Chief Master Directive 1 of 2025: Online Estate Adverts Explained

What Directive 1 of 2025 Says

The Chief Master issued Directive 1 of 2025 to modernise estate advertising. In short: where it is not reasonably possible or practical to publish a deceased estate notice in a printed newspaper, the notice may be published in an online newspaper or approved online publication, as long as it circulates in the district where the deceased ordinarily lived in the twelve months before death. Estate adverts can also be submitted through the online channels provided on the Government Printing Works platform.

Why the Directive Matters

Printed newspaper rates in some districts make estate administration disproportionately expensive, and in rural areas the “local newspaper” may be far away or no longer print at all. The directive lets executors meet the Section 29 and Section 35(5) advertising duties through credible online publications — cutting cost and delay without cutting legal compliance.

Conditions Executors Must Meet

• The online publication must circulate in the relevant district — the district of the deceased’s ordinary residence (within the last 12 months).
• The notice must still appear in the Government Gazette — the directive changes the newspaper leg, not the Gazette leg.
• The wording must follow the prescribed form (J193 or J187), in English and Afrikaans where the Master requires both.
• The executor must keep proof of publication — a page copy or digital tear sheet — on the estate file.

How We Apply the Directive for You

For every estate we place the Gazette leg through the Government Printing Works and select the correct newspaper or approved online publication for the district — whichever is faster and more affordable. Either way, your flat fee stays R400 per advert and you receive proper proof of publication for the Master’s file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is online publication now compulsory?

No — printed newspapers remain acceptable. The directive simply adds a lawful online alternative where printed publication is impractical or unreasonably expensive.

Does the Gazette requirement change?

No. Both the J193 and J187 notices must still appear in the Government Gazette; only the newspaper leg can move online.

Will the Master accept an online advert?

Yes, if the publication circulates in the correct district and you file proper proof of publication. Choosing the wrong publication is the risk — which is why executors use an advertising service that checks district coverage.

Request Your Estate Advert

Want your estate notice placed under Directive 1 of 2025 — printed or online? Send the details below and we will choose the right publication for the district. Flat R400 per advert.

Official Resources

• Chief Master’s Directives (incl. Directive 1 of 2025)
• Department of Justice and Constitutional Development — Deceased Estates
• GPW — Legal Gazettes (free downloads)
• Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965 (official PDF)

Related Guides

• J193 Notice to Creditors
• J187 Liquidation and Distribution Account
• Government Gazette Costs and Deadlines
• Proof of Publication Explained
• J193 Notice to Creditors Explained (Section 29)

Last updated: 4 October 2026 by Admin Boss – Estate Division, Pretoria. Questions? Call 074 487 5082 or email nicolette@adminboss.co.za. Admin Boss – Estate Division is a notice publication and administrative service, not a law firm; we do not give legal advice.

Related: The requirements to advertise an estate, as set out by the Master of the High Court  |  J193 and J187 forms in South Africa  |  Estate notice glossary and FAQs  |  Estate notice advertising — flat R400 per advert

Admin Boss – Estate Division is based in Pretoria, Gauteng, and assists clients remotely across South Africa — call 074 487 5082.