Investor’s Handbook

South Africa:

2014/15

South Africa: Investor’s Handbook 2014/15

Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
Contents Foreign trade
contact details proposition South Africa about South Africa overview in South Africa taxation industrial financing South Africa abbreviations aspects vof doing business and living in South Africa

Foreword

It is with great pride that the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti)
and Deloitte bring you this updated edition of South Africa: Investor’s
Handbook.

South Africa has a number of characteristics that make it a compelling

investment destination on the African continent. The Handbook provides
investors with a broad overview of the social, regulatory and economic
environment in which they can expect to operate, highlighting the key
features and investment incentives that we believe make doing business
in South Africa an attractive proposition.

It is hoped that this publication will serve as the single most

comprehensive and authoritative source of information for investors,
exporters and businesses arriving at our shores. Please contact us for
further information and advisory support.

The Department of Deloitte

Trade and Industry (the dti): South Africa:

Private Bag X84 Private Bag X6, Gallo Manor,

Pretoria Johannesburg
0001 2052

National: Tel:
0861 843 384 +27 11 806 5000

International: Fax:
+27 12 394 9500 +27 11 806 5003

E-mail: E-mail:
investmentsa@thedti.gov.za morwilson@deloitte.co.za /
zataxpub@deloitte.co.za

www.thedti.gov.za www.deloitte.com/za
Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
Contents Foreign trade
contact details proposition South Africa about South Africa overview in South Africa taxation industrial financing South Africa abbreviations aspects vof doing business and living in South Africa

Contents

1. Value proposition 1
1.1.  Why invest in South Africa? 1

2. Fast facts about South Africa 2

2.1.  Political 2
2.2.  Economic 3
2.3.  Business 4
2.4.  Tourism 4
2.5.  Sport 5
2.6.  Education 5
2.7.  Environmental 6
2.8.  Social and infrastructure 6
2.9.  Miscellaneous 7

3. General information about South Africa 10

3.1.  Introduction 10
3.2.  Infrastructure 13
3.3.  Art, culture and sport 16
3.4.  Food and drink 18
3.5.  Education 18
3.6.  Law 19
3.7.  Industrial relations 20
3.8.  Immigration - Visas and permits 21
3.9.  Immigration - Other practical aspects 28
3.10.  Stock exchange 34
3.11.  Key economic data 35
3.12.  Overview of the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) 36

4. South Africa: An economic overview 39

4.1.  Key drivers of the South African economy 39

5. Foreign trade 54
5.1.  South Africa’s trade agreements 54
5.2.  Exchange controls 61
5.3.  Importing and exporting 67
Disclaimer 6. Regulatory requirements in South Africa 80
Unless otherwise stated, the information in this Handbook 6.1.  Corporate regulations 80
is based on conditions that existed in December 2014. The 6.2.  Banking 91
authors accept no responsibility for any errors this guide 6.3.  Money laundering 96
6.4.  Labour regulations 97
may contain, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, or 6.5.  Industrial procurement 106
for any loss, however caused, sustained by any person that 6.6.  Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) 107
relies on the information herein. While all attempts have been 6.7.  Intellectual property 116
made to provide up-to-date statistics and other details, this 6.8.  Consumer protection law 123
6.9.  Competition law 127
Handbook is not exhaustive and readers are advised to consult 6.10.  Environmental law 128
with their advisors and/or the relevant government agency. 6.11.  Climate change policy and regulations 135
6.12.  Information, communication and technology law 137
6.13.  Land regulations 138
Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
Contents Foreign trade
contact details proposition South Africa about South Africa overview in South Africa taxation industrial financing South Africa abbreviations aspects vof doing business and living in South Africa

1. Value proposition

7. South African taxation 143 1.1. Why invest in South Africa? It has political and macroeconomic stability, an
7.1.  Corporate taxation 143 abundant supply of semi-skilled and unskilled
7.2.  Transaction taxes 163 South Africa is one of the most sophisticated, labour, and compares favourably to other
7.3.  Personal taxation - Individuals 168 diverse and promising emerging markets emerging markets in terms of the overall cost
7.4.  Employment tax 179 globally. Strategically located at the tip of of doing business. For both professional and
8. Incentives and industrial financing 185 the African continent, South Africa is a key manufacturing jobs, labour costs have also
8.1.  Overview 185 investment location, both for the market historically been very competitive and less costly
8.2.  Investment and enterprise development incentives 186 opportunities that lie within its borders and as a than that of European countries.
8.3.  Competitive enhancement incentives 193 gateway to the rest of the continent, a market
8.4.  Export incentives - Non-industry specific 196 The South African Government has introduced
of approximately one billion people.
8.5.  Export incentives - Industry specific 200 wide-ranging legislation to promote training
8.6.  Industrial financing 203 South Africa is the economic powerhouse of
8.7. Industrial participation 212
and skills development and fast-track the
8.8.  Social responsibility 213 Africa and forms part of the BRICS group of building of world-class skills and competences.
8.9.  Tax incentives 214 countries with Brazil, Russia, India and China.
It has a favourable demographic profile and One of the main reasons for South Africa
9. Contacts in South Africa 226 its rapidly expanding middle class has growing becoming one of the most popular trade and
9.1. Business information services 226 spending power. investment destinations in the world is due
9.2.  Banking 228 to the country ensuring that it can meet the
9.3.  Chambers of commerce and industry 232 South Africa has a wealth of natural resources specific trade and investment requirements of
9.4.  Investment promotion agencies 233
(including coal, platinum, gold, iron ore, prospective investors.
9.5.  Government departments 235
manganese nickel, uranium and chromium) and
10. Acronyms and abbreviations 238 it has been enjoying increased attention from South Africa has a host of investment incentives
international exploration companies, particularly and industrial financing interventions that are
11. Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical aspects in the oil and gas sector. In agriculture and aimed at encouraging commercial activity
of doing business and living in South Africa 249 agro-processing, South Africa is recognised as a and its trade rules favour a further expansion
11.1.  Addendum 1: Telecommunication costs 249 leader in the region. in South Africa’s burgeoning levels of
11.2.  Addendum 2: Fuel costs 253 international trade.
11.3.  Addendum 3: Water tariffs 255 It has world-class infrastructure, exciting
11.4.  Addendum 4: Cost of living comparison 255 innovation, research and development The special International Headquarter Company
11.5.  Addendum 5: Education costs 258 (IHQ) regime makes South Africa an attractive
11.6.  Addendum 6: Cost of office space and industrial land 264 capabilities and an established manufacturing
base. South Africa has a strong tertiary location for multinational companies wanting to
11.7.  Addendum 7: Ease of Doing Business (DB) in South Africa 269
11.8.  Addendum 8: National remuneration data 272 education sector that ensures the availability of invest into Africa.
11.9.  Addendum 9: Transportation costs for goods 275 highly skilled graduates, and it is at the forefront
11.10.  Addendum 10: Cost of electricity in major centres 283 South Africa is serviced by a multitude
11.11.  Addendum 11: Immigration – Permits and visas 296 of the development and rollout of new green of international airlines, with good flight
11.12.  Addendum 12: Customs and excise regulations – technologies and industries, creating new and connections into the rest of the continent, and
Guidelines for immigrants and travellers 302 sustainable jobs in the process and reducing its unrivalled scenic beauty and reputation for
11.13.  Addendum 13: How to apply for an energy connection 307 environmental impact.
11.14.  Addendum 14: How to apply for a water connection 309 delivering value-for-money, make it an attractive
11.15.  Addendum 15: How to apply for an environmental impact South Africa has sophisticated financial, legal leisure and business travel destination.
assessment (EIA) 310
11.16.  Addendum 16: How to obtain a mining permit/right 316 and telecommunications sectors, and a number
of global business process outsourcing (BPO)
operations are located in the country.

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Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
Contents Foreign trade
contact details proposition South Africa about South Africa overview in South Africa taxation industrial financing South Africa abbreviations aspects vof doing business and living in South Africa

2. Fast facts about South Africaa1

2.1. Political • South Africa ranked 31st out of 167 countries 2.2. Economic • South Africa ranks first in platinum output,
surveyed in the Democracy Index 2012, second in palladium output, third in gold
• The African National Congress (ANC) has been compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit • South Africa’s economy is ranked as the output, sixth in coal output and ninth in
the governing political party in South Africa (EIU), ahead of France, Italy, Greece and all second largest in Africa and the 33rd largest wool output. (Economist)
since the end of apartheid. of the other BRICS countries. WorldAudit. in the world. (World Bank)
• Resources (including gold, platinum,
• South Africa is the only African country that org ranked South Africa as the 44th most • In terms of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), ferrochrome, coal and palladium) account for
is a member of the Group of Twenty (G20) democratic country in 2012. South Africa has the seventh highest per about 30% of South Africa’s export earnings.
countries. • South Africa ranked as the 63rd strongest state capita income in Africa. (World Bank)
• South Africa ranked 24th out of 192
• South Africa ranked fifth overall in the Ibrahim out of 177 countries in the Fund for Peace’s • South Africa is ranked as the 75th freest countries in the Largest Gold Reserves Index
Index 2014, which measures the quality of Failed State Index 2014. The Index measures economy in the world in the 2014 Index 2013. (Economist)
African governance. Mauritius, Botswana, state vulnerability based on 12 social, of Economic Freedom. (In 2014 South
Cape Verde and Seychelles took the first four economic, political and military indicators. Africa celebrated 20 years of freedom and • South Africa ranked first among upper
places out of 52. Nigeria was ranked 37th. democracy). South Africa’s overall score middle-income economies in the World Bank
• South Africa does not feature on the brain
(Mo Ibrahim Foundation) is higher than the world and regional Connecting to Compete 2012: Trade Logistics
drain list of top 20 countries. (Economist).
sub-Saharan averages of 60.3 and 54.6 in the Global Economy Report. Overall,
• Transparency International ranked South Africa Research indicates the brain drain of
respectively. South Africa ranks 23rd out of 155 countries
72nd out of 177 countries in its Corruption professionals from South Africa has shown
included in the Logistics Performance
Perception Index 2013. Denmark and New signs of reversing, with 359 000 highly-skilled • South Africa ranked 53rd out of 148 Indicators (LPI). Its main competitor on the
Zealand took first place as the least corrupt South Africans having returned to the country countries in the World Economic Forum’s African continent, Nigeria, is ranked 121th.
nations, with the United Kingdom (UK) ranked since the global financial crisis of 2008/9. (WEF) Global Competitiveness Report
14th , the United States (US) 19th, United Arab (Adcorp) 2013/14.
Emirates (UAE) 26th, Mauritius 52nd, Russia • South Africa is the first African country to • The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)
127th and Nigeria 144th. legalise same-sex marriage. (BBC News) ranked as the 12th best stock exchange in
• According to the Open Budget Index 2012, the world in terms of market value, trade
South Africa had the second most transparent and turnover in 2014. The London Stock
budget in the world in 2012. In 2010, South Exchange took first position followed by the
Africa ranked first. (International Budget NASDAQ in second position, Swiss Exchange
Partnership) in 10th position, and the Hong Kong
Exchange in 20th position. (IMF, Rankopedia)
• South Africa’s debt to Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) ratio is 42% (US 100%,
Japan 200% and UK 90%). The World Bank
recommends a ratio of 60%.
• South Africa’s tax revenue increased from
R100 billion in 1994 to R1 trillion in 2014.
• South Africa is the second largest exporter of
fruit in the world. (Economist)

a1
South Africa – The Good News. ww.sagoodnews.co.za. Retrieved September 2014.; http://larktours.com/50-interesting-facts-about-south-
africa; http://www.southafrica.info; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa; http://www.imf.org

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Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
Contents Foreign trade
contact details proposition South Africa about South Africa overview in South Africa taxation industrial financing South Africa abbreviations aspects vof doing business and living in South Africa

2.3. Business 2.4. Tourism • 41 South African beaches were awarded • Five South Africans hold the world extreme
Blue Flags, an international indicator of high swimming world record for swimming 2.5kms
• One of the economic powerhouses of the • South Africa is ranked among the top three environmental standards for recreational around Cape Horn.
African continent, South Africa was named countries in the world in respect of tourism beaches in 2013.
FDi Magazine’s African Country of the growth. 2.6. Education
Future 2013/14. • There are more than 2 000 shipwrecks,
• South Africa is ranked 62nd overall in dating back at least 500 years, off the South • South Africa has 30 000 ordinary public
• South Africa is ranked 10th out of 189 the latest edition of the WEF’s Travel and African coast. More than one of these, and independent schools. (Department of
countries for good practice in protecting Competitiveness Report 2013, which surveyed including the Waratah, vanished without a Basic Education)
investors in business. (World Bank Doing 140 countries on their policies to develop the trace.
Business Report 2014). travel and tourism sector. • In 1994, only 12 000 schools had electricity.
• South Africa has the highest commercial In 2013, approximately 25 000 had access
• South Africa is ranked 41st out of 189 • Cape Town was named the top tourist bungi jump in the world (710 feet). to electricity.
countries for ease of doing business, destination in the world in the 2013
26th out of 189 countries in dealing with Traveler’s Choice Destinations Awards. 2.5. Sport • According to the 2011 Census, 81.2%
construction contracts and 24th out of 189 (45.6%) of five-year-olds, 97% (94.6%) of
• The Cape Grace in the V&A Waterfront,
countries in paying taxes according to the • South Africa was the first African country to nine-year olds, 95.8% (95.1%) of 13-year
Cape Town, was named second best hotel in
World Bank Doing Business Report 2014. host the FIFA Soccer World Cup in 2010 and olds and 85.6% (81.5%) of 17-year olds
the world in the 2013 Tripadvisor Traveler’s
FIFA president Sepp Blatter awarded South attend an educational establishment. (2001
• South Africa ranks 11th out of 60 countries in Choice Awards.
Africa a grade nine out of 10 for successfully figures in brackets)
the Big Mac Index 2014.
• Cape Town International was rated the hosting the event. (Mail & Guardian)
• South Africa’s learner to teacher ratio
• South Africa is placed 14th in a list of 21 best airport in Africa, according to the
• South Africa is also only the second country improved significantly from 1:50 in 1994
countries ranked by international companies World Airport Awards 2012. O.R. Tambo
in the world to have hosted the Cricket, to 1:29 in 2012/13. (Department of
as top prospective investment destinations International was second and King Shaka
Rugby Union and Soccer World Cups. Basic Education)
for 2012 to 2014, according to the 2012 International came third. They were ranked
World Investment Report by the United 27th, 31st and 35th respectively in the world. • In 2009, the Springboks became the first • According to the Global Competitiveness
Nations (UN) Conference on Trade and international team to be world champions in Report 2013/14, South Africa ranks (out
• National carrier, South African Airways (SAA),
Development. (Unctad) both 15-a-side and Sevens rugby. of 148 countries) 23rd in quality of
won the Global Traveler’s Airline of the Year
management of schools, 33rd in capacity
• In terms of press freedom, South ranks 41st Award 2012, the highest honour awarded by • South Africa is home to the world’s largest
for innovation and 54th for availability of
out of 176 countries (higher than France, the publication for global business travellers. individually timed cycle race (the Cape Argus
research and training services.
Italy, Spain, and Portugal). Cycle Race), the world’s largest open water
• Table Mountain was inaugurated as one
swim (the Midmar Mile) and the world’s • 11 of South Africa’s 23 universities rank in the
• In terms of national brand, South Africa’s of the New Seven Wonders of Nature
largest ultra-marathon (the Comrades top 7% of the 20 000 registered universities
brand was voted the most valuable on the in 2012.
Marathon). worldwide.
continent in 2011. (Brand Finance)
• Kruger National Park supports the greatest
• South Africa produced Formula One motor • The University of Cape Town (UCT)’s Graduate
variety of wildlife species on the African
racing’s 1979 world champion, Jody School of Business is one of just 59 of 13 670
continent.
Scheckter. business schools worldwide to be triple-
crowned schools that are accredited by the
• Since the 1940s, South African golfers have
three largest and most influential business
won more golf majors than any other nation,
school accreditation associations; namely,
apart from the US.
AMBA (the Association of MBAs), European

