Welcome to the Cybercrimes Act in the form of a website so everyone can access it quickly on all devices. It is so much better than a Cybercrimes Act pdf. You can also link to (or share) a specific section. We hope it empowers you and you find it helpful. This is the Cybercrimes Act as enacted by the South African Parliament, but we have reformatted it in the form of a website. The English text was signed by the President. We have shortened the names of some chapters in the navigation on the left to make it easier for you to navigate. We disclaim all liability.
You can read a summary of the Act, or attend a Cybercrimes workshop to help you take the necessary action to comply.
You can also ask us to help you determine the impact of cybercrimes on your organisation and the next steps by doing the online Cybercrimes impact assessment.
Join the Cybercrimes programme
Cybercrime is now an everyday occurrence in today’s modern society. The Cybercrimes programme will help you plan the practical action you must take to deal with cybercrime and help you comply with cybercrime laws. Contact us for more information about the programme.
About the Act
The purpose of the Cybercrimes Act is to reduce and prevent cybercrime in South Africa. It also helps law enforcement to enforce the law and hopefully protect the people of South Africa from criminals. You can read more about a related Act called the Cybersecurity Bill.
The commencement date of the Cybercrimes Act
The President of South Africa has proclaimed the Cybercrimes Act commencement date of certain sections to be 1 December 2021.
- Chapter 1 | Definitions and Interpretations
- Chapter 2 | Cybercrimes (Parts I to V only)
- Chapter 3 | Jurisdiction
- Chapter 4 | Powers to Investigate, Search, Access or Seize (except sections 38(1)(d)-(f), 40(3)-(4), and (41-44))
- Chapter 7 | Evidence
- Chapter 8 | Reporting Obligations and Capacity Building (except section 54)
- Chapter 9 | General Provisions (except sections 11B-D, and 56A(3)(c)-(e) of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007, in the Schedule of laws repealed or amended in terms of section 58).