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South Africa
Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 2001
Act 38 of 2001
- Published in Government Gazette 22886 on 3 December 2001
- Assented to on 28 November 2001
- There are multiple commencements
- [This is the version of this document from 18 August 2023.]
| Provisions | Status |
|---|---|
| Section 1; Chapter 1 (section 2–16); Chapter 2 (section 17–20); Chapter 5, section 72–78, section 80–82 | commenced on 1 February 2002 by Proclamation 6 of 2002. |
| Unknown provisions |
commenced on 1 March 2002
by Proclamation 17 of 2002.
Note: Date of commencement of Schedules 1, 2 and 3 |
| Chapter 3, Part 3, section 27, section 29, section 32–41; Part 5 (section 44–45); Chapter 4, section 50, section 52–53, section 57–60, section 63–67, section 68(1), section 69, section 71; Chapter 5, section 79 | commenced on 3 February 2003 by Proclamation 5 of 2003. |
| Chapter 3, Part 1, section 21(1); Part 2 (section 22–26); Part 4 (section 42–43); Chapter 4, section 46(1), section 47–49, section 61–62, section 68(2) | commenced on 30 June 2003 by Proclamation 51 of 2003. |
| Chapter 3, Part 1, section 21(2) |
commenced on 30 June 2004.
Note: See section 82(2)(b) |
| Chapter 4, section 46(2) | commenced on 1 July 2004 by Proclamation 36 of 2004. |
| Chapter 3, Part 3, section 28A, section 29(1)(b)(v) | commenced on 20 May 2005. |
| Chapter 3, Part 3, section 28; Chapter 4, section 51 | commenced on 4 October 2010 by Proclamation R55 of 2010. |
| Section 1A; Chapter 1, section 3(2)(c), section 4(e)–(g); Chapter 3, Part 3, section 40(7); Part 4, section 43A–43B; Part 5, section 45(1A)–(1D); Chapter 4, section 45A–45F, section 51A, section 57(a)–(b), section 61A, section 62A–62D | commenced on 1 December 2010. |
| Chapter 1, section 3(2)(a)(i)–(x), section 4(aA), (b)(i)–(x); Chapter 3, Part 3, section 27(d)–(e), section 34(1)(a)(i)–(ii), (1)(b)(i)–(ii), section 40(1)(aA)–(aH), (1A)–(1C), (6)(a)–(b), (8)–(9), section 41A; Part 4, section 42B, section 43A(1)(a)–(b), (2)(a)–(b), (7); Part 5, section 45(1D)(a)–(b); Chapter 4, section 45B(1)(a)–(b), (1A)–(1E), (2A)–(2C), section 45D(1)(c), (3A)–(3E), (6A)–(6B), section 51(1)–(2), section 58(1)–(2), section 60(1)(d), section 62E; Chapter 5, section 74(3), section 77(5), section 77A | commenced on 13 June 2017. |
| Chapter 3, Part 1, section 20A, section 21A–21H; Part 2, section 22(2)(a)–(b), section 22A, section 23(c), section 24(4); Part 3, section 27A; Part 4, section 42(2)(a)–(s), (2A)–(2C), section 42A; Chapter 4, section 46A, section 61(aA)–(aB), section 61B; Chapter 5, section 79A–79B | commenced on 2 October 2017. |
| Chapter 1, section 3(1)(a)–(c), (2)(aA), section 4(cA); Chapter 3, Part 2A (section 26A–26C); Part 3, section 28A(1)(c), (3), section 29(1)(b)(vi), section 35(1)(a)(i)–(iii), (1)(b)(i)–(iii), (c)–(d); Chapter 4, section 49A, section 51A(3)–(4) | commenced on 1 April 2019. |
| Chapter 1, section 3(1)(aA), (2)(a)(xi), (2)(aaA), section 4(b)(xi), section 5(1)(hA), (2); Chapter 3, Part 1, section 21B(3)(b)(i)–(iv), (3)(c)(i)–(ii), (4)(c)(i)–(ii), (4)(d)(iA), (4)(e)(iA), section 21C(1)–(2), section 21D(a)–(b); Part 2A, section 26A(1A), (4)(Aa), (4)(c), section 26B(2)(a)–(b); Part 3, section 40(1)(aI), section 41A(3); Part 4, section 42(2)(q)(iv); Chapter 4, section 49A(1)–(2), section 50(1)–(2), section 52(3)–(4), section 57(1)–(2), section 59(1)–(2), section 64(1)–(2); Chapter 5, section 79C | commenced on 31 December 2022. |
| Chapter 3, Part 3, section 31; Chapter 4, section 56 | commenced on 1 February 2023 by Proclamation 111 of 2023. |
| Chapter 4, section 56(1)–(2) | commenced on 18 August 2023. |
| Chapter 3, Part 3, section 30; Chapter 4, section 54–55, section 70 | not yet commenced. |
- [Amended by Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act, 2004 (Act 33 of 2004) on 20 May 2005]
- [Amended by Financial Intelligence Centre Amendment Act, 2008 (Act 11 of 2008) on 1 December 2010]
- [Amended by Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 2001: Amendment of Schedule 1 (Government Notice 1104 of 2010) on 1 December 2010]
- [Amended by Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 2001: Amendment of Schedule 2 (Government Notice 1105 of 2010) on 1 December 2010]
- [Amended by General Intelligence Laws Amendment Act, 2013 (Act 11 of 2013) on 29 July 2013]
- [Amended by Financial Intelligence Centre Amendment Act, 2017 (Act 1 of 2017) on 13 June 2017]
- [Amended by Financial Intelligence Centre Amendment Act, 2017 (Act 1 of 2017) on 2 October 2017]
- [Amended by Financial Sector Regulation Act, 2017 (Act 9 of 2017) on 7 May 2018]
- [Amended by Financial Intelligence Centre Amendment Act, 2017 (Act 1 of 2017) on 1 April 2019]
- [Amended by Cybercrimes Act, 2020 (Act 19 of 2020) on 1 December 2021]
- [Amended by Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 2001: Amendment of Schedules 1, 2 and 3 (Government Notice 2800 of 2022) on 19 December 2022]
- [Amended by General Laws (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing) Amendment Act, 2022 (Act 22 of 2022) on 31 December 2022]
- [Amended by Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Amendment Act, 2022 (Act 23 of 2022) on 4 January 2023]
- [Amended by Financial Intelligence Centre Amendment Act, 2017 (Act 1 of 2017) on 18 August 2023]
1. Definitions
1A. Application of Act when in conflict with other laws
