Terms and Conditions

Last updated: 26 October 2026

1. About these terms

These terms and conditions apply to all services provided by ELLIPSE WORLD ("ELLIPSE WORLD", "we", "us") to any client ("you"), including translation, certified and sworn translation, revision, post-editing, localisation, desktop publishing and related language services (the "Services"). By accepting a quote, placing an order or paying for Services, you accept these terms. Any specific conditions stated in a written quote apply in addition to these terms, and prevail if they conflict.

Supplier	ELLIPSE WORLD
Address	Nelson Mandela Square, Maude St, Sandown, Johannesburg, 2146, South Africa
Email	info@ellipseworld.co.za
Website	ellipseworld.co.za

2. Written communication

ELLIPSE WORLD works in writing. Quotes, orders, instructions, changes, questions, deliveries and complaints are exchanged by email or through the website. Written communication keeps a clear record for both parties, and instructions not confirmed in writing are not binding on ELLIPSE WORLD.

3. Quotes

• Quotes are based on the documents, language pairs, type of translation, format and deadline stated in your request.
• Quotes are issued in South African Rand unless otherwise stated, with VAT shown separately where applicable.
• A quote is valid for the period stated on it, or 30 days if no period is stated.
• If the documents provided differ from those quoted, for example additional pages, illegible content or a change of deadline or format, ELLIPSE WORLD will send a revised quote in writing before continuing.
• Prices for estimates based on samples or approximate volumes are confirmed on receipt of the final documents.

4. Orders

An order is concluded when you accept a quote in writing and, where advance payment is required, when payment is received. You are responsible for providing complete, legible documents and clear instructions, including the target language, the purpose of the translation, the authority or reader that will receive it, and the spelling of names when it differs from the source documents.

5. Payment

• Private individuals pay the full amount in advance. Work starts once payment is received.
• Businesses and organisations are invoiced, and invoices are payable on receipt unless other terms are agreed in writing.
• Payment is made by bank transfer, using the details printed on the invoice, or by card through the secure payment link provided. Cheques are not accepted.
• Bank charges for international transfers are the responsibility of the client.
• ELLIPSE WORLD may suspend work or withhold delivery until overdue amounts are paid.

6. Delivery

ELLIPSE WORLD delivers translations by email in the format agreed. Signed originals of sworn or certified translations are sent by courier when required, at the delivery cost stated in the quote. Delivery dates are confirmed in writing and are met with all reasonable care. ELLIPSE WORLD is not liable for delays caused by late or incomplete documents, changes to instructions, courier delays or events beyond its reasonable control. If a delay is foreseeable, ELLIPSE WORLD will inform you in writing as soon as possible.

7. Certified and sworn translations

• Sworn translations are carried out by translators admitted by the High Court of South Africa, in the language pairs for which such a translator is available.
• Certified translations are issued with a certificate of accuracy.
• ELLIPSE WORLD advises in good faith on the type of translation an authority usually requires. However, acceptance of a translation is decided by the receiving authority, whose requirements may change. You remain responsible for confirming the requirements of the authority concerned, and ELLIPSE WORLD cannot guarantee that a document will be accepted.
• Official translations reflect the source document faithfully, including any errors, omissions or illegible passages, which are indicated in a translator's note. ELLIPSE WORLD cannot alter the content of an official document at a client's request.

8. Quality, corrections and complaints

ELLIPSE WORLD performs the Services with professional skill and care, using qualified translators and a revision process. If you believe a translation contains an error, please notify ELLIPSE WORLD in writing within 30 days of delivery, identifying the passages concerned. Justified errors will be corrected free of charge within a reasonable time. Preferential changes of style or terminology, changes to the source text after delivery, or errors resulting from incorrect information supplied by you are not considered errors and may be charged. Use of a translation after delivery does not prevent you from raising a justified complaint within this period.

9. Machine translation post-editing

Where you order machine translation post-editing, the translation is produced by a machine translation engine and then edited by a professional linguist to the level agreed in writing (light or full post-editing). Light post-editing aims at accurate, understandable text and does not include stylistic polishing. This service is not offered for certified or sworn translations.

10. Cancellation

You may cancel an order in writing at any time. Work already completed at the time of cancellation, including work in progress, is payable pro rata, together with any costs already incurred, such as sworn translator or courier fees. Where you are a consumer and a statutory cooling-off right applies to your order, nothing in these terms limits that right. By asking ELLIPSE WORLD to start work immediately, you acknowledge that services already performed at your request before cancellation remain payable to the extent permitted by law.

11. Confidentiality and personal information

ELLIPSE WORLD treats all documents and information received from you as confidential, discloses them only to the translators, revisers and service providers who need them to perform the Services, and requires these persons to observe confidentiality. Personal information is processed in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act and our privacy policy. Non-disclosure agreements can be signed on request.

12. Intellectual property

You confirm that you are entitled to have the documents you provide translated and that their translation does not infringe the rights of any third party. Once paid in full, you may use the translation for the purpose for which it was ordered. ELLIPSE WORLD retains its rights in its own tools, glossaries, methods and translation memories, which may be reused for your future projects.

13. Liability

To the extent permitted by law, the total liability of ELLIPSE WORLD for any claim arising from the Services is limited to the amount paid for the Services giving rise to the claim. ELLIPSE WORLD is not liable for indirect or consequential loss, including loss of profit, loss of opportunity or the rejection of an application by an authority. Translations intended for publication, legal proceedings, regulatory submissions or safety purposes should be reviewed by you or your advisers before use. Nothing in these terms excludes liability that cannot be excluded by law, including rights you may have under the Consumer Protection Act where it applies.

14. Force majeure

ELLIPSE WORLD is not liable for any failure or delay caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including power outages, network failures, natural disasters, strikes, illness of a specialist translator or acts of authorities. ELLIPSE WORLD will inform you in writing and propose a solution as soon as possible.

15. Website

Information on this website is provided for general guidance about translation services and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. ELLIPSE WORLD may update the content of the website at any time.

16. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any dispute will first be addressed in writing between the parties with a view to an amicable solution. Failing agreement, the dispute may be referred to the competent courts of South Africa.

17. Changes to these terms

ELLIPSE WORLD may update these terms from time to time. The version in force when you accept a quote applies to that order.