There are two types of Companies that can be registered in South Africa:
- Profit Company
- Non-Profit Company (Non-Profit Organization)
1. Profit Company Registration
Definition: A profit Company is operated for the purpose of financial growth for the shareholders. Profit Companies are formed by one or more incorporators, also known as promoters. There are four different types of Profit Companies which may have any number of shareholders.
Profit Companies are divided into four types:
1.1 Pty Company (A Private Company)
1.2 Public Company
1.3 Sole Proprietor
1.4 Partnership
Characteristics and Definitions of Profit Companies in South Africa
1.1) Pty Company (A Private Company)
Definition: A Pty is a privately owned company, which replaced the Close Corporation (CC) format in 2010. The securities of a Pty Company are not available to the public and transfer of the securities are prohibited in the Memorandum of Incorporation.
Characteristics:
- A minimum of one director is needed to run a Pty Company.
- One or more incorporators are needed to register a Pty Company.
- It is not necessary to register an Auditor, Company secretary or audit committee for a Pty Company.
- The financial statements of a Pty Company does not need to be audited, but it has to be reviewed independently.
- New company shares can be issued by the shareholders.
- A Pty Company can either be a large or a small business.
- According to the Companies Act of 2008, only those Directors that were directly involved in an action against the law should be held responsible.
This is the Company Format most businesses in South Africa use. To apply for a PTY, please go to our Company Registration Application Form.
1.2) A Public Company
Definition: A Public Company does not have certain privacy restrictions like a Pty Company. For example, the securities of a Public Company may be propagated to the general public.
Characteristics:
- Board of Directors should be formed out of three Directors.
- A Public Company has to appoint a Company secretary, an audit committee and an independent auditor.
- Social as well as ethics committees have to be appointed.
- An annual audit of the Public Company’s financial statements has to occur.
- A Public Company can have any number of shareholders.
- Unlike a Pty Company, a Public Company has to have an annual meeting with all the shareholders present.
- The shareholders have no prior rights over new shares being issued.
1.3) A Sole Proprietor
Definition: A business entity that is run by a single owner and where there is no distinction between the two.
Characteristics:
- The owner is the only resource of the Company.
- Credit might be easily extended, but unlimited liability for Company debt can result in problems.
- Creditors may take the owner’s position to settle outstanding debt in case of bankruptcy.
- Continuity could be especially difficult in case of a new owner, due to the fact that the new owner would have to take full responsibility and acceptance for everything.
- The owner receives all the profit.
- The use of the owner’s time is very flexible.
1.4) A Partnership
Definition: A business owned by two or more individuals who share management and profit.
Characteristics:
- The partners are responsible for each other’s actions.
- All of the partners are responsible for the business’ debt.
- The number of shares allocated to each partner will be determined by the incorporators.
- Partnerships are easy to start, without a big investment.
- A partnership can offer favourable taxes.
2. Non-Profit Company
Definition: A Non-Profit company registration is advantageous to the public. It often relates to cultural or social activities. It uses its profit to further its goals, instead of giving it to incorporators, members or directors except if it is permitted by the Act.
Characteristics:
- A Non-Profit company must have a minimum of three directors, as well as three incorporators.
- A Non-Profit company may be started without members. If it is started with members they may not necessarily have the power to vote.
- A Non-Profit company does not need an auditor, company secretary or an audit committee, in most of the cases.