South Africa is also betting on digitalization and has finally launched its new driver’s license, and yes, it is totally digital! It is a system that will gradually replace the physical card of a lifetime and it was developed in just three months.
Everything is part of the MyMzansi project, an initiative from the presidency so that every citizen has a unique digital identity and can complete procedures from a single application, so they are not only aiming at the driver’s license, but at being able to handle any type of paperwork from a mobile phone.
At the presentation, the Minister of Communications, Solly Malatsi, did a live demo and left everyone stunned, renewing the license from the phone, with biometrics, signature, online payment and issuance of the card with an official QR… in a matter of minutes. As if it were magic (and those who were there seeing a mobile phone for the first time).
No lines, no papers. And the best part is that it is built on open software that other countries like India, New Zealand or Brazil are already using.
How it works
Everything is integrated in the app, which as we told you is called MyMzansi. The presentation was made during the Global Summit on Digital Public Infrastructure, and Malatsi did not hesitate to show it on his own phone, step by step.
Renewal in minutes
The app lets you do everything from the phone, you can fill out the form, take a picture with the camera, sign electronically and make the payment online.
A few seconds later, the digital license appears ready to use, all connected to the national identity database and without needing to wait for an appointment, attend, and everything that renewing an ID usually involves.
Unforgeable
If what worries you is security, you should know that the license comes with an official QR that officers can scan in seconds. Malatsi even joked saying that this system will help reduce the classic “will you buy me a soda?” (the lifelong local bribe), because now the document is 100% verifiable!
Built with international standards
Melvyn Lubega, who leads the Digital Service Unit, clarified that this advance is the result of joint work between several state departments, using open and internationally tested technology.
MyMzansi
The driver’s license is only the beginning because this platform will be the foundation of the national digital transformation plan, planned for the next five years.
With MyMzansi, each citizen will be able to verify themselves digitally and access:
- official documents
- certificates
- personal data
- administrative procedures
All from a single app, and for those concerned about data use, this application will be zero-rated, meaning it will work without consuming mobile data.
This last part is especially important because this way absolutely no one who does not have mobile data outside their home is left out, advancing digitalization little by little but without forgetting those with fewer resources.
The four pillars of the digital plan
According to the minister, the project relies on:
- A unified digital identity.
- A secure data exchange system.
- Low-cost digital payments.
- A single portal for all government services.
The idea is to eliminate duplications, avoid bureaucracy and make the State systems “talk to each other,” something that today does not always happen.
It will be done in two phases
- Phase 1 (2025-2027) will be to create the digital identity, the first integrated services, payments and connected databases.
- Phase 2 (2028-2030) will be more complete, covering expansion into health, education, business services… and this application will be the center of the entire public administration.
Remember, it is not just a technological update, it is the first step to modernize the administration and become a benchmark in public digital infrastructure. Of course, they will have to face the usual debates about ageism, about citizens with fewer opportunities… what do you think about this whole digitalization process?!