairs’, the focus is on implementing a single source of information about all clients, with both biographic and biometric
technologies. The new national identity system South Africa seeks to build will serve as a master source for civics and immigration management, with key el- ements such as the following:
• Records of persons throughout their lifespan (from the cradle to the grave).
• Birth, marriage and death records of residents (citizens, permanent residents, asylum seekers and ref- ugees).
• All persons entering the country will have their biometrics captured during the visa application process or at the point of entry.
• Processing and storing of asylum seekers and refugees’ applications.
• Records of visitors who enter and leave the country.
• Records of illegal persons in the country (registration of birth and death).
The modernisation of South Africa’s Home Affairs, when fully and success- fully implemented, will reengineer and automate most of the key processes of the department and yield a significantly
enhanced national identification sys- tem, and a credible national population register. This modernisation process is underpinned by five key business pil- lars, namely:
• a single view of home affairs clients, • integrity of home affairs data,
• secured borders while embracing
visitors,
• improved citizen (client) experience,
and
• a citizen/client-oriented workforce.
We will achieve our goals to the extent that we enhance the interaction of the State with its citizens, by being more customer-centric, within a secure envi- ronment. With the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the ultimate goal is to utilise technology in bringing gov- ernment services closer to the people, where they live.
*Dr Pandor is International Relations and Cooperation Minister and this article is an edited version of a speech she delivered at the 2019 ID4Africa Annual Meeting, which was held in South Africa in June.
FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
THE 5TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ID4AFRICA MOVEMENT
The Department of Home Affairs hosted what is regarded as the largest identity for development gathering, which was held between 18 and 20 June this year. Since its establishment in 2014, the ID4Africa Annual Meeting has become the place to be to report on progress, share experiences and best practices, identify open challenges in the context of development, and establish the priorities for the identity community related to legal and digital identity.
The overarching theme for the 2019 conference, ‘Identity Ecosystems for Service Delivery’, affirmed that identity is not just a right but must be of utility for it to contribute to development. To this end, the programme is organised along several thematic tracks in support of that theme including, foundational identity, identity for inclusion, migration and borders, identity and democracy, advanced technologies and processes, along with several side meetings, spotlight sessions and workshops related to infant biometrics, privacy, data protection and appropriate uses of identity.
Over 120 experts and practitioners from governments, international agencies and the private sector shared regional and international experiences in support of the stated theme. Of significance this year is the record number of senior level African government officials attending; with over 650 decision-makers from a diverse cross-section of government stakeholders, representing 50 African nations, present. Also of significance is the breadth of participation of the remaining 900 delegates, who represent international multi-lateral, civil society and the private sector.
In its fifth year, the movement is launching a series of new initiatives that were evident within the 2019 programme activities and side meetings. These included discussions on the relationship between e-identity and financial inclusion. Another matter taking centre stage this year is the complex issue of privacy, data protection and appropriate use of identity, which are addressed through several activities embedded in the overall programme.
Source: www.id4africa.com
Volume 12 No.3 of 2019 | SERVICE DELIVERY REVIEW 31