What does the Soul Center Non-Profit Company registration service include — and what does it not include? #
The Christian Leaders Alliance South Africa Soul Center Non-Profit Company registration service provides administrative assistance with the supported South African Non-Profit Company registration process.
For eligible Christian Leaders Alliance South Africa members and approved Soul Centers, the administrative service fee is R0.
The service helps you prepare the information and documents needed for the supported registration, guides you through the application, reviews the information you provide, and prepares the registration for the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) process.
It does not include every legal, tax, accounting, company-secretarial or compliance service that your organisation may need before or after registration.
This article explains what is included, what is not included, and where to go if you need something outside the standard service.
What type of registration does the free service cover? #
The service currently supports the registration of a South African Non-Profit Company (NPC):
without legal company members, using the Short Standard Form, CIPC Form CoR 15.1C.
This form contains a standard Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI).
A Memorandum of Incorporation is the main legal document that sets out the fundamental rules governing a company.
The service is therefore designed for Soul Centers whose needs fit this standard NPC structure.
What is included in the R0 registration service? #
The supported service includes administrative assistance with:
- confirming whether you are eligible to use the service;
- checking your Christian Leaders Alliance South Africa membership;
- confirming that the application is for an eligible Soul Center;
- guiding you through the seven-step registration application;
- collecting the information needed for the supported NPC registration;
- explaining unfamiliar company-registration terms;
- collecting the proposed directors’ information;
- collecting proposed company names;
- providing the approved documents needed for the application;
- guiding you through preparing those documents;
- providing a protected way to upload sensitive documents;
- allowing you to save an incomplete application and return later;
- reviewing an eligible application for completeness;
- preparing the relevant CIPC registration submission;
- handling the supported registration process on your behalf;
- guiding you through the official CIPC payment stage; and
- providing administrative support when you have difficulty with the process.
If you become stuck at any stage, use the Start My Company Support Desk.
Is the administrative service really free? #
Yes.
For an eligible application, the Start My Company and Christian Leaders Alliance administrative service fee is R0.
This is provided as a Soul Center benefit for eligible Christian Leaders Alliance South Africa members.
You do not pay us a separate registration-assistance fee for the supported service.
You must still pay the applicable official CIPC charges.
These are government charges associated with the company-registration process. They are not Start My Company or Christian Leaders Alliance service fees.
Official fees can change. Always follow the current amount and payment instructions shown in the Soul Center Non-Profit Company application.
The next article in the Start Here section explains costs in more detail.
Does the service include Christian Leaders Alliance membership? #
No.
The NPC registration service does not itself create or approve your Christian Leaders Alliance membership.
The free registration service is a benefit for eligible Christian Leaders Alliance South Africa members.
If you would like to learn more about Christian Leaders Alliance, visit the official Christian Leaders Alliance website.
If you believe you are already a member but your membership cannot be confirmed, contact us through the Start My Company Support Desk so that we can help identify the problem.
Does the service include becoming a Soul Center? #
The NPC application itself does not register your ministry as a Soul Center.
However, if your church or ministry is not yet an approved Soul Center, you do not need to stop here.
Visit the Soul Centers Programme to learn what Soul Centers are and how your church or ministry can become part of the programme.
Once your Soul Center has been approved and you meet the other eligibility requirements, you can return to the CLA South Africa Soul Center NPC portal and continue with the registration process.
If you are unsure which step applies to you, contact the Start My Company Support Desk.
Does the service include help with the application form? #
Yes.
The current application contains seven guided steps:
- Eligibility
- Soul Center
- Prepare
- Directors
- Names
- Documents
- Review
Each step asks for the information needed at that stage.
The application includes explanations to help you understand what is being requested.
This Knowledgebase provides fuller guidance where a subject needs more explanation than can reasonably be included inside the application form.
If something is unclear, do not guess.
Use the Start My Company Support Desk and tell us which step you are working on and what you do not understand.
Does the service include preparing the official CIPC registration forms? #
Yes, for the supported registration.
The application may show you official CIPC documents so that you can understand the company structure being used.
Some of these documents are provided for information only.
Where the portal tells you that a document is for information only:
- do not complete it;
- do not sign it;
- do not upload it; and
- do not submit it to CIPC yourself.
We prepare the relevant CIPC registration submission for the supported application.
Submitting your own separate application at the same time can create duplicate applications, delays or additional costs.
If you decide that you no longer want us to handle the registration, contact us first through the Start My Company Support Desk before making a separate application.
Does the service include choosing a company name? #
The service includes the supported company-name process, but you choose the names you want to propose.
The application allows you to provide up to four proposed company names.
Providing several suitable choices gives CIPC alternatives if your preferred name cannot be approved.
We can explain the administrative name requirements, but we cannot guarantee that CIPC will approve a particular name.
CIPC makes the official decision.
If you are unsure how to choose suitable proposed names, contact the Start My Company Support Desk.
Does the service include choosing our directors? #
No.
The service collects and processes the information needed about your proposed directors, but your Soul Center must choose the people who will serve as directors.