If any conflict, relating to the matters dealt with in this Act, arises between this Act and the provisions of any other law existing at the commencement of this Act, save the Constitution, the provisions of this Act prevail.[section 1A inserted by section 2 of Act 11 of 2008]Chapter 1
Financial Intelligence Centre
2. Establishment
3. Objectives
4. Functions
To achieve its objectives the Centre must—5. General powers
6. Appointment of Director
7. Removal from office
8. Acting Director
When the Director is absent or otherwise unable to perform the functions of office, or during a vacancy in the office of Director, the Minister may designate another employee of the Centre to act as Director.9. Proof of appointment
If the Minister has given notice in the Gazette of any appointment of a person as the Director or as acting director, this notice may be presented in a Court as proof of the appointment.10. Responsibilities of Director
11. Staff
12. Security screening of staff of Centre other than Director
13. Security screening of Director of Centre
14. Funds and financial year of Centre
15. Audit
The Auditor-General must audit and report on the accounts and financial records of the Centre.16. Delegation
Chapter 2
***
17 ***
[section 17 repealed by section 5 of Act 1 of 2017]18 ***
[section 18 repealed by section 5 of Act 1 of 2017]19 ***
[section 19 repealed by section 5 of Act 1 of 2017]20 ***
[section 20 repealed by section 5 of Act 1 of 2017]Chapter 3
Money laundering, financing of terrorist and related activities and financial sanctions control measures
[heading substituted by section 27(1) of Act 33 of 2004 and by section 6 of Act 1 of 2017]Part 1 – Customer due diligence
[heading substituted by section 7 of Act 1 of 2017]20A. Anonymous clients and clients acting under false or fictitious names
An accountable institution may not establish a business relationship or conclude a single transaction with an anonymous client or a client with an apparent false or fictitious name.[section 20A inserted by section 8 of Act 1 of 2017]21. Identification of clients and other persons
21A. Understanding and obtaining information on business relationship
When an accountable institution engages with a prospective client to establish a business relationship as contemplated in section 21, the institution must, in addition to the steps required under section 21 and in accordance with its Risk Management and Compliance Programme, obtain information to reasonably enable the accountable institution to determine whether future transactions that will be performed in the course of the business relationship concerned are consistent with the institution’s knowledge of that prospective client, including information describing—21B. Additional due diligence measures relating to legal persons, trusts and partnerships
21C. Ongoing due diligence
21D. Doubts about veracity of previously obtained information and when reporting suspicious and unusual transactions
When an accountable institution, subsequent to entering into a single transaction or establishing a business relationship—21E. Inability to conduct customer due diligence
21F. Foreign politically exposed person
[heading substituted by section 25(a) of Act 22 of 2022]If an accountable institution determines in accordance with its Risk Management and Compliance Programme that a prospective client with whom it engages to establish a business relationship, or the beneficial owner of that prospective client, is a foreign politically exposed person, the institution must—21G. Domestic politically exposed person and prominent influential person
[heading substituted by section 26(a) of Act 22 of 2022]If an accountable institution determines that a prospective client with whom it engages to establish a business relationship, or the beneficial owner of that prospective client, is a domestic politically exposed person or a prominent influential person and that, in accordance with its Risk Management and Compliance Programme, the prospective business relationship entails higher risk, the institution must—21H. Family members and known close associates
Part 2 – Duty to keep record
22. Obligation to keep customer due diligence records
22A. Obligation to keep transaction records
23. Period for which records must be kept
An accountable institution must keep the records which relate to—24. Records may be kept in electronic form and by third parties
25. Admissibility of records
A record kept in terms of section 22, 22A or 24, or a certified extract of any such record, or a certified print-out of any extract of an electronic record, is on its mere production in a matter before a court admissible as evidence of any fact contained in it of which direct oral evidence would be admissible.[section 25 substituted by section 15 of Act 1 of 2017]26. ***
[section 26 amended by section 7 of Act 11 of 2008 and repealed by section 16 of Act 1 of 2017]Part 2A – Financial sanctions
[Part 2A inserted by section 17 of Act 1 of 2017]26A. Notification of persons and entities identified by Security Council of the United Nations
26B. Prohibitions relating to persons and entities identified by Security Council of the United Nations
26C. Permitted financial services and dealing with property
Part 3 – Reporting duties and access to information
27. Accountable institutions, reporting institutions and persons subject to reporting obligations to advise Centre of clients
If an authorised representative of the Centre requests an accountable institution, a reporting institution or a person that is required to make a report in terms of section 29 of this Act to advise—27A. Powers of access by authorised representative to records of accountable institutions
