Deeds Registries Amendment law aims to combat fraud: Presidency

File image: RDP houses in Gauteng.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Deeds Registries Amendment Bill, which seeks to enhance deeds registration processes to create ease and uniformity in the deeds registry practices.

The office of the Presidency notes that the legislation also provides for modernisation of the deeds system and records subject to the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act.

The law introduces a penalty provision in respect of the unauthorised preparation, execution and attestation of deeds and documents.

Presidency Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says the measures aim to speed up the registration and transfers of deeds as well as to combat fraud and duplication.

Magwenya says, “The new law, which amends the Deeds Registries Act of 1937, seeks to address challenges experienced by the deeds registries and conveyancers in respect of registration processes and procedures.”

“As part of building the capability of the state, the law now provides for the appointment of a Registrar, Deputy Registrar and Assistant Registrar of Deeds in terms of the Public Service Act and regulates the qualification requirements for these positions,” he adds.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Deeds Registries Amendment Bill into law, introducing reforms aimed at streamlining and modernising South Africa’s deeds registration system #GovZAUpdates

— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) December 5, 2024