Pretoria - Former President Nelson Mandela will be among the first recipients of the Smart ID Card scheduled to be launched at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday 18 July 2013 as part of celebrations of international Nelson Mandela Day.

The official launch of the Smart ID Card by the South African government will take the form of a symbolic handing over of the Smart ID Card to former President Nelson Mandela, which will be received on his behalf by his daughter Zindzi Mandela.  

Preparations for the launch of the Smart ID card, has seen government capturing  biometric details, photographs and electronic signatures of President Jacob Zuma, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, former Presidents Thabo Mbeki and FW De Klerk, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Winnie Madikizela Mandela, Sophie de Bruyn, Ahmed Kathrada, Andrew Mlangeni, Denis Goldberg, Frene Ginwala

Accordingly, Nelson Mandela Day celebrations this year, which also coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Rivonia Trial, will witness the handing over of the first batch of Smart ID Cards to senior leaders in and outside government as well as senior citizens of ages ranging between 80-90 years.

The launch of the Smart ID Card is part of efforts by the government to consolidate the restoration of national identity, citizenship and dignity that was denied to the majority of South Africans by successive racist regimes. Accordingly, the launch of the Smart ID Card is a culmination of decades of struggle against the hated pass laws and marks a decisive departure from the recent past history of South Africa.

TIME: 06H00-09H00

VENUE: ROOM 159, UNION BUILDINGS, PRETORIA

DATE: THURSDAY 18 JULY 2013

NB: Media is expected to follow accreditation processes outlined by GCIS. Please send details to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082 990 4853

Department of Home Affairs, 909 Arcadia Street, Pretoria, 0001, 17 July 2013.