The current service supports three to twelve directors.
Each proposed director should:
- know that they are being appointed;
- agree to serve;
- understand that directorship carries real responsibilities;
- provide the required personal information;
- provide the required identification documents; and
- sign the required registration documents.
Do not add someone as a director merely to reach the minimum number.
If you need help understanding the administrative director requirements, use the Start My Company Support Desk.
Does the service include documents for the registration? #
Yes.
The application provides the approved documents required for the supported process, including the Power of Attorney and Board Resolution.
A Power of Attorney gives the person handling the registration permission to carry out the specified registration work on behalf of the proposed directors.
A Board Resolution records the directors’ decision to register the NPC and authorise the registration process.
The portal explains how these documents must be prepared and signed.
Do not substitute your own versions unless we have specifically told you to do so.
If you are unsure how to complete a document, contact the Start My Company Support Desk.
Does the service include help with identity documents? #
Yes.
The application explains which identity documents are required for the proposed directors and how they must be prepared.
South African citizens use the required South African identity information and documents.
Foreign nationals use a valid passport.
Certified documents must meet the requirements that apply to the registration.
If you are uncertain whether a document is acceptable, ask us through the Start My Company Support Desk before submitting it.
This can prevent unnecessary delays later.
Does the service provide secure document uploads? #
Yes.
The registration portal provides a protected method for submitting the required documents.
The current portal accepts:
- PDF;
- JPEG;
- PNG; and
- WebP files.
The current maximum file size is 10 MB per file.
Application information and uploaded documents are handled through the protected registration system.
Sensitive identification documents should be submitted through the portal rather than ordinary email unless you have specifically been instructed to use another approved method.
Can I save my application and return later? #
Yes.
The portal includes Save & Return.
This allows you to stop before completing the application and continue later using a secure return link.
The secure return link should be kept private.
If you return to the application and need to stop again, use Save & Return again before leaving.
If you have difficulty returning to a saved application, contact the Start My Company Support Desk rather than immediately creating another application.
Does the service include reviewing my application? #
Yes.
An eligible application is reviewed before it proceeds through the supported registration process.
The review can identify issues such as:
- missing information;
- information that does not match;
- incomplete documents;
- unclear uploads;
- missing signatures;
- incorrect details; or
- something that needs clarification before the application can proceed.
If a correction is needed, you may be asked to provide updated information or documents.
This review helps prevent avoidable problems, but it does not guarantee that CIPC will approve the registration.
CIPC remains responsible for the official company-registration process.
Does the service guarantee registration? #
No.
The service provides administrative assistance with the supported registration process.
It cannot guarantee CIPC approval.
It also cannot guarantee that CIPC systems will always be available or that the registration will be completed within a particular period.
Registration can be affected by:
- incomplete information;
- unsuitable or unclear documents;
- corrections that are needed;
- proposed company-name problems;
- unpaid official fees;
- external system problems; or
- CIPC processing.
We will assist with the supported administrative process, but the official registration remains subject to CIPC.
Does the service guarantee a particular completion date? #
No.
Processing times can vary.
The total time depends on matters such as:
- eligibility confirmation;
- whether the application is complete;
- document quality;
- whether corrections are required;
- reviewer availability;
- company-name processing;
- payment; and
- CIPC systems and processing.
Do not make an important commitment that depends on the NPC being registered by a particular date unless you have allowed for possible delays.
If you are concerned about an application’s progress, contact the Start My Company Support Desk.
What if the standard CoR 15.1C structure is not suitable for us? #
Do not use the standard application if your organisation requires:
- legal company members;
- specially drafted company rules;
- a customised Memorandum of Incorporation;
- a different form of Non-Profit Company;
- unusual governance arrangements; or
- another legal structure.
Instead, contact us through the Start My Company Support Desk.
Explain what your organisation needs and why you believe the standard structure may not be suitable.
We can then help you identify the appropriate next step.
If the matter genuinely requires regulated legal or other professional advice, we will make that clear.
Does the free service include everything after the NPC is registered? #
No.
This is an important distinction.
The R0 service covers the supported NPC registration administration.
Once CIPC has registered the company, the NPC has further responsibilities.
The free registration service does not automatically include ongoing work such as:
- beneficial ownership filings;
- annual returns;
- ongoing company-secretarial administration;
- bookkeeping;
- accounting;
- tax administration;
- Public Benefit Organisation applications;
- section 18A applications;
- registered Nonprofit Organisation applications; or
- other ongoing legal, financial or regulatory work.
If you need help after registration, contact us through the Start My Company Support Desk.
Explain what you need assistance with.
We can help identify the appropriate next step and tell you whether additional assistance may be available.
Does the service include beneficial ownership filing after registration? #
No.
The free service covers the supported NPC registration itself.
After registration, the company has separate CIPC responsibilities relating to beneficial ownership information.
These post-registration filings are not included in the R0 registration service.
Do not ignore them simply because the original registration has been completed.
Once your NPC has been registered, contact the Start My Company Support Desk if you need help understanding what needs to happen next.
