It’s taken a couple of weeks, but TymeBank has finally partnered up with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) as the latter seeks to use local bank branches to make smart ID and passport services readily available to everyone, regardless of bank, province, or branch. This makes it the eighth bank to join the DHA’s ranks, following the likes of Capitec, FNB, Absa, Standard Bank, Nedbank, Discovery Bank, and African Bank.
It’s about Tyme
“Through this partnership millions of South Africans will for the first time ever have access to a Smart ID and passport, many of whom live in the most remote and impoverished parts of our country. This is why I say that this is the most pro-poor and inclusive reform Home Affairs has implemented in its existence,” said Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber.
There’s no telling when TymeBank — or any of the seven other banks that have signed up for the DHA drive — will fall into line. TymeBank mentions that it will first trial the new services at its Joburg head office before expanding elsewhere. If you’re a TymeBank customer, you’ll be notified when more locations are added.
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It’ll be interesting to see how TymeBank handles the challenge thrown its way, especially considering it doesn’t offer full-on bank branches, but rather more than 1,000 kiosks scattered around the country, located in Pick n Pay, Boxer, or TFG (The Foschini Group) stores. TymeBank reckons that with more than 11 million customers under its belt, it’ll play a pivotal role in helping expand the DHA’s services to the average citizen.
“TymeBank’s mission has always been to expand banking using an innovative, secure and technology-driven model that offers simple, accessible, and affordable products, to all South Africans. We are proud to bring that same secure digital capability to support Home Affairs in delivering trusted, citizen-focused services.”
