Altech Card Solutions wins Government contract to supply smart ID cards:

Altech Card Solutions, part of JSE listed Allied Technologies Limited (Altech), today announced the successful awarding of a R40milion contract to provide the Government Printing Works with card personalisation equipment as part of the department of Home Affairs smart identity card programme.

This announcement was confirmed today in a media briefing in Pretoria by the Minister of Home Affairs, Naledi Pandor

According to Derek Chaplin, Managing Director of Altech Card Solutions, the company will be working with the Government Printing Works to provide the equipment and expertise for the personalisation of the smart identity cards which will replace the green bar-coded identity books.

"The equipment will enable the Government Printing Works to laser engrave the card owner's photograph and other details onto the card in addition to ensuring that the card holder's details are securely stored on the card's microchip. This will eliminate the production and use of fraudulent IDs," he said.

 "This is the first smart ID card project of this magnitude in South Africa and we look forward to working closely with the Government Printing Works and the department in their objective to provide all South Africans with smart ID cards," concluded Chaplin.


Notes to Editors:
About Allied Technologies Limited

Allied Technologies Limited (Altech) is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).  The company focuses on the Telecommunications, Multi-media and Information Technology (TMT) industries and employs more than 3 580 employees in South Africa and abroad.

As a leading South African multi-billion rand group, Altech is involved in the design, development and convergence of Telecommunications, Multi-media systems and IT solutions.  

For further information please contact:

Derek Chaplin
Managing Director: Altech Card Solutions
Tel: +27 11 879 5700
E-mail: derekc@acs.altech.co.za

and/or

Shenanda Janse van Rensburg
Group Executive: Marketing, PR & Communications - Altech Head Office
Tel: +27 11 715 9031
Mobile: +27 84 777 1977
Email: sjvrensburg@altech.co.za

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