I. Birth Registration
According to the Births and Deaths Registration Act, every new birth must be registered within 30 days after birth. The birth can be registered by a parent, guardian or any other person legally responsible for the child at an office of the Department of Home Affairs. If you are outside the country, the birth can be registered at the South African embassy or mission. Once the child’s birth has been registered, an unabridged birth certificate is issued for free.
Registration of birth after 30 days is considered a late registration and additional requirements apply.
Registration of birth after 30 days is considered a late registration and additional requirements apply.
II. Late Registration Of Birth
According to the Act, if a child's birth is not registered within 30 days, it is considered a late registration of birth.
These types of registration of births are divided into three main categories:
31 Days up to One Year
One Year up to Seven Years
-Seven Years and Above
These types of registration of births are divided into three main categories:
31 Days up to One Year
- DHA 24/LRB (notice of birth)
- Children born at a health facility: DHA 24/PB (Proof of birth) / Children born at home: DHA 24PBA (Proof of Birth Affidavit)
- DHA 288 /A (Affidavit giving reasons for LRB)
- Biometrics (palm, foot or fingerprint) of the child to be registered
- Fingerprints of parent/s
- ID/Passport of parent/s
One Year up to Seven Years
- DHA 24/LRB (notice of birth)
- Children born at a health facility: DHA 24/PB (Proof of birth) / Children born at home: DHA 24PBA (Proof of Birth Affidavit)
- DHA 288/A (Affidavit giving reasons for LRB)
- DHA 288
- Biometrics (palm, foot or fingerprint) of the child to be registered
- Fingerprints of parent/s
- ID/Passport of parent/s
-Seven Years and Above
- DHA 24/LRB (notice of birth)
- Children born at health facilities: DHA 24/PB (Proof of birth) / Children born at home: DHA 24PBA (Proof of Birth Affidavit)
- DHA 288/A (Affidavit giving reasons for LRB)
- DHA 288
- Biometrics (ID-size photo and fingerprint) of the person to be registered
- Fingerprints of parent/s
- ID/Passport of parent/s
III. Unmarried Fathers
Unmarried Fathers can now register their child’s birth in the absence of the child’s mother or without her consent.
In the case of Centre for Child Law v Director-General: Department of Home Affairs and Others, the constitutional Court declared section 10 of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 51 of 1992 (Act) invalid and inconsistent with the Constitution to the extent that it prohibits an unmarried father from giving notice of the birth of his child under his surname, in the absence of the child’s mother or without her consent.
In the case of Centre for Child Law v Director-General: Department of Home Affairs and Others, the constitutional Court declared section 10 of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 51 of 1992 (Act) invalid and inconsistent with the Constitution to the extent that it prohibits an unmarried father from giving notice of the birth of his child under his surname, in the absence of the child’s mother or without her consent.
The Children’s Rights Court
The Children’s Court is provided for in the Children’s Act, 2005. It is a special court that deals with issues affecting children. It takes care of children who are in need of protection and makes decisions about children who are abandoned, neglected or abused.
Every Magistrate Court in South Africa is a Children’s Court.
Any person may approach the clerk of the Children’s Court when there is reason to believe that a child may be in need of care and protection.
Every Magistrate Court in South Africa is a Children’s Court.
Any person may approach the clerk of the Children’s Court when there is reason to believe that a child may be in need of care and protection.