Hi and Morning All The National Archives do offer limited free Look ups - but unfortunately for those that want copies of documents the requests have increased to such an extent that they cannot cope with the amount of people tracing their family history. Unfortunately their are large amounts of cases where people abuse this kind offer, that "regular customers" are now just ignored. Everyone would like to get their "free look up" but it also depends on how nicely you ask and how the request is worded. Private researchers and those that ask for excessive amounts are ignored. A thanks is always appreciated to the hard working staff at the archives. South Africa is one of the free countries that offer this free service but this will not last for long (so please don't abuse it while it lasts) and it is suggested to use a reputable private researcher to get these documents on your behalf. Always ask for a quote up front and know what format you are getting your documents in - if they are digital images ask for a sample of the quality of the images as there are many wanna be researchers they do charge exorbitant rates and whose quality of images is something to be desired. A list of these can be found on their web site. It is always lovely to get someone to look up documents for your but remember this also costs time and money. The waiting period in the archive can be hours for one document. Unfortunately you also cannot be guaranteed if the documents you request are for the person you actually wanted. To help preserve all these wonderful old death notices FamilyTree.co.za have an on line death notice template where you can submit your death notices on line - in this way we are helping to digitise as many death notices from around the country as possible - http://www.familytree.co.za/Secure/tools_death.aspx Have a great 2006 finding your new South African relatives and friends as well kind regards Heather MacAlister Website Manager for Media24 Digital www.familytree.co.za www.ancestry.mweb.co.za 6 Hof Street Gardens 8001 Cape Town Tel: 021-481 8316 Fax: 021- 481 8333