Citizenship by Descent

In terms of the South African Citizenship Act, which has been amended by the Amendment Act of 2010, a person shall only be a South African citizen by descent if such person has been adopted in accordance with the Childrens Act by a South African citizen and such child’s birth has been registered.

Historically, citizenship by descent was viewed differently under older legislation. Current requirements strictly emphasize the legal process of adoption and proper registration within the South African legal framework.