The ECT Act was passed in 2002. The Johannesburg Magistrates Court took a big step forward in accepting advanced electronic signatures as being valid and changing the Practice Guidelines to that effect, particularly in relation to the issuing of summonses.

This matters because electronic tools in litigation make it so much quicker, cheaper and more effective. Plus, an advanced electronic signature is far more reliable than a typical manuscript signature.

We anticipate that all other Courts in South Africa will follow this lead.