Members of the public who are missing their matric and other certificates can apply for copies from the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).

Applicants can obtain details on how to apply on the WCED web site at http://wced.wcape.gov.za. The site includes application forms.

Visitors can search for "copies of certificates" on the A - Z index on the home page. Other certificates include Junior Certificates, Teachers' Diplomas or Certificates and statements of symbols.

Members of the public can apply in person for copies at WCED Client Services, WCED Head Office, Second Floor, Grand Central Building, Lower Parliament Street, Cape Town.

They can also write to the Western Cape Education Department, Directorate: Examinations, Private Bag X9114, Cape Town 8000.

Requirements include:

• A sworn affidavit stating the whereabouts of the original certificate, for example, stolen.
• A certified copy of your identity document.
• The school or college name and year of qualification.
• Your surname at the time of writing the examinations concerned.

The department charges administration fees for the copies. Details on the fees and how to pay them are available on the web site.

It takes about four to six weeks to obtain copies if qualifications were obtained before January 1992. Copies of certificates awarded after this date will take between six to 12 weeks, because they have to be ordered from Pretoria. The Department will send copies by registered post, unless applicants arrange to collect it themselves.