“Planning is in progress to ensure that infrastructure in front offices, such as live capture, is completed prior to Smart Card implementation. The system is envisaged to be piloted during the 2012/13 financial year,” she added.

The cost would only be determined once the business requirements had been crafted.

It currently costs the department R140 to produce a South African ID book, which included printing, distribution and administration costs.

There were no immediate plans to replace the South African Passport, which the Minister insisted contained all relevant security features and currently costs about R400 to produce.

“Should the department, at a later stage, find a need to upgrade any current security features, this will be done in consultation with all relevant stakeholders,” Dlamini-Zuma said.