Does the service include annual returns? #
No.
The free registration service does not include ongoing annual-return administration.
Annual returns are part of the company’s continuing responsibilities after registration.
The NPC must continue meeting the requirements that apply to it in future years.
If you need help with this later, contact the Start My Company Support Desk.
Does the service include bookkeeping or accounting? #
No.
The NPC registration service does not include ongoing bookkeeping or accounting.
Once the company begins operating, it is responsible for keeping the financial information and records required for its activities and obligations.
If you need help identifying what kind of assistance your organisation requires, contact the Start My Company Support Desk first.
We can help you understand the next step and, where necessary, explain when qualified professional assistance is required.
Does registering the NPC make it tax exempt? #
No.
Registering an NPC with CIPC does not automatically make the organisation exempt from income tax.
A Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) is a separate tax status administered by the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
An organisation that wants PBO approval must meet the applicable requirements and apply separately.
The NPC registration service does not automatically include a PBO application.
If this is something your Soul Center wants to pursue after registration, contact the Start My Company Support Desk so that we can help identify the correct next step.
Does the service include section 18A approval? #
No.
Section 18A approval is separate from the NPC registration.
Section 18A can allow qualifying approved organisations to issue qualifying tax-deductible donation receipts.
An organisation does not receive section 18A approval merely because it becomes an NPC.
If your organisation wants to explore this after registration, contact the Start My Company Support Desk first.
Does the service include registered Nonprofit Organisation status? #
No.
A registered Nonprofit Organisation (NPO) is separate from an NPC.
An NPC is registered with CIPC.
NPO registration is administered through the South African Department of Social Development.
The Soul Center NPC registration service does not automatically register your organisation as an NPO.
If your Soul Center wants to consider additional registration after incorporation, contact us through the Start My Company Support Desk.
Does the service include legal, tax or accounting advice? #
No.
The service and this Knowledgebase provide administrative guidance and general information.
They do not provide legal, business, tax, accounting, financial or other professional advice.
However, you do not need to decide by yourself whether a particular question falls outside our scope.
Contact the Start My Company Support Desk first.
Explain what you are trying to do and what you need help with.
Where possible, we can clarify the administrative position and help identify the appropriate next step.
If the matter genuinely requires advice from an appropriately qualified professional, we will make that boundary clear.
What if I need help that is not included in the free service? #
Contact us.
The end of the R0 registration service does not mean the end of support.
Use the Start My Company Support Desk and tell us:
- which Soul Center or NPC you are contacting us about;
- whether the NPC has already been registered;
- what you are trying to do;
- what assistance you need; and
- whether there is an official deadline or communication involved.
We can then help identify the appropriate next step.
Additional work may sometimes be available separately and may involve an additional charge.
If a matter requires professional assistance outside our scope, we will explain this clearly.
What if I am not yet a Christian Leaders Alliance member? #
The free Soul Center NPC registration service is connected with Christian Leaders Alliance South Africa membership and the Soul Centers Programme.
If you would like to learn more about Christian Leaders Alliance, visit the Christian Leaders Alliance website.
If you are unsure about the pathway that applies to you, contact the Start My Company Support Desk.
What if I am not yet a Soul Center? #
You are welcome to explore becoming one.
Visit the Soul Centers Programme to learn more and begin that process.
Once your Soul Center is approved and you meet the other eligibility requirements, return to the CLA South Africa NPC portal to continue.
What should I remember about the scope of the service? #
Before beginning, make sure you understand these main points:
- the administrative service fee is R0 for an eligible application;
- official CIPC charges remain payable;
- the service currently supports a CoR 15.1C NPC without legal company members;
- the service guides and handles the supported registration administration;
- CIPC remains responsible for the official company registration;
- registration approval cannot be guaranteed;
- a particular completion date cannot be guaranteed;
- post-registration work is not automatically included in the R0 service;
- additional help may be available through the Start My Company Support Desk;
- if you are not yet a Soul Center, you can explore the Soul Centers Programme; and
- you can learn more about the wider organisation through the Christian Leaders Alliance website.
What happens next? #
Continue through the Start Here section before beginning the detailed application.
The next article explains:
Is the Soul Center Non-Profit Company registration service free, and what will I need to pay?
After completing the Start Here guidance, you can start the Soul Center Non-Profit Company application.
If anything remains unclear, contact the Start My Company Support Desk before submitting information that you do not understand.
Important note #
The Christian Leaders Alliance South Africa Soul Center Non-Profit Company registration service and this Knowledgebase provide administrative guidance and general information.
They do not provide legal, business, tax, accounting, financial or other professional advice.
Legislation, CIPC requirements, SARS requirements, government procedures, forms, fees, filing requirements and online systems can change.
Current requirements of the relevant South African authority always take precedence.
If you are unsure whether something is included in the service or what you should do next, contact the Start My Company Support Desk first.
Applicants and registered organisations remain responsible for the truth, completeness and accuracy of the information they provide and for meeting their ongoing legal, tax, financial and regulatory responsibilities.
Last checked against official information: 21 August 2026
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