The implementation of the smart ID card for South African citizens will cost taxpayers R5.3 billion. This was revealed in a parliamentary reply by home affairs minister Naledi Pandor, to a question posed by IFP MP Narend Singh.
"The total cost of the national implementation of the smart identity cards is estimated at R5 345 165 000. The figure is based on the total number of clients (38 179 750) with identity documents registered in the National Population Register, as on 21 May 2013," says Pandor.
The smart ID card forms part of the Department of Home Affairs' (DHA's) overall IT modernisation programme, for which more than R348 million had been allocated in this financial year, up from the R214 million for last year. The DHA awarded a R40 million contract to Altech Card Solutions to provide the Government Printing Works with card personalisation equipment, while a contract estimated to be worth R199 million was awarded to Gemalto Southern Africa to supply pre-printed polycarbonate cards, containing a contactless microchip.
In July, the DHA announced smart ID cards will be issued free to 16-year-olds who are first-time applicants, while all other applicants will be expected to pay R140. This amount is the same as the cost of the old green ID book, and was determined by "all the cost drivers involved".
Rollout was launched on 18 July with first-time applications and senior citizens and, thereafter, South Africans will be invited to DHA offices in stages, according to their dates of birth.
According to Pandor, the DHA is currently in discussion with National Treasury to consider a policy that exempts citizens who are poverty-stricken or receive social grants from the R140 application fee.
"At present, the status quo remains in place. Citizens will pay the current fee for replacement and first issue applicants will not pay any fee. Should this practice be changed following our discussions with treasury, we will announce the changes," says Pandor.
DA shadow minister of home affairs Manny de Freitas previously said government should issue the first smart ID cards for free to all South Africans considering this is a new system, but conceded that budget constraints are very much a reality.
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