South Africa’s new digital drivers’ licences were demoed at a government conference this week. When the smartphone app is eventually up and running, it will be the end for printed driver’s licence card delays and pesky printing machine breakdowns.
It was Minister of Communications and Technology, Solly Malatsi, who showcased South Africa’s new digital drivers’ licences. The minister gave the keynote address at the Global DPI Summit at the CTICC this week.
SOUTH AFRICA’S DIGITAL DRIVERS’ LICENCES
First and foremost, the big news is government’s MyMzanzi smartphone app – still in the prototype phase – which will host a number of services. The goal is for all citizens to access a variety of government departments from the ease of their smartphone. Malatsi called it, “South Africa’s one-stop, zero-rated platform connected to all existing national government services,” like the Department of Transport and NATIS.
Moreover, the app’s party trick is renewal of digital drivers’ licences at the touch of a button. As such, the process can be completed in mere minutes. Users will be able to select the renewal option. From there they simply fill out a digital form with their ID number, name and contact information.
Users then sign the form and take an ID photo for verification purposes of the digital drivers’ licences. Payment can be completed with an in-app e-wallet or through a secure portal, including Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards.
THE MYMZANSI APP
Crucially, South Africa’s new digital drivers’ licences include a QR code, which traffic officers can scan to check legitimacy. Malatsi says these are unclonable and even joked that, “cold drinks on the spot will not prevail because these can only be digitally verified.” However, tech experts immediately cautioned over-optimism for South Africa’s new approach.
There are still various technological, social, governmental and security hurdles. In dealing with sensitive data, strong encryption and biometric verification systems are required. And many communities still don’t even have compatiable smartphones, let alone reliable network coverage/data to use them.
Nevertheless, when can we expect to realistically see these digital drivers’ licences in Mzansi? Well, the Department of Transport has set distant targets for the implementation of digital licences and the associated Driving Licence Card Accounts (DLCAs). In its last annual performance plan, it outlined a target of 25% implementation by 2027. With the remaining 75% implemented by 2028.
But what do you think? Can South Africa pull it off? And will it finally put pay to annoying card licenses? Let us know in the comments section below ..
