The ailing former South African president Nelson Mandela received quite an unusual gift for his 95th birthday. The country's home affairs department gave the anti-apartheid leader his very own smart identification card.
Recently, the government of South Africa decided to do away with the old ID book and use a more advanced ID card. Naledi Pandor, Minister for Home Affairs, said that this change is a symbol of the country's venture into democratic dispensation.
"Today we reach another milestone in the process of restoring dignity to South African citizens. Today we begin the process of replacing the ID books with the smart ID cards, which are symbolic of our liberation," said Pandor.
The very first batch of smart ID cards of South Africa were given to the country's most prominent figures, including current President Jacob Zuma, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, and Mbeki. Centenarians were also priorities for the distribution of the smart ID cards.
The entire national industry of South Africa prepared for the new technology. The transition period was estimated to be within six to eight years. The insurance industry, in particular, must update the necessary tools and technology to verify the smart ID cards.
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