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Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
Contents Foreign trade
contact details proposition South Africa about South Africa overview in South Africa taxation industrial financing South Africa abbreviations aspects vof doing business and living in South Africa

Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), and • South Africa has the highest level of • South Africa has the distinction of being • South Africa’s rail network ranked 11th in
Advance Collegiate Schools of Business international certification of its tree one of only 12 countries in the world where terms of longest networks and ninth in
(AACSB). plantations in the world. More than 80% it is safe to drink tap water. As at 2012, terms of millions of tons per km transported
of South African plantations are certified by the quality of South African tap water was in 2013/14. (Economist)
• The University of South Africa (UNISA) is a
the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). (Paper ranked third best overall. (Institute of Waste
pioneer of tertiary distance education and is • South Africa ranked number 21 in terms of
Manufacturers Association of South Africa) Management of Southern Africa)
the largest correspondence university in the language diversity out of 224 countries in
world with approximately 300 000 students. • In 1991, South Africa became the first • In 2012/13, 16.5 million South Africans 2012/13. Papua New Guinea ranked as the
country in the world to provide full protection benefited from access to social grants, most linguistically diverse country and the
• The University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute
status for the great white shark within its 11.5 million of which were children, Vatican the least. (Greenbergs Diversity Index.
of Business Science (GIBS) was the highest
jurisdictional waters. 3.5 million pensioners and 1.5 million with Ethnologue.com)
ranked African business school and is ranked
disabilities. In 1994, only 2.5 million people
42nd overall in the world in 2013. (Financial • Johannesburg ranks second among countries
had access to social grants, the majority of 2.9. Miscellaneous
Times Executive Education rankings 2013) from Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa in
which were pensioners.
dealing with urbanisation and environmental • South Africa has 11 official, state-wide
• The first MBA programme outside of the
challenges. (MasterCard Insights Report on • Since 1994, 435 houses have also been built languages, more than any other country.
US was started by the University of Pretoria
Urbanisation and Environmental Challenges) each day for the poor.
in 1949. • Two of the world’s most profoundly
• All paper in South Africa is produced from • South Africa ranked 40th out of 105 compassionate philosophies originated
• Stellenbosch University was the first African
plantation grown trees, recycled paper countries in the Global Food Security Index, in South Africa – Ubuntu (the belief in a
university in the world to design and launch
or bagasse (sugar cane fibre). Fibre is not which at the time ranked the US in the top universal bond of sharing that connects all
a microsatellite.
sourced from the wood of rainforests, spot and the Democratic Republic of Congo humanity) and Gandhi’s notion of passive
indigenous or boreal trees. (Paper (DRC) at the bottom. resistance (Satyagraha), which he developed
2.7. Environmental
Manufacturers Association of South Africa) while living in South Africa.
• According to the Global Competitiveness
• South Africa is the only country to house an Report 2013/14, South Africa ranked (out
2.8. Social and infrastructure • The only street in the world to house two
entire floral kingdom (fynbos), one of only six of 48 countries) 11th for quality of air Nobel Peace Prize winners is in Soweto.
on the planet. transport infrastructure, 48th for quality of
• South Africa’s population is ranked among Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond
• The Cape Floral Kingdom has 9 600 plant the top 30 largest populations in the world. railroad infrastructure, 51st for quality of Tutu both have houses in Vilakazi Street,
species, 70% of which are not found port infrastructure and 63rd for quality of Orlando West. South Africa ranks seventh
• Johannesburg is currently ranked as the overall infrastructure.
anywhere else in the world. in terms of number of Nobel Peace prizes.
54th largest city in the world. Shanghai is
(Economist)
• South Africa has the third highest level of the largest city in the world and Moscow
biodiversity in the world. and London are ranked ninth and 24th
respectively. (Economist)
• Approximately 900 bird species are found in
South Africa alone, which represents 10% of
the world’s total bird species.
• South Africa ranks 18th in terms of biggest
emitters of CO2, ninth as a proportion of
GDP and 27th in terms of CO2 per person.
(Economist)

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Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
Contents Foreign trade
contact details proposition South Africa about South Africa overview in South Africa taxation industrial financing South Africa abbreviations aspects vof doing business and living in South Africa

• South Africa houses one of the three largest • Several important scientific and technological
telescopes in the world at Sutherland in developments have originated in South
the Karoo. Africa. The first human-to-human heart
transplant was performed by cardiac surgeon,
• The world’s largest diamond was the Cullinan
Christiaan Barnard in December 1967. Max
Diamond, found in South Africa in 1905. It
Theiler developed a vaccine against yellow
weighed 3,106.75 carats uncut. It was cut
fever, Allan McLeod Cormack pioneered
into the Great Star of Africa, weighing 530.2
x-ray computed tomography, and Aaron
carats, the Lesser Star of Africa, which weighs
Klug developed crystallographic electron
317.40 carats, and 104 other diamonds of
microscopy techniques.
nearly flawless colour and clarity. They now
form part of the British crown jewels. • Mark Shuttleworth founded an early, internet
security company, Thawte; subsequently
bought out by world-leader, VeriSign.

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Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
Contents Foreign trade
contact details proposition South Africa about South Africa overview in South Africa taxation industrial financing South Africa abbreviations aspects vof doing business and living in South Africa

3. General information about South Africa

3.1. Introductionb1 According to Census 2011, the country’s Electricity current 18 April 2014 (Good Friday)
population stands at approximately 220 /230 Volts AC50HZ.
The Republic of South Africa (also referred to as 21 April 2014 (Family Day)
51.77 million people. The 2014 estimate is
South Africa, SA or RSA) is a state in Southern Time
54.002 million people. Africans are in the 27 April 2014 (Freedom Day)
Africa. It is a parliamentary republic comprising Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) + 2 hours.
majority, making up about 79.2% of the total
nine provinces and is located at the Southern tip 28 April 2014 (Public Holiday)
population. The coloured population makes Corporate information
of Africa. up approximately 8.9% of the total population, (Business hours - a broadly based guideline). 1 May 2014 (Worker’s Day)
South Africa is a constitutional democracy in the white population 8.9%, the Indian/Asian
Monday to Friday 08h00 to 17h00 7 May 2014 (Voting Day)
the form of a parliamentary republic. It is one population 2.5% and “other”, 0.5% of the
of the founding members of the African Union total population. South Africa also contains Saturday 08h30 to 13h00 16 June 2014 (Youth Day)
(AU), and has the largest economy of all the the largest communities of European, Asian,
In metropolitan areas, many large department 9 August 2014 (National Women’s Day)
members. It is also a founding member of the and racially mixed ancestry in Africa and all
stores are open until 17h00 and sometimes later
United Nations (UN) and New Partnership for ethnic and linguistic groups have political 24 September 2014 (Heritage Day)
on weekdays, and on Saturdays and Sundays
Africa’s Development (NEPAD). South Africa is representation in the country’s constitutional
from 09h00 to 13h00 (sometimes later). 16 December 2014 (Day of Reconciliation)
a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, democracy.
Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), Southern African Fiscal year 25 December 2014 (Christmas Day)
South Africa is known for diversity in culture,
Development Community (SADC), South Atlantic 1 March to 28 February.
languages and religious beliefs; often referred to 26 December 2014 (Day of Goodwill)
Peace and Cooperation Zone (ZPCSA), Southern as the “Rainbow Nation”. Banking hours
African Customs Union (SACU), World Trade Monday to Friday 08h30 to 15h30
Organization (WTO), International Monetary Official Name 2015
Fund (IMF), Group of 77, G20, G8+5 and BRICS Republic of South Africa. Saturday 08h00 to 11h00 1 January 2015 (New Year’s Day)
(Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). Capitals The last working day of each month 08h30 to 21 March 2015 (Human Right’s Day)
South Africa is ranked as an upper-middle Cape Town (legislative), Pretoria 15h30. Cash is readily available from Autoteller
(administrative), Bloemfontein (judicial). 3 April 2015 (Good Friday)
income economy and is considered to be a Machines (ATMs) 24 hours a day.
newly industrialised country. Its economy is the Head of State 6 April 2015 (Family Day)
Currency
second largest in Africa and the 28th largest in Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma - elected The monetary unit is the South African Rand 27 April 2015 (Freedom Day)
the world. President of South Africa in 2009. (Rand), equivalent to 100 cents (international
1 May 2015 (Worker’s Day)
It has been identified as a middle power in symbol ZAR).
Form of State
international affairs, and maintains significant Federal, comprising a central government 16 June 2015 (Youth Day)
Bank note denominations
regional influence. and nine provincial governments. R200, R100, R50, R20, R10. 9 August 2015 (National Women’s Day)
Poverty and inequality remain widespread, with National symbols Coin denominations 10 August 2015 (Public Holiday)
about a quarter of the population unemployed. National bird: blue crane; National animal: R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c.
the springbok; National fish: galjoen; 24 September 2015 (Heritage Day)
National flower: protea and National tree: Public holidays 2014 /2015 b2
2014 16 December 2015 (Day of Reconciliation)
the yellowwood.
1 January 2014 (New Year’s Day) 25 December 2015 (Christmas Day)
Measures
Metric system. 21 March 2014 (Human Right’s Day) 26 December 2015 (Day of Goodwill)

b1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa.; SouthAfrica.info. http://www.southafrica.info/about/facts.htm. b2
The Public Holidays Act (Act No 36 of 1994) determines whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday following on it shall be
a public holiday.

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Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
Contents Foreign trade
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Geography Populationb4 Principal international trading partners of 3.2. Infrastructureb7

South Africa is divided into nine provinces 54.00 million (2014 mid-year estimate). South Africa (besides other African countries)
covering 1 221 037 km2 (471 443 miles2). include: Germany, the US, China, Japan, the UK South Africa has a modern and well-developed
51.77 million (Oct 2011 Census). transport infrastructure. The roads are world-
Broadly speaking, South Africa comprises two and Spain.
main regions: an inland plateau fringed by 44.80 million (Oct 2001 Census). class. The air and rail networks are of the largest
Main exports are metals and minerals. Machinery on the continent and the country’s ports provide
coastal plain on three sides. The main industrial
Country comparison to the world: 28. and transportation equipment make up more a natural stopover for shipping to and from
and commercial areas are centred in Cape
than one-third of the value of the country’s Europe, the Americas, Asia, Australasia and both
Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria. Growth rate: 1.58% (2014 estimate).
imports. Other imports include: automobiles, coasts of Africa.
The main harbours are: Durban, Cape Town,
Economyb5 chemicals, manufactured goods and petroleum.
Port Elizabeth, East London, Richard’s Bay and The transport sector has been highlighted by
Mixed economy, upper middle-income, emerging
Saldahana Bay. There are no commercially Ease of doing business in South Africab6 the Government as a key contributor to South
market. Considered a newly industrialised
navigable rivers. South Africa ranked 41st out of 189 countries Africa’s competitiveness in global markets. It
country. Ranked 26th in the world in terms of
in the World Bank and International Finance is increasingly being seen a crucial engine for
Climate GDP (PPP). Also considered to be the 36th safest
Corporation’s Doing Business 2014 Report, an economic growth and social development.
Temperate, warm and sunny. tax haven in the world.
annual survey that measures the time, cost and
Summer 15ºC to 35ºC. Winter 0ºC to 20ºC. Second largest economy in Africa after Nigeria. hassle for businesses to comply with legal and South Africa ranked 34th out of 160 countries
In 2013, ranked as top African country in terms administrative requirements. in the World Bank’s 2014 Logistics Performance
Overall, dry. Annual rainfall, 464mm; world Index (LPI) topped by Germany, with Somalia
of economic potential, cost effectiveness,
average, 857mm. South Africa fell below developed countries ranked the lowest. Besides China, South Africa
infrastructure, business friendliness and foreign
such as Japan (27) and France (38) , and also performed above its BRICS counterparts.b8
Natural resources direct investment.
above developing economies such as Mexico
Gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron-ore, Ports and shipping
Main industries include: mining (world’s (53), China (96), Russia (92), Brazil (116) and
manganese, nickel, phosphates, tin, rare-earth
largest producer of platinum), gold, chromium, India (13). Major shipping lanes pass along the South
elements, uranium, gem diamonds, platinum,
automobile assembly, metalworking, machinery, African coastline in the South Atlantic and
copper, vanadium, salt, natural gas. The report placed South Africa 10th for its
textiles,iron and steel, chemicals, fertiliser, Indian oceans.
protection of investors, the best of all African
Economic region foodstuffs and commercial ship repair.
countries, and it recorded improvements in the Approximately 96% of the country’s exports are
Sub-Saharan Africa.
Abundant supply of resources, well-developed areas of trading across borders, paying taxes conveyed by sea, and the eight commercial ports
Official languages financial, legal, communications, energy, and and getting electricity. are the conduits for trade between South Africa
Eleven official languages: Afrikaans, English, transport sectors, a stock exchange that ranks and its Southern African partners, as well as hubs
For the World Bank’s 2014 results of Doing
Ndebele, Sepedi, Sesotho, Seswati, Setswana, among the top 20 in the world and a modern for traffic to and from Europe, Asia, the Americas
Business in South Africa refer to: Addendum 7:
Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. Though English infrastructure supporting an efficient distribution and the east and west coasts of Africa.
Doing Business in South Africa in 2014.
is commonly used in public and commercial life, of goods to major urban centres throughout the
it is only the fifth most-spoken home language. entire region. The state-owned Transnet National Ports
English is the business language.b3 Authority (NPA) manages the country’s ports.
Largest energy producer and consumer on These are: Richards Bay and Durban in KwaZulu-
the continent. Natal; East London, Port Elizabeth and the Port
The South African Rand (ZAR) has in recent of Ngqura in the Eastern Cape; and Mossel Bay,
years been one of the most actively traded Cape Town and Saldanha in the Western Cape.
emerging market currencies in the world.

