Page:Identification Act 1997.pdf/3

4   No. 18485

Act No. 68, 1997

Correction, cancellation and replacement

Surrender or seizure of identity card of deceased person             5

Secrecy

Regulations

Reproduction of documents

Repeal of laws

Transitional arrangements

Short title and commencement                                        10

Definitions

1. In this Act, unless the context otherwise indicates—

“certificate” means a birth, death or marriage certificate referred to in section 13; (viii) 15

“Director-General” means the Director-General: Home Affairs; (ii)

“fingerprints” includes palmprints; (x)

“identity card” means the identity card referred to in section 14 and, unless clearly inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, includes an identity document referred to in section 25(1) or (2); (v) 20

“Minister” means the Minister of Home Affairs; (vi)

“ordinary place of residence”, with reference to any person, means the place where he or she normally lives and to which he or she returns regularly after any period of temporary absence; (iii) 25

“population register” means the population register referred to in section 5;

“prescribed” means prescribed by regulation; (xi)

“regulation” means a regulation made under section 22; (vii)

“temporary identity certificate” means a temporary identity certificate issued under section 16; (ix) 30

“this Act” includes the regulations. (iv)

Utilising of information for purposes of Act

2. The information contained in the population register which existed immediately prior to the commencement of this Act, as well as the information contained in any document kept by the Director-General under any law, which are appropriate for the compilation and maintenance of the population register referred to in section 5(1), shall be utilised by the Director-General for that purpose.35

Application of Act

3. This Act shall apply to all persons who are South African citizens and persons who are lawfully and permanently resident in the Republic.40

Assigrunent of functions to officials

4. (1) The Director-General may—

delegate any power granted to him or her by or under this Act, except the power referred to in this section and section 6, to an officer in the public service; and45

grant authority that a duty assigned to him or her in terms of this Act may be performed by such an officer.

(2) A power so delegated and a duty so authorised shall be exercised or performed, subject to the directions of the Director-General, who may at any time withdraw such delegation or authority.50