Review of update of contact details of directors and directors’ amendments

by | Dec 18, 2025 | Notices

This practice note is issued in terms of Regulation 4(1)(b) of the Companies Regulations of 2011 which stipulates that a regulatory body may issue a practice note in respect to a matter within its authority which sets out a procedure that will be followed by that regulatory agency, a procedure to be followed when dealing with that regulatory agency or that regulatory agency’s interpretation of or intended manner of applying a provision of the Act or the Regulations.

One of the functions of the Commission in terms of Section 187(4)(b) of the Companies Act 71 of 2008, as amended, is that “The Commission must receive and deposit in the registry any documents required to be filed in terms of this Act;”. All filings with the Commission are received in good faith, and the Commission always takes reasonable steps to ensure that the registers are credible despite relying on entities for such information.

With the latest developments and in conjunction with other relevant statutory bodies, the Commission has decided to once again review its processes regarding the above, with a view to eradicating unauthorised changes.

1) Henceforth, the duration for objecting to the change of contact details will be increased from 24 hours to 72 hours to give enough time for the legitimate owners to object.
2) Further to the above, other directors will be notified as well of the changes to communicate the same with the director concerned in the event the changes are not legitimate.
3) When there are changes of directors, all directors will be informed of the changes and not only the director(s) affected by the change, thus avoiding the board from realising later that the self-appointed director(s), and
4) The changes of directors will only take effect upon the submission of at least 50+1% of OTP’s by the directors.
These changes will take effect whilst we continue to do verification with the Department of Home Affairs’ National Population Register and with our in-house Foreigner Verification for Non-Citizens.

We hope that you find the above in order.

Practice notice 6 of 2025

 

 

CIPC closure during the festive season

by | Dec 15, 2025 | Gazettes

Taking into consideration that CIPC official office days are Mondays to Fridays and does not include week-ends or public holidays, notice is hereby given in terms of and for purposes of the Acts mentioned in the Schedule below, that CIPC will be closed to the public from 10h00 on Wednesday, 24 December 2024 and will reopen on Monday, 05 January 2025. 

The CIPC Offices at –

a) the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) (77 Meintjies Street, Block F – Entfutfukweni) in Sunnyside, Pretoria;
b) 1st floor, Office 103, Sancardia Building, 541 Madiba Street, Arcadia, Pretoria;
c) Norton Rose House No 8, Shop Number 3, Riebeek Street, Thibault Square, Cape Town; and
d) CIPC Kiosk in Pavilion Shopping Centre in Jack Martens Drive in Westville,

will re-open at 08h00 on Monday, 5 January 2026.

The lodgment of documents and services of legal documents will be accepted on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, until 15h30.

The days from Wednesday 24 December 2025 up to and including Friday 2 January 2026 will be regarded as dies non for purposes of the stated Acts.

CIPC offers different lodgment/filing methods for certain services to its customers. During this period, services processed by automated means will continue to be processed while those services which require back-office intervention/finalisation, e.g. services which require scanned documents to be emailed to dedicated email addresses or uploaded via electronic platforms e.g. New E-Services, will only resume from Monday, 5 January 2026.

Please also take note that with regards to name reservations, all reserved names that would have lapsed between Wednesday 24 December 2025 up to and including Friday 2 January 2026, will now have their reservation dates moved forward to Monday 5 January 2026 and will, therefore, only elapse on that date.

SCHEDULE
Trade Marks Act, 1993
Patents Act, 1978
Design Act, 1993
Copyright Act, 1978
Companies Act, 2008
Close Corporations Act, 1984
Co-operatives Act, 2005
Registration of Copyright in Cinematograph Film Act, 1977

 

Festive closure Gazette 

Automation of company and close corporation voluntary deregistration

by | Dec 5, 2025 | Notices

Dear customers

 

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) remain committed to delivering efficient, customer-focused services and streamlining the submission and filing of company-related applications. In line with this commitment, we are pleased to announce the automation of the Company and Close Corporation Voluntary Deregistration service on various CIPC electronic platforms, effective 8 December 2025.

From this date forward, all voluntary deregistrations applications must be submitted electronically via any of the authorised platforms. The dedicated email address previously used for such submissions (deregistrations@cipc.co.za) will no longer accept such documents from the indicated date.

Transitional arrangements

Applications submitted prior to 8 December 2025 will continue to be processed through the existing legacy system. Customers are advised not to submit a new application via the available online platforms if a previous voluntary deregistration application is still pending, as this may result duplication of applications and data. The application will be blocked on the online platforms if the company or close corporation has an in deregistration or final deregistration status.

