The green South African identity document book.
Remember the day you went to Foto First or the local pharmacy to take your ID photos? Hair freshly done, favourite top on and a serious determination to look presentable for the little picture that would follow you around for years.
For many South Africans, getting that photo taken was a big deal because it meant one thing: the green ID book was on its way.
Before Smart ID cards became the norm, the green barcoded ID book was a rite of passage. Turning 16 meant joining the queue at Home Affairs, filling in forms and waiting patiently for the day you could finally hold that small green booklet in your hands.
And ngequbuliso, you just felt a little more grown up.
