Business · South Africa
SA Businesses Adapt as ID Verification Fees Rise to R10
TechCentral · 2026/02/09
Summary
South Africa's Home Affairs department has increased the cost for real-time ID verification to R10 per check. This rise in fees has pushed many companies to reconsider how they verify the identities of their customers and employees. Instead of relying solely on the official ID verification service, businesses are now exploring layered digital identity systems. These new systems combine different methods of verification to reduce costs while maintaining security. This shift is important in sectors like banking, retail, and telecommunications, where verifying a person's identity quickly and accurately is crucial. The change aims to balance affordability with the need to prevent fraud and identity theft.
OnABudget takeaway: Consumers and small businesses should expect more cost-effective and secure ways to verify identity, potentially saving money and time. Investors might see opportunities in companies developing these innovative verification technologies.