What do I need before I start my Non-Profit Company application? #

You do not need to have every document completed before you open the Soul Center Non-Profit Company application.

The application is designed to guide you through the process, and you can use Save & Return if you need to stop and continue later.

However, preparing some information in advance will make the application much easier and can prevent avoidable delays.

Before you begin, you should make sure that:

• you are eligible to use the service;
• your Soul Center details are current;
• you have access to your Christian Leaders Alliance registration email address;
• you have at least three suitable proposed directors;
• you can obtain the required identification documents;
• you have thought about possible company names;
• you know the organisation’s South African address and contact information;
• you understand which Non-Profit Company structure the current service supports;
• you can pay the applicable official CIPC fees when required; and
• you have enough time to read each step carefully rather than rushing through the application.

Which type of Non-Profit Company does the current service support? #

The current Soul Center registration service supports CoR 15.1C only.

That form number can sound technical, so it is useful to understand what it actually means.

A Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) is the main legal document that sets out how a company is structured and governed.

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) provides different standard MOI forms for different types of Non-Profit Companies.

CoR 15.1C #

CoR 15.1C is the Short Standard Form for a Non-Profit Company without legal company members.

This is the structure currently supported by the Soul Center registration service.

It is suitable where the organisation is happy to use the standard rules contained in the short-form MOI and does not need a formal group of legal company members. This is also a practical option for smaller non-profit organisations, including churches and ministries, that do not need a more detailed Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI).

The word members here has a company-law meaning.

It does not refer to ordinary:

• church members;
• congregation members;
• ministry members;
• attendees;
• volunteers; or
• supporters.

A Soul Center can therefore have many church or ministry members while the NPC itself has no legal company members.

CoR 15.1D #

CoR 15.1D is the Long Standard Form for a Non-Profit Company without legal company members.

Like CoR 15.1C, the company does not have legal company members.

The difference is that the long form allows more detailed choices about how the company will be governed.

It can therefore be more appropriate where an organisation needs more flexibility than the short standard form provides.

The Soul Center registration service does not currently support CoR 15.1D, although support is planned for a future phase.

If you believe your organisation may need the greater flexibility of a long-form MOI, do not force your organisation into the current CoR 15.1C application. Contact the Start My Company Support Desk first.

CoR 15.1E #

CoR 15.1E is the Long Standard Form for a Non-Profit Company with legal company members.

This structure is different because the company itself formally has members.

Those legal company members can have rights and responsibilities under the company’s Memorandum of Incorporation.

This may be appropriate for an organisation that genuinely wants a formal legal membership structure.

Again, this does not simply mean that the church has congregation members.

A church may have hundreds of congregation members without those people being legal company members.

The Soul Center registration service does not currently support CoR 15.1E, although support is planned for a future phase.

If your organisation wants or requires legal company members, contact the Start My Company Support Desk before starting the current application.

A quick comparison #

Form	Company members?	Type of MOI	Current Soul Center support
CoR 15.1C	No legal company members	Short standard form	Available now
CoR 15.1D	No legal company members	Long standard form	Planned for future
CoR 15.1E	Yes, legal company members	Long standard form	Planned for future

The current Soul Center Non-Profit Company application is therefore specifically for CoR 15.1C.

If you are not sure which structure your organisation needs, contact the Start My Company Support Desk before proceeding.

Make sure your Christian Leaders Alliance membership is in order #

The service is provided for eligible Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) South Africa members and their approved Soul Centers.

You will need the email address used for your Christian Leaders Alliance registration.

The application asks for this because your membership needs to be checked.

Before starting, make sure that:

• you know which email address is connected to your Christian Leaders Alliance membership;
• you can access that email account; and
• you enter the address exactly as it appears on your Christian Leaders Alliance account.

Access to this email address is particularly important because the application’s secure Save & Return system sends your return link to your Christian Leaders Alliance registration email.

If you have a problem with your membership details, contact the Start My Company Support Desk before proceeding.

You can learn more about Christian Leaders Alliance on its official website.

Make sure your Soul Center is approved #

The application must be for an approved Christian Leaders Alliance Soul Center.

If your church or ministry is already an approved Soul Center, make sure its information is current.

If it is not yet a Soul Center, this is not a dead end.

Visit the Soul Centers Programme to learn about becoming a Soul Center.

Once your Soul Center is approved and the other eligibility requirements are met, you can return to the CLA South Africa NPC registration portal and continue.

Check that your Soul Center information is current #

The information used for the NPC registration should match the current Soul Center information held by Christian Leaders Alliance South Africa where applicable.

Before starting, check whether anything important has changed.

This may include:

• the Soul Center name;
• ministry contact details;
• location;
• email address; or
• other important organisational information.

If something is out of date, have it corrected before relying on old information for the company registration.

If you are unsure what is currently recorded, contact the Start My Company Support Desk.

