Will Every South African have a 13-digit Identity Number?

The quick answer is No, not every South African would have been issued with a 13-digit identity number.

The 13-digit identity number was introduced with the launch of the Electronic Population Register in the early 1970's. Every birth registered since the introduction of the Electronic Population Register would have issued a 13-digit identity number to the individual.

Back at the time, people were invited to apply for the new identity documents introduced by Home Affairs between the early 1970's to 1986. Those who applied for the new identity documents, were issued with 13-digit identity numbers.

Many people at the time, however, passed away before applying for new identity documents and some simply outright refused to apply. These people would not have been registered on the Electronic Population Register and therefore not have been issued with a 13-digit identity number.