Government corrects claims that the Department of Home Affairs partnership with banks on Smart ID is new and driven by a Political Party

The Smart ID digitisation programme was initiated in 2015 under the then Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Malusi Gigaba, as part of government’s broader efforts to modernise the national identification system and enhance service delivery.

⁠The partnership with the banks was started as part of the multi channel access model in order to increase the DHA footprint.

At the time of its launch, the partnership included ABSA, FNB, Nedbank and Standard Bank. Investec.

Discovery Bank joined in 2019 under the then Minister of Home Affairs Dr. Siyabonga Cwele.

Media releases

Government welcomes continued growth in South Africa's economy

Government welcomes the latest data released by Statistics South Africa showing that South Africa’s economy grew by 1,1% in 2025, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanding by 0,4% in the fourth quarter (October–December). The fourth quarter performance marks the fifth consecutive quarter of economic growth, signalling continued resilience in the economy despite a challenging global environment.
 
Media releases

Government commemorates International Women's Day

As Government observes International Women’s Day (8 March 2026), under the theme “Give to Gain”, South Africa also commemorates the historic 1956 Women’s March, which took place 70 years ago. On that day, more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria in protest against the oppressive pass laws that restricted the freedom of movement of black South Africans.
 
Media releases

Deputy Minister Kenny Morolong to undertake working visit to Kenya to strengthen digital and communications cooperation: 8 – 12 Mar

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Mr Kenny Morolong, will undertake a *working visit* to Nairobi, Kenya, from 08–12 March 2026. As part of the visit Deputy Minister Morolong will attend the TikTok 2026 Safer Internet Summit scheduled for 10-11 March 2026 in Nairobi,Kenya.

The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Kenya in the areas of information, communications and digital transformation.

Media releases

Government on sentencing of former MP Vincent Smith

Government welcomes the Johannesburg High Court’s sentencing of former Member of Parliament Vincent Smith to seven years’ imprisonment on charges that include fraud and corruption linked to receiving kickbacks from facilities management company Bosasa. Smith pleaded guilty to charges including contravention of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004 and the Income Tax Act.

Media releases

Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni briefs media on outcomes of Cabinet meeting: 26 Feb

Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, will brief members of the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The media briefing will take place as follows:

Date:   Thursday , 26 February 2026
Time:    10h00 - time changed to 11:20
Venue: GCIS, Ronnie Mamoepa Media Centre, 1035 Francis Baard, Hatfield, Pretoria

Media releases
Subscribe to