Birth certificates were officially introduced in South Africa the late 1800 and only became compulsory in 1905 in South Africa. The Cape in 1895, Natal in 1868, Transvaal in 1901, Orange Free State in 1903 Not everybody registered their child in the first month of birth. (Internet). I have had luck with newspaper announcements. Assuming that the parents had the inclination and/or the money to pay for the announcement. South African Rootschatters may be able to help.