Decide what the main purpose of the NPC will be #

The application asks you to choose the main purpose of the proposed Non-Profit Company.

This means the main reason the legal organisation will exist.

For most Soul Centers, the option relating to religious worship and other religious community outreach activities is likely to describe the organisation appropriately.

However, you should choose the option that genuinely best describes the main work of your Soul Center.

Do not choose an answer merely because you think it is the one expected of you.

If your organisation has an unusual purpose or you are uncertain which option fits, contact the Start My Company Support Desk before continuing.

Decide how future directors will be chosen #

The application also asks how new directors will normally be appointed in future.

This matters because the Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) records how the company is governed.

The Memorandum of Incorporation is the main legal document containing the fundamental rules of the company.

The portal will explain the available choices.

You should think about whether future directors will normally be chosen:

• at a yearly meeting; or
• by the remaining directors through a directors’ meeting or written approval.

Do not choose an option without considering how your Soul Center is actually likely to operate.

If you are uncertain, contact us through the Start My Company Support Desk.

Choose an email address for the Non-Profit Company #

The application asks for an email address that will be recorded for the proposed NPC.

Choose an address that:

• is monitored regularly;
• the organisation expects to keep using;
• is accessible to the appropriate people; and
• is unlikely to disappear if one person’s ministry role changes.

Where possible, an organisational email address is often more practical than an address that belongs solely to one individual.

For example:

admin@graceministry.org

may be more suitable for long-term company administration than:

johnsmith1982@example.com

The important point is that the email address must work and must continue to be monitored.

Decide when the financial year will end #

The application asks you to choose the month in which the NPC’s financial year will end.

A financial year is the 12-month period used for the organisation’s accounting and financial reporting.

For example, if you choose February, the organisation’s financial year will normally end at the end of February each year.

You do not need to become an accountant before choosing a financial year end, but you should make a deliberate choice rather than selecting a month at random.

If you are uncertain because of your organisation’s financial or accounting circumstances, contact the Start My Company Support Desk first.

Have the South African physical address ready #

The proposed NPC must have a real physical address in South Africa where it can be contacted.

Before starting, have the following information ready:

• street number and street name;
• building, unit or floor information where applicable;
• suburb or district where applicable;
• town or city;
• province; and
• postal code.

Do not use an invented address.

Do not enter a general description such as “Johannesburg area” or “Cape Town ministry”.

The application requires an actual address.

Have the postal address ready #

The application also asks for the organisation’s postal address.

If the postal address is the same as the physical address, you can indicate this in the application.

If it is different, have the full postal address available.

Check the spelling and postal code carefully before continuing.

Identify at least three genuine proposed directors #

A Non-Profit Company must have at least three directors.

The current Soul Center application supports three to twelve directors.

Before beginning the detailed director stage, identify the people you genuinely intend to appoint.

Each proposed director should:

• know about the proposed NPC;
• agree to become a director;
• understand that directorship carries responsibilities;
• be willing to provide the required personal information;
• be willing to provide the required identity documentation; and
• be willing to sign the registration documents.

Do not add somebody as a director simply because you need another person to reach the minimum number.

The Directors and Company Names section provides fuller guidance about directors.

Gather each director’s correct legal details #

The application requires the proposed directors’ legal information.

Do not use:

• nicknames;
• abbreviated names;
• ministry titles;
• preferred names that differ from the identity document; or
• guessed identity details.

The information entered should match the person’s official identification.

For a South African citizen, the current application uses the person’s 13-digit South African identity number.

For a foreign national, the application uses the passport number exactly as it appears in the valid passport.

Small errors can cause unnecessary registration problems, so check each person’s information carefully.

Tell foreign directors to check their passports now #

A foreign director must use a valid passport.

Before starting, check that:

• the passport is still valid;
• the person’s names are clear;
• the passport number can be read correctly; and
• the required certified copy can be obtained.

Documents certified outside South Africa may require the appropriate international authentication.

If a foreign director is uncertain about the documentation required, contact the Start My Company Support Desk before paying for unnecessary certification or authentication.

Detailed guidance is provided in the Documents You Will Need section.

Prepare to obtain a certified identity document for every director #

Every proposed director needs the appropriate certified identity document.

For a South African citizen, this means the required certified South African identity document.

For a foreign national, it means the required certified valid passport.

A certified copy is a copy that an authorised person has checked against the original and confirmed as a true copy.

The current registration requirements include important certification rules.

Among other things, the certification must be no older than three calendar months when used for the application.

Do not obtain certified copies many months in advance and assume they will still be acceptable later.

The Documents You Will Need section explains the certification requirements in detail.

If a South African director has an identity card, prepare both sides #

Where a South African director uses an identity card, both sides need to be visible as required by the current process.

The portal currently requires both sides to appear on the same single page.

