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How to Order a Background Check in South Africa

Updated: Mar 12

Whether you’re an employer hiring someone from South Africa hoping to confirm the authenticity of a potential employee’s details or contractor, or someone simply looking to validate their personal information, you need a reliable and comprehensive background check partner. Thankfully, Global Background Screening offers a suite of services that can make this process seamless.






South Africa Background Employee and Contractor Background Check Services


In this guide, we will explore the different types of services that Global Background Screening provides to cater to all your background check needs in South Africa.


1. South Africa Nationwide Criminal Check

If you’re looking for a thorough assessment of someone's criminal past, this is the service for you. This search is conducted through multiple databases, including the South African Police Services Name and ID Check Division. What you get in return are all reportable criminal record convictions. This is essential for positions that require high levels of trust and security.

  • Source: South African Police Services.

  • Turnaround time: 3-5 business days.

  • Special Requirements: Must have a South Africa National ID number.

2. South Africa Civil Check

This is crucial if you wish to understand any civil case implications against an individual. The search is conducted through the Civil High Court, ensuring the validity and reliability of the information. Note that this can only be carried out for those with a South Africa National ID.

  • Turnaround time: 4-5 days.

3. ID Check

A fundamental step in any verification process is validating the ID. This search is conducted through the South African Police Services and ensures that the individual's South African ID Number is legitimate.

  • Turnaround time: 3 business days.

4. South Africa MVR (Motor Vehicle Report)

If you’re hiring someone for a driving position, or just need to validate their driving credentials, this service checks a candidate's driver's license details through the National Traffic Information System. Please note that this doesn’t provide a complete driving abstract.

  • Turnaround time: 5 business days.

5. South Africa Right to Work

Employers need to be sure that their potential hires have the right to work in South Africa. This search, conducted through the Department of Home Affairs, verifies a candidate's right to employment in the country. However, keep in mind this service is exclusive to South African citizens.

  • Turnaround time: 5-6 Days.

6. Social Media Services

In today's digital age, a person's online presence can speak volumes. This service scans various platforms like Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Reddit to look for any flagged content that might be of concern.


7. Adverse Media

It’s also essential to know if someone has ever been on the wrong side of news coverage. With access to over 8,000 media sources worldwide, this service provides a comprehensive view of any adverse media related to the individual.



Ordering Made Easy with Global Background Screening

The great thing about choosing Global Background Screening for your verification needs is the sheer convenience. With a direct link to our South Africa Checkout Page, it's easier than ever to order your background check. There are no setup fees or binding contracts to worry about!


Why Choose Us?

  • Trustworthy Sources: We rely on official channels like the South African Police Services, Civil High Court, and Department of Home Affairs to ensure that the data is authentic and up-to-date.

  • Swift Turnaround: We understand the importance of time. Our services offer a quick turnaround, ensuring that you can make your decisions promptly.

  • Convenience: With our easy-to-use South Africa Checkout Page, you can order and get results with a few simple clicks.


South Africa Data Protection and Compliance: A Closer Look

When ordering a background check in South Africa or accessing personal information for any purpose, it is crucial to understand and comply with the relevant data protection laws. The primary law that governs the processing and protection of personal information in South Africa is the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (Act 4 of 2013) ('POPIA').


An Overview of POPIA

  • Law: POPIA has been the cornerstone of South Africa's data protection framework since its introduction in 2013.

  • Regulator: The law paved the way for the establishment of the Information Regulator ('the Regulator'). Though established, it's essential to note that the Regulator is not yet fully operational.

POPIA's Significance:

  1. Comprehensive Scope: POPIA provides a broad understanding of personal information, encompassing biometric information, employment history, personal correspondence, personal opinions, pregnancy, mental health, language, and even the data concerning juristic persons.

  2. Regulatory Framework: In 2018, the Regulator unveiled the Regulations Relating to the Protection of Personal Information ('the Regulations'). These are vital in clarifying administrative provisions and practical requirements.

Timeline of Events:

  1. 2013: POPIA signed into law.

  2. April 2014: Commencement of specific sections of POPIA.

  3. 2018: Introduction of the Regulations by the Regulator.

  4. 1 July 2020: Several sections from POPIA and the Regulations, which regulate the processing of personal data and the rights of the data subjects, became operational.

  5. 1 May 2021: Regulation 4 took effect.

  6. 1 March 2021: Regulation 5 came into force.

  7. 1 July 2021: The residual Regulations became effective.

Understanding and adhering to POPIA and the accompanying regulations is critical when conducting background checks or any activity involving personal data collection and processing in South Africa. It ensures that businesses and organizations remain compliant, protecting both the entity and the individuals whose information is being accessed.

For a deeper understanding of POPIA, you can refer to the detailed guide on DataGuidance.


Other Relevant High-Domain Authority Links:

  1. The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) - A comprehensive resource on global privacy laws and best practices: IAPP Resources.

  2. The South African Information Regulator - The official website offering insights into data protection regulations and guidelines in South Africa: Information Regulator SA.

  3. The World Law Group - Provides global legal updates, including data protection insights: World Law Group Insights.

By remaining vigilant and up-to-date with data protection laws and guidelines in South Africa, you can ensure your background check process is not only effective but also compliant. Global Background Screening, in collaboration with legal experts, remains dedicated to keeping our services aligned with such regulations. When you work with us, you’re not just getting a service – you're gaining a partner committed to your best interests.

Remember, for a seamless background check experience in South Africa, head over to our South Africa Checkout Page.


Secure, compliant, and hassle-free!


In a world where transparency is paramount, it's essential to have partners you can trust. Global Background Screening offers comprehensive solutions to ensure that you have all the information you need at your fingertips. Whether you're a business or someone who needs a personal check on themselves, understanding someone's background is essential in today's fast-paced environment.


Don’t leave your decisions to chance. Get accurate, fast, and reliable results with Global Background Screening. Ready to start? Head over to our South Africa Checkout Page now!


For more detailed insights, check out our related pages on background checks in other countries and how our processes work.


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