Who is authorized to be a commissioner of oaths?
In terms of South African law, people occupying various offices in various professions can be authorized to act as commissioners of oaths in South Africa and thus are able to commission affidavits and certify documents within their own prescribed areas.
According to s5 of the Act, a commissioner of oaths can be any person appointed as such by the Minister of Justice (Minister) or appointed by any officer of the Department of Justice with the rank of a director authorised in writing by the Minister. Any persons appointed as a commissioner of oaths in terms of s5 of the Act will hold office in any area fixed by the Minister or delegated officer and shall hold such office during the Minister’s pleasure. Section 6 of the Act provides the Minister with further powers to designate the holder of any office as an ex officio commissioner of oaths for any area specified in a notice published in the Government Gazette. This provision also extends the power of the Minister to be able to withdraw and/or amend any such notice.
Section 7 of the Act prescribes the powers assigned to a commissioner of oaths as including, amongst other things, the power to administer an oath or affirmation within the area for which he is a commissioner of oaths.
Designation of Commissioners of Oaths in terms of Section 6 of the Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Oaths Act, 1963 – 10 July 1998. Powers regarding oaths outside the republic under section 8(1)(a).
Being an ex officio commissioner of oaths, is only for the period while you are in the specific post/capacity of the post. Therefore, as soon as you resign, retired or change careers, even only change branch of a company, you need to apply again.
- Application for appointment as Commissioner of Oaths (J5) –
Requirements: Please also submit a Certified copy of ID and a Letter of Recommendation from Employer.
Hand your application in at your nearest Magistrate’s or Regional Office.
For further information, contact the following officials at our regional offices.
Eastern Cape
Director: Legal Services (M Gwintsa)
Tel: 043 702 7000/7068, E-mail: MGwintsa@justice.gov.za
Free State
Director: Legal Services (David Ramolibe)
Tel: 051 407 1808, E-mail: DRamolibe@justice.gov.za
Gauteng
Legal Administration Officer: Legal Services (Tshilidzi Ramathikhithi)
Tel: 011 332 9070, E-mail: TRamathikhithi@justice.gov.za
KwaZulu-Natal
Director: Legal Services (Pat Moodley)
Email: PMoodley@justice.gov.za
Assistant-Director: Court Services (Mr G A Jonker)
Tel: 031 372 3056, Fax: 086 507 1444 / 031 372 3185,
E-mail: gjonker@justice.gov.za
Limpopo
Director: Legal Services (Tladi Raisebe)
Tel: 015 287 2000, Email: RTladi@justice.gov.za
MODIMOLLE CLUSTER: Bela-Bela; Ellisras; Phalala; Thabazimbi; Naboomspruit; Modimolle; Northam
Mr Kgosiemang, Tel: 015 287 2083, E-mail: MKgosiemang@justice.gov.za
THOHOYANDOU CLUSTER: Giyani; Thohoyandou; Louis Trichardt; Musina; Mutale; Tshilwavhusiku; Dzanani; High Court Thohoyandou
Mr Sebetso, Tel: 015 287 2042, E-mail: MSebetso@justice.gov.za
THABAMOOPO CLUSTER: Sekhukhune; Nebo; Thabamoopo; Praktiseer
Ms Nyamandi, Tel: 015 287 2045, E-mail: PNyamandi@justice.gov.za
TZANEEN CLUSTER: Tzaneen; Ritavi; Naphuno; Namakgale; Lulekani; Phalaborwa
Ms Nyamandi, Tel: 015 287 2045, E-mail: PNyamandi@justice.gov.za
POLOKWANE CLUSTER: Polokwane; Mankweng; Seshego; Bochum; Mokerong; Mokopane; High Court Polokwane
Ms Lebea, Tel: 015 287 2081, E-mail: ILebea@justice.gov.za
MALAMULELE CLUSTER: Malamulele; Vuwani; Hlanganani; Bolobedu; Tshitale; Sekgosese; Tiyani
Mr Shabangu, Tel: 015 287 2081, E-mail: JShabangu@justice.gov.za
Mpumalanga
Director: Legal Services (Paul Mthimunye)
Tel: 013 753 9328, E-mail: PMthimunye@justice.gov.za
North West
Director: Legal Services (Motshabi Setlhako)
Tel: 018 397 7000, E-mail: MSetlhako@justice.gov.za
Northern Cape
Director: Legal Services (Adv. D Plaatjies)
Tel: 053 839 0000, E-mail: dplaatjies@justice.gov.za or
Mr. R Motlekar
Tel: 053 839 0000, E-mail: RMotlekar@justice.gov.za
Western Cape
Director: Legal Administration (Ms Ashika Singh)
Tel: 021 462 5471, Email: AshikaSingh@justice.gov.za