b3
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa. b6
http://www.southafrica.info/business/investing/open.htm#cost
b4
Statistics South Africa website; World Bank.Development Indicators Database b7
http://www.southafrica.info/business/economy/infrastructure/
b5
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa. b8
lpi.worldbank.org
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Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
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Durban is Africa’s busiest port and the largest A multibillion-rand freeway improvement Metrorail commuter services can be found in Other international airports (that do not
container facility in Southern Africa, while scheme has significantly eased congestion Cape Town, the Eastern Cape Province, Durban, handle intercontinental flighs) include:
Richard’s Bay is the world’s largest bulk on the roads in Gauteng, the country’s and greater Johannesburg and Pretoria, focusing King Shaka Airport (Durban), Kruger
coal terminal. busiest province. mainly on poorer South Africans. Mpumalanga International Airport and
Mafikeng International.b10
The Port of Ngqura, developed off the coast from In addition, South Africa’s Public Transport Tourists and well-heeled passengers can travel on
Port Elizabeth, is the deepest container terminal Strategy plans to integrate rail, taxi and bus the Blue Train, one of the world’s most famous The smaller airports (i.e. Bloemfontein, Port
in Africa, and is a key part of Coega, one of services in cooperation with private operators, luxury trains, while Shosholoza Meyl transports Elizabeth, East London, George, Kimberly,
the country’s strategic Industrial Development both operationally and through ownership. passengers between the country’s major cities. Pilansberg and Upington) handle only
Zones (IDZs). domestic flights.
Johannesburg’s successes with the Bus Gautrain rapid rail link
The Dube Trade Port, launched in March 2012, Rapid Transport System (BRTS) has led to it The Gautrain is an 80 km rapid railway The 10 airports are run by Airports Company
includes King Shaka International Airport. The being adapted and implemented in other system in Gauteng, South Africa, which South Africa (ACSA), and handle more than 98%
port is operated by a state-owned company and South African cities, including Cape Town, links Johannesburg, Pretoria and OR Tambo of the country’s commercial air traffic.
includes a cargo terminal, trade zone, agrizone Nelson Mandela Bay, Rustenburg, Tshwane International Airport.
The Airports Council International named Cape
and IT and telecommunications platform. and Ekurhuleni.
This railway is intended to relieve the traffic Town International the best airport in Africa in
The old Durban International Airport will be Railways congestion in the Johannesburg-Pretoria traffic 2011. OR Tambo International is Africa’s busiest
turned into a multibillion-rand dug-out port corridor and offer commuters a safe and viable airport and was named third best airport on the
South Africa has an extensive rail network
by Transnet. Expected to be ready by 2019, alternative to road travel as Johannesburg has continent.
managed by the Department of Public Enterprises
development plans include the creation of an limited public transport infrastructure.b9
via Transnet. South African Airways (SAA) is the largest air
automotive component supplier park around
The train offers international standards of public carrier in Africa, with connections to more than
the port. The country’s rail infrastructure, which connects
transport. Travelling at maximum speeds of 28 cities across the continent. SAA also offers
the ports with the rest of South Africa, and major
Roads 160km to 180km per hour, it reaches Pretoria its cutomers 1 356 destinations in 193 countries
networks in the Sub-Saharan region, represents
from Johannesburg in less than 40 minutes. The and 215 000 flights daily.
South Africa’s total road network is about about 80% of Africa’s total.
minimum frequency between Johannesburg
754 000 km, of which more than 70 000 km In 2012, South African Airways (SAA) was
Improving the country’s rail network is a top and Pretoria is six trains per hour per direction
are paved or surfaced roads. voted the best airline in Africa for the 10th
Government priority, with projects aiming to and it operates approximately 18 hours per day.
year in a row by UK global aviation research
While the Department of Transport is increase freight rail volumes and increase market Approximately 40 000 people use the service
organisation, Skytrax.
responsible for overall policy, road-building share of container traffic. every day.
and maintenance is the responsibility of
The Government has also taken the safety of Airports and airlines
the South African National Roads Agency
passengers seriously, increasing the number of
(SANRAL), as well as the nine provinces and South Africa’s main airport is OR Tambo
railway police officers and building rail police
local governments. (Johannesburg) International, and Cape
stations in several stations in the Western Cape,
Town International is the secondary airport.
About 3 000 km of the national roads are toll KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, and also created
roads. About 1 800 km of these are maintained a new rail and bus operator, the Passenger Rail
by SANRAL, while the rest have been Agency of South Africa (Prasa), by merging the
concessioned to private companies to develop, operations of the South African Rail Commuter
operate and maintain. Corporation, Metrorail, Shosholoza Meyl and
Autopax, the company that runs the Translux and
City-to-City buses.
b9
Business Report. 28 July 2011. http://www.iol.co.za/business/business-news/gautrain- joburg-to-pretoria-line-ready-1.1107888.
b10
http://www.southafrica.org.za/south-africa-info-airport-infrastructure.html

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Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
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World heritage sites 3.3. Art, culture and sport South African dance is characterised by its Sportb15
vitality and has gained much international
There are eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Art and cultureb12,b13 Sports in South Africa have a passionate
acclaim. Contemporary dance companies of
South Africa; namely:b11 following, although remaining largely divided
The arts and culture of South Africa is as rich South Africa include: Jazzart Dance Theatre
on ethnic lines.
• iSimangaliso Wetland Park (KwaZulu-Natal: and diverse as the country itself. (Cape Town), the Soweto Dance Company,
cultural heritage) the Napac and Pact Dance Companies Football (or “soccer” as it is known in South
The Department of Arts and Culture of South (Johannesburg). Africa) is the most popular sport in South Africa.
• Robben Island (Western Cape: cultural Africa endeavours to safeguard and develop the South Africa’s soccer team is called “Bafana
heritage) country’s cultural, artistic and linguistic heritage. South African theatre - South Africa offers an
Bafana”. South Africa hosted the 2010 FIFA
endless variety of theatrical experiences, ranging
• Cradle of Humankind (Gauteng: cultural Interesting websites to visit are those of the World Cup, the first one hosted in Africa.Cricket
from the indigenous drama, dance, music and
heritage) Department of Arts and Culture (http://www. is the second most popular sport in South
cabaret to the classical opera, ballet, West End
dac.gov.za) and Science and Technology Africa. The national cricket team is nicknamed
• uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park (KwaZulu- and Broadway hits. South African theatre has
(http://www.dst.gov. za) and the South African the “Proteas”.
Natal: mixed heritage) an international reputation for being unique
National Gallery (http://www.iziko.org.za/sang). and top class. Major performing arts companies Other popular sports include: rugby union,
• Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape (Limpopo:
South African arts - Historically, the art in South Africa include: State Theatre (Pretoria) boxing, hockey, surfing, netball and running.
cultural heritage)
community makes up a very small percentage of and ArtsCape (Cape Town). The national rugby union team is nicknamed
• Cape Floral Region (Western and Eastern the total population. the “Springboks”.
South African literature - South Africa has
Cape: natural heritage)
With the lifting of the cultural boycott towards some great writers and poets whose literary South Africa’s sporting achievements goes
• Vredefort Dome (Free State: natural heritage) the end of the century, the South African artists outputs have been acclaimed worldwide and wider than the “big three” sports, however.
received recognition in the international art have also won several major awards. These In a country of magnificent golf courses,
• Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape
world. Today South Africa is a storehouse of the authors and poets have contributed greatly for example, South Africa has bred some
oldest and finest rock paintings in the world in towards enriching the English literature. world-beating stars including: Bobby Locke,
addition to the contemporary masterpieces and Renowned literary geniuses of South Africa Gary Player, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Trevor
other works of arts and crafts that the country include: Alan Paton, JM Coetzee, Allister Sparks, Immelman, Charl Schwartzel, Louis Oosthuizen
can be proud of. Nadine Gordimer and Zakes Mda. Fiction has and others. South Africa has also bred world
been written in all of South Africa’s 11 official champions among our swimmers, athletes,
South African music - South African music languages, with a large body of work in surfers, boxers, tennis players and more.b16
is characterised by a fusion of local ideas with Afrikaans and English.b14
influences from other countries. From the days South Africa was absent from international
of colonisation, the indigenous people of the sport for most of the apartheid era due to
country were influenced by the Westerners sanctions.
and adopted their musical instruments and
ideas. Today several pop and rock musicians
have made their mark in the world of
international music.
South African dance - South Africa possesses
a long tradition of fine classical ballet with the
oldest dance company being the Cape Town
City Ballet.
b11
http://www.southafrica.info b14
http://www.southafrica.info/about/arts/literature.htm#ixzz2aWKOPHMn
b12
123independenceday.com. b15
http://en.wikipedia.or
b13
http://www.southafrica.info/about/arts/ b16
http://www.southafrica.info/about/sport/sportsa.htm
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Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
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3.4. Food and drinkb17,b18 Wine made from imported grape varieties such • Primary: It is compulsory for children to start • Phasing in the learning of an African
as chenin blanc, chardonnay, merlot and shiraz in the year they turn seven. Primary education language at South Africa’s schools. Cabinet
South Africa has a fantastic culinary tradition has been made in the Western Cape for three usually takes seven years to complete. has welcomed the Education Department’s
and its wines are famous throughout the world. centuries. Two local specialities are Muscat recent announcement to start preparing for
The cuisine can be generalised as: • Secondary: This usually takes five years and
d´alexandrie (made from hanepoot), a sweet the introduction of African languages as an
most subjects can be taken on the higher or
• Cookery practised by indigenous people of dessert wine, and Pinotage, a uniquely South additional language subject at all schools in
standard level (grade).
Africa such as the Sotho and Nguni-speaking African cultivar developed from pinot noir and 2014 by phasing it in in selected schools in
people. cinsaut (hermitage) grapes. • Post-school and tertiary training: Provided each province.
countrywide by numerous universities,
• Cookery that emerged from several waves of South Africans are also prolific beer drinkers. • Teacher education and development
technical colleges, numerous teacher training
colonialisation and immigration introduced programmes have been strengthened,
colleges and a number of other institutions.
during the colonial period by people of 3.5. Educationb19 including funding for bursaries for
UNISA offers correspondence courses
Dutch, German, French and Indonesian trainee teachers.
South Africa’s Constitution guarantees equality worldwide.
descent (since 1652) Afrikaner, British descent • The National Schools Nutrition Programme,
and non-discrimination, cultural freedom and The school year commences in January and
(since 1805 and 1820 Settlers) and their which gives more than 8.8 million school
diversity, the right to basic education for all and ends in December.
slaves or servants. This includes the cuisine children a cooked meal five days a week.
equal access to educational institutions.
of the so-called Cape Malay people, which Notable developments include:
has many characteristics of Indonesia and The majority of learners in South Africa 3.6. Law
cooking styles from neighbouring colonial attend government-assisted schools, under • With a new curriculum at its heart, the focus
cultures such as Portuguese Mozambique. a single national system that is organised is on literacy and numeracy. Known as the South African law is founded on the Roman-
and managed on the basis of nine provincial Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement Dutch law, although aspects of our law
South Africa also has a significant “eating out” (CAPS), the new curriculum provides very
sub-systems. However, private schools run by (particularly the company laws and the law
culture. While there are some restaurants that specific guidelines to streamline what is
church denominations or private enterprises of evidence) have been heavily influenced by
specialise in traditional South African dishes taught in schools with the aim to close the
are an important feature of the educational English law. General commercial legal practices
or modern interpretations thereof, restaurants divide between well-resourced and poor
system. Private school pupils generally follow relating to transactions and the drafting of
featuring other cuisines such as Moroccan, schools. Curriculum implementation is
the same syllabuses as their fellow learners in commercial agreements are generally globally
Chinese, West African, Congolese and Japanese supported through the national educational
government schools. applicable and in line with developed countries.
can be found in all of the major cities and many portal, Thutong (Setswana, meaning “place
of the larger towns. The education of the poorest of the poor of learning”). There is a world-class and modern Constitution
remains a priority, and includes two notable (including a Bill of Rights) in place that regulates
In addition, there are also a large number of • The introduction of standardised assessments
programmes. One is no-fee schools, institutions human rights and all legislation.
“home-grown” chain restaurants such as Spur of grade three, six and nine to better
that receive all their required funding from
and Nando’s and a proliferation of fast food track progress; an emphasis on early child Trade and industry is undertaken within the
the State and so do not have to charge school
restaurants such as McDonald’s and Steers. development and universal access to framework of a free enterprise economy. The
fees. These have been carefully identified in the
Grade R; ensuring learners have access to courts are open to foreigners on exactly the
Typical South African foods and dishes include: country’s most poverty-stricken areas.
good quality textbooks; and improving same terms and conditions as South African
mealie pap, biltong, biryani and bobotie,
During a child’s school career, he/she will school infrastructure and strengthening citizens, although many commercial disputes
chutney, frikkadelle (meatballs), potjiekos (stew),
probably attend the following schools: school management. are resolved through arbitration by agreement
koeksisters (syrup-coated doughnut), milktart
between the parties.
and rusks. • Pre-primary: To become compulsory between
six and seven in the near future.

b17
20 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_African_cuisine
b18
http://www.zuidafrika.nl/food-and-drink
b19
http://old.southafrica.co.za/coming_to_sa_37.html
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Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
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3.7. Industrial relations Collective bargaining is regulated by the Labour 3.8. Immigration - Visas and Key principles
Relations Act. The Labour Relations Act 66 of permitsb20
Any foreign employees working in South Key principles to understanding the current
1995 (the Act) promotes collective bargaining
Africa for a South African employer will be South Africa’s immigration system is regulated process to obtain a work visa, or any other
and, in particular, sectoral level collective
protected by South African employment laws. by the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of visa to allow a person to reside in South Africa
bargaining, as the desired method of setting
The employment relationship will, therefore, 2002) (the Act). This Act ensures, inter alia, include:
wages and conditions of employment. The
be governed and regulated by South African Act strongly promotes centralised bargaining that economic growth is promoted through • Every foreign national in South Africa (unless
employment law. at industrial or sectoral level. Most collective the employment of needed foreign labour, he/she is an asylum seeker/refugee or also has
bargaining occurs at employer level, but foreign investment is facilitated, the entry South African citizenship), no matter what
Trade unions remain an important force in South
some industries are regulated by industry level of exceptionally skilled or qualified people their age or their reason is for being in the
Africa, active in most industries, representing
bargaining councils where bargaining between is enabled, skilled human resources are country, must have a visa endorsed into their
a significant percentage of the workforce.
employer and employee organisations will take increased, academic exchanges within the passport that sets out the reason for being
The Congress of South African Trade Unions
place. Southern African Development Community in the country and for what period/length
(COSATU) is the largest of three major trade
(SADC) is facilitated, and tourism is promoted, of time;
union centres (COSATU, Federation of Unions The Labour Relations Act also regulates while at the same time ensuring that security
of South Africa (FEDUSA) and National Council and deals with dismissals or termination of • The visas that a person can apply for to
considerations are fully satisfied.
of Trade Unions (NACTU) in South Africa. A list employment, which must be both substantively sojourn in South Africa are activity-based (i.e.
of registered trade unions can be accessed at: and procedurally fair. Minimum terms and As of 26 May 2014, the new Immigration to study, to invest or to work). There is no
www.workinfo.com/registeredtradeunions.htm conditions of employment on the other Regulations, 2014 (the Regulations), came “general” or all-purpose visa that allows a
or www.labourguide.co.za/general/registered- hand is regulated by the Basic Conditions of into operation and brought about significant foreign national to do whatever he/she wants
trade unions-in South-Africa. Employment Act 75 of 1997. changes regarding the classes of visas that and for however long he/she wants; and
may be issued to foreigners wishing to enter
South Africa, as well as a number of other • As a matter of policy, it is preferred that
administrative measures. The Department of people enter South Africa on the correct
Home Affair’s website (www.dha.gov.za), or category of visa. Other than in exceptional
South African High Commission or Embassy circumstances, foreign nationals who
or Consulate, should be consulted for the are issued with a visitor’s visa or medical
latest Regulations. treatment visa, will not be allowed to change
their visas or terms and conditions attached
The Immigration Act provides for two main to their visa from inside the country. Such
categories under which a person may sojourn in foreign nationals would have to return
South Africa, being visas for temporary sojourn to their country of origin or permanent
and permits for permanent sojourn. residence to apply for an appropriate visa
In order to determine which visa would be to re-enter the country for the purpose for
suitable to apply for, the applicant must have a which they would like to be in South Africa.
clear purpose for which he/she would want to
be in South Africa, and approach the nearest
South African Embassy in his/her country of
origin or permanent residence, to make an
application in person.