Make sure the copy is:

• clear;
• complete;
• correctly certified; and
• easy to read.

Do not crop important information or submit an image where part of the card is hidden.

Do not combine several people’s identity documents onto one page #

The current certification requirements require one identity document or passport per page for this process.

Do not create one page containing copies of several directors’ identification documents.

Each person’s document should be prepared separately.

This makes the documents easier to identify, check and process.

Think about your proposed company names #

You can currently submit up to four proposed company names.

Only one is required to continue, but providing four suitable choices is strongly recommended.

Before starting, discuss possible names with the proposed directors and prepare a shortlist.

Try to provide names that are:

• correctly spelled;
• genuinely different from one another;
• distinctive;
• suitable for the organisation; and
• unlikely to be confused with an existing organisation or protected name.

CIPC ultimately decides whether a proposed name can be reserved.

The Directors and Company Names section will contain detailed guidance about choosing company names.

Do I need the Power of Attorney before I start? #

No.

You do not need to arrive at the first page of the application with the Power of Attorney already completed.

During Step 3: Prepare, the portal provides the approved Power of Attorney template for your application.

A Power of Attorney is a document in which the proposed directors authorise the person handling the registration to carry out the specified registration work on their behalf.

The preferred method is one Power of Attorney signed by all proposed directors.

If the directors are in different places, identical separate copies may be used instead.

Every proposed director must sign.

Do not create your own Power of Attorney for this registration unless you have specifically been instructed to do so.

Do I need the Board Resolution before I start? #

No.

The approved Board Resolution is also provided through the application.

A Board Resolution records the proposed directors’ decision to register the NPC and authorises the registration process.

You will need to complete and sign it before the document-upload stage, but you do not need to have it prepared before opening the application for the first time.

Do I need to complete the official CIPC forms myself? #

No.

The portal may provide official CIPC documents for you to read so that you can understand the structure being used.

Where a document is marked for information only, do not:

• complete it;
• sign it;
• upload it; or
• submit it to CIPC yourself.

The supported registration service prepares and submits the relevant CIPC forms.

Making a separate application yourself at the same time can create duplicate applications, delays or additional costs.

If you are considering handling the registration separately, contact the Start My Company Support Desk before doing so.

Make sure you can create clear digital copies of documents #

The application requires documents to be uploaded electronically.

The current portal accepts:

• PDF;
• JPEG;
• PNG; and
• WebP.

The maximum size is currently 10 MB per file.

You can use a phone or computer.

If you photograph a document:

• place it flat;
• use good lighting;
• avoid glare;
• avoid shadows;
• make sure the writing is readable; and
• make sure all four corners of the document can be seen.

Do not upload a photograph that is blurred, dark or partly cut off.

Poor-quality documents can delay the application.

Make sure you have reliable access to email #

Email is important throughout the application.

The Save & Return system sends a secure return link to your Christian Leaders Alliance registration email address.

That link allows you to restore your saved application.

The secure return link can be used only once.

If you return to your application and then need to stop again, use Save & Return again before leaving so that a new secure link can be sent.

Keep these links private.

Someone with access to a valid return link may be able to access your saved application.

You do not need to complete the application in one sitting #

The registration process contains a considerable amount of information.

You are not expected to rush through it.

If you need to:

• speak with another director;
• obtain a certified document;
• check an address;
• decide on company names;
• correct Soul Center information; or
• gather another piece of information,

use Save & Return.

It is better to stop and obtain the correct information than to guess simply to reach the next page.

Make sure the directors can sign the documents #

Before progressing too far, confirm that each proposed director will be able to sign the required documents.

This is particularly important if directors:

• live in different towns;
• live in different provinces;
• are outside South Africa;
• have limited access to printing or scanning; or
• may be unavailable for a period.

The current process can accommodate separate identical Power of Attorney copies where directors are in different places.

Planning this in advance can avoid delays when you reach the document stage.

Budget for the official CIPC charges #

The Start My Company and Christian Leaders Alliance administrative service fee is R0 for an eligible application.

You must still pay the official CIPC charges.

The current supported CoR 15.1C process totals R175 in official fees:

• R50 for name reservation; and
• R125 for the NPC registration.

Another R50 may be required if another name-reservation application becomes necessary.

Fees can change, so always follow the current amount shown in the Soul Center Non-Profit Company application.

Do not make payment before the application tells you to do so.

You do not need proof of payment before starting #

Proof of payment is required at the final stage, not before you begin the application.

The portal provides the current payment instructions when you reach Step 7: Review, pay and submit.

Make the payment only using the current instructions shown there.

Then keep the proof of payment so that it can be uploaded.

Do not rely on old banking details or payment instructions saved from an earlier application.

Think about who will coordinate the application #

Although several directors may be involved, it is helpful for one person to coordinate the practical process.