[heading substituted by section 31(a) of Act 22 of 2022]28. Cash transactions above prescribed limit
An accountable institution and a reporting institution must, within the prescribed period, report to the Centre the prescribed particulars concerning a transaction concluded with a client if in terms of the transaction an amount of cash in excess of the prescribed amount—28A. Property associated with terrorist and related activities and financial sanctions pursuant to Resolutions of United Nations Security Council
[heading substituted by section 20(a) of Act 1 of 2017]29. Suspicious and unusual transactions
30. Conveyance of cash to or from Republic
31. Electronic transfers of money to or from Republic
If an accountable institution through electronic transfer sends money in excess of a prescribed amount out of the Republic or receives money in excess of a prescribed amount from outside the Republic on behalf, or on the instruction, of another person, it must, within the prescribed period after the money was transferred, report the transfer, together with the prescribed particulars concerning the transfer, to the Centre.32. Reporting procedures and furnishing of additional information
33. Continuation of transactions
An accountable institution, reporting institution or person required to make a report to the Centre in terms of section 28 or 29, may continue with and carry out the transaction in respect of which the report is required to be made unless the Centre directs the accountable institution, reporting institution or person in terms of section 34 not to proceed with the transaction.34. Intervention by Centre
35. Monitoring orders
36. Information held by supervisory bodies and South African Revenue Service
37. Reporting duty and obligations to provide information not affected by confidentiality rules
38. Protection of persons making reports
39. Admissibility as evidence of reports made to Centre
A certificate issued by an official of the Centre that information specified in the certificate was reported or sent to the Centre in terms of section 28, 29, 30(2) or 31 is, subject to section 38(3), on its mere production in a matter before a court admissible as evidence of any fact contained in it of which direct oral evidence would be admissible.40. Access to information held by Centre
41. Protection of confidential information
No person may disclose confidential information held by or obtained from the Centre except—41A. Protection of personal information
Part 4 – Measures to promote compliance by accountable institutions
42. Risk Management and Compliance Programme
42A. Governance of anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing compliance
42B. Consultation process for issuing guidance
Before issuing guidance to accountable institutions, supervisory bodies and other persons regarding the performance and compliance by them of their duties and obligations in terms of this Act or any directive made in terms of this Act, the Centre must—43. Training relating to anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing compliance
An accountable institution must provide ongoing training to its employees to enable them to comply with the provisions of this Act and the Risk Management and Compliance Programme which are applicable to them.[section 43 substituted by section 29 of Act 1 of 2017]43A. Directives
43B. Registration by accountable institution and reporting institution
Part 5 – Referral and supervision
44. Referral of suspected offences to investigating authorities and other public bodies
If the Centre in the performance of its functions has reasonable grounds to suspect that an accountable institution, or any other person other than a supervisory body who is subject to the provisions of this Act, has contravened or failed to comply with any provision of this Act or any rule or guideline applicable to that accountable institution or person which facilitates compliance with this Act, it may, if it considers it appropriate to do so, refer the matter to—45. Responsibility for supervision of accountable institutions
Chapter 4
Compliance and enforcement
[heading substituted by section 16(a) of Act 11 of 2008]45A. Appointment of inspectors
45B. Inspections
45C. Administrative sanctions
45D. Appeal
45E. Establishment of appeal board
45F. Application to court
46. Failure to identify persons
46A. Failure to comply with duty in regard to customer due diligence
An accountable institution that fails to comply with the duty to perform additional due diligence measures in accordance with section 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E, 21F, 21G or 21H is non-compliant and is subject to an administrative sanction.[section 46A inserted by section 36 of Act 1 of 2017]47. Failure to keep records
An accountable institution that fails to—48. Destroying or tampering with records
Any person who wilfully tampers with a record kept in terms of section 22 or section 24(1), or wilfully destroys such a record, otherwise than in accordance with section 23, is guilty of an offence.49. Failure to give assistance
An accountable institution that fails to give assistance to a representative of the Centre in accordance with section 27A(5), is guilty of an offence.[section 49 substituted by section 38 of Act 1 of 2017]49A. Contravention of prohibitions relating to persons and entities identified by Security Council of United Nations
