The launch of the new smart ID cards was preceded by a massive conversion of millions of records from paper to digital. This included the integration of multiple information systems and software, as well as the digitisation of over 30 million paper-based fingerprint records.

Muvoni Technology Group was contracted by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) in 2004 to convert the then paper-based records to digital data.

According to Muvoni CEO Vhonani Mufamadi, all fingerprint records were paper-based, while demographics were digitally stored on the National Population Register. This meant significant integration was involved in streamlining the two information sources.

“Previously, identity verification was a labour-intensive and time-consuming process, requiring cross-checking and referencing of electronic and paper-based records. Cohesive, seamless capacity was required,” he says.

A period of 18 months was agreed on for the digitisation of the data, says Mufamadi, but Muvoni did the conversion, hand-over and close within 14 months.

“The project employed 420 specially trained operators, working two separate eight-hour shifts, six days a week. Although the [company] was contractually bound to process a minimum of 64 000 records a day, they managed to do 33% more and averaged 85 628 records on a daily basis.”

Mufamadi was unable to disclose the budget for the project, citing a confidentiality agreement.

The smart ID card was officially launched at the Union Buildings in Pretoria with a symbolic handover of former president Nelson Mandela" rel=tag>Nelson Mandela’s ID card to his daughter, Zindzi Mandela.

Other first recipients of the smart ID card include Jacob Zuma" rel=tag>Jacob Zuma, Kgalema Motlanthe, Thabo Mbeki, FW de Klerk, archbishop emeritus Desmond Tutu, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Sophie de Bruyn, Ahmed Kathrada, Andrew Mlangeni, Denis Goldberg and Frene Ginwala.

The DHA will now continue with the national rollout of the smart ID cards, which is expected to be completed in the next six to eight years.