That person may need to:

• gather director information;
• keep track of documents;
• make sure forms are signed;
• monitor email;
• communicate with the other directors;
• check company-name choices; and
• respond if a correction is required.

This does not change the legal responsibilities of the directors.

It simply helps prevent important registration tasks from being forgotten.

Give yourself enough time #

Do not start the application when you have only a few minutes available and expect to finish everything immediately.

You need time to:

• read the explanations;
• check information;
• speak to directors;
• download documents;
• obtain signatures;
• obtain certified identification;
• prepare uploads;
• make payment; and
• review the final application.

The Save & Return function exists so that you can work carefully rather than rushing.

Check that your device and browser can handle document uploads #

The portal can be used on a phone or computer.

Before relying on one device, make sure you can:

• open the application;
• access your email;
• download documents;
• open PDF files;
• complete or print documents where required;
• take or obtain clear scans or photographs; and
• upload files.

If you encounter a technical problem, use the Start My Company Support Desk rather than repeatedly restarting the application.

Keep sensitive information secure #

The application contains sensitive personal information, including identity information and documents.

Use the protected registration portal for sensitive uploads.

Do not casually send director identity documents through ordinary email, messaging applications or public file-sharing links.

Keep:

• identity documents;
• signed registration documents;
• secure return links; and
• payment information

private and accessible only to people who genuinely need them for the registration.

Further guidance is available in Privacy, Security and Your Information.

Do not create several applications for the same Soul Center #

If you need to stop, use Save & Return.

Do not begin a completely new application every time you leave the portal.

Multiple applications for the same organisation can create confusion and make it harder to identify which information and documents are current.

If you lose access to a saved application, contact the Start My Company Support Desk before starting again.

What should I have ready before I start? #

A useful readiness checklist is:

• My Christian Leaders Alliance South Africa membership is current.
• I know the email address used for my Christian Leaders Alliance registration.
• I can access that email account.
• The application is for an approved Soul Center.
• The Soul Center’s current information is correct.
• The organisation will be registered in South Africa.
• The current CoR 15.1C NPC structure is appropriate for us.
• I know the organisation’s main purpose.
• We have considered how future directors will be appointed.
• I have an appropriate email address for the NPC.
• We have chosen a financial year-end month.
• I have the full South African physical address.
• I have the postal address.
• We have at least three genuine proposed directors.
• Each director knows about and agrees to the appointment.
• I have each director’s correct legal details.
• Each director can obtain the required certified identification.
• Foreign directors have valid passports.
• We have considered up to four proposed company names.
• The directors will be able to sign the Power of Attorney and Board Resolution when provided.
• I can prepare clear digital copies of the required documents.
• I can access email and upload files.
• We can pay the applicable official CIPC charges when required.
• I understand that the R0 service covers the supported registration administration, not all future compliance work.

You do not have to tick every document-related item before opening the portal.

The purpose of this checklist is to help you identify anything that may need attention before you reach the relevant stage.

What if I am missing something? #

Do not guess and do not abandon the application unnecessarily.

If you are missing:

Soul Center approval: visit the Soul Centers Programme.

A director: take time to identify a suitable person who genuinely agrees to serve.

A certified document: obtain the correct certification before the document-upload stage.

A company name: prepare several suitable choices before the name-reservation stage.

Correct Soul Center information: contact the Start My Company Support Desk for help with the appropriate next step.

An answer you do not understand: ask us through the Start My Company Support Desk instead of selecting an answer at random.

Where can I learn more about the individual requirements? #

The Knowledgebase is divided into sections so that you do not have to learn everything from one article.

Use:

• Your Registration Application for detailed guidance through the seven application steps;
• Documents You Will Need for identification, certification, the Power of Attorney, Board Resolution and uploads;
• Directors and Company Names for director requirements and choosing proposed company names; and
• the Start My Company Support Desk whenever you need help with the registration process.

What happens next? #

If you have worked through this checklist, you are ready to learn how the complete application fits together.

Continue through the Start Here section.

The next article explains:

How does the Soul Center Non-Profit Company registration process work from start to finish?

When you are ready to begin, you can start the Soul Center Non-Profit Company application.

If something is still unclear, use the Start My Company Support Desk before entering information that you are unsure about.

Important note #

The Christian Leaders Alliance South Africa Soul Center Non-Profit Company registration service and this Knowledgebase provide administrative guidance and general information.

The current service supports CoR 15.1C only. CoR 15.1D and CoR 15.1E are planned for future support but are not currently available through the registration portal.

Official CIPC requirements, forms, fees, procedures and systems can change.

Always follow the current instructions shown in the Soul Center Non-Profit Company application.

If your organisation does not fit the supported structure or you are uncertain about a requirement, contact the Start My Company Support Desk first.

Last checked against official information: 21 August 2026