50. Failure to advise Centre of client
51. Failure to report cash transactions
51A. Failure to report property associated with terrorist and related activities and financial sanctions pursuant to Resolutions of United Nations Security Council
52. Failure to report suspicious or unusual transactions
53. Unauthorised disclosure
54. Failure to report conveyance of cash or bearer negotiable instrument into or out of Republic
Any person who wilfully fails to report the conveyance of cash or a bearer negotiable instrument into or out of the Republic in accordance with section 30(1), is guilty of an offence.[section 54 substituted by section 18 of Act 11 of 2008]55. Failure to send report to Centre
A person referred to in section 30(2) who fails to send a report regarding the conveyance of cash or a bearer negotiable instrument to the Centre in accordance with that section, is guilty of an offence.[section 55 substituted by section 19 of Act 11 of 2008]56. Failure to report electronic transfers
57. Failure to comply with request
58. Failure to comply with direction of Center
59. Failure to comply with monitoring order
60. Misuse of information
61. Failure to comply with duty in respect of Risk Management and Compliance Programme
An accountable institution that fails to—61A. Failure to register with Centre
Any accountable institution or reporting institution that—61B. Failure to comply with duty in regard to governance
62. Failure to provide training
An accountable institution that fails to provide training to its employees in accordance with section 43 is non-compliant and is subject to an administrative sanction.[section 62 substituted by section 48 of Act 1 of 2017]62A. Offences relating to inspection
A person who—62B. Hindering or obstructing appeal board
Any person who wilfully interrupts the proceedings of the appeal board or who wilfully hinders or obstructs the appeal board in the performance of its functions, is guilty of an offence.[section 62B inserted by section 24 of Act 11 of 2008]62C. Failure to attend when summoned
Any person who, having been summoned to attend and give evidence or to produce any book, document or object before the Centre or a supervisory body or the appeal board—62D. Failure to answer fully or truthfully
Any person who, having been sworn in or having made an affirmation before the Centre or a supervisory body or the appeal board—62E. Failure to comply with directives of Centre or supervisory body
An accountable institution that fails to comply with a directive of the Centre or a supervisory body in terms of section 43A(3) or 45C(3)(c) is non-compliant and is subject to an administrative sanction.[section 62E inserted by section 49 of Act 1 of 2017]63. Obstructing of official in performance of functions
Any person who obstructs, hinders or threatens an official or representative of the Centre in the performance of their duties or the exercise of their powers in terms of this Act, is guilty of an offence.64. Conducting transactions to avoid reporting duties
65. ***
[section 65 repealed by section 58 of Act 19 of 2020]66. ***
[section 66 repealed by section 58 of Act 19 of 2020]67. ***
[section 67 repealed by section 58 of Act 19 of 2020]68. Penalties
69. Defences
If a person who is an employee, director or trustee of, or a partner in, an accountable institution is charged with committing an offence under section 52, that person may raise as a defence the fact that he or she had—70. Search, seizure and forfeiture
71. Jurisdiction of courts
Chapter 5
Miscellaneous
72. Act not to limit powers of investigating authorities or supervisory bodies
This Act does not detract from—73. Amendment of list of accountable institutions
74. Exemptions for accountable institutions
75. Amendment of list of supervisory bodies
76. Amendment of list of reporting institutions
77. Regulations
77A Arrangements for consultations with stakeholders
The Centre must, after consulting with supervisory bodies, establish and give effect to arrangements to facilitate consultation with, and the exchange of information with, relevant stakeholders on matters of mutual interest.[section 77A inserted by section 57 of Act 1 of 2017]78. Indemnity
The Minister, the Centre or an employee or representative of the Centre, or any other person performing a function or exercising a power in terms of this Act, is not liable for anything done in good faith in terms of or in furthering the objectives of this Act.79. Amendment of laws
The Acts mentioned in Schedule 4 are hereby amended to the extent set out in Schedule 4.79A. Amendment of list of domestic politically exposed persons
[heading substituted by section 47(a) of Act 22 of 2022]79B. Amendment of list of foreign politically exposed persons
[heading substituted by section 48(a) of Act 22 of 2022]79C. Amendment of list of prominent influential persons
80. Status of footnotes
The footnotes in this Act have been inserted only for ease of reference to relevant provisions of the Prevention Act. They are not part of this Act. They do not have the force of law.81. Transitional arrangements
82. Short title and commencement
History of this document
18 August 2023 this version
Commenced
01 February 2023
31 December 2022
19 December 2022
01 December 2021
Amended by
Cybercrimes Act, 2020
Read this version
01 April 2019
07 May 2018
02 October 2017
13 June 2017
29 July 2013
01 December 2010
04 October 2010
20 May 2005
01 July 2004
30 June 2004
Commenced
Note: See section 82(2)(b)
