Consular Officers in Commonwealth countries have no general powers, under the Commissioners for Oaths Act 1889, to do notarial acts, certify documents, take oaths, affidavits, etc., which will be effectual in the United Kingdom. As South Africa is a member of the Commonwealth, the British High Commission in Pretoria is not permitted to perform notarial duties. Any person seeking to have documents notarised is advised to use a South African Certified Public Notary to perform this service.