Home affairs expects new population register to reduce fraud
Siyabonga Cwele says the department aims to put an end to the long queues at its front offices, staff shortages and poor infrastructure
The home affairs department plans to replace the current national population register with a new national identity system that it promises will reduce fraud and related crime. The measure is contained in the White Paper on Home Affairs, which was published in the government gazette on Friday. Interested parties have until February 18 to make submissions. The white paper sets out the policy framework for a “new and modernised” department, and aims to put an end to the long queues at its front offices, staff shortages and poor infrastructure, home affairs minister Siyabonga Cwele said in a statement issued on Sunday. The national identity system will reflect key data relating to the identify, civic and immigration status of all persons. “In a digital age, the national identity system will be the backbone of a more integrated modern state that provides citizens and other clients with fast access to efficient services,” said the minister. “It will thus be a powerful enabler of inclusive...
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