30 June 2003
03 February 2003
01 March 2002
Commenced by
Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 2001: Commencement
Note: Date of commencement of Schedules 1, 2 and 3
01 February 2002
03 December 2001
28 November 2001
Assented to
Unconstitutional provisions
Legislation provisions that have been declared unconstitutional by a court. They are resolved when new legislation is passed.
All unconstitutional provisions →
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45B. Inspections Resolved
During the period of suspension, section 45B(1) of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act is deemed to read as follows, what is underlined being the reading in:
[See read-in text]Read-in text
(1)For the purposes of determining compliance with this Act or any order, determination or directive made in terms of this Act, an inspector may at any reasonable time and on reasonable notice, where appropriate, enter and inspect any premises, except a private residence, at which the Centre or, when acting in terms of section 45(1), the supervisory body reasonably believes that the business of an accountable institution, reporting institution or other person to whom the provisions of this Act apply, is conducted. (1A) (a)Where the Centre or a supervisory body acting after consultation with the Centre suspects that a criminal offence has been or is being committed by the person who is the subject of the search, or where it seeks to search premises that are a private residence, an inspector in terms of subsection (1) may conduct a search only on the authority of a warrant issued by a magistrate or judge. (b)A magistrate or judge may issue a warrant only on written application by an inspector setting out under oath or affirmation the grounds why it is necessary for an inspector to gain access to the relevant premises. (c)The magistrate or judge may issue the warrant if it appears from information on oath or affirmation that— (i)there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that a contravention of the Act has occurred; (ii)a search of the premises is likely to yield information pertaining to the contravention; and (iii)the search is reasonably necessary for the purposes of the Act. (d)An inspector otherwise required to obtain a warrant under paragraph (a) may enter and search any place without the warrant referred to in paragraph (c) if the inspector on reasonable grounds believes that— (i)a warrant would be issued in terms of paragraph (c) if the inspector applied for it; and (ii)the delay in obtaining the warrant is likely to defeat the object of the search. 45B. Inspections as at 18 August 2023:
45B. Inspections
(1) (a)In this section 'compliance' means compliance with a provision of this Act or any order, determination or directive made in terms of this Act and which, if not complied with, constitutes non-compliance. (b)An inspector appointed in terms of section 45A may enter the premises, excluding a private residence, of an accountable institution or reporting institution which is registered in terms of section 43B or otherwise licensed or authorised by a supervisory body and inspect the affairs of the accountable institution or reporting institution, as the case may be, for the purposes of determining compliance. [subsection (1) substituted by section 32(a) of Act 1 of 2017](1A)An inspector appointed in terms of section 45A may, for the purposes of determining compliance and on the authority of a warrant issued under subsection (1B), enter and inspect— (a)a private residence; or (b)any premises other than premises contemplated in subsection (1)(b) or paragraph (a) (in this section referred to as 'unlicensed business premises'), if the Centre or a supervisory body reasonably believes that the residence or premises are used for a business to which the provisions of this Act apply.[subsection (1A) inserted by section 32(b) of Act 1 of 2017](1B)A magistrate or judge may issue a warrant contemplated in subsection (1A)— (a)on written application by the Centre or a supervisory body setting out under oath or affirmation why it is necessary for an inspector to enter and inspect the private residence or unlicensed business premises; and (b)if it appears to the magistrate or judge from the information under oath or affirmation that— [subsection (1B) inserted by section 32(b) of Act 1 of 2017](i)there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that an act of non-compliance has occurred; (ii)entry and inspection of the private residence or unlicensed business premises are likely to yield information pertaining to the non-compliance; and (iii)entry and inspection of that residence or those premises are reasonably necessary for the purposes of determining compliance. (1C)An inspector otherwise required to obtain a warrant for entry and inspection of a private residence or unlicensed business premises in terms of subsection (1A), may enter and inspect that residence or those premises without a warrant— (a)with the consent of— (i)in the case of a private residence— (aa)the person apparently in control of the business reasonably believed to be conducted at the private residence; and (bb)the occupant of the part of the private residence to be entered and inspected; or (ii)in the case of unlicensed business premises, the person apparently in control of the business reasonably believed to be conducted at the premises, after informing him or her that he or she is under no obligation to admit the inspector