In an era where nearly every aspect of life has shifted to digital platforms, the legal sector is finally catching up. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has confirmed that, as of 13 February 2025, the online publication of legal notices is officially recognised — provided it is done through platforms that comply with Master’s Directive 1 of 2025.
This milestone marks the beginning of a new era in South African legal practice, one where justice and accessibility meet technology.
A modern shift for the legal profession
For decades, attorneys and executors have relied on print newspapers to publish mandatory estate and insolvency notices. But as major newspapers have moved away from printed editions, the legal profession has faced a growing dilemma: how to ensure compliance in a paperless world.
The 2025 directive provides a clear answer. It confirms that digitally published notices — such as those under Section 29 and Section 35 of the Administration of Estates Act, as well as liquidation proceedings — are fully compliant when published on approved online platforms that meet specific legal and procedural requirements.
These platforms must guarantee visibility, permanence, and proof of publication, ensuring that digital notices carry the same legal standing as their print counterparts. Mr. Samuel Modipane, director of communication management at the department of justice and constitutional development, says this shift reflects broader efforts to modernise legal processes and improve accessibility,
especially in light of digital transformation initiatives.
From paper to platform: modernising justice
The Department’s stance aligns with its broader digital transformation strategy, designed to make justice more efficient, transparent, and accessible.
Several online systems have already been launched or are in advanced stages of rollout, including:
- Deceased Estates Online – A national platform enabling the online registration, tracking and management of deceased estates, with automatic verification against the Department of Home Affairs and Legal Practice Council databases.
- Trust Online and Trust Beneficial Ownership Register – Digital systems allowing practitioners to register, amend and verify trusts electronically, improving traceability and compliance.
- Guardian Fund Online – A secure solution allowing beneficiaries and depositors, including institutions like GEPF and SAPS, to manage fund transactions digitally.
- Insolvency Online – A developing system that will allow insolvency practitioners to manage accreditation and case administration through a central app.
These innovations signal a clear commitment: justice must evolve to meet the realities of a digital society. While the Department has affirmed the validity of compliant online publication, it also emphasises that judicial discretion remains independent. Courts will determine, based on the facts of each case, whether a digital publication meets evidentiary standards. However, with Directive 1 of 2025 now in effect, compliant online notices are positioned as both legally valid and procedurally sound.
A step toward accessible justice
The shift toward digital publication is not simply about convenience — it’s about inclusion. Rural practitioners, small firms and ordinary citizens can now publish and access mandatory notices online, without relying on limited regional print circulation or prohibitive costs.
By embracing compliant online platforms, attorneys are not only ensuring legal adherence but also contributing to a justice system that is faster, fairer and more transparent.
The future of law is online
As the Department continues to roll out digital services — including Protection Orders Online, Maintenance Online, and Civil Online — it is evident that the move toward a fully digital justice ecosystem is both inevitable and essential.
Legal professionals are encouraged to align with this vision by adopting approved online publication platforms, ensuring their practices remain compliant, modern and accessible in the digital age.
The law is evolving — and those who adapt will lead the way.
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