MBABANE – The Ministry of Home Affairs has officially resumed the production of national identity (ID) cards, marking the restoration of a vital public service and reinforces government’s commitment to efficient service delivery.
The announcement, made by Principal Secretary Nhamhla Nxumalo, signals a renewed drive to ensure that emaSwati have seamless access to one of the most important civic documents.
ID cards production had been temporarily paused to allow for technical upgrades to the system, paving the way for improved efficiency and reliability.
In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed its dedication to serving the public and thanked citizens for their patience and understanding during the enhancement period.
“The ministry understands the importance of the national identity card in the daily lives of emaSwati. We appreciate the patience shown by the public and are pleased to confirm that services have resumed. The ID card is a vital document for identification and access to essential services and we remain committed to ensuring that all citizens can obtain their IDs without further delay,” read the statement.
The temporary suspension, which began in late September 2025, created an opportunity for the ministry to address technical challenges in the ID production system and implement improvements aimed at strengthening administrative infrastructure.
During this period, Home Affairs engaged technical experts to repair and upgrade the ID production machinery.
The restoration of services is expected to benefit thousands of emaSwati who rely on the national identity card for access to employment, education, financial services and other essential processes. Students registering for examinations and tertiary institutions, job seekers submitting applications and young adults reaching the legal age to obtain identification now have full access to the service once more.
A graduate from Manzini welcomed the development, saying the resumption of the production of IDs had come at an important time.
“I am relieved that services have resumed. The ID card is essential for job applications and opening a bank account. It is encouraging to see the system back in operation,” he said.
Parents also stand to benefit, particularly those seeking identity documents for children who have reached the qualifying age. The availability of IDs ensures smoother access to education, travel documentation and other government services.
Entrepreneurs and business owners have likewise welcomed the move, as the national identity card is often required for licensing, funding applications and participation in Government tenders. With production restored, business processes that depend on ID verification can proceed efficiently.
The ministry has confirmed that ID production and issuance are now taking place at the following service centres: Pigg’s Peak, Mbabane, Manzini, Mankayane, Simunye, Siteki, Siphofaneni, Matata, Nhlangano and Hluti. Citizens who submitted applications prior to the resumption are encouraged to visit the service centre where they applied to receive updates and collect their documents.
To ensure swift service delivery, the ministry has introduced a clearance plan to address outstanding applications. This includes prioritising those who applied during the suspension period, extending service hours at selected centres and deploying additional personnel to manage demand effectively.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
Leave a comment