A pilot project in South Africa that has seen private banks help the government accept smart ID card applications could be extended to include passports.Department of Home Affairs Spokesperson Mayihlome Tshwete says the department's new eChannel Smart ID card pilot will eventually cover passport applications.The eChannel initiative allow citizens to apply for their smart ID cards from the comfort of their homes, or at private banks.Minister Malusi Gigaba announced last month that an agreement had been reached with two banks and the South African Post Office to introduce a system that will allow citizens to walk into their nearest bank and apply for a smart ID card.So far, FNB and Standard Bank have signed on and provided sites where the ID card pilots will be rolled out.

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