To confirm the status of your submitted voluntary deregistration application, visit www.bizportal.gov.za / BizProfile to confirm the status.

  • In Deregistration will reflect if the application has been processed to commence the voluntary deregistration process.
  • Final Deregistration will reflect if the voluntary deregistration process has been finalised.

There will be no migration or transitioning of the voluntary deregistration application and the process under the existing system to the online version.

Therefore, companies and close corporation already in voluntary deregistration prior to the release of the new system will be finalised under the existing system – not the new automated version.

Automated Voluntary Deregistration service

The new automated service enables users to electronically capture the required letter information with an asset and liability checklist to commence the voluntary deregistration. To confirm that it is a company or close corporation decision, 50% of active directors or members must confirm the application via OTP on the online platform.

The service also makes provision for an enhanced objection process for those objecting to the final deregistration. The objection may be submitted by any person or third party to the company or close corporation, with a clear reason and evidence to support the reason. The objection will be evaluated by the back-office team. If the objection is to be found to be valid, the status will be changed back to in business.

This automated service has further incorporated increased notifications to the filer, directors and members, and impacted stakeholders. The relevant deregistration notifications (form CoR40.4D) will be issued electronically via email to active directors and members for objection to the electronic contact details as CIPC’s records. It is important to ensure that CIPC has the correct electronic contact details of directors and members – not their service providers or other third parties.

This automated service will have the customer impact that the processing of the voluntary deregistration process will be immediate, but the completion of the deregistration process will be reduced significantly from 4 months to a period of approximately 2 months. This waiting period is to allow sufficient time for objections to the process. The deregistration will only be finalised, if no successful objection has been received.

Legal provisions and conditions

This is a fully automated service to commence the voluntary deregistration process, and customers, directors and member are reminded that a final deregistration does not distinguish any outstanding liability or duty, but that they will continue to be liable in their personal capacity.

It is therefore advised that before the application is submitted that directors and members must ensure that they meet the requirements for deregistration, and that they have finalised, transferred or resolved all liabilities and assets. Section 83(2) of the Companies Act, 2008 is clear that removal of a company’s (and a close corporation’s) name from the companies’ register does not affect the liability of any former director or shareholder of the company or any other person in respect of any act, or omission that place before the company was removed from the register.

Directors of companies, which allows or supports the deregistration of a company may be in breach of his/her statutory and fiduciary duties as a director since he/she may not have acted in good faith and proper purpose, in the best interest of the company, and the degree of care, skill and diligence that is expected of a director and therefore, may be held personally liable in accordance with common law or in terms of the Companies Act for any loss, damage or costs sustained by the company itself or to others. (inter alia sections 76 and 77 of the Companies Act)

Members of close corporation, which allows or support the deregistration of a close corporation shall be held jointly and severally liable. (section 26(5) of the Close Corporations Act)

The person filing the voluntary deregistration of the company or close corporation will be required to confirm that he/she has the mandate from the company or close corporation to do so, and that the company or close corporation did assess its assets and liabilities before submitting. Customers are reminded that submitting false information to CIPC is a criminal offense under Section 214 of the Companies Act and may result in withdrawal of your application and criminal prosecution.

Any dispute between the directors or members that support the deregistration and the objector to the deregistration, must be resolved between themselves before resubmitting another voluntary deregistration. If the dispute cannot be resolved between the parties, the matter must be referred to the Companies Tribunal and/or other forum provided especially in terms of the legislation to which the company was non-compliant. CIPC has no authority in terms of the Companies Act, to adjudicate over such matters.

In summary:

The service will be available on the following online platforms:

  • BizPortal;
  • E-Services; and
  • Self Service Terminal

Before applying the following must be confirmed by the person who will be submitting the application:

  • All liabilities and assets have been resolved especially with example SARS, relevant banks, Central Supplier Database,
  • Director/member details are up to date and if not update via CoR39 or CK2,
  • Ensure that 50% of active directors or members resolved to commence the voluntary deregistration, and
  • Enterprise status on BizPortal.

Voluntary deregistration is a two-step process, namely:

  • Commencement of the voluntary deregistration process and placing the company or close corporation into in deregistration; and
  • If no successful objection is received, then final deregistration.

The deregistration notifications or letters will be available for download by the customer who submitted the application and/or the active directors or members free of charge for a period of 6 months after the final deregistration, thereafter it will be charged at R30. Third parties must request such information from Paper-Based Disclosure.

To support this transition, a step-by-step user guide and a list of frequently asked questions will be made available. Guidance notes (right side of screen) have been incorporated on the service for guidance as to what is required.

For further assistance, please visit www.cipc.co.za or refer to the enquiries section for guidance on submitting your queries.