b20
Department of Home Affairs. www.dha.gov.za

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• If a person’s visa expires before he/she leaves As the list for visa exemptions can change permanent residence. The following categories • Relatives’ visa:
South Africa, he/she is deemed to have without notice, it is advisable that applicants of temporary residence visas can be applied for:
- Immediate family members, or members
“overstayed” and will be regarded an “illegal” confirm their visa exemption status on the
• Visitor’s visa. of a South African citizen or permanent
person. Such persons may, upon voluntarily official website of the Department of Home
resident, may apply for a relative’s visa.
leaving South Africa, be declared undesirable Affairs, or alternatively contact the nearest • Study visa:
The South African citizen, or permanent
for a period of time depending on the length South African Embassy. (Addendum 11:
- Issued for the duration of the applicant’s residence permit holder, must provide
of the overstay. A person who overstays, may, Immigration - Permits and visas also includes
studies; and financial assurances as contemplated in
if found by the police/immigration officials a list of visa exempt countries). A list of South
the Act (minimum financial assurance of
inside the country, be detained pending African Embassies can be obtained from the - Study visa holders no longer have to
R8 500);
deportation as an illegal foreigner. Where a Department of International Relations and renew their visas on a yearly basis.
person has obtained a false or fraudulent visa, Cooperation at: www.dfa.gov.za. - Relatives’ visas are valid for a maximum
• Treaty visa:
he/she will be deemed to be a “prohibited” period of 24 months at a time and may
All applications for visas must be made in
person and such a person would not - This gives foreigners permission to enter be extended;
person at the South African Missions, and this
qualify for a port of entry visa, visa, and South Africa to participate in programmes
will allow the implementation of the risk- - Applications must be made at any South
admission into the Republic or a permanent that have been agreed upon by South
based approach, including verification of the African Mission in the applicant’s country
residence permit. Africa and the applicant’s respective
applicant’s credentials, supporting documents, of origin or permanent residence; and
country.b21
Visas (port of entry visas) etc. (for temporary sojourn). Applications for
- For a spouse, or a dependent child of
renewals, or extension of visas, can be made • Business visa:
The Act has been amended to refer to all a South African citizen or permanent
inside South Africa and must be lodged at
categories of temporary residence permits as - To establish a business or to invest in an resident, the permit is issued free of
one of the 11 VFS Global Centres countrywide
visas, such as visitor’s visa, work visa, study existing business venture. charge, while there is a fee for other
(www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica/).
visa etc. and the work permit shall remain relatives wishing to join their family
• Medical treatment visa:
for purposes of permanent residence permit, A change of status, or terms or conditions in the members in South Africa.
which is for a longer stay in the Republic. This Republic, will be permitted on all other visas, - Applications must be made at any South
• General work visa:
amendment seeks to make a clear distinction unless provided otherwise, except for a person African Mission in the applicant’s country
between short stay visas and permanent who is on a visitor’s visa or medical treatment of origin or permanent residence; and - Issued where the South African employer
residence permits. visa, who would have to make an application can show that it has been unable to find
from outside the Republic for the relevant visa - A medical treatment visa holder may
a South African citizen (or permanent
Foreign nationals from some countries are not work or apply for work while in the
that he/she may be wishing to apply for. resident) with the same skills (or better)
exempt from obtaining visas before coming to country, and cannot change his/her status
than those a foreign national has;
South Africa; others are not. Nationals from Temporary residence visas or terms or conditions of his/her visa,
countries that are exempt from obtaining visas while resident in the Republic. - A general work visa may be issued
There are various categories of temporary
can enter South Africa, and will have their for a period not exceeding five years
residence visas, ranging from visitor’s visa for
passports endorsed with the visitor’s visa at (renewable); and
tourism to work visas. These visas are valid
the port of entry (up to the limit of their visa
for periods of between one month and 24
exemption), for visits that justify this form of
to 36 months. Generally, the principle is to
entry, such as business meetings and holidays.
apply for the visa that most closely applies to
Nationals that are not exempt from obtaining
your circumstances prior to coming to South
visas are required to obtain a visa at the
Africa, at the relevant South African Embassy or
South African Embassy before they depart for
High Commission in your country of origin or
South Africa.
b21
www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica/Treaty.html

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- An application for a general work visa confirming skills and qualifications; a

must, among other requirements, be certificate of registration (or proof of
accompanied by a certificate from the application for a certificate) if required
Department of Labour (DOL) confirming by law from the recognised professional
that: despite a diligent search, the body or council; and a SAQA evaluation.
prospective employer has been unable
• Intra-company transfer work visa:
to find a suitable citizen or permanent
resident with qualifications or skills and - This visa allows for employees to be
experience equivalent to those of the temporarily transferred/deployed to a
applicant; the applicant has qualification branch, subsidiary or an affiliate of that
or proven skills and experience in line company in South Africa;
with the job offer; the salary and benefits
- Intra-company transfer work visas are
of the applicant are not inferior to
issued for a period of four years and are
the average salary benefits of citizens
not renewable; and
or permanent residents occupying - the dti and DOL will make a - The amount in cash, originating from
similar positions; and the contract of - An application for an intra-company visa recommendation in respect of the outside the Republic, to be invested in
employment stipulating the conditions must be accompanied by a contract of corporate visa application. a business to be established, or in an
of employment and signed by both the employment with the company abroad existing business in the Republic, is to be
employer and the applicant is in line with that is valid for a period of not less than • Exchange visa:
at least R5 million;
the labour standards in the Republic and six months. (The relevant employer shall - Exchange visas may be issued to
is made conditional upon the general ensure a skills transfer plan is developed - The capital contribution must be to new
foreigners who are not older than
work visa being approved. for the transfer of skills to a South African machinery or equipment; and
25 years of age and wish to participate
citizen or permanent resident). in cultural, economic or social exchange - The visa is valid for three years and is
• Critical skills work visa:
• Retired person visa: programmes administered by an organ renewable.
- The introduction of this category of work of state or a learning institution, in
visa aims to assist in the attraction of - Retired persons’ visas may be issued The Department of Home Affairs, a South
conjunction with an organ of a foreign
critical skills to the Republic; to persons who wish to retire in South African Embassy or High Commission, or one
state or learning institution.
Africa, provided that such persons comply of the VFS Global Centres countrywide, may be
- Both the quota and exceptional skills • Business visa: approached for assistance with advice. There is
with the financial requirements provided
work permits have been replaced with a prescribed fee chargeable by the Government
for in the Act and its Regulations. - The amendments to both the Act, and
the critical skills work visa. It will be for the processing of these visa applications, as
issued for a period not exceeding five • Corporate visa: its Regulations, are such to ensure
well as a separate administrative fee charged
years (renewable); and that business visas are to be issued for
by VFS Global, which is responsible for the
- The corporate visa (which allows for businesses that will enhance the national
- An application for a critical skills visa processing of visa and permit applications on
bulk employment) may we be issued for interests, and to provide a procedure for
must be accompanied by proof that the behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.
a period not exceeding three years (not the dti to first assess the feasibility of
applicant falls within the critical skills The relevant fees are available from VFS Global
renewable); the prospective business venture, and
category in the form of: a confirmation in Centres at: www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica/
the benefit it would have for the South
- Companies will be required to provide index.html.
writing from an accredited professional African economy, before a business
proof that at least 60% of the total staff
body or council recognised by the South visa may be issued. This will entail a
complement are citizens or permanent
African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) recommendation from the dti;
residents; and

24 25
Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
Contents Foreign trade
contact details proposition South Africa about South Africa overview in South Africa taxation industrial financing South Africa abbreviations aspects vof doing business and living in South Africa

Permanent residence permits • Child of a South African citizen or permanent • Person who wishes to establish or invest in an • A relative of a South African citizen or
resident under 21 years of age: existing business: permanent resident within the first step of
The permanent residence permits are, as the
kinship:
name implies, permanent in nature, and holders - This section applies to the child of a - This category is applicable to a foreigner
of permanent residence status have all the South African citizen or permanent who intends to establish a business in - This category applies to a foreigner who
rights of South African citizens except for those resident under the age of 18 years. A the Republic, or who already holds a is a relative of a citizen or a permanent
expressly reserved for citizens (e.g. voting). permanent residence permit under this temporary residence permit to conduct a resident within the first step of kinship.
section is issued on condition that it business in the Republic, or who intends
The various classes of permanent residence Notes:
shall lapse, unless an application for its to invest in an existing business in the
permits are as follows:
confirmation is submitted within two Republic. • A permanent residence application takes
• Foreigner with five years continuous work visa years after the date on which the child between one to two years to process.
• A refugee as referred to in Section 27(c) of
status: turns 21 years of age.
the Refugees Act: • It is advisable to seek advice before
- This category applies to a foreigner who • Child of a South African citizen: applying for permanent residence as
- This category is applicable to Refugees
has been a holder of a work visa for a there could be tax and Reserve Bank
- This section applies to the child of a as referred to in Section 27(c) of the
period of five years and has proven to implications.
citizen and no age restriction applies, Refugees Act, 1998 (Act No. 130
the satisfaction of the Director-General of
since the child of a South African citizen of 1998), subject to any prescribed • The categories of permanent residence
Home Affairs that he/she has received an
by birth or descent qualifies for South requirement. applications can be divided into those for
offer for permanent employment.
African citizenship on the basis of his/her workers and those who are not workers.
• A retired person:
• Spouse of a South African citizen or parent’s citizenship status. This category
permanent resident for a continuous period is applicable to South African citizens by - This category is applicable to a foreigner • It is important to ensure that the individual
of five years: naturalisation. that intends to retire in South Africa, qualifies for a permanent residence permit
provided that such foreigner proves to before applying. The requirements for the
- This category applies to a person who • Person possessing extraordinary skills or different classes of permanent residence
the satisfaction of the Director-General
has been the spouse of a South African qualifications: can be obtained from the Department of
that he/she has: the right to a pension,
citizen or permanent resident for a Home Affairs, or alternatively from one of
- This applies to a foreigner who has or an irrevocable annuity, or a retirement
period of five years, provided that a the VFS Global Centres.
demonstrated to the Director-General’s account that will give such a foreigner
good spousal relationship exists and on
satisfaction that he/she possesses a minimum prescribed amount for the
condition that the permit shall lapse if, For additional information on permits and
extraordinary skills/qualifications, and rest of his/her life; or that the person
within two years after the date of issue visas (published by the Department of Home
to those members of such foreigner’s concerned has a minimum prescribed
of the permanent residence permit, the Affairs) refer to: Addendum 11: Immigration -
immediate family determined by net worth.
relationship no longer exists, except in Permits and visas.
the Director-General under the
the case of death. • Financially independent:
circumstances, or as may be prescribed.
- This category is applicable to a foreigner
who has proven to the satisfaction of
the Director-General that he/she has
a prescribed minimum net worth of
R12 million, of which R120 000 shall
be paid to the Director-General of the
Department of Home Affairs upon
approval of the application.

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Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
Contents Foreign trade
contact details proposition South Africa about South Africa overview in South Africa taxation industrial financing South Africa abbreviations aspects vof doing business and living in South Africa

3.9. Immigration - Other practical • Register the enterprise logo as a trade mark
Note:
The type of bank account that you are able
aspects with CIPC; to open in South Africa depends on the type
of permit that you have been issued with
• Ensure that all of the enterprise’s intellectual • South African law used to provide
Customs and excise regulations i.e. should you have a work permit you will
property has copyright on them; and for a business entity type called Close
For information on customs and excise be able to open a normal resident account
Corporations (CCs) until the Companies
regulations refer to: Addendum 12: Customs • Where the product is unique, register the with no restrictions. Should your entry visa
Act 71 of 2008 came into force on
and excise regulations – Guidelines for product as a patent with the CIPC. not permit you to earn an income in South
1 May 2011. CCs may no longer be
immigrants and travellers. Africa, a non-resident account will be opened.
For further information on registering a business created. However, existing CCs will
This account is subject to the restriction of
in South Africa contact the CIPC at: continue to operate until they are
Registering a business in South Africab22 not permitting South African currency to be
converted into companies.
To successfully register a business in South Website: www.cipc.co.za deposited, i.e. can only be funded by foreign
• Companies operate on the basis of limited currency. In both instances you will require the
Africa the following procedures would be E-mail: info@cipc.gco.za
liability. As a general rule, members are following documentation:
required: Customer contact centre: 0861 002 472 not liable for the debts of a company.
• Decide on the type of business entity to form; • Valid passport with entry visa
International fax: +27 12 394 1015 However, there are exceptions to this
International tel: +27 12 394 9973 rule. Branches of foreign companies are • Letter of introduction from your foreign bank
• Decide on a name for the enterprise (with at
accorded legal status in South Africa by
least two other alternatives); Choice of business entity • Three month’s bank statements from your
virtue of registration as external companies
• Undertake a name search on the Companies but are not recognised as separate legal current bank
The principal methods of doing business in
and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) South Africa are by using a: entities (except for exchange control • Proof of residential address
website (www.cipc.co.za) to ensure that your purposes). Tax and other considerations
preferred name has not been reserved by • Company (public or private) incorporated affect the choice of a particular form Some exceptions may nonetheless be made.
another enterprise; under the Companies Act 71 of 2008) of business entity. The most commonly A resident’s account may only be opened by a
• Personal liability company adopted forms of doing business by person holding a valid resident’s permit.
• Reserve a proposed name by completing the
foreign investors are private companies
relevant forms available from the CIPC. • Partnership Opening an account for a business in South
and branches.
• Draw up a business plan; Africa is subject to the company being
• Business trust
registered in South Africa. The bank will
• Await a registration number for the proposed • Sole proprietorship most likely request providing the founding
Opening a bank account in South Africab23
enterprise; documents of the company, as well as proof
• External company (branch of a foreign
As a foreigner, opening a bank account in South of the company’s operating address. These
• After receiving the enterprise number, apply company)
Africa requires the possession of a valid work or documents should be on hand after obtaining a
for a VAT number, income tax number,
residency permit. In addition, you would have to business permit.
Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE), Skills Development
provide a passport and proof of address (a utility
Levy (SDL) and Unemployment Insurance
bill usually suffices) and may also have to make
Fund (UIF) number from the South African
an opening deposit of a significant amount.
Receiver of Revenue (SARS);

b22
www.cipc.co.za b23
http://www.initiateimmigration.com/working-in-south-africa/bank-accounts/

