Standard Bank has reached a significant milestone in its ongoing collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), the successful procurement of all necessary devices and infrastructure to support the rollout of Home Affairs services across the first 20 additional branches in early 2026, under the Department’s new digital partnership model. The first two branches are already in the pilot testing phase, signifying rapid progress being made in this partnership. This development marks a major step forward in the bank’s commitment to bringing essential government services closer to the communities it serves.
The expansion builds on the success of Standard Bank’s existing DHA service offering, which has already enabled thousands of clients to apply for and collect Smart IDs and passports at select branches. With the next phase of implementation now firmly in motion, the bank is focused on ensuring operational readiness and delivering a seamless, secure, and client-friendly experience.
Marius Le Roux, Standard Bank Head of Client Experience for Personal and Private Banking says: “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.”
Standard Bank is currently in the integration and testing phase with the Department of Home Affairs. This phase is critical to ensuring that all systems, processes, and technologies are fully aligned before the broader rollout begins. The goal is to deliver a seamless client experience that meets the high standards expected of both institutions.
As part of this phase, two pilot branches have been selected to trial the new systems in real-world conditions. These pilots are essential for validating the bank’s readiness to scale and for identifying any refinements needed to optimise the service journey. Staff at these branches have undergone specialised training, and the infrastructure has been configured to support biometric data capture, secure document handling, and real-time system integration with DHA platforms.
To support the pilot phase, Standard Bank has introduced a “Friends of the Program” initiative. This initiative invites a select group of clients to participate in early-stage testing and provide feedback on their experience. Their insights will be used to fine-tune the service before it is rolled out more broadly.
“We believe in building with our clients, not just for them,” says Le Roux. “The Friends of the Program initiative allows us to gather real-time feedback from real users. It’s a powerful way to ensure that what we’re building is not only functional but also intuitive and responsive to client needs.”
The process for accessing DHA services through Standard Bank is designed to be as simple and efficient as possible. Clients begin by visiting one of our “Department of Home Affairs” enabled Standard Bank Branches to complete their Smart ID application. At the branch, clients complete a biometric verification process that includes fingerprint scanning and photo capture. A dedicated Standard Bank consultant will assist them to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.
Once the application is submitted and payment is made through Standard Bank’s Internet Banking platform, clients will receive regular updates on the status of their application, right up to the point when their document is ready for collection at the same branch. This streamlined process eliminates the need for multiple visits to DHA offices and significantly reduces waiting times. It’s important to note that while Standard Bank facilitates the biometric data collection and document handover, the Department of Home Affairs retains full control over the application process, including appointment scheduling, document processing, and turnaround times.
With the necessary infrastructure for 20 new branches already in place, Standard Bank is well-positioned to begin the next phase of its rollout in 2026. These branches have been strategically selected to ensure geographic diversity and to serve communities where access to DHA services is currently limited. While a needs analysis is still being done to determine the exact location for the new services. Standard Bank will ensure that there is a balance of Metro and Rural Branches with strong focus on branches where there is a high concentration of clients who still hold Green ID Books.
The expansion is part of a broader vision to modernise public service delivery through strategic partnerships between government and the private sector. By leveraging its extensive branch network, digital capabilities, and customer service expertise, Standard Bank is helping to redefine how South Africans interact with essential government services.
The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, who has led the digital transformation of the partnership model, said: “It is very encouraging to see the commitment of partners in the banking industry, like Standard Bank, who are moving with real urgency to invest in this visionary digital service delivery model. By working together and through digital transformation, we are set to expand inclusion and access to Home Affairs services in underserved areas on an unprecedented scale.”
The partnership between Standard Bank and the Department of Home Affairs is a model for how public and private institutions can work together to deliver real value to citizens. It reflects a shared commitment to innovation, efficiency, and service excellence.
Standard Bank’s role in this collaboration is not limited to infrastructure. The bank has also invested in staff training, cybersecurity, and digital integration to ensure that the service is secure and scalable. These investments are aligned with the bank’s broader digital transformation strategy, which includes platform modernisation, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence to enhance customer experience.
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Douw Steyn – Douw Steyn founded Auto General Insurance in 1985 and turned it into one of the largest insurance companies in South Africa. He has since started similarly successful businesses in the UK (Compare the Market, Budget Insurance). He recently helped to develop Steyn City in Johannesburg, which is one of the most impressive residential estates in the world.