Notice 57 of 2025

CIPC calls on companies to complete the compliance checklist accurately

by | Dec 4, 2025 | Notices

Dear Valued Customer,

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) notes with concern the trend of false and misleading submissions on the Compliance Checklist and reiterates that knowingly providing false information to the CIPC constitutes an offence under Section 215 of the Companies Act, 71 of 2008 (“the Act”).

The CIPC has a statutory responsibility in terms of section 187(2)(b) of the Act to monitor proper compliance with the Act. Towards achieving this mandate, the CIPC developed, tested and formally implemented in 2020 an Electronic Compliance Checklist Service on its E – Services.

The Compliance Checklist is a vital governance tool that enhances oversight and accountability in corporate South Africa. Further, it functions as a declaration by company directors and officers of the company’s compliance status and accuracy of information submitted to the CIPC.

Through the Compliance Checklist, the Corporate Governance, Surveillance and Enforcement Unit (CGSE) has been monitoring the compliance of various entities and initiating complaints (Proactive cases) in terms of Section 168(2) of the Act, which empowers the Commission to act on its own initiative in instances of suspected non-compliance.

The compliance checklist comprises 24 questions, each requiring a considered response of “Yes,” “No,” or “Not Applicable,” along with supporting comments. These questions cover key compliance requirements under the Companies Act and relevant regulations.

To illustrate:

Question 9 asks the filer whether the company has complied with Section 33 (which requires, among others, that the company must file annual returns within 30 business days of anniversary of business) when filing the Annual Returns for that Compliance Year. Most companies (filers) indicated compliance (“Yes”), yet the CIPC’s records show that annual returns for previous compliance year(s) were filed significantly later than the statutory deadline of 30 days post the company’s anniversary.

Question 17 asks the company if they complied with Section 71 which relates to Removal of Directors. The checklist reflects “Yes” for compliance with director removals. However, CIPC records reveal that there was no director removals occurred during the compliance period.

Schedule 1 deals with provisions that are concerning Non-Profit Companies. In question 24, the different companies again would select “Yes”, despite being a State-Owned Company (SOC), Private Companies, or Personal Liabilities to which Schedule 1 does not apply.

These are but a few examples demonstrating a broader trend of inaccurate or careless reporting. Such conduct undermines the integrity of the compliance monitoring process. The CIPC wishes to underscore the critical role that company secretaries and directors play in ensuring compliance with the Companies Act.

The accuracy of compliance submissions is not a mere formality but a statutory duty that contributes to corporate transparency and good governance. All company officers are reminded of their responsibilities and the legal consequences of failing to uphold them.

The CIPC will continue to exercise its mandate in monitoring and enforcing compliance and will not hesitate to act where there is evidence of misconduct or non-compliance.

The CIPC is available to support companies in areas that require intervention and to engage with external stakeholders, as part of strengthening compliance. The Compliance Checklist can be accessed by logging on to the CIPC’s e-Services, Clicking on the Other/More Services icon, Business Maintenance and then on the Compliance Checklist Link.

Notice 53 of 2025

CIPC Johannesburg Self-Service Center is relocating

by | Dec 1, 2025 | Notices

Pretoria – 1 December 2025

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) Johannesburg Self-Service Center (SSC) is moving to a new home, continuing to make it easy for the public to register new companies, file annual returns, generate certificates and manage customer profiles and other CIPC services.

Remaining in the city center, the SSC will soon relocate from Talis House on Simmonds Street to its new location at Batho Pele Building, 91 Commissioner Street, Johannesburg, starting Monday, 15 December 2025. Batho Pele building is a public service facility dedicated to improving government service delivery. As the name suggests, the principles focus on putting people first and transforming public service at all levels.

The SSC enhances customer satisfaction by enabling transactions and service access. This walk-in center will continue providing frontline essential company and intellectual property (IP) registration services, enabling businesses and individuals to complete their needs with ease.

The CIPC Commissioner, Rory Voller, says the move to this new location remains a welcoming hub and is essential for ensuring that all frontline services remain accessible to the Johannesburg residents and the surrounding areas.

“SSC’s relocation aligns with the CIPC vision designed to expand digital access and alleviate long queues in line with the service delivery standards (SDS),” says Advocate Voller.

“CIPC SDS promises to process 90% of received applications within the prescribed turnaround time, the timelines vary for different services. The Commission is committed to ensure there is service delivery efficiency, value for money and valuable impact to all our valued customers,” Advocate Voller says.

At CIPC, customer satisfaction goes beyond meeting the SDS, the digitisation strategy offers insights that help enhance operational efficiency and deliver integrated, citizen-centered solutions. These efforts are critical to facilitate economic growth and create an environment where businesses and IP owners can operate confidently and securely.

