South Africa Demonstrates Digital ID Prototype

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has demonstrated a working prototype of its digital identity system, with Minister Leon Schreiber presenting a credential issued using his own personal information.

Speaking at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, Schreiber said the credential had been formally issued through the population register and bound to the chip on his smartphone[1]. The demonstration marks a development milestone, with the department still processing public comments before finalising the regulations governing the system.

Draft regulations published earlier this year set out a framework for citizens to store, access and use digital versions of identity documents and other Home Affairs issued documents on smartphones. They also envisage remote identity confirmation using biometric verification. Participation would be optional, with physical Smart ID cards continuing alongside digital credentials.