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Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
Contents Foreign trade
contact details proposition South Africa about South Africa overview in South Africa taxation industrial financing South Africa abbreviations aspects vof doing business and living in South Africa

Credit and charge cards commonly accepted Suggested procedures to follow in applying Forms to be completed include the following: Once an application has been submitted, the
in South Africa include: Diners, Mastercard, for a business permit/licence include licensing department will send a report to the
• Application for permanent residence permit
Standard Bank Card, Visa and American the following: other municipal departments involved in the
(BI-947)
Express. Cash can be drawn from most ATMs, process. Each of these departments will then
• Go to any nearest Home Affairs office or
with withdrawal fees varying from bank to • Power of attorney in respect of an need to do a site inspection to ensure that the
South African Foreign Office if applying
bank. Traveller’s cheques are also a form of application/extension of (an) immigration business complies with the following:
from abroad.
accepted payment or exchange, incurring permit(s) or temporary residence (BI-29)
• Any law that relates to health and safety;
variable commission fees. All major credit cards • Complete forms BI-947 and BI-29 if you have
Tips include:b25
are accepted and South Africa possesses both a representative. • Any law and/or town planning scheme that
a nationwide network of ATMs and a robust, • Depending on the location of the business, relates to land use rights;
• Submit the following:
rapidly growing online banking system. Daily you will either be dealing with a metropolitan
• Any law applicable to building control
withdrawal limits for ATM cards have historically - A passport valid for no less than 30 days council, a local town municipality or an area
in compliance with the national building
been capped at R2 000 with each withdrawal after expiry of the intended visit; district council. It is advised you first call your
regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977;
incurring a fee. This fee varies widely depending local council to confirm whether or not you
- A medical report and radiological reports,
on size of withdrawal and bank type. need a business or trade licence, and where • Any law applicable to noise and air pollution;
if applicable;
you can obtain the necessary information and and
Applying for a business permit/licenceb24
- Police clearance certificates in respect of all application forms. Also find out whether or
• Any law applicable to public safety.
A business permit/licence may be required to countries resided in for one year or longer; not your business will require any additional
establish a business or invest in South Africa. In permits or certificates; Once all the departments have approved the
- A business plan, outlining the feasibility of
certain instances trading without a valid licence application, the business or trade licence is
the business; • Business or trade licence requirements are
is illegal and a punishable offence. issued. The licence remains valid until such time
governed by the National Business Act and
- Proof or an undertaking that at least five as ownership changes or the activity specified
Foreigners may apply for a business permit apply throughout the country, whereas
South Africans or permanent residents on the licence changes.
at a South African Foreign Office or at the permits and certificates are generally issued
will be permanently employed in the
Department of Home Affairs’ office. in terms of local authority by-laws. These For any further advice or information regarding
business;
by-laws tend to differ from municipality business permits/licences (including costs)
To establish a business in South Africa, a
- A written partner agreement containing to municipality; and contact the Department of Home Affairs at:
capital of at least R2.5 million is required.
full details of the partners/directors and 0800 601 190 (within SA) +2712 406 2500
To invest in an existing business, the capital • Make sure that the licensing department
their residential status in the Republic, (abroad).
contribution of the business must be issues you with proof of application
if the application is in respect of an
R2.5 million and be part of the intended and payment of fees before you leave
investment in an existing business;
book value of the business. (The amount may their offices.
be only reduced if your business falls within the - An undertaking to register with SARS;
sectors of national interest.) and
- A certification by a chartered accountant
that at least R2.5 million in cash
or a capital contribution of at least
R2.5 million or a combination of cash
and a capital contribution amounting to
R2.5 million is available.

b24
http://www.services.gov.za/services/content/Home/ServicesforForeignNationals/Permanentresidence/Applicationforabusinesspermit/ b25
http://bizconnect.standardbank.co.za/start/registrations-legalities/a-licence-to-trade.aspx

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Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
Contents Foreign trade
contact details proposition South Africa about South Africa overview in South Africa taxation industrial financing South Africa abbreviations aspects vof doing business and living in South Africa

Buying propertyb26 in the name of an entity (e.g. company or As far as borrowing money in South Africa to
Note:
trust) then this entity would need to be purchase property, the South African Reserve
Essentially, there are no restrictions on
locally registered and meet the requirements Bank will consider all foreigners not having their • If the purchase was financed with funds
non-residents/foreigners buying property
associated with the chosen entity, such as those domicile in South Africa to be non-residents, borrowed in South Africa, that portion of
in South Africa except for a prohibition on
contained in the Companies Act. barring foreigners with South African work the purchase price cannot be repatriated
”illegal aliens” owning immovable property in
permits who will be considered residents for the out of the country unless the bond has
South Africa. Should a non-resident not acquire property in
duration of their work permit. Non-residents are been settled in full.
an entity, then that money brought in will be
Non-residents will naturally have to adhere to thereby restricted in their borrowing ratio to 50%
represented as a loan to the local entity that • Furthermore, if a foreigner takes up
the same rules, regulations and processes that of the purchase price, while the remaining 50%
would require exchange control approval. In permanent residency in South Africa and
residents are subject to, should the non-resident must be brought into the country in cash from a
most cases, however, property is registered in signs a ”Declaration and Undertaking”
not wish to purchase property in his/her foreign bank.
the name of the purchaser as an individual. at a South African bank, they will be
individual name and alternatively purchase
To qualify for a South African mortgage considered a resident for exchange control
Note: bond, the non-resident will need to provide purposes and only able to repatriate funds
proof of earnings and comply with the within five years of their immigration,
• A non-resident is permitted to purchase
Financial Intelligence Center Act. In order for following which they will be considered
South African property without entering
a non-resident to service repayments on a akin to a South African and subject to
the country. However, should they intend
mortgage bond, a non-resident account would the same regulations and limitations. The
to live on the property, they would need
need to be opened. This can be done from repatriation of funds will also be subject to
to comply with the Immigration Act, and
abroad or from within the country. capital gains tax.
have either a valid permit to temporarily
remain in the country or be in possession Where non-residents decide to sell the
of a permanent residency permit. Health insuranceb27,b28
property, they will be allowed to remit the
proceeds offshore. Money from a foreign source It is recommended that immigrants take out
With regard to bringing foreign funds into may be repatriated in due course according to medical/life insurance upon arrival in the country
South Africa for a property acquisition, foreign South Africa’s exchange control regulations, thereby securing private medical aid scheme
funds may be deposited into any nominated together with any profit, proportionate to that coverage. South African, as well as international
bank account in South Africa (usually the estate non-residents shareholding in the property. companies, should be considered.
agent or transferring attorney’s trust account On transfer to the non-resident purchaser of
South African companies - The largest
into which the deposit for the property and the the property, the title deed will be endorsed
medical insurer in South Africa is Discovery
balance of the purchase price is paid). When the “non-resident” and/or a “deal receipt” retained
Health (www.discovery.co.za). One of the
non-resident transfers funds into a South African by the banking institution when the foreign funds
smaller recommended healthcare providers is
account from a foreign source, a record of such were originally introduced into the country.
Selfmed (www.selfmed.co.za).
funds entering South Africa are kept (known as
a “deal receipt”). This is an important piece of
documentation that must be kept for purposes of
repatriation of the funds.

b26
http://www.propertyforsale.co.za/showArticle.php?type=buyerInfo&articleId=44 b27
www.justlanded.com.
b28
http://www.propertyforsale.co.za/showArticle.php?type=buyerInfo&articleId=44

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Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
Contents Foreign trade
contact details proposition South Africa about South Africa overview in South Africa taxation industrial financing South Africa abbreviations aspects vof doing business and living in South Africa

Foreign companies - There are a number of 3.10. Stock exchange Listing on the JSE can provide a company many 3.11. Key economic datab29
foreign health insurance companies with agents benefits including: access to capital to grow
or offices in South Africa or offering cover for The JSE Ltd (JSE) is Africa’s premier exchange. your business; an enhanced public profile; Interest rates
people living in South Africa, including AXA It has operated as a market place for the an ability to attach a value to your company; Prime rate (October 2014): 9.25%
PPP Healthcare (www.axappphealthcare.co.uk), trading of financial products for nearly 120 B-BBEE deals are facilitated; and if you’re an Interbank rate (October 2014): 4.25%
BUPA International (www.bupa-intl.com), the years and in this time, it has evolved from a international company, a listing can be used as a Repo rate (October 2014): 5.75%
Exeter Friendly Society (www.exeterfriendly. traditional floor-based equities trading market springboard into the rest of Africa. Sabor rate (October 2014): 5.650%
co.uk) and HealthCare International (www. to a modern securities exchange providing fully
Future developments may include: the creation Treasury bills – 91 day (October 2014): 5.97%
healthcareinternational.com). electronic trading, clearing and settlement in
equities, financial and agricultural derivatives of a market along the lines of the Alternative
Investment Market on the London Stock Currency
Note: and other associated instruments, and has
extensive surveillance capabilities. The JSE is also Exchange or the Neuermarkt (in Frankfurt) US$ = R11.28 (October 2014)
• If you aren’t covered by South African for bracket venture capital and development
a major provider of financial information and a £ = R18.22 (October 2014)
social security and need comprehensive boards; the demutualisation of the JSE and its
valuable commodity in South Africa’s economic € = R14.20 (October 2014)
private health insurance to obtain a listing; the purchasing of the South African
landscape.
residence permit, you must ensure that Futures Exchange; the creation of a pan-African Rate of inflation
your health policy will be accepted by the As South Africa’s only full service securities exchange; and working together with the
authorities. exchange, it connects buyers and sellers BRICS member exchanges to develop new CPI – Headline (October 2014): 6.4%
in five different markets: equities, equity equity index related products representing the CPI –Total country (October 2014): 6.4 %
• Most international insurance companies
derivatives, agricultural derivatives, and interest BRICS economies. PPI – Headline (October 2014): 7.2%
offer health policies for different areas, e.g.
rate instruments. The JSE provides companies PPI – Intermediate manufacturing (October
Africa, Europe, worldwide excluding the For additional information refer to the JSE
with the opportunity to raise capital in a highly 2014): 6.7%
US, and worldwide including the US. website at: https://www.jse.co.za.
regulated environment through its markets: the PPI – Agriculture (October 2014): 3.9%
• Most companies also offer different Main Board and the Alternative Exchange (AltX).
levels of cover, e.g. basic, standard, Market capitalisation
The JSE holds a treasured position as one of
comprehensive and prestige. Each level
the top 20 exchanges in the world in terms of Market capitalisation (October 2014):
has a different limit on the total annual
market capitalisation. It is also regarded as a R8 725 billion
medical costs, and some companies limit
mature, efficient, secure market with world-
the charges for specific treatment or care
class regulation, trading, clearing, settlement Other
such as specialists’ fees, operations and
assurance and risk management. It has
hospital accommodation. Gold (October 2014): $1209.51
harmonised its listing requirements, disclosure
Oil (October 2014): $94.96
• If you already have private health insurance and continuing obligations with those of
Real GDP growth rate (Q2, 2014): 1.00%
in country other than South Africa, you the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and offers
GDP (Q2, 2014): - 0.6 %
may be able to extend it to include South excellent investor protection.
Gross saving (as % of GDP) (October 2014):
Africa rather than taking out a new policy.
14.243%
Current account balance (% of GDP)
(October 2014): -5.367%
Government net debt (% of GDP)
(October 2014): 41.483%
Foreign debt (% of GDP) (October 2014): 39.7%
Import cover (weeks) (Q2, 2014): 20.09
Population (mid-year estimate, 2014): 54 million
Unemployment (Q2, 2014): 25.5%
b29
Source: Reserve Bank, Statistics South Africa, Trading Economics, Oanda, JSE, IMF.

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Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
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3.12. Overview of the Department of Key strategic objectives National Industrial Policy Framework (NIPF) Guided by the NIPF, the implementation of
Trade and Industry (the dti) industrial policy is to be set out in an Industrial
The key strategic objectives of the dti are: In January 2007, Cabinet adopted the National
Policy Action Plan (IPAP).
The Department of Trade and Industry’s (the Industrial Policy Framework (NIPF), which
• To facilitate transformation of the economy to
dti) vision is of a South Africa that has a vibrant sets out Government’s broad approach to In August 2007, Cabinet approved the first
promote industrial development, investment,
economy, characterised by growth, employment industrialisation with the following core 2007/8 IPAP, which reflected chiefly “easy-
competitiveness and employment creation;
and equity, built on the full potential of all objectives: to-do” actions.
citizens. To achieve this, the dti has become • Build mutually beneficial regional and global
• To facilitate diversification beyond our Each year, the dti launches a revised three-year
an outwardly focused, customer-centric relations to advance South Africa’s trade,
current reliance on traditional commodities rolling IPAP with a 10-year outlook in a context
organisation. industrial policy and economic development
and non-tradable services. This requires of rapid economic change and significant global
objectives;
Purpose the promotion of increased value-addition uncertainty.
• Facilitate broad-based economic participation characterised particularly by movement into
the dti’s Mission is to: The latest IPAP 2014/15 - 2016/17 is one of the
through targeted interventions to achieve non-traditional tradable goods and services
key pillars of this broader approach. It builds
• Promote structural transformation, towards more inclusive growth; that compete in export markets, as well as
on the NIPF and represents the sixth annual
a dynamic industrial and globally competitive against imports;
• Create a fair regulatory environment that iteration of the first IPAP launched in the 2007/8
economy; enables investment, trade and enterprise • The long-term intensification of South Africa’s financial year.
• Provide a predictable, competitive, equitable development in an equitable and socially industrialisation process and movement
Some of the latest trends in the industrial
and socially responsible environment, responsible manner; and towards a knowledge economy;
policy space highlighted in the current version
conducive to investment, trade and enterprise • Promote a professional, ethical, dynamic, • The promotion of a more labour-absorbing of IPAP relate to: the “second machine age”,
development; competitive and customer-focused working industrialisation path with a particular shale gas, a nuanced export strategy, industrial
• Broaden participation in the economy to environment that ensures effective and emphasis on tradable labour-absorbing goods financing, and public procurement and supplier
strengthen economic development; and efficient service delivery. and services and economic linkages that development.
catalyse employment creation;
• Continually improve the skills and capabilities These five strategic objectives will be achieved
of the dti to effectively deliver on its through the collective effort of the dti’s • The promotion of a broader-based
mandate and respond to the needs of South divisions and agencies, which are linked through industrialisation path characterised by
Africa’s economic citizens. a value chain to generate public value for the increased participation of historically
economic citizens and to deliver products and disadvantaged people and marginalised
services for their clients and stakeholders. These regions in the mainstream of the industrial
products and services include policy, legislation economy; and
and regulation, finance and incentives,
• Contributing to industrial development on the
information and advice, and partnerships.
African continent, with a strong emphasis on
the dti will also achieve its objectives through building its productive capacity.
the pursuit of a more targeted investment
strategy, improved competitiveness of the
economy, broadened economic participation
of previously disadvantaged individuals to the
mainstream economy and policy coherence.

