Hanis requires additional R480m

Johannesburg, 05 Jun 2006

Home Affairs has told Parliament it will need R480.2 million more over the next two financial years to complete the Home Affairs National Information System (Hanis).

Minister of Home Affairs Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula told Parliament that most of the programmes that form part of Hanis are at an advanced stage of nearing completion and that the department hopes to complete the process by the end of this financial year.

Mapisa-Nqakula presented the department`s budget to Parliament last week, during which she stated the Hanis project would require R384.1 million over 2006/2007 and R96.1 million over 2007/2008.

According to Home Affairs deputy minister, Malusi Gigaba, the department has already digitised 70% of back record fingerprints and hopes to complete this conversion by June. Gigaba added that the complete absorption of outstanding records into the Hanis system is expected to be concluded in 2007.

Getting smart

Although Cabinet is still discussing outstanding issues relating to the procurement model for the smart ID card, Gigaba has said the department hopes to finalise these issues and pilot the e-passport during 2007.

"The department is continuing its pursuit of the ideals of e-government in order to provide integrated and convenient services to citizens through the use of information systems," said Gigaba. "[We have every] intention to transform Home Affairs into the model user of ICT."

The big picture

Mapisa-Nqakula told Parliament the department had made considerable progress in its aim to address system weaknesses through a dedicated technology solution.

The department revealed that during the 2005/2006 year, 50 hospitals (bringing the total to 119) had been equipped to conduct online registration of births and deaths; 67 fully enabled mobile units were deployed; 240 offices computerised; a master information systems plan compiled along with IS security policy and standards implemented; disaster recovery and business continuity plans put in place; and an intranet deployed.