A new digital ID is coming to South Africa — here’s how it works

South Africa has unveiled its first working digital ID as part of the 'Quantum Leap' reform program by the Department of Home Affairs. The smartphone-based system enables citizens to securely verify their identity through biometric authentication, replacing vulnerable physical documents. During the demonstration, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber showed how the system, linked to the population register, allows users to selectively share personal information securely. The digital ID aims to combat identity theft, document fraud, and manipulation of government systems.