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Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
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4. South Africa: An economic overview

4.1. Key drivers of the South African Increasingly, the “Green Economy” is taking
economy prominence as the country is moving away from
traditional coal-fired power stations to cleaner
South Africa’s economy has traditionally been energy production. South Africa’s strategy
rooted in the primary sectors - the result of a is to make cleaner, more efficient use of the
wealth of mineral resources and favourable country’s abundant, low-cost coal reserves in
agricultural conditions. However, the economy the near term while at the same time expanding
has been characterised by a structural shift in the use of low-emission energy technologies
output over the past four decades. Since the early and renewables.c2
1990s, economic growth has been driven mainly
by the tertiary sector, which includes wholesale Mining and minerals
and retail trade, tourism and communications. South Africa is world-renowned for its mining
South Africa is currently moving towards a sector. The country has an abundance of
knowledge-based economy, with a greater focus mineral resources, accounting for a significant
on technology, e-commerce and financial and proportion of world production and reserves
other services. with an estimated worth of R20.3 trillion
The sectors that contributed to South Africa’s (US$2.5 trillion).c3 Overall, the country is
GDP in 2013, and have kept the economic estimated to have the world’s fifth largest
engine running are:c1 mining sector in terms of GDP value.

• Agriculture: 2.4% The country’s abundant mineral reserves include

precious metals and minerals, energy minerals,
• Mining: 9.2% non-ferrous metals and minerals, ferrous
• Manufacturing: 11.7% minerals and industrial minerals. Only two
strategic resources (crude oil and bauxite) are
• Electricity and water: 3.0% not available in the country.
• Construction: 3.7% Apart from its diverse mineral reserves, South
• Wholesale, retail and motor trade: 16.6% Africa’s strengths include an extremely high
level of technical and production expertise,
• Transport, storage and communication: 8.0% and comprehensive research and development
activities. The country also boasts world-class
• Finance, real estate and business services:
primary processing facilities for gold, platinum,
21.52 %
carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminium.
• Government services: 17.0% South Africa is also a world leader of new
technologies, such as a ground-breaking
• Personal services: 6.0%
process that converts low-grade superfine iron
ore into high-quality iron units.

c1
Source: Statistics South Africa. www.statssa.gov.za
c2
www.southafrica.info
c3
Department of Mineral Resources. www.dmr.gov.za
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Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
Contents Foreign trade
contact details proposition South Africa about South Africa overview in South Africa taxation industrial financing South Africa abbreviations aspects vof doing business and living in South Africa

Mining remains an important foreign-exchange In 2005, coal and platinum group metals The Government has developed a minerals The manufacturing sector
earner, with gold accounting for more than overtook gold as the biggest revenue- beneficiation strategy that seeks to
South Africa has developed a diversified
one-third of exports. South Africa is also a generating commodities. In 2012, coal was fundamentally transform the industry from
manufacturing base that has shown its
major producer of coal, manganese, chrome, the biggest revenue earner at R96.1 billion, being largely resource-based to knowledge-
resilience and potential to compete in the global
platinum, and diamonds, accounting for a followed by gold at R76.8 billion. The combined based. It also complements programmes of
economy. The manufacturing sector provides
significant proportion of both world production revenues of ferrous minerals accounted for Government, such as the National Development
an opportunity to significantly accelerate the
and reserves. South Africa is the world’s largest R71.7 billion for the period under review, while Plan 2030, IPAP 2014/15-2016/17, energy
country’s growth and development.
producer of platinum. In 2011, the country’s the industrial minerals contributed 3.9% to the security, skills development and others.c4
diamond industry was ranked the fourth largest total revenue generated from South Africa’s The overall manufacturing output accounts
Financial sector
in the world, with only Botswana, Canada and primary mineral sales, of which R11.1 billion for 15% of South Africa’s GDP. For every R1
Russia producing more diamonds each year. was from local sales and R3 billion from exports. South Africa’s financial services sector boasts invested in manufacturing, there is R1.13 of
dozens of domestic and foreign institutions value addition to the South African economy.
The mining industry, and its related industries, While holding the world’s largest reserves of
providing a full range of services including The sector is also among the top three multiplier
are critical to South Africa’s socio-economic platinum-group metals and manganese ore,
commercial, retail and merchant banking, sectors in terms of value addition, job creation,
development as it contributes significantly to the country has considerable potential for the
mortgage lending, insurance and investment. export earnings and revenue generation for
economic activity, job creation and foreign discovery of other world-class deposits in areas
every R1 invested.c5
exchange earnings. yet to be exhaustively explored. The South African banking system is well
developed and effectively regulated, comprising Manufacturing is dominated by the following
In 2012, primary mining contributed South Africa has recently shown interest to
a Central Bank, a few large, financially strong industries:
R262.7 billion (US$32.0 billion), or 9.3%, to enter the rare earth mining in the Namaqualand
banks and investment institutions, and a
South Africa’s GDP, and accounted for 35.1% of region. Rare earth mining is currently dominated Automotive industry
number of smaller banks. Investment and
the country’s total exports of goods to the rest by China, which controls approximately 90% South Africa’s automotive industry is the
merchant banking is competitive. The country’s
of the world. of the world’s available supply of rare earth country’s largest manufacturing sector and
“big four banks” (Absa, First National Bank,
minerals. Rare earth minerals are of strategic according to the National Association of
The export categories included precious stones Standard Bank and Nedbank) dominate the
importance as they are the minute particles Automobile Manufacturers (NAAMSA), the
and metals, ores, slag and ash (largely iron retail market.
used in smartphones, high-tech weaponry, new vehicle market generated approximately
ore and to a much lesser extent chrome and
electric cars and a host of other electronics. The country’s banking sector compares R205 billion for 2013.c6
manganese), mineral fuels (mostly coal and
favourably with those of industrialised countries.
refined petroleum). Mining also continued Lucrative opportunities exist for downstream Total automotive industry exports increased by
Many foreign banks and investment institutions
to make a significant contribution to public processing and adding value locally to iron, R7.8 billion, or 8.2%, to R102.7 billion in 2013,
have set up operations in South Africa over the
finances in terms of the large labour force carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium, from R94.9 billion in 2012.
past decade. Electronic banking facilities are
it employs. platinum-group metals and gold. A wide range
extensive, with a nationwide network of ATMs The automotive and components industry is
of materials are available for jewellery, including
In 2012, the industry (excluding exploration, and internet banking facilities available. perfectly placed for investment opportunities.
gold, platinum, diamonds, tiger’s eye and a
research and development organisations and Vehicle manufacturers (such as BMW, Ford,
variety of other semi-precious stones.
head offices) employed 2.9% of South Africa’s Volkswagen, Nissan, Daimler-Chrysler, Toyota
economically active population. The average and FAW) have production plants in the country,
number of workers employed in the mining while component manufacturers (Arvin Exhaust,
industry increased by 2.3% or 11 754 workers, Bloxwitch, Corning, Senior Flexonics) also have
from 512 878 in 2011, to 524 632 in 2012. established production bases.
Over the last decade, 2003 to 2012, a total of
89 004 jobs were created.

c4
www.thedti.gov.za
C5
South Africa’s Greatest Opportunity for Job rich Economic Growth. Manufacturing Circle. www.manufacturingcircle.co.za
c6
Who Owns Whom: Motor vehicle industry. www.whoownswhom.co.za
40 41
Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
Contents Foreign trade
contact details proposition South Africa about South Africa overview in South Africa taxation industrial financing South Africa abbreviations aspects vof doing business and living in South Africa

Chemicals industries ICT and electronics industries Investment opportunities lie in the development Clothing and textiles industryC10
South Africa’s chemical industry, the largest of The South African information technology (IT) of access control systems and security The domestic industry is concentrated primarily
its kind in Africa, is highly complex and widely industry growth outstrips the world average. equipment, automotive electronic subsystems, in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal
diverse, spanning fuel and plastics fabrication to systems and software development in the regions, although some outlying activity also
The country’s established and sophisticated
pharmaceuticals. banking and financial services sector, silicon takes place in Gauteng. The domestic textile
indigenous information and communications
processing for fiber optics, integrated circuits industry is characterised by plants of varying
It is of substantial significance to the South technology (ICT) and electronics sector
and solar cells. There are also significant technical ability. There are major product gaps
African economy, and a key component of comprises more than 3 000 companies and is
opportunities for the export of hardware and in local textile production, which forces local
the country’s industrial base. Petroleum, the largest and most advanced in Africa. The
associated services, as well as software and garment assemblers to rely increasingly on
chemical products, rubber and plastic products, local IT industry is characterised by technology
peripherals. imports. The apparel industry, on the other
contributed R318 million to the GDP in 2011; leadership, particularly in the field of mobile
hand, has significant regional differences.
approximately, 23% of total manufacturing software and electronic banking services. Metals industry
sales.c7 It employs about 200 000 people. South Africa’s large, well-developed metals The industry in the Cape metropolitan area is
The telecommunications industry is thriving,
industry, with vast natural resources and a renowned for its high fashion orientation, and
The synthetic coal, and natural gas-based liquid contributing more than 7% to South Africa’s
supportive infrastructure, represents roughly as such, has a concentration of higher value-
fuels and petrochemicals industry, is prominent, GDP. With approximately 5.5 million installed
one-third of all South Africa’s manufacturing. added manufacturers, predominantly medium
with South Africa being a world leader in fixed-line telephones, South Africa is ranked
to large sized firms. These firms outsource to
coal-based synthesis and gas-to-liquids (GTL) 23rd in telecommunications development in the The South African steel industry was worth
a number of small, flexible Cut, Make, and
technologies. world, growing at a rate of 50% per year, with approximately R96 billion in 2012. South
Trim (CMT) businesses who, as a result, make
the fourth-fastest growing cellphone market in Africa was ranked the 21st largest crude steel-
a substantial contribution to overall output.C11
the world. producing country in the world by the World
The KwaZulu-Natal profile is slightly different
Steel Association in 2012. South Africa is also
with firms concentrating on mass-market
the largest steel producer in Africa, producing
production of basic garments. These are
about 44% of the total crude steel production
broad generalisations, however, as firms of
of the continent during 2012.c8
various sizes exist in both production hubs, and
South Africa’s non-ferrous metal industries their joint response to increased competitive
comprise aluminium and other metals (including pressures has been to move away from
copper, brass, lead, zinc and tin). South formal factory models of production towards
Africa is ranked eighth in world production sub-contracting models, and informalisation.
of aluminium.c9
It is estimated that 60 000 to 80 000 jobs are
Other non-ferrous metals are small in relation, located within the Clothing, Textiles, Footwear
but are still important for exports and foreign and Leather (CTFL) industries (down from
exchange earnings. Although the country’s 120 000 in recent years), with GDP contribution
copper, brass and bronze industries have at 8%. The social effect of unemployment and
declined, it is hoped that new mining and employment losses are hard to calculate, but it
reclamation technologies will allow exploitation has been estimated that the dependency ratio
of previously unviable deposits. of those employed is 1:5. The clothing and
textiles industry predominantly employs black
and coloured women. This population is most

c7
Statistics South Africa (2012) c8
Who Owns Whom: Manufacture of Basic iron and steel www.whoownswhom.co.za
c9
www.mediaclubsouthafrica.com
C10
KZN Clothing and Textile Cluster (December 2014). www.kznctc.org.za/
C11
Barnes et al, 2007:14.
42 43
Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
Contents Foreign trade
contact details proposition South Africa about South Africa overview in South Africa taxation industrial financing South Africa abbreviations aspects vof doing business and living in South Africa

affected by poverty and unemployment, and so 8.5 million people are directly or indirectly The South African agri-food complex has a Blue economyC17
the success of the industry is critically important dependent on agriculture for their employment number of competitive advantages, making
The vast ocean space and our coastline
to their well-being. and income.c13 it both an important trading partner and a
(approximately, 3 924km) is relatively
viable investment destination. A world-class
In order to survive, the industry has squeezed The sector’s significance is largely because unexplored in terms of its economic potential.
infrastructure, counter-seasonality to Europe,
its factors of production rather than upgrading of its potential to create jobs, and is a key In 2010, the oceans contributed approximately
vast biodiversity and marine resources, and
processes and machinery, depleting its focus of the New Growth Path, a plan by the R54 billion to the economy and accounted for
competitive input costs, make the country a
competencies in the process. Numerous firms Government to create five million new jobs by about 316 000 jobs.
major player in the world’s markets.
have adopted a CMT mode of production, 2020. Plans include programmes to promote
To tap into the ocean, Government has
which is less capital intensive due to lower commercially oriented small-scale farming. Oil and gasC16
identified four priority sectors in which to
overheads. Combined with multiple factory Support is also available to smallholders on land
South Africa is ranked between fourth and focus on. These are marine transport and
closures and the subsequent proliferation acquired through land reform.
eighth for shale gas exploration potential with manufacturing activities, such as coastal
of micro-enterprises, home industries and
Agro-processing is one of the key industries 390 Trillion Cubic feet (Tcf) of recoverable shipping, trans-shipment, boatbuilding, repair
unregistered firms, this has lowered capabilities
within this sector. resource, and Petroleum Agency of South and refurbishment, offshore oil and gas
and led to a declining capacity to compete on a
Africa estimating the recoverable resource to be exploration, aquaculture and marine protection
global level. Agro-processing industry
30 Tcf. services and ocean governance.
The agro-processing industry spans the
In response to this decline in value chain
processing of freshwater aquaculture and Significant exploration activity has resulted in oil BoatbuildingC18
capacity, the South African Government,
mariculture, exotic and indigenous meats, nuts, and gas reserves increasing dramatically in the
through the dti and its deployment arm, the The boatbuilding sector is a producer of a
herbs and fruit. It also involves the production last few years, with some of the biggest new
Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), range of high quality boats, and is a well-
and export of deciduous fruit and wine; discoveries made in Sub-Saharan Africa. Africa
has embarked on an extensive incentive established and important contributor to
confectionary manufacturing and export; and remains an attractive destination for large-scale
programme. The primary incentives offered the regional economy of the Western Cape.
the processing of natural fibres from cotton, oil and gas exploration due to African countries
are the Clothing and Textile Competitiveness The industry is characterised by a number of
hemp, sisal, kenaf and pineapple. allowing private sector exploration as countries
Improvement Programme (CTCIP) and the small entrepreneurs and dominated by a few
with established industries bring their oil and
Production Incentive (PI), which help firms The agro-processing industry accounted for large companies. South Africa is a recognised
gas resources under state control.
become more competitive and work on capital 30% and 28.4% of the total real output producer of high-value luxury yachts, with
upgrading. and real value added (GDP), respectively, The recent activity on the East Coast of Africa the Western Cape as the recognised hub of
of the manufacturing sector during 2012. shows that the Port of Saldanha Bay is situated the industry in the country. The Cape Town
Agriculture and the economy C12
Furthermore, it contributed 40.3% to the total in a competitive location in comparison to the boatbuilding sector is also highly competitive in
Agriculture, as a percentage of GDP, has employment in the manufacturing sector during existing facilities on the African continent. South four other niches: power and sail catamarans,
decreased over the past four decades; currently the same period.c14 Africa also provides an attractive location due large custom boats, inflatable boats and
contributing about 2%. This implies that the to its relative political and economic stability, commercial craft.
According to the IPAP, the food-processing
economy is maturing, moving towards the as well as a well-established logistics support
sector is the largest manufacturing sector
secondary and tertiary sectors. However, infrastructure.
in employment terms, with about 171 000
farming remains vitally important to the
employees. This increases to more than a million
economy with 638 000 people formally
jobs if agriculture is included.c15
employed although it’s estimated that about

