Cape Town – The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed a strategic partnership with Standard Bank, which will provide infrastructure to expand Home Affairs services to 20 additional branches across the country.
According to IOL, the announcement came after a successful acquisition of the necessary devices and infrastructure required to expand Home Affairs services by early 2026.
The initiative builds on Standards Bank’s collaboration with the DHA, which enables thousands of clients to apply and collect smart ID’s and passports at selected branches.
VFS Global, in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), Government of South Africa, has expanded its network of DHA Services Centres across Europe with new facilities in Berlin, Germany, and The Hague, Netherlands. The centres were inaugurated by Dr. Leon Schreiber,… pic.twitter.com/2Nj5tTt8WC
— VFS Global (@VFSGlobal) November 2, 2025
Marius Le Roux, Head of Client Experience for Personal and Private Banking at Standard Bank, said the infrastructure secured for the new branches reflects the commitment of both stakeholders to expanding access to this service for more South Africans.
He added that two pilot branches are already undergoing testing.
“These pilot locations are critical as they allow the bank to refine the service and ensure all systems are robust and ready ahead of the full rollout,” he said.
According to Daily Investor, Le Roux added that with the next phase of implementation underway, the bank is prioritizing operational readiness while aiming to provide a seamless, secure, and customer-centric experience.
“We’ve moved from concept to execution, and the fact that we’ve already secured the infrastructure for 20 new branches shows just how serious we are about making this service accessible to more South Africans.
“It’s about convenience, yes, but it’s also about dignity and inclusion and providing access to essential government services to more of our clients,” said Le Roux.
This news come after the department announced the introduction of doorstep delivery of Passports for South African citizens living abroad, with the service going live around the world on 1 November 2025.
Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, has announced the doorstep delivery of passports for South African citizens living abroad! 🌍
The service goes live worldwide on 1 November 2025.
Read more 🔗 https://t.co/or2lmeCrRb#GovZAUpdates #SmartID #HomeAffairs #Visa pic.twitter.com/YdQQPasOLo— GCIS Western Cape (@GCISWesternCape) November 1, 2025
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Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
