The South African Board for Sheriffs is a statuatory body established under section 7 of the Sheriffs’ Act and has as its objects the maintenance of the esteem of; the enhancement of the status of, and the improvement of the standard of training of and functions performed by sheriffs.
The general functions of the South African Board for Sheriffs are set out in section 16 of the Sheriffs’ Act.
The South African Board for Sheriffs also plays an indirect role in the appointment of sheriffs through it’s control over the issuing of Fidelity Fund Certificates, without which a person is not entitled to function as a sheriff.
The South African Board for Sheriffs is an public entity of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD) under the National Government of South Africa.
Vision
The vision of the South African Board for Sheriffs is to be a board that:
- Is transparent, and responsive to the needs of the Sheriffs profession
- Promote a professional Sheriffs service that is respectful and efficient to deliver justice to all with integrity and accountability
- Is accountable in terms of its legislative mandate and strive to entrench the human rights culture envisaged by the Constitution
Mission
The mission of the South African Board for Sheriffs is to:
- Provide professional and credible service to all its clients and other stakeholders
- Develop skilled, knowledgeable and motivated staff
- Develop a unified and committed Board with focused leadership
- Conduct all activities and execute its mandate in a manner that is accountable to the public and to government
- Enhance the image and goodwill of the Sheriffs profession
Core Values
The core value of the South African Board for Sheriffs are:
- Accountability: The board will ensure that the members and officials of the Board carry out their responsibilities conscientiously and with integrity
- Integrity: The board will uphold the ethical and moral principles embodied in the Codes and Policies of the Board and the Constitution of South Africa acting always with honesty, fairness and consistency
- Professionalism: The board is committed to serving its stakeholders with courtesy, to the best of its abilities and with dedication to the highest standards of service excellence
- Transparency: The board will ensure that all its practices are open to internal and external scrutiny
- Efficiency: The board is committed to managing the resources of the Board efficiently and effectively and will take steps to eliminate all wasteful and fruitless expenditure
- Respect: The board values and respects the views of all its stakeholders and will treat everyone with dignity and consideration
- Equity: The board is committed to employment equity in the recruitment of staff and opposed to all forms of unfair discrimination in its relationships with all stakeholders and the public
Overseeing Department/Entity
Office Bearers/Management
Chairperson
- Ms Khanyisa Mogale
Deputy Chairperson
- Mr Rishaad Singh
- Mrs Amanda Titus
Board Members
- Mr Deon Mhlaba
- Ms Kelebogile Mpe
- Mr Tseke Mphahlele
- Mr Goodman Mashele
- Mr Rishaad Singh
- Mrs Amanda Titus
- Mr Sello Chiloane
- Ms Nthupang Ngoveni
- Mr Randall Titus
Chief Executive Officer
- Mrs Sphiwe Mashaba (Executive Manager)
Chief Financial Officer
- Mr Sibusiso Ncambele (Finance Manager)
Senior Management
- Ms Sabina Lech (Legal, Claims and Complaints Manager)
- Mr Grenville Miller (HR and Auxiliary Services Manager)
- Mrs Melissa Africa (Risk and Compliance Manager)
Communications Officers
- Mr Solomon Mahlangu (Communications Officer)
- Mr Vincent Nel (Training and Communications Manager)
Contact Details
The contact details of the South African Board for Sheriffs are listed in the table below.
| Physical Address: | – 25 Thornhill Office Park, 84 Bekker Rd, Vorna Valley, Midrand, 1686 (Head Office) – 88 Loop Street, Cape Town, 8000 (Regional Office) |
| Postal Address: | P.O. Box 15223, Vlaeberg, 8018 |
| Telephone: | 021 426 0577 |
| Email: | contacts@sheriffs.org.za |
| Website: | www.sheriffs.org.za |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Sheriff?
The sheriff is an impartial and independent official of the Court appointed by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.
What does the Sheriff do?
The Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff must serve or execute all documents issued by our courts. These include summonses, notices, warrants and court orders.
Who regulates the Sheriff’s actions?
The South African Board for Sheriffs (SABFS) monitors the service of Sheriffs and their Deputies, ensuring it is executed in a humane manner in terms of the Code of Conduct for Sheriffs. Sheriffs operate independently from each other, in fact, they are private business people.
How do you know that the person knocking on your door is a Sheriff?
All Sheriffs and Deputies must carry a valid identification card issued by the South African Board for Sheriffs while on duty and must be able to produce it on request.
What must you do if the Sheriff comes to your home or work?
- Do not hide
- Trust the Sheriff as a representative of the court
- Ask for proof of identification
- Listen carefully to the Sheriffs instructions
- Be sure to understand what you must do next
- Do not interfere with the Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff from performing their duties
- Do not give false or misleading information
- Remember the Sheriff acts under orders from the court. If you do not follow the instructions you may be liable for prosecution and further costs
What rights does the Sheriff have?
- Enter your premises, even when you’re not there
- Open any door, vehicle or piece of furniture on your premises
- Attach, remove and sell your vehicle, furniture and moveable or immovable property
What rights do you have?
- The Sheriff must treat you with dignity and respect at all times
- The Sheriff must explain the contents of the document and what you need to do next
- The Sheriff must as far as possible keep your private affairs confidential
- The Sheriff may not attach and remove necessary items such as food and beds, bedding and clothes. There are also limitations on other things, such as tools of trade you may need to carry out your work, which may not be attached.
What area does the Sheriff cover?
Sheriffs are appointed to act within a specific magisterial district or an area within a district.
What type of cases involve the Sheriff?
The role of the Sheriff is required when there are civil judgements against people who have failed to pay their accounts, their rent or municipal services and maintenance. They also serve documents in divorce and family violence matters.
What do you do if you have a complaint against a Sheriff?
Sheriff’s report to the South African Board for Sheriffs and must comply with various laws when performing their duties. If you have a complaint, or if you are unsure of your rights, contact the South African Board for Sheriffs
Did you know?
- Sheriffs in South Africa are officers of the court and function as the executive arm of the court
- They are responsible for serving court processes like summonses and subpoenas
- Sheriffs play an important role in the execution of court orders like the attachments of immovable and movable property; evictions, demolitions etc
- The Sheriffs Act 90 of 1986, which came into operation on 1 March 1990, governs the sheriffs’ profession
- A sheriff is appointed by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services in terms of Section 2 of the Act
