The Act – an Overview Part 4:  Parts 1 to 3:  Supplementary Provision Section 51 – Witnesses: additional provisions
119.Section 51(1) provides for additional requirements which must be satisfied in relation to the witnessing of authorisation, withdrawal of authorisation, nomination or withdrawal of nomination in writing, in terms of the provisions specified in this subsection. The specified provisions include those which allow a signatory to sign on behalf of an adult or a child 12 years of age or over who is blind or unable to write. The requirements are that a witness must be an adult, must be a witness to the signature and the content of the writing and must sign the writing. Where 2 witnesses are required they must be present at the same time. Subsection (2) provides for additional requirements in relation to the witnessing of verbal authorisation or verbal withdrawal of authorisation by an adult in terms of section 29(2)(b) and (3)(b)(ii). The requirements are that each of the 2 witnesses must be an adult and must be a witness to the verbal expression of authorisation or withdrawal. Again, both witnesses must also be present at the same time.