in the absence of a warrant; or(b)with the prior authority of the Director or the head of a supervisory body, or a senior staff member of the Centre or supervisory body delegated to perform the function, if the Director, head or senior staff member on reasonable grounds believes that— [subsection (1C) inserted by section 32(b) of Act 1 of 2017](i)a warrant will be issued under subsection (1B) if applied for; (ii)the delay in obtaining the warrant is likely to defeat the purpose for which entry and inspection of the private residence or unlicensed business premises is sought; and (iii)it is necessary to enter and inspect that residence or those premises to perform any or all of the actions contemplated in section 45B(2)(a) to (f). (1D)Where an inspector enters and inspects premises in terms of subsection (1)(b), or a private residence or unlicensed business premises in terms of subsection (1C), he or she must do so— (a)at a reasonable time within ordinary business hours or, in the case of an entry and inspection in terms of subsection (1C)(b), if the inspector on reasonable grounds believes that the purpose for which the entry and inspection is sought, is likely to be defeated by a delay, as closely to ordinary business hours as the circumstances reasonably permit; (b)on reasonable notice, where appropriate; (c)with strict regard to an affected person’s right to— (i)dignity; (ii)freedom and security; (iii)privacy; and (iv)other constitutional rights; and (d)with strict regard to decency and good order as the circumstances require, in particular by— [subsection (1D) inserted by section 32(b) of Act 1 of 2017](i)entering and inspecting only such areas or objects as are reasonably required for purposes of section 45B(2); (ii)conducting the inspection discreetly and with due decorum; (iii)causing as little disturbance as possible; and (iv)concluding the inspection as soon as possible. (1E)Subsection (1D)(c) and (d) apply with the necessary changes where an inspector enters and inspects premises on the authority of a warrant issued under subsection (1B).[subsection (1E) inserted by section 32(b) of Act 1 of 2017] (2)An inspector, in conducting an inspection, may— (a)in writing direct a person to appear for questioning before the inspector at a time and place determined by the inspector; (b)order any person who has or had any document in his, her or its possession or under his, her or its control relating to the affairs of the accountable institution, reporting institution or person— (i)to produce that document; or (ii)to furnish the inspector at the place and in the manner determined by the inspector with information in respect of that document; (c)open any strongroom, safe or other container, or order any person to open any strongroom, safe or other container, in which the inspector suspects any document relevant to the inspection is kept; (d)use any computer system or equipment on the premises or require reasonable assistance from any person on the premises to use that computer system to— (i)access any data contained in or available to that computer system; and (ii)reproduce any document from that data; (e)examine or make extracts from or copy any document in the possession of an accountable institution, reporting institution or person or, against the issue of a receipt, remove that document temporarily for that purpose; and (f)against the issue of a receipt, seize any document obtained in terms of paragraphs (c) to (e), which in the opinion of the inspector may constitute evidence of non-compliance with a provision of this Act or any order, determination or directive made in terms of this Act. (2A)When acting in terms of subsection (2)(b) or (d), an inspector of— (a)the Centre; (b)a supervisory body referred to in item 1 or 2 of Schedule 2; or (c)any other supervisory body meeting the prescribed criteria, may order from an accountable institution or reporting institution under inspection, the production of a copy of a report, or the furnishing of a fact or information related to the report, contemplated in section 29. [subsection (2A) inserted by section 32(c) of Act 1 of 2017](2B)If the inspector of a supervisory body, referred to in subsection (2A)(b) or (c), obtained a report, or a fact or information related to the report, under subsection (2A), that supervisory body must request information from the Centre under section 40(1C) relating to the report contemplated in section 29 which may be relevant to such inspection.[subsection (2B) inserted by section 32(c) of Act 1 of 2017] (2C)For purposes of subsection (2B), the Centre must provide the information to the inspector of the supervisory body in accordance with section 40.[subsection (2C) inserted by section 32(c) of Act 1 of 2017] (3)An accountable institution, reporting institution or other person to whom this Act applies, must without delay provide reasonable assistance to an inspector acting in terms of subsection (2). (4)The Centre or a supervisory body may recover all expenses necessarily incurred in conducting an inspection from an accountable institution or reporting institution inspected.[subsection (4) substituted by section 32(d) of Act 1 of 2017] (5) (a)Subject to section 36 and paragraph (b), an inspector may not disclose to any person not in the service of the Centre or supervisory body any information obtained in the performance of functions under this Act. (b)An inspector may disclose information— (i)for the purpose of enforcing compliance with this Act or any order, determination or directive made in terms of this Act; (ii)for the purpose of legal proceedings; (iii)when required to do so by a court; or (iv)except information contemplated in subsections (2A) and (2C), if the Director or supervisory body is satisfied that it is in the public interest.