1. Introduction
This manual is compiled in terms of section 51 of the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (“PAIA”), as amended by the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”). It sets out how a requester may access records held by GlobeCerti (Pty) Ltd (“GlobeCerti”, “we”, “us”, “our”), and how to exercise rights relating to personal information under POPIA.
This manual should be read together with our Privacy Policy, which explains in more detail how we collect, use, and protect personal information.
2. About GlobeCerti
GlobeCerti (Pty) Ltd (Registration No. 2025/596006/07) is a document authentication and apostille coordination company based in Cape Town, South Africa. GlobeCerti coordinates the authentication, verification, apostille, and legalisation of documents, including DIRCO Apostille, High Court Apostille, notarial certified copies, notarial copy and signature authentications, affidavits and powers of attorney, Umalusi verification, Department of Basic Education (DBE) verification, and SAQA verification.
GlobeCerti is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services. Where legal or notarial services are required, these are performed by Semira Hristov Inc (Registration No. 2026/346865/21), an appropriately authorised legal practice regulated by the Legal Practice Council, or by another appropriately qualified and authorised legal practitioner or notary.
3. Contact details
Head of the private body
GlobeCerti (Pty) Ltd
Ground Floor, Lutomburg Building, 2 Leeuwen Street, Cape Town 8001, South Africa
Email: info@globecerti.co.za | Tel: 067 554 1293
Information Officer
Semira Hristov, in her capacity as director, is the Information Officer of GlobeCerti for the purposes of both PAIA and POPIA.
Email: info@globecerti.co.za | Tel: 067 554 1293
4. How to use this manual
A guide on how to use PAIA, compiled by the Information Regulator in terms of section 10 of PAIA, is available from the Information Regulator's website (inforegulator.org.za) or offices, and explains the objectives of PAIA, the responsibilities of public and private bodies, and the procedures for accessing records.
5. Records automatically available without a formal PAIA request
The following records are voluntarily made available on our website and do not require a formal PAIA request:
- Our Privacy Policy
- Our Terms of Use
- Our Refund and Cancellation Policy
- Current service descriptions and pricing
- General company and contact information
- This PAIA manual
6. Categories of records held
GlobeCerti holds records in the following categories in the ordinary course of business. Not all records in a category will necessarily be available, and access remains subject to the grounds for refusal set out in PAIA.
6.1 Client and order records
- Client names, contact details, and correspondence
- Order details, service requests, and route recommendations
- Copies or scans of documents submitted for authentication, verification, or apostille
- Payment and invoicing records (processed through PayFast)
- Delivery and courier records
6.2 Personal information (POPIA)
- Identity and contact information collected via the website, the Document Route Finder, enquiries, and orders
- Special personal information, where applicable (for example, criminal record information contained in a police clearance certificate submitted for authentication)
- Information relating to minors, where applicable (for example, travel consent letters)
6.3 Corporate and compliance records
- Company registration and statutory records
- Records relating to the referral and coordination of legal or notarial services provided by Semira Hristov Inc, where such records are held by GlobeCerti and are not records belonging to Semira Hristov Inc or protected by legal professional privilege
- Financial, accounting, and tax records
- Employment and contractor records
6.4 Website and marketing records
- Website content, analytics, and technical logs necessary for security and functionality
- Marketing and communication records, where consent has been given
7. How to request access to a record
A requester who wishes to access a record held by GlobeCerti must complete the prescribed form (Form 2, under the PAIA Regulations) and submit it to the Information Officer at the contact details in clause 3, together with sufficient detail to enable the record to be located, and proof of the requester's identity.
Where the request is made on behalf of another person, the requester must submit proof of authority to make the request on that person's behalf.
GlobeCerti will respond within 30 days of receiving a request that complies with the requirements of PAIA, unless this period is extended in terms of section 57 of PAIA, in which case the requester will be notified in writing.
8. Fees
PAIA prescribes a request fee and, where applicable, an access fee calculated according to the nature of the record and the form in which access is granted. Current prescribed fees are published by the Information Regulator and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. An indicative summary is set out below; the requester will be advised of the applicable fees before a record is processed.
No fee is payable for a request made by a data subject for access to, or correction of, their own personal information under POPIA, except where PAIA fees apply to the manner of access requested.
| Fee | Indicative amount |
|---|---|
| Request fee (non-personal requester) | R140 |
| Photocopy or printed A4 page | R2.00 per page |
| Copy on flash drive supplied by requester | R40 |
| Copy on flash drive supplied by GlobeCerti | R80 |
| Copy on compact disc supplied by requester | R40 |
| Copy on compact disc supplied by GlobeCerti | R60 |
| Transcription of visual images or audio | Actual cost |
| Search and preparation exceeding one hour | R145 per hour or part thereof |
| Postage, email or other electronic transfer | Actual cost |
9. Grounds for refusal
GlobeCerti may refuse a request for access to a record on the grounds set out in Chapter 4 of Part 3 of PAIA, including where disclosure would unreasonably disclose personal information of a third party, would breach a duty of confidentiality, would prejudice legal privilege, or falls within another applicable exemption. Where a request is refused, GlobeCerti will provide adequate reasons for the refusal as required by PAIA.
10. Internal appeals and further remedies
PAIA does not provide for an internal appeal against a private body's decision. A requester who is dissatisfied with GlobeCerti's decision may apply to the Information Regulator or to a court for appropriate relief in terms of PAIA.
A data subject who is dissatisfied with how GlobeCerti has processed a request relating to personal information under POPIA may lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.
11. Language of records
Records are generally held in English. Where a request is made for a record in another official language and that record is available in that language, it will be provided in that language.
12. Availability of this manual
This manual is available on the GlobeCerti website, and a copy may be requested free of charge from the Information Officer at the contact details set out in clause 3. This manual will be reviewed periodically and updated where our record-holding practices, contact details, or applicable law change.