Ends

Media inquiries: Ndileka Cola – Head of Communications

Cellphone: 073 376 8758

Email Address: NCola@cipc.co.za

About the CIPC

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is a South African regulatory body responsible for the registration of companies, intellectual property (trademarks, patents, copyrights) and the enforcement of business compliance laws. It operates under the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (dtic) to ensure corporate governance, transparency and fair business practices. The CIPC also facilitates business rescue processes and promotes innovation by protecting intellectual property rights.

Notice 55 of 2025

CIPC Annual Customer and Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey Report: Enhancing Service Excellence

by | Dec 1, 2025 | Notices

Dear Customer

CIPC’s mandate is the registration of companies, close corporations, cooperatives and intellectual property rights. Related services include the disclosure of information as well as dispute resolution arising out of infringements of these rights. CIPC is making progress towards being a customer centric organisation using relevant tools to achieve an organisation that is future fit and fit for purpose. It is for this reason that CIPC has, over the past few years, conducted surveys with the objective of understanding its journey and progress made.

During the current financial year, CIPC appointed a service provider to conduct stakeholder and customer segmentation, undertake a satisfaction baseline survey, and compile a report together with a framework for improvement and implementation.

This letter serves to inform you that CIPC has appointed Digital Republic to carry out this work over a six month period. Their task includes conducting stakeholder and customer segmentation, administering a satisfaction survey and developing a comprehensive report and improvement framework.

A key part of the scope of work to be performed by Digital Republic on behalf of CIPC includes.

  • Virtual and telephonic interviews with 50 key customers and stakeholders (externally).
  • Administering 1000 customers and stakeholder surveys using other survey methodology best suited to each customer’s preferred channel.

KEY CUSTOMERS/ STAKEHOLDERS INCLUDED (NOT EXHAUSTIVE)

  1. The Minister of Trade Industry and Competition and Members of the Portfolio Committee Trade Industry and Competition (the dtic)
  2. The dtic and COTII
  3. Government clusters partners (Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Department of Home Affairs (DOH) The Department of Justice (Master of the High Court and High Court itself), National Treasury, Department of Statistics SA, The Department of Land Affairs, The deeds office, etc.
  4. Regulators and similar other institutions; SARS, Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) FSB, FIC, Higher Education Institutes (universities, universities of technology, colleges, etc), ICT, National Credit Regulator (NCR), Competition Commission, National Consumer Commissioner, Provincial Department of Economic Affairs.
  5. National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) Business Unity of South Africa (BUSA).
  6. Banking Association of South Africa (BASA), Black Business Council (BBC) and banks
  7. Chamber of Commerce
  8. CLC-SAICA, SAIPA, Law Societies (Customer or stakeholders, depending on nature of engagement).
  9. CIPC customers who are currently reached through the various communication channels used by the CIPC, including but not limited to:

  • Website and transactional website
  • Call Centre
  • Collaboration partners
  • Self-service terminals
  • Service Centre

The CIPC therefore requests you to kindly co-operate with Digital Republic, the contracted service provider, in this endeavour. You are welcome to contact Ms. Lalah Lesejane from the CIPC Strategic Communication Division by email, llesejane@cipc.co.za in case of any enquiries you may have regarding the survey.

A notice will also be placed on the CIPC website and Social Media platforms indicating that Digital Republic is in the process of conducting a customer and stakeholder index and survey on behalf of CIPC.

Notice 54 of 2025

Publication No. 202511 Notice No. 25-A

by | Nov 19, 2025 | Gazettes

Deregistration of Companies And Close Corporations. Deregistrasie Van Maatskappye en Beslote Koperasies – B List /Lys

 

NOTICE IN TERMS OF SECTION 82 (3) (b) (ii) OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2008, SECTION 26 OF THE CLOSE CORPORATION ACT,1984 AND REGULATION 40 (4) OF THE COMPANIES REGULATIONS 2011, THAT AFTER EXPIRATION OF 20 BUSINESS DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE, THE NAMES OF THE COMPANIES AND CLOSE CORPORATIONS MENTIONED IN B LIST HEREUNDER WILL, UNLESS CAUSE IS SHOWN TO THE CONTRARY, BE STRUCK OFF THE REGISTER AND THE REGISTRATION OF THE CORRESPONDING MOI OR FOUNDING STATEMENT CANCELLED.