[subparagraph (iv) substituted by section 32(e) of Act 1 of 2017] (6) (a)An inspector appointed by the Director may, in respect of any accountable institution regulated or supervised by a supervisory body in terms of this Act or any other law, conduct an inspection only if a supervisory body failed to conduct an inspection despite any recommendation of the Centre made in terms of section 44(b) or failed to conduct an inspection within the period recommended by the Centre. (b)[paragraph (b) deleted by section 32(f) of Act 1 of 2017] (c)An inspector appointed by the Director may on the request of a supervisory body accompany and assist an inspector appointed by the head of a supervisory body in conducting an inspection in terms of this section. (7)[subsection (7) deleted by section 32(g) of Act 1 of 2017] [section 45B inserted by section 16(b) of Act 11 of 2008]
Uncommenced provisions
Legislation provisions that have not yet come into force.
All uncommenced provisions →
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30. Conveyance of cash to or from Republic
30. Conveyance of cash to or from Republic
(1)A person who intends conveying or who has conveyed or who is conveying an amount of cash or a bearer negotiable instrument in excess of the prescribed amount to or from the Republic must, on demand, report the prescribed particulars concerning that conveyance to a person authorised by the Minister for this purpose.[subsection (1) substituted by section 8 of Act 11 of 2008] (2)A person authorised in terms of subsection (1) must without delay send a copy of the report to the Centre. -
54. Failure to report conveyance of cash or bearer negotiable instrument into or out of Republic
54. Failure to report conveyance of cash or bearer negotiable instrument into or out of Republic
Any person who wilfully fails to report the conveyance of cash or a bearer negotiable instrument into or out of the Republic in accordance with section 30(1), is guilty of an offence.[section 54 substituted by section 18 of Act 11 of 2008] -
55. Failure to send report to Centre
55. Failure to send report to Centre
A person referred to in section 30(2) who fails to send a report regarding the conveyance of cash or a bearer negotiable instrument to the Centre in accordance with that section, is guilty of an offence.[section 55 substituted by section 19 of Act 11 of 2008] -
70. Search, seizure and forfeiture
70. Search, seizure and forfeiture
(1)A police official or person authorised by the Minister to receive a report under section 30(1), who has reasonable grounds to suspect that an offence under section 54 has been or is about to be committed, may at any time search any person, container or other thing in which any cash or bearer negotiable instrument contemplated in section 30(1) is suspected to be found. (2)A police official or person authorised by the Minister referred to in subsection (1) may seize any cash or bearer negotiable instrument contemplated in section 30(1). (3)Any cash or bearer negotiable instrument seized under subsection (2) must be returned to the person from whom it was seized as soon as possible— (a)after the expiry of a period of 90 days from the date of the seizure, unless, before the expiry of that period— (i)that person has been arrested, without a warrant of arrest being issued; (ii)a warrant for the arrest of that person has been issued; or (iii)a summons has been issued for that person to appear in court, in connection with the suspected commission of an offence under section 54 in respect of that cash or bearer negotiable instrument or any portion of it; (b)after the expiry of a period of 90 days from the date of the seizure, unless, before the expiry of that period, an application for a preservation order in terms of section 38 of the Prevention Act in respect of that cash or bearer negotiable instrument is pending before the High Court; (c)if that person is acquitted on a charge of committing an offence under section 54; or (d)if a forfeiture order in terms of section 50 of the Prevention Act is not made in respect of that cash or bearer negotiable instrument. (4)Whenever any person is convicted of an offence under section 54 the court convicting that person must, in addition to any punishment which that court may impose in respect of the offence, declare any cash or bearer negotiable instrument contemplated in section 30(1) that was seized under subsection (2), or is in the possession or custody or under the control of the convicted person, to be forfeited to the State. (5)Whenever a person is convicted of an offence under section 64 the court convicting that person must, in addition to any punishment which that court may impose in respect of the offence, declare any property in respect of which those transactions were conducted to be forfeited to the State. (6)A declaration of forfeiture shall not affect any interest which any person other than the convicted person may have in the cash or bearer negotiable instrument or property concerned if that person proves— (a)that he or she acquired the interest in that cash or bearer negotiable instrument or property in good faith; and (b)that he or she did not know that the cash or bearer negotiable instrument or property in question was— as the case may be.