NATIONAL NEWS - A notice warning South Africans to exchange their green identity books for Smart ID cards within the next three months has been circulated via Whatsapp.
The warning – purportedly from the Department of Home Affairs – states that greed barcoded ID books will no longer be a valid proof of identity from March 31 this year.
According to the department, this is a hoax. In a recent media statement, a spokesman stated:
“No such announcement has been made by the Department. We wish to make it clear that the green barcoded ID book remains a legal form of identification and will continue to be until such time that the Live Capture System is rolled out to all Home Affairs offices to enable South Africans to apply for Smart ID cards at their nearest offices.”
The department urged South Africans to apply for Smart ID cards.
