The partnership is specifically focused on the department’s digitalisation efforts and will help the DHA:
• Integrate with banking platforms to expand access to Smart ID and passport services to hundreds of bank branches as well as to banking apps;
• Create an option to select secure courier delivery of documents that eliminates the requirement to collect documents only at Home Affairs offices;
• Introduce Smart IDs for naturalised citizens and permanent residents.
Alongside SARS, the partnership includes the Border Management Authority (BMA) and Government Printing Works (GPW).
This will also enable the DHA and agencies to leverage SARS’ technology to improve immigration services.
This will see the launch of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system to digitalise and automate immigration procedures to eliminate inefficiency and fraud.
It will also improve the Movement Control System (MCS) at all ports of entry to the country.
“The agreement marks a new era that will fundamentally reform and improve the way that government works in the Republic of South Africa,” which aims to deepen collaboration on digital platforms to enhance services and improve data sharing, said the DHA.
Signing of Multiparty Collaboration Agreement – Left to right: BMA Commissioner Dr Masiapato, SARS Commissioner Mr Edward Kieswetter, CEO of GPW Ms Alinah Fosi, DHA Director-General Mr Livhuwani Tommy Makhode. Photo: Supplied
Livhuwani Makhode, DHA Director-General said that this “exceptional and reliable relationship with SARS, which has been in existence since 2010, represents a right step in dealing with myriad challenges faced by Home Affairs”.
Home Affairs Minister Dr Schreiber said that “it is difficult to overstate the significance of what we have jointly achieved with today’s adoption of this historic agreement.”
“SARS is a world-class institution that must never be taken for granted, and I want to thank the Commissioner and his team for their visionary commitment to breaking down silos in the interests of South Africa”.
“Equally, I applaud the diligent and unwavering commitment of the Home Affairs, BMA and GPW teams in embracing the power of digital transformation,” added the minister.
Schreiber highlighted the mutual benefits of digital transformation, including enhanced fraud prevention, improved revenue collection, and streamlined immigration.
The second agreement was a multi-party memorandum of understanding involving the DHA, SARS, BMA, and GPW.
They said that this signifies a crucial step in creating a governance framework to enable, strengthen, and oversee the evolving strategic partnership between these signatories.
It was noted that SARS and the BMA have already been working towards greater alignment and closer collaboration, and this agreement will strategically and operationally integrate them further.
BMA Commissioner Dr Masiapato commended the existing collaboration between SARS and BMA, stating that “the multiparty agreement signed today will enhance the relationship that has already been in place with SARS”.
SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter said, “The agreements concluded today prove the success of a whole-of-government approach to tackling modern and sophisticated challenges that the government faces.”
“The opportunity to have a common platform dealing with a unique digital identity for individuals and entities will help the government to ensure that there is only one identity through which the individual interacts with government.”
“This unified platform will surely prevent double-dipping, such as when an individual receives a grant while they are in government employ. It will also build smart modern organisation that makes the movement of people seamlessly,” he added.
GPW CEO Alinah Fosi emphasised the agency’s role in digital verification, ensuring secure, high-quality digital IDs for seamless e-government access and hassle-free travel.
Work to implement these improvements is reportedly underway, with the Department of Home Affairs planning to announce their activation on an ongoing basis over the next twelve months and beyond.
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