KENNISGEWING INGEVOLGE ARTIKEL 82 (3) (b) (ii) VAN DIE MAATSKAPPYWET,2008, ARTIKEL 26 VAN DIE BESLOTE KOPERASIES,1984 DAT NA AFLOOP VAN 20 BESIGHEIDSDAE VANAF PUBLIKASIE VAN HIERDIE KENNISGEWING, DIE NAME VAN DIE MAATSKAPPYE EN BESLOTE KOPERASIES IN LYS B HIERONDER GENOEM, VAN DIE REGISTER GESKRAP EN DIE BETROKKE AKTE OF STIGTINGSVERKLARING GEKANSELLEER SAL WORD, TENSY GRONDE DAARTEEN AANGEVOER WORD.

Publication No. 202511 Notice No. 25-A

 

Date of the business rescue status report form (CoR125.1)

by | Oct 17, 2025 | Notices

This practice note is issued in terms of Regulation 4(1)(b) of the Companies Regulations of 2011 which stipulates that a regulatory body may issue a practice note in respect to a matter within its authority which sets out a procedure that will be followed by that regulatory agency; a procedure to be followed when dealing with that regulatory agency or the regulatory agency’s interpretation of or intended manner of applying a provision of the Act or the Regulations.

“Section 132(3) of the Companies Act provides that is a company’s business rescue proceedings have not ended within three months after the start of those proceedings, or such a longer time as the court, on application by the practitioner, may allow, the practitioner must-

  • Prepare a report on the progress of the business rescue proceedings, and update it at the end of each subsequent month until the end of those proceedings; and
  • Deliver the report and each update in the prescribed manner to each affected person, and to the-
  • Court, if the proceedings have been subject of a court order; or
  • Commission, in any other case.”

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has observed some confusion by some Business Rescue Practitioners regarding the date of the report. Some write on the form the date of completing the form whereas the date on the form refers to the date of the report. We have attached the form as part of this notice as an example.

The CIPC hereby urges BRPs to ensure that the COR125.1 forms are duly completed and contain the correct date.

We trust that you will find the above in order.

Practice notes 5 of 2025

 

Change of director’s contact details

by | Oct 17, 2025 | Notices

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has implemented a new system that will allow directors to update and authorise their contact information as and when the need arises. A verification link will be sent to the director concerned. The director should use this link to approve the change if it is legitimate and known to them or reject the application if it is not legitimate.

Please take note of the following outcomes that will take place within the 24-hour verification period:

  • Approved changes: If the director approves the update, the new contact details will be updated in the CIPC records within 24 hours.
  • Rejected changes: If the director rejects the update, it will not be processed, even if another party approved of it. Rejections must be submitted within the 24-hour timeframe.
  • No response: If no action is taken within 24 hours, the request will automatically lapse, and no changes will occur.

Directors are encouraged to respond promptly to any verification emails from the CIPC. Rest assured, these emails are legitimate communications from the Commission, not phishing scams. This process aims to protect directors from unauthorised changes to their contact details.

Notice 49 of 2025

Publication No. 202510 Notice No. 29-B (VOLUNTARY DEREGISTRATIONS PROCESS)

by | Oct 17, 2025 | Gazettes

Deregistration of Companies And Close Corporations. Deregistrasie Van Maatskappye en Beslote Koperasies – B List /Lys

 

NOTICE IN TERMS OF SECTION 82 (3) (b) (ii) OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2008, SECTION 26 OF THE CLOSE CORPORATION ACT,1984 AND REGULATION 40 (4) OF THE COMPANIES REGULATIONS 2011, THAT AFTER EXPIRATION OF 20 BUSINESS DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE, THE NAMES OF THE COMPANIES AND CLOSE CORPORATIONS MENTIONED IN B LIST HEREUNDER WILL, UNLESS CAUSE IS SHOWN TO THE CONTRARY, BE STRUCK OFF THE REGISTER AND THE REGISTRATION OF THE CORRESPONDING MOI OR FOUNDING STATEMENT CANCELLED.

KENNISGEWING INGEVOLGE ARTIKEL 82 (3) (b) (ii) VAN DIE MAATSKAPPYWET,2008, ARTIKEL 26 VAN DIE BESLOTE KOPERASIES,1984 DAT NA AFLOOP VAN 20 BESIGHEIDSDAE VANAF PUBLIKASIE VAN HIERDIE KENNISGEWING, DIE NAME VAN DIE MAATSKAPPYE EN BESLOTE KOPERASIES IN LYS B HIERONDER GENOEM, VAN DIE REGISTER GESKRAP EN DIE BETROKKE AKTE OF STIGTINGSVERKLARING GEKANSELLEER SAL WORD, TENSY GRONDE DAARTEEN AANGEVOER WORD.

Publication No. 202510 Notice No. 29-B