C12
www.southafrica.info (December 2014). C16
the dti (December 2014).
c13
Statistics SA, 2012 Q2. C17
the dti (December 2014).
C14
Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. www.daff.gov.za C18
Wesgro (December 2014). http://wesgro.co.za/investor/sectors/boatbuilding
C15
www.southafrica.info
44 45
Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
Contents Foreign trade
contact details proposition South Africa about South Africa overview in South Africa taxation industrial financing South Africa abbreviations aspects vof doing business and living in South Africa

The export market is a key demand driver of Together with Eskom, the Government’s Recently, the South African Renewable Energy Biofuels can be used as blending components
the industry, originating from Europe and the Department of Energy has embarked on a Independent Power Producer Programme in both petrol and diesel production. In the
US/Caribbean, with growing markets in Asia massive programme to bring the electricity (REIPPP) won the Green Infrastructure Project of case of petrol, bioethanol can substitute a
and Australia. In terms of competitive location, supply and distribution system into balance. the Year Award at the sixth Global Infrastructure number of octane boosters currently used by
Cape Town is recognised for its affordability Eskom is building new power stations, Medupi Leadership Forum held in New York. the oil industry and biodiesel can be used by the
for companies looking to invest in or establish and Kusile. Furthermore, South Africa has been ranked synthetic fuels producers and other producers as
operations in the boatbuilding industry. The under the top 10 investors in renewable energy a blending stock.
The Government is also looking to support
Western Cape also has a wide range of suppliers in the Renewables 2013 Global Status Report.
sustainable “Green Energy” initiatives on a The Strategy also relies on the pegging of
for materials for boat construction, supply
national scale through a diverse range of BiofuelsC20 the sales price of bioethanol and biodiesel as
industries of sail making, mast builders, naval
clean-energy options as envisaged in the blending components at a price that covers the
architecture, outsourced manufacturing of The South African Government has set a target
Integrated Resource Plan 2010. In terms of costs associated with running a biofuels plan,
component parts, as well as post-production to achieve a 2% penetration level of biofuels
this Plan, which is a 20-year projection on agricultural feedstock, and of transportation.
parts. in the national liquid fuel supply, or 400
electricity demand and production, about
million litres per annum. This is set out in the Only biofuels plants that have been identified to
The incentives offered include the 42% of electricity generated must come from
Government’s 2007 Biofuels Strategy. assist in achieving the initial target, will receive
Manufacturing Investment Programme (MIP), renewable resources.
Government support and their location will be
as well as some research and development The following crops are proposed for the
Large parts of South Africa’s western and a condition of the issuing of a manufacturing
(R&D) incentives for technology design and production of biofuels in the country: for
southern coasts, and inland areas, have some licence. The plants will be located throughout
research. There are also industrial financing and bioethanol, sugar cane and sugar beet, and for
of the world’s best wind and solar energy the country depending on the investor’s choices
job creation skills funds that can be accessed biodiesel sunflower, canola and soya beans.
prospects. and also as per the condition of licences.
through the IDC and Development Bank of The exclusion of other crops and plants (such as
Southern Africa (DBSA). The scale and maturity of the global wind maize and Jatropha) is based on food security The following incentives are currently in place
industry has made this a cost-competitive and invasive species concerns. The current for biodiesel as a product (separate incentives
Energy and renewablesC19
energy option compared not only to other strategy requires approximately 1.4% of arable for producers will be released in the 2013/14
South Africa’s steady economic growth, as renewable technologies, but also to many land in South Africa (currently 14% of arable financial year):
it increasingly focuses on industrialisation, fuel-based technologies. While unpredictable, land is underutilised).
• Biodiesels enjoys a 40% fuel levy exemption.
together with its mass electrification programme wind does not use water and can be installed
The Biofuels Strategy is set to contribute This is set to increase to 50% once
to take power into deep rural areas, has seen a relatively quickly. Like solar photovoltaic (PV),
towards the achievement of South Africa’s Government has issued the new guidelines
steep increase in the demand for electricity. In it is complemented by electric energy storage.
renewable energy goals, energy security and the and incentives; and
fact, South Africa’s energy demand is expected Solar power is also particularly attractive for
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
to be twice the current levels by 2030. South Africa, given the country’s high solar • A 100% fuel tax exemption is proposed for
resource. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) is a The Biofuels Industrial Strategy is based on bioethanol as it can also be used in markets
Years of underinvestment in the country’s power
promising renewable energy generation option the development of partnerships along the other than the traditional petrol market, e.g.
infrastructure has meant that energy demands
in South Africa as it provides opportunities value chain and across all relevant sectors. The ethanol gel that competes with illuminating
are rising faster than Eskom, the state-owned
for energy storage, but is relatively small on a Strategy envisages the creation of a reliable paraffin. The latter carries no levies.
company in charge of the majority of energy
global scale. market for fuels from biological sources and the
generation and distribution, can meet them. The producer support mechanism will be used
fuels market.
to balance the difference in fuel tax support
to bioethanol and biodiesel by setting a fixed
margin price.

C19
the dti (December 2014). C20
the dti (December 2014).

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Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
Contents Foreign trade
contact details proposition South Africa about South Africa overview in South Africa taxation industrial financing South Africa abbreviations aspects vof doing business and living in South Africa

The local health sector has several strengths that Research, development, innovation and
include: manufacturing interventions will focus on these
opportunities. The health sector will work on
• The largest market in the world (by volume)
discovering and developing new drugs, vaccines
for HIV drugs, meeting fast-growing public
and biologics, diagnostics and medical devices,
sector demand for pharmaceuticals, especially
as well as exploring opportunities in clinical
(i) ARVs (demand projected to increase
research and indigenous knowledge systems
from the current 2.2 million to 3.7 million
based on biodiversity. The local manufacture of
patients in 2016/17); (ii) anti-tuberculosis
active pharmaceutical ingredients for drugs and
(TB) medicines; and (iii) medicines for
biologics (including vaccines) will be expanded,
non-communicable diseases/conditions
and new technologies such as stem-cell
such as diabetes, cancer, circulatory and
therapies will also be explored.
cardiovascular conditions etc;
Business process services (BPS)C23
• A well-developed generics industry and
improving public and private sector focus on The BPS sector is a key sector for attracting
generics supply chain management, which investment and creating new jobs, especially
Waste management and recyclingC21 BiopharmaceuticalsC22 offers opportunities for local manufacturing; in the 18 to 35 age group, where job creation
It is estimated that only 10% of all waste The South African pharmaceutical sector, at for young people is most needed. During the
• Flora and unique micro-organisms offer a
generated in South Africa was recycled in 2011. the ex-factory price level, was US$4.2 billion period of the last incentive, more than 9 000
largely untapped source of new therapeutics
in 2013; slightly more than 0.4% of the global jobs have been created. A number of the new
The low recycling rate indicates that there are and production platforms;
pharmaceutical market by value. South Africa’s jobs have been created by the large outsourcers
huge untapped opportunities for innovation, • Modern science, local biodiversity and and captives who have set-up in South Africa
pharmaceutical market and industry are,
industrial development and employment indigenous knowledge systems could over the last few years, as well in the key BPS
however, by far the largest in Africa. South
creation in the recycling sector. This is be combined to accelerate product centres of Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg
Africa also has the world’s largest anti-retroviral
supported by the emphasis the National development; and Pretoria (Tshwane).
(ARV) programme, providing treatment to
Waste Management Act (2008) puts on the
2.2 million people in the public health sector • World-class clinical sciences researchers and a The recognition of South Africa as a credible
reuse, recovery and recycling of waste before
and 150 000 in the private sectors (as at regulatory framework provides opportunities BPS destination, and associated foreign direct
disposal. In acknowledging the challenges
December 2013). for globally competitive clinical development; investment, has led to year-on-year growth
associated with the waste sector, Government
has made further commitments through various Imports of vaccines and other of 26% during the period 2010 to 2013, and
• World-class researchers in basic sciences,
programmes, including the National Waste biopharmaceuticals increased to close to the overall creation of more than 18 000 jobs
drug and diagnostics discovery, and
Management Strategy (2011) and the National R2.9 billion in 2013. The medical devices servicing the offshore sector.
therapeutic delivery systems;
Cleaner Production Strategy for South Africa industry (the full value chain) is valued at Large-scale English language skills availability,
(2004) to promote waste minimisation initiatives more than R11 billion per year. • Significant historical and current investments
domain skills, cultural affinity and related
with emphasis on industrial efficiency and in vaccine production; and
time zones, are at the centre of South Africa’s
increased recycling. • Strategic international partnerships with value proposition. To date, the majority of the
countries and organisations, which could be investment in this sector, more than 75%, has
leveraged to provide a source of innovation originated from the UK, with voice accounting
and other benefits. for 80% of all work conducted in South Africa.

C21
the dti (December 2014). C23
the dti (December 2014).
C22
the dti (December 2014).

48 49
Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
Contents Foreign trade
contact details proposition South Africa about South Africa overview in South Africa taxation industrial financing South Africa abbreviations aspects vof doing business and living in South Africa

South Africa has been described as providing South Africa offers value beyond arbitrage, in Over the last few years, the profile of the South Africa’s defence, aerospace and maritime
an almost “onshore experience”. Companies addition to sustainable cost competitiveness, industry has evolved and today the SADI industries contribute to the country’s economy
(such as Merchants, Aegis, and Mindpearl) and coupled with incentives, the location is is a non-aligned world-class industry that through the development and maintenance
were among the first companies to set-up able to offer significant direct cost savings of supplies equipment and services to global of high-level scientific, engineering,
offshore operations servicing clients, initially 45% to 50% on a steady-state operating basis Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) technological and technical skills and jobs,
in Cape Town and Johannesburg, followed by (including overheads) compared to UK Tier-2 in the aerospace, maritime and landward as well as advanced design, development
Durban. Other outsourcers followed, as did the locations. environments. and manufacturing processes. South Africa’s
captives, and the landscape today, in terms of aerospace and defence products range from
Other unique forms of value-add, reported by Characterised by engineering ingenuity,
captives and outsourcers, includes seven of the complete systems to subsystems, to major
investors, are operational effectiveness and technological innovativeness, affordability,
10 large outsourcing companies such as Capita, components to parts across various continents.
revenue impact. reliability and cost-effectiveness, the SADI is
Genpact, Serco and WNS, and global brands
a partner of choice for many who seek state According to AMD, the broad South African
such as Amazon. Aerospace and defence industryC24
of the art defence equipment, including defence industry (including aerospace and
These global brands and contracts have The South African Aerospace and Defence multilateral organisations that are involved in defence) has a total turnover of R13.3 billion
helped South Africa in winning the National Industry (SADI) comprises companies in the peacekeeping operations, as well as countries (of which 67% was from exports) and directly
Outsourcing Association (NOA) Offshore public and private sectors, which provide seeking to equip their defence establishments. employed 15 000 people. It spent R1.2 billion
Destination of the Year Award in 2012, followed products and services to security forces, thus on R&D, and achieved value-add to the tune of
Though smaller in size than the defence
up by the European Outsourcing Association forming one of the key strategic industrial R5.8 billion.
industries of competing countries, the SADI’s
(EOA) Destination of the Year Award in 2013. sectors of the South African economy.
capabilities range from systems engineering In the domestic arena, a key development has
and integration, to the design, development, been the release of the Defence Review, that
manufacture and maintenance of complex calls for an increase in defence spending over
systems and their related electronics. the coming years in order to initially halt the
current decline in the capabilities of the South
While it is necessary for the SADI to retain
African National Defence Force (SANDF) and
core competencies, capacities, capabilities and
subsequently rebuild over a period of 25 years.
technologies domestically, exports are equally
important for the long-term survival of the Armscor (defence acquisition agency) and Denel
industry; hence, the increased international (state-owned arms manufacturer) support
market penetration to become a global player. collaboration and partnerships between local
Accordingly, international joint ventures, equity companies and foreign enterprises with a
partnerships and strategic alliances have been specific call for partnerships to share research
established with defence related companies and R&D costs, manufacturing costs and even
in more than 20 countries, with the SADI markets. Local industry has already integrated
exporting approximately more than 60% of its into the global aerospace industry OEM
products to clients in all continents. supply chains.

C24
the dti (December 2014).

