Legal Note

Oaths.co.za™ is a secure digital platform that enables duly appointed Commissioners of Oaths to certify true copies of original South African documents, including Smart ID Cards, Driver’s Licences, Passports, and Proof of Address documents.
 

Certification on Oaths.co.za™ is performed within a secure Microsoft Azure South Africa environment, using biometric verification, cryptographically secured audit trails, and encryption safeguards aligned with POPIA Section 19 and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA) Section 15. 

⚠️ Important Limitation
Oaths.co.za™ does not perform affidavits, sworn statements, declarations, or affirmations. These require in-person commissioning under Regulation 10 of GN R1258 of 1972.

Oaths.co.za™ applies a substantial compliance model, grounded in South African law, professional ethics, and judicial precedent, strengthened by enterprise-grade digital infrastructure and transparent auditability. 

All personal data, verification processes, and certification records on Oaths.co.za™ are hosted and processed within Microsoft Azure South Africa North and South regions are ISO-certified enterprise cloud facilities operated within South African jurisdiction. 

The platform is designed to maintain South African data residency and to process personal information within South Africa wherever technically feasible. Data management practices are structured to comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), including Section 72 governing cross-border data transfers.

This approach supports South African data sovereignty while ensuring enterprise-grade security, resilience, and regulatory compliance.

Oaths.co.za™ operates within the following statutory and regulatory framework:

• Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Oaths Act, 1963 (Act 16 of 1963)
  Empowers the Minister of Justice to appoint and regulate Commissioners of Oaths.
• Regulation 6 of GN R1258 of 21 July 1972 (as amended by GN R1648 of 1977, GN R1428 of 1980, and GN R774 of 1982)**
  Prohibits charging fees for the act of certification and defines Commissioners’ duties.
• Regulation 10 of GN R1258 of 1972
  Requires affidavits, sworn statements, and affirmations to be performed in person.
• Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2002 (Act 25 of 2002)
  Section 15 recognises the admissibility and evidentiary reliability of electronic records and electronic signatures. 
• Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (Act 4 of 2013)
  Sections 11, 18, 19, and 72 govern lawful processing, notification, and data protection.
• Children’s Act, 2005 (Act 38 of 2005)
  Sections 129–133 set out consent and protection requirements for minors.
• Professional Body Guidance
  Aligned with directives issued by SAIPA, SAICA, and other recognised bodies governing Commissioners of Oaths.
   

Oaths.co.za™ applies a substantial compliance model grounded in South African law, professional ethics, judicial precedent, and secure digital infrastructure. 

Oaths.co.za™ allows minors aged 16 or 17 who hold a valid Smart ID Card to use the platform for lawful document certification.
This is permitted only once verifiable parental or legal guardian consent has been obtained  under the Children’s Act (Act 38 of 2005) and POPIA Sections 11, 18, and 19.

It is preferred and recommended that a Parent or Legal Guardian first register their own verified account and then invite their minor to join via the secure onboarding process.

On 19 August 2025, Oaths.co.za™ (powered by Beantech (Pty) Ltd) filed South African Patent Application No. 2025/06893:
“System and Method for Digital Certification of True Copies of Documents.”

This patent filing reflects our commitment to legal compliance, technical innovation, and fraud prevention within South Africa’s digital certification landscape. 

Oaths.co.za™ is a technology platform that enables duly appointed Commissioners of Oaths to perform lawful certifications. The platform itself does not act as a Commissioner of Oaths; each certification is performed by an authorised individual who bears personal professional responsibility for the certification. 

 For legal, institutional, or regulatory inquiries, please contact: compliance@oaths.co.za