(i)conveyed as contemplated in section 30(1) or that he or she could not prevent the cash or bearer negotiable instrument from being so conveyed; or (ii)used in the transactions contemplated in section 64 or that he or she could not prevent the property from being so used, (7)Subject to subsection (6), the court concerned or, if the judge or judicial officer concerned is not available, any judge or judicial officer of that court, may at any time within a period of three years from the date of the declaration of forfeiture, on the application of any person other than the convicted person who claims that he or she has any interest in the cash or bearer negotiable instrument in question, inquire into and determine any such interest. (8)Subject to subsection (6), if a court referred to in subsection (7) finds that— (a)the cash or bearer negotiable instrument or property in question belonged to the applicant at the time of the forfeiture, the court must set aside the declaration of forfeiture in question and direct that the cash or bearer negotiable instrument or property be returned to the applicant or, if the State has disposed of it, direct that the applicant be compensated by the State in an amount equal to the amount of cash or bearer negotiable instrument or the value of the property forfeited; or (b)the applicant had an interest in the cash or bearer negotiable instrument or property in question at the time of the forfeiture, the court must direct that the applicant be compensated by the State in an amount equal to the value of his or her interest in the cash or bearer negotiable instrument or property. (9)Any person aggrieved by a determination made by a court under subsection (8), may appeal against the determination as if it were a conviction by the court making the determination, and such appeal may be heard either separately or jointly with an appeal against the conviction as a result of which the declaration of forfeiture was made, or against a sentence imposed as a result of such conviction. (10)In order to make a declaration of forfeiture or to determine any interest under subsection (8), the court may refer to the evidence and proceedings at the trial or hear such further evidence, either orally or by affidavit, as it may deem fit. [section 70 amended by section 26 of Act 11 of 2008]
Subsidiary legislation
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice 6072 of 2025 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice 5543 of 2025 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Finance and Money
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Labour and Employment
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Government Notice 3257 of 2023 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice 3253 of 2023 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice 3252 of 2023 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice R1595 of 2002 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice 2943 of 2023 |
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice 2800 of 2022 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice 2638 of 2022 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice 2291 of 2022 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Public administration
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Directive 1 of 2022 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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General Notice 199 of 2019 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice 517 of 2019 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice R1062 of 2017 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice 1061 of 2017 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice 220 of 2016 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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General Notice 783 of 2014 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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General Notice 232 of 2014 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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General Notice 231 of 2014 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice 1107 of 2010 |
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice 1105 of 2010 |
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice 1104 of 2010 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice R867 of 2010 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice 301 of 2008 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice 1035 of 2006 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice 715 of 2005 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice R456 of 2005 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice R1354 of 2004 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice R749 of 2004 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice 735 of 2004 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice 534 of 2004 |
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Business, Trade and Industry
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Energy and Natural Resources
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Environment, Climate and Wildlife
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Finance and Money
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Government Notice 704 of 2003 |