South Africa expands Smart ID access through Absa mobile branches

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has expanded its Digital Partnership with banks by adding Absa as the fourth banking partner. On 22 July 2026, Absa unveiled a fleet of mobile bank branches, built on Iveco trucks, at Tembisa Mall. The units will travel to remote, peri‑urban and underserved communities, offering three banking counters, a secure cubicle for digital Smart ID applications and an ATM. Applicants can complete the Smart ID process in about five minutes without paperwork.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the rollout more than doubles the number of locations where citizens can apply for a Smart ID card, raising the total from 214 to 541 service points, with a target of about 750 bank branches and roughly 1,000 locations by year‑end. The mobile units will complement the department’s existing 210 mobile units and will later include passport applications and home delivery of identity documents. Staff for each mobile branch will be drawn from nearby bank branches, and ATMs will be loaded with cash only at the destination.