Glossary: Data Sources and Custodians

Purpose of this glossary #

This glossary explains common verification, compliance, fraud prevention and evidence terms in plain language. It is written for public education and onboarding, not for legal interpretation.

Source and custodian terms #

Data custodian

An organisation or authority responsible for maintaining a particular record set or source system.

Source-connected verification

Verification that checks information against a recognised source or authorised channel rather than relying only on a submitted document.

Home Affairs

The South African public authority associated with civic and identity records such as identity documents, births, deaths and related services.

Credit bureau

An organisation that maintains consumer or business credit information and provides reports under applicable credit-information rules.

Umalusi

The quality council responsible for specified general and further education and training qualifications and certificate verification functions.

CIPC

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, associated with company registration and enterprise information.

SAQA

The South African Qualifications Authority, associated with the National Qualifications Framework and foreign qualification evaluation.

Record quality terms #

Stale data

Information that may have been correct before but has not yet reflected a recent change.

Contributor update

A record update submitted by an organisation that contributes information to a bureau or shared database.

Source correction

A correction made by the custodian or contributor that owns the record.

Public knowledge note: This article is intended as general education for verification, compliance, fraud prevention and responsible data-use discussions. It is not legal advice and should not replace your organisation’s own compliance review, regulator guidance, or contractual obligations.