About SAAA

Background

The office of the South African Accreditation Authority is established in terms of Chapter VI, Part 1 of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002. The Authority is responsible for the accreditation of authentication and certification products and services used in support of electronic signatures and monitoring of the activities of authentication and certification service providers whose products or services have been accredited by the South African Accreditation Authority within the Republic of South Africa.

The Director General of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is appointed as the South African Accreditation Authority, and may appoint Deputy South African Accreditation Authorities and officers from employees of the Department after consultation with the Minister.

Mission

Creating an inclusive digital environment to foster a thriving digital society and economy.

Vision

A leader in enabling a connected and digitally transformed South Africa.

Functions & Powers of the SAAA

The primary duty of the South African Accreditation Authority is to accredit authentication products and services used in support of electronic signatures. In terms of sections 36 to 40 of the Act, other duties (which stem from the primary duty) are to:

  • monitor the conduct, systems and operations of accredited authentication service providers in order to ensure compliance with the Act and Accreditation Regulations;
  • temporarily suspend or revoke the accreditation of an authentication product or service subject to the provisions of the Act and Regulations;
  • maintain a publicly accessible database in respect of accredited authentication products and services and other prescribed information;
  • appoint independent auditing firms to conduct periodic audits of authentication service providers to ensure compliance with section 38, and other obligations of authentication service providers in terms of the Act.
  • suspend or revoke accreditation if it is satisfied that the authentication service provider has failed or ceases to meet any of the requirements, conditions or restrictions subject to which the accreditation was granted under section 38, or for which recognition was given in terms of section 40;
  • setting, reviewing and amending standards for authentication service providers in respect of inter alia security, technology and procedures;
  • issue policies governing the operations and procedures for the accreditation of the products and services of authentication service providers; and
  • provide advice and assistance to authentication service providers, users as well as other Government forums, committees and working groups set up to implement e-commerce and e-government in South Africa.

Funding & Resources

  • The SAAA is funded by the budget of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.
  • The South African Accreditation Authority operates from the infrastructure and use resources of the Department.
  • Income from the levy of fees prescribed by the Act is paid into the National Revenue Fund as provided for in section 13 of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999(Act No. 1 of 1999).

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