Budget 2020: To continue with its modernisation programme, R1.9 billion has been allocated to drive the Department of Home Affairs’ (DHA’s) modernisation efforts over the medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF) period.
This is according to the National Treasury’s Estimates of National Expenditure (ENE) document released to coincide with finance minister Tito Mboweni’s annual budget speech this afternoon.
The DHA, whose core function is to manage identity, civil status and migration of citizens, has been committed to rolling out a modernisation programme by taking advantage of technological advancements.
According to the ENE document, the DHA’s IT modernisation programme has ensured higher efficiencies and predictability in the department’s business processes and products.
“The programme has enabled the department to automate its business processes that involve capturing information and images, digitising supporting documents, and issuing identity documents and passports by means of the paperless live capture system.”
In addition, the department plans to extend its public‐private partnership with the banking sector to provide services at more branches, and with other service providers such as the SA Post Office, says the document.
Further highlights in the ENE document indicate the DHA plans to maintain the rollout of smart identity (ID) cards to all eligible people.
The home affairs department has committed to get smart IDs into the hands of 38 million South Africans.
Over the medium-term, the department expects to issue nine million smart IDs, highlights the document. “For this purpose, R7.5 billion is allocated over the period ahead in the service delivery to provinces sub-programme in the citizen affairs programme.
“Smart identity cards and other enabling documents are funded through the self‐financing method; as such, revenue that is generated is appropriated to the department during the adjustments budgeting process. This revenue is projected to be R4 billion over the MTEF period.”
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