South Africans struggle to find ‘proof of address’ as post disappears

As more South Africans shift to digital billing and online statements, a new problem is emerging: how do you prove your address when nothing arrives in your postbox?

The issue was raised on CapeTalk, where presenters discussed the growing difficulty of producing valid proof of residence in an increasingly paperless world.

From banks to municipalities and even SARS, most correspondence is now electronic. For some households, physical mail has dropped to zero.

No post, no proof?

Hendre Vorster of Yonker Foster Attorneys says the decline of traditional mail has complicated matters.

“Unfortunately, the post office is almost nonexistent regarding deliveries,” Vorster said.

He added that even registered post has largely been replaced.

The shift has left many scrambling to meet proof of address requirements when registering a bank account, renewing a driver’s licence, or applying for a new SIM card.

What still qualifies as proof of address?

Foster explained that there is no single law that clearly defines what constitutes acceptable proof of residence.

“There’s not a specific Act dealing with proof of residence with specific requirements,” he said. “The requirements are usually in terms of the institution requesting it.”

In most cases, printed bank statements or cellphone bills sent via email can be used, but they must be certified.

“The online document that you receive via email is accepted subject to commissioning,” Vorster said. That means printing the document and having it certified by a commissioner of oaths, such as an attorney, accountant or police officer.

Valid alternatives may include:

• A current lease agreement.
• A retail account statement (such as from a major retailer).
• A letter from an employer confirming residence.

However, acceptance can vary depending on the institution.

Inconsistent rules across institutions

One of the biggest frustrations for consumers is the lack of uniformity.

“Some institutions will accept it and some not,” Vorster said. “It’s a bit of a grey area.”

He stressed that each bank, government department or service provider sets its own internal requirements.

That inconsistency means a document accepted by one entity may be rejected by another.

What about PO boxes, informal settlements and digital nomads?

A PO box alone is not sufficient.

“You don’t stay in your PO box,” Vorster pointed out. “You need something to prove your residence.”

For people living in informal settlements, he suggested an affidavit from a neighbour or ward councillor confirming their address.

Digital nomads — those without a fixed, permanent home — may face additional hurdles.

“Usually, they make use of their family address,” Vorster said, adding that a family member may need to confirm that arrangement.

While the move to digital communication has streamlined many processes, it has also exposed gaps in how proof of address is verified.

For now, South Africans may need to keep printers — and commissioners of oaths — close at hand.

For more detailed information, listen to Vorster using the audio player below: