Expected to revolutionise a traditionally paper-based system, the Electronic Deeds Registration Systems Act (‘the EDRS Act’) will be fully operational in less than two weeks’ time.
Last Friday, government published Proclamation Notice 250 of 2025, confirming that sections 1, 3, and 6 of the EDRS Act will finally come into effect on Tuesday, 1st April 2025. This follows the phased rollout of the Act and the swift publication of Regulations to advance government’s aim of digitalising and streamlining the registration of deeds in South Africa.
Assented to in 2019, the EDRS Act facilitates the implementation of an electronic deeds registration system (‘e-DRS’) that recognises the convenience of digitalisation and aligns with legislation governing electronic communications and transactions.
While the timeline for transitioning from the current manual deeds registration system to an e-DRS is uncertain, the implementation of the Act is a positive development for sellers, purchasers, estate agents, and legal practitioners alike. An e-DRS will enable the efficient registration of high volumes of deeds and documents, the introduction of security features, enhanced accuracy, nationwide access to deeds registration services, and faster turnaround times. In addition, it will eliminate the unwanted costs and complications associated with lost or misplaced title deeds.
For now, STBB awaits further clarification from the Office of the Chief Registrar concerning the full-scale implementation, operation, and management of an e-DRS. In the meantime, your property transaction remains our priority.
For efficient and dedicated legal service, contact us at info@stbb.co.za today.
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