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.
Members of the media are invited to attend the official launch of the Smart ID Card to be held on the Nelson Mandela day.
Details of the launch are as follows:
Date: 18 July 2013
Time: 06h00 to 09h00
Venue: Union Buildings, Room 159, Pretoria
Members of the media are requested to submit their names, media house, contact details, ID/passport numbers to Shadi Baloyi on shadib@gcis.gov.za / 076 946 7136 by Wednesday, 17 July 2013, at 15h00.
NB: No media will be allowed access without prior accreditation. Media are requested to bring along their ID/passport for identification.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
