This data collection is a index of deceased estates from 1834 until 2010. These indexes are categorised into different magisterial districts and archives where possible.

These indexes form an important entry point into genealogical research, providing you with the reference numbers of relevant records. The original and full documents are housed in the Master of the High Court in the area specified. Before documents are sent to the National Archives there is a statutory period of 50 years where it remains with the Provincial Government until it is transferred to the Master of the High Court Offices.

Bisho 1997+
Bloemfontein
Cape Town (1834-1955)
Cape Town 1956 -2010
Durban 2002+
Grahamstown 2000+
Johannesburg
Kimberley 1994+
Mmbatho 2000+
Pietermaritzburg -
Pretoria
Port Elizabeth
Polokwane
Thoyandou
Transvaal (1855 – 1876)
Umtata

The National Archives has documents up to these dates.

• Cape Town 1959
• Grahamstown 1962
• Kwazulu-Natal 1975
• Transvaal 1978
• Orange Free State 1951
• Kimberley 1957

As this is an ongoing project not all dates of birth and death are provided  for the deceased nor  is information on spouses. As this information becomes available this the data will be added. Please feel free at anytime to provide us with updated information, omissions or errors.

References to these indexes are either  for the Master of the High Court in the area specified or in the Archival repository mentioned in the data collection source reference.

Before documents are sent to the National Archives there is supposed to be a statutory period of 50 years where it remains with the provincial government  until it is transferred to the Master’s  of the High Court Office.

Casper De Vries

Casper de Vries has had  an Ancestry by DNA test done through Ancestry24.

Looking at his family history he thinks he is a direct descendant of Krotoa, a Khoi woman who was one of Jan Van Riebeecks interpreters. Krotoa married Pieter Van Meerhoff who today has thousands of descendants from this remarkable woman.

In July we are going to take Casper on a journey to find out if he does come from this prolific line of first Cape Settlers.

Are you related to Krotoa  or Casper? we would love to hear your story.

If any member of the public or organisation wishes to take photographs of documents from The Cape Town Archives, permission is needed and an application form needs to be filled in.

This application covers the following areas:

1. Film And Photograph Archival Records At The Western Cape Archives And Records Service, And / Or

2. Single / One-Time Use Of The Image(S) For Publishing, Transmission Or Broad-Casting, Or

3. Reproduce Images Of Archival Records Already In Your Possession.

Please note that a completed application form must accompany all requests to film or photograph records or activities at the Western Cape Archives and Records Service. Application forms must be filled out in pen. This application form must be accompanied by the following supporting documentation:

1. A covering letter on letterhead stationary explaining in detail the reason(s) for your wish to film or photograph records or activities at the Western Cape Archives and Records Service.

2. A list of the archival records you wish to film or photograph. You must supply the archival reference numbers for these records.

3. A clear photocopy of either: your South African bar-coded identity book; your passport (the “face page”); or, your South African driver’s license.

Please consult the Western Cape Archives and Records Service’s reference document, or contact the Archives regarding information about other criteria that may apply to your application.

Please submit your application as early as possible. Applications will require a minimum of two weeks for consideration and processing.

Click here to download request form.  Email application form to Erika Le Roux

Contact Details of Cape Town Archives

Western Cape Provincial Archives and Records Service

The Head
Postal address: Private Bag X9025, CAPE TOWN 8000
Street address: 72 Roeland Street, CAPE TOWN
Tel: (021) 466 8100. Fax: (021) 465 2960
E-mail:
[email protected]   (for General Correspondence)
[email protected]    (for Records Management enquiries)
[email protected]  (Reading Room Enquiries)
[email protected]   (Outreach Activities)

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