# new-ID

- Link: https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/new-id/
- Published: 2021-01-04T17:31:03+02:00
- Author: dearSA

[Browse the DearSA website ](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/pdps/)

![Dear South Africa](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/
02102235/DearSA-logo-s-100x31.jpg "DearSA-logo-s")

### The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has called for public comment on a new draft official identity management policy which aims to introduce a new ID system in South Africa.

Please have your say below.

### **1566**** **participants (closed 28 February 2021)

[click to view a report on the public participation ](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/new-id/#)

[click to view details, videos and documents ](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/new-id/summary)

[click to download a PDF of the public comments ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/20190728/new-ID-web-s.pdf)

![DearSA-new-ID-number-system](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/
2021/01/20190758/DearSA-new-ID-number-system.jpg "DearSA-new-ID-number-system")

![Dear South Africa](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/
02102235/DearSA-logo-s-100x31.jpg "DearSA-logo-s")

## [CLOSED] Have your say – shape this draft policy.

**Error:** Contact form not found.

![Dear South Africa](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/
02102235/DearSA-logo-s-100x31.jpg "DearSA-logo-s")

### SUMMARY

To address these and other problems, the DHA’s draft identity management policy 
makes the following recommendations:

 * **ID numbers based on parents** – The identity number of a child must be processed
   on the basis of biographic information and linked to their parents’ identity 
   numbers and mother’s biometric data.
 * **Recognition of other sex/gender categories** – The new legislation and population
   register must make a provision that enables the establishment of a category that
   is neither male nor female.
 * **Random unique identity number** – Another option is to issue a random unique
   identity number that is not linked to or founded on a person’s sex/gender, date
   of birth, place of birth or any other marker.
 * **Records of persons throughout their lifespan** – Every birth that takes place
   in the country must be registered. If possible, the biometrics of children must
   be captured at birth. Where impossible, the biometrics of a parent must be linked
   to the birth certificate of a child.
 * **Re-registration** – Children must be reregistered when they reach age five 
   with ten fingerprints and iris and facial photographs. A combination of different
   biometric data for children should be considered with options such as the photograph
   of the ear.

### IN THE MEDIA

 * DearSA – [Government wants to track you from cradle to grave](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/2021/01/17/government-wants-to-track-you-from-cradle-to-grave/)
 * MyBroadband – [New ID number for South Africa planned](https://mybroadband.co.za/news/government/381452-new-id-numbers-for-south-africa-planned.html)
 * Business Insider – [To foil ID theft, govt wants to ‘reregister’ every SA child when they turn five](https://www.businessinsider.co.za/trending/home-affairs-plan-to-foil-the-theft-of-dead-childrens-identities-2021-1)

### DOWNLOAD DOCUMENTS

 * [Draft Official Identity Management Policy](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20190758/New-ID-system-draft-policy.pdf)