Post Office launches digital mail service

THE South African Post Office (SAPO) now offers a service where organisations and individuals can use an electronic registered mail to send important and sensitive documents. According to the Post Office, an e-registered mail has the same legal status as paper-based registered mail. This means police units or debt collectors will also be able to use the system to figure out whether people have received their mail and use the information in a court of law.

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Anyone who needs to send registered mail can use this system as long as they have access to the web and have the e-mail address of the intended recipient.

“At a cost of R16 (excluding VAT) per e-registered mail sent, the system offers a substantial cost advantage over the alternatives, such as delivery of legal papers by the sheriff of the court,” Sapo said.

Proof of delivery and a full audit trail is recorded and available to the sender. E-registered mail provides recipients with a free response service, which in itself will enhance recipient response.

“Access to the system is restricted to ensure protection of data, security and users, who are authenticated through a username and password as well as digital certificates,” SAPO said.

The digital post box used for e-registered mail is free. For more information, contact 0860 086 860.