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Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
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In addition to supporting overseas OEMs, South Africa continues to focus on business

the local industry plans to have its own tourism as an area with significant growth
aircraft project to maintain local OEM design, potential and the country has announced the
development and manufacturing skills to formation of the first South African National
strengthen the local sector and attract Convention Bureau (SANCB). South Africa
international partnership. The South African remains among the top 15 “long-haul” business
Regional Aircraft (SARA) Project is such a events destinations globally, and is the premier
programme. the dti is investigating the possible business events destination in Africa.
designation of radars that will present further
South Africa’s advanced infrastructure combined
opportunities for investment within the sector.
with magnificent scenic beauty, rich biodiversity,
Travel and tourism sunny climate, cultural diversity and a reputation
for delivering value for money experiences,
Tourism is regarded as a modern-day engine
have made it one of the world’s fastest growing
of growth and is one of the largest industries
tourism destinations.c26
globally. In addition to being a labour-intensive
industry, tourism holds the potential to drive Tourism continues to be earmarked as a priority
increases in export earnings in a trading growth area in South Africa’s economic growth
environment that is generally less volatile than policies.c27
that of commodity exports.
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)
indicated that travel and tourism in South
Africa, directly employs more people than the
mining, communication services, automotive
manufacturing and chemicals manufacturing
sectors. In 2013/14, international tourist arrivals
in South Africa grew by 10.2% year-on-year
to almost R9.2 million. Foreign tourists spent a
total of R76.4 billion in South Africa in 2013.c25

c25
South Africa Yearbook 2013/14. www.gcis.gov.za/content/resourcecentre/sa-info/yearbook
c26
SAinfo reporter
c27
International Congress and Convention Association, Stats SA, World Travel and Tourism Council and the dti.
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Foreword and Author’s Value Fast facts about General information South Africa: An economic Regulatory requirements South African Incentives and Contacts in Acronyms and Addendums: Indicative costs and other practical
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5. Foreign trade

5.1. South Africa’s trade agreementsd1 South African trade agreements have also agreed to a targeted work programme
in five areas, namely: regional industrialisation;
Overview The South African Government’s economic
review of the revenue-sharing formula to ensure
development strategy aims to accelerate growth
a sustainable revenue-sharing mechanism
Preferential market access agreements and industrial development along a path that
that promotes development; development
• Southern African Customs Union (SACU). generates decent jobs. The Government,
of a trade facilitation programme to improve
through the dti, seeks to support the objectives
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) FTA. border efficiency; unified engagement in
of industrial development and upgrading,
trade negotiations; and establishing common
• European Union /South Africa Trade, Development and Cooperation employment growth and increased value-added
institutions such as a Tariff Board and the
Agreement (EU /SA TDCA), now aligned to the SADC /EU Economic exports by negotiating trade agreements with
Tribunal within an agreed policy framework.
Partnership Agreement (EPA). other countries. The International Trade and
Economic Development Division (ITED) within The Southern African Development
• SACU-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) FTA. the dti is the section responsible for such trade Community (SADC)
• SACU-Southern Common Market (Mercosur) PTA. negotiations. The Trade Protocol of the Southern African
Development Community (SADC), which
• Bilateral agreements with Mozambique and Zimbabwe. These agreements take different forms. In the
established a free trade area (FTA) among 12
section below, we identify and briefly introduce
Current trade negotiations SADC member states, was implemented on
the various trade agreements that South Africa is
• World Trade Organisation’s Doha Development Agenda. 1 September 2000. The aim of SADC is to create
party to:
a “community” providing for regional peace and
• SACU-India PTA. The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) security, and an integrated regional economy. As
• SADC-EAC-COMESA Tripartite FTA. SACU was established in 1910 and is the oldest a regional institution it has laid the basis on which
functioning customs union in the world. It has regional planning and development in Southern
Non-reciprocal agreements been renegotiated twice: in the late 1960s when Africa could be pursued. It also provides the
• Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland became desired instrument by means of which member
• South African products qualify for preferential market access (i.e. no or independent and after the inauguration of states should move along the path towards
substantially reduced customs duty) under the Generalised System of the democratic government in South Africa eventual economic integration. Furthermore,
Preferences (GSP). in 1994. The current members are Botswana, SADC forms one of the building blocks of the
Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland. African Economic Community (AEC).
SACU seeks to maintain the free interchange of
Implementation of the SADC Protocol on Trade
goods between member countries. It provides
began in 2000, following its signing in 1996.
for a common external tariff for the common
The liberalisation of tariffs has taken place at
customs area. All customs duties collected in
different rates. In general, more developed SADC
the common customs area are paid into South
countries have reduced tariffs faster than other
Africa’s national Revenue Fund. The Revenue is
member states. The Southern African Customs
shared among members according to an agreed
Union (SACU) removed most tariffs in 2000, while
revenue-sharing formula.
middle-income countries have gradually reduced
The latest SACU Agreement came into force their tariffs each year between 2000 and 2008.
in July 2004. In terms of Article 31 of the new In relation to the least developed countries, tariff
agreement, South Africa and other members reductions have generally been introduced during
of SACU jointly negotiate preferential trade the latter part of the phase-down period.
agreements with third parties. SACU members
d1
www.thedti.gov.za

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The SADC FTA has been fully implemented since its own flexible exchange rate policy, and the and industrial development. This envisaged SACU-EFTA FTA
2012, with 92% of product lines traded at zero Namibian dollar is at par with the South African C-FTA will therefore widen and build on the The FTA between SACU and the EFTA came into
per cent against the baseline of 85% in 2008. Rand and there is no immediate prospect of integration initiatives already under way. effect on 1 May 2008. It applies to trade relations
The next priority is to consolidate the SADC FTA change. The same is true with the lilangeni of between SACU and individual EFTA states
EU-South Africa Trade, Development
before considering deeper forms of integration. Swaziland and the loti of Lesotho. The Rand covering trade in industrial goods (including
and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA) and
continues to circulate freely in these countries, fish and other marine products) and processed
Market integration in SADC is accompanied by Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
although it is strictly speaking not legal tender. agricultural products. The Agreement also
cross-border infrastructural development (such as The Trade, Development and Cooperation
Foreign exchange regulations and monetary provides for future non-binding engagements on
the spatial development initiatives) and sectoral Agreement (TDCA) between South Africa and
policy throughout the CMA continue to reflect issues such as intellectual property, investment,
cooperation that aims to build and diversify the the EU was signed on 11 October 1999 and
the influence of the South African Reserve Bank. trade in services and government procurement.
region’s production structures. provisionally came into force on 1 January 2000,
SADC-EAC-COMESA Tripartite FTA (T-FTA) subject to ratification by the EU member states. EFTA countries do not have a common
SADC, together with COMESA and the EAC,
In 2009, the members states of SADC, the The Agreement came into force on 1 May 2004 agricultural policy and basic agricultural products
has established an on-line “Non-Tariff Barrier”
EAC and COMESA initiated a wide-ranging after it was ratified by all EU member states. were negotiated separately. Three Bilateral
reporting and monitoring mechanism (http://
initiative for integration that will be built on In terms of the Agreement, by 2010, the EU is Agricultural Agreements were concluded
www.tradebarriers.org) to facilitate eliminating
market integration, industrial development and expected to liberalise 95% of its duties on South between SACU and individual EFTA states, which
non-tariff barriers. This mechanism has the
infrastructure (with the flagship project being African originating products. In turn, by 2012 form part of the main Agreement and came into
potential to facilitate movement of goods and
the North-South Corridor). In 2011, members South Africa undertook to liberalise 86% of its force at the same time as the FTA.
will lead to increased trade. Its effectiveness
of the three groupings launched negotiations duties on EU originating products. It means that
is, however, dependent on the full and active On the EFTA side, tariffs on industrial goods
towards the Tripartite FTA (T-FTA). The FTA will, only a limited number of product lines are not
participation of the business community. were eliminated upon entry into force of the
as a first phase, cover only trade in goods and as yet subject to any of the regimes of tariff
Agreement, i.e. all customs duties on imports
To determine whether a product originates in the core areas necessary to support that (such as phase-down under the Agreement.
of originating products from SACU have been
region, and therefore qualifies for duty-free access Rules of Origin). Services and other trade-related
After 10 years of preparations and negotiations, abolished. SACU shall progressively reduce
to the SADC market, “Rules of Origin” have been areas will be covered in a second phase. Once
the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) customs on imports of originating products from
agreed to by member states. concluded, the T-FTA will combine the markets
between the SADC EPA Group and the EU was the EFTA states.
of 26 countries with a population of nearly
To benefit from SADC trade preferences, “initialed” on 15 July 2014. The EPA improves
600 million people and a combined GDP of The tariff reduction schedules are set out on the
exporters must obtain confirmation of origin South Africa’s market access into the EU over
US$1 trillion, providing the market scale that assumption that the Agreement came into force
through a “Certification of Origin”, obtainable and above what currently obtains under the
could launch a sizeable part of the continent on 1 January 2006 and are not affected by any
from competent authorities in member states’ TDCA, especially for agricultural products. The
onto a new developmental trajectory. delays in the actual date on which the FTA came
customs offices. EPA also provides protection in the EU market
into force.
The T-FTA will form the basis for an Africa-wide for South African geographical indicators,
The Common Monetary Area (CMA)
Continental FTA (C-FTA), which is expected or names of origin, such as “Rooibos”,
The Common Monetary Area (CMA) links South
to create a market of US$2.6 trillion. This will “Honeybush” and “Karoo Lamb”, as well as a
Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland into a currency
address the challenge of small and fragmented range of South African wines.
union, in which the South African Rand is the
economies in Africa. A larger, more integrated
common currency. It is allied to the SACU -
and growing market would enhance the interest
see above. Namibia automatically became a
of foreign investors in Africa and provide a
member upon independence, but withdrew with
basis for enhanced intra-African trade through
the introduction of the Namibian dollar in 1993.
market integration, infrastructure development
However, Namibia has chosen not to pursue

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The United States exclusively for products in sub-Saharan Africa. GSP, however, exempts WTO member countries World Trade Organization’s Doha
Trade, Investment, Development and It has also made way for duty-free and quota- from MFN for the purpose of lowering tariffs Development Agenda
Cooperation Agreement (TIDCA) free access to the US market for apparel for developing countries (without also doing South Africa is a strong proponent of the
The TIDCA between SACU and the US is a manufactured in sub-Saharan countries, of so for rich countries). The idea of tariff principles of multilateralism, transparency
cooperative framework agreement that makes which the fabric, yarn and thread, were of US preferences for developing countries was and inclusiveness. We regard multilateralism
provision for the two parties to negotiate and origin. AGOA is set to expire in 2015. However, the subject of considerable discussion within as a necessary intergovernmental response
sign agreements relating to Sanitary and Phyto- South Africa continues to advocate for AGOA’s UNCTAD in the 1960s. Among other concerns, to manage the challenges of globalisation
Sanitary Measures (SPS), customs cooperation, extension and South Africa’s inclusion after developing countries claimed that MFN was and deepening interdependence among
and Technical Barriers to Trade Measures (TBT). 2015 to promote regional integration. creating a disincentive for richer countries to economies and societies around the world.
It also establishes a forum of engagement reduce and eliminate tariffs and other trade The current playing field in world trade is still
SACU-Southern Common Market (Mercosur)
between the two parties on any matters of restrictions with enough speed to benefit highly uneven and biased against developing
PTA
mutual interest, including capacity-building and developing countries. countries’ interests. In the WTO, South Africa
A preferential trade (or limited scope)
trade and investment promotion. therefore remains committed to concluding
agreement, covering about 1 100 product lines GSP applied to SA exports
the Development Round on the basis of the
Trade and Investment Framework on each side of the border, was concluded in South African products qualify for preferential
Development Mandate and Single Undertaking.
Agreement (TIFA) 2008 and signed in 2009. It is currently going market access (i.e. no or substantially reduced
South Africa has built alliances with other
TIFA is a bilateral agreement between South through ratification procedures. customs duty) to several countries under the
like-minded developing countries to resist
Africa and the US that was signed in 1999, GSP, including EU member states, Japan,
SACU-India PTA an outcome that is unfair, unmandated and
but was dormant until a decision to revive it Canada and Russia.
Negotiations are under way for a preferential anti-development.
was taken in 2010. The Agreement provides a
trade (or limited scope) agreement with India. Bilateral agreements
bilateral forum for the two countries to address NEPAD
The parties are currently defining an appropriate
issues of interest including AGOA,TIDCA, trade Mozambique Preferential Access Agreement
level of ambition for the Agreement. South Africa, in collaboration with key African
and investment promotion, non-tariff barriers, This Agreement is a wide-ranging preferential
countries, and as one of the NEPAD five
SPS, infrastructure and others. It is the main Generalised System of Preferences (GSPs) arrangement regulating mine labour, railway
initiating countries, has been at the forefront
forum for bilateral engagement with the US on and port matters and trade. A limited number
What are GSPs? in developing NEPAD as Africa’s premier
all trade-and-investment related issues. of Mozambican goods receive tariff preference
The Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) is development programme, in mobilising African
from South Africa, subject to quotas.
African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) a formal, non-reciprocal system of exemption and international support for NEPAD and in
AGOA is a unilateral assistance measure of from the more general rules of the World Zimbabwe/South Africa Bilateral Trade supporting NEPAD structures and processes.
the US government to increase trade and Trade Organisation (WTO). Specifically, it is a Agreement
NEPAD, which was adopted in 2001, is aimed
investment between the US and eligible system of exemption from the “Most Favoured An initial agreement between South Africa and
to promote and sustain socio-economic
sub-Saharan African countries, including Nation” (MFN) principle that obligates WTO Zimbabwe in 1964 provided for preferential
development and foster the adoption of policies
South Africa. AGOA was signed into law on member countries to treat the imports of all rates of duty, rebates and quotas on certain
that are in line with global practices.
18 May 2000 as Title 1 of The Trade and other WTO member countries no worse than goods traded between the two countries.
Development Act of 2000 in the US. AGOA they treat the imports of their “most favoured” Consensus on a new trade agreement was The primary objective of NEPAD is to eradicate
extended the duty-free treatment under the trading partner. In essence, MFN requires WTO reached in August 1996. In terms of the new poverty, halt the marginalisation of Africa in
US’s Generalised System of Preference (GSP) member countries to treat imports coming Agreement, tariff and quota levels on textile the globalisation process, to promote the
programme. Importantly, AGOA eliminated most from all other WTO member countries equally, imports into South Africa will be lowered. empowerment and economic integration
of the limitations of the GSP programme for that is, by imposing equal tariffs on them, etc. The Agreement also extends to a large of women and to achieve the Millennium
sub-Saharan African countries, and expanded number of other products, certain quotas for Development Goals (MDGs).
the product coverage of the GSP programme agricultural products.

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The implementation of NEPAD, in conjunction NEPAD provides unique opportunities for 5.2. Exchange controls The extent to which non-residents and entities,
with the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic African countries to take full control of their in which non-residents have an interest of 75%
Development Plan (RISDP), as the regional development agenda, to work more closely Overview or more, may avail of local financial assistance in
expression of NEPAD, forms a critical pillar together, and to cooperate more effectively Exchange control is administered by the South Africa for local working capital purposes,
that contributes to the overall objective of with international partners. In this regard, South African Reserve Bank (SARB), which has is unrestricted, however, local financial
the consolidation of the African Agenda. NEPAD manages a number of programmes and delegated powers to Authorised Dealers (banks assistance for financial transactions and the
At a practical level NEPAD seeks to unlock projects in six theme areas, including: licensed to deal in foreign exchange). acquisition of residential property is restricted in
the blockages relating to hard and soft terms of exchange controls.
• Agriculture and Food Security South Africa does not impose exchange controls
infrastructure, stimulating economic activity
on non-residents, but exercises exchange The sale, or redemption proceeds, of assets
through the various economic corridors, trade • Climate Change and National Resource
controls over residents and transactions entered owned by non-residents may be freely
facilitation, aid-for-trade and capacity-building Management
into between residents and non-residents. transferred from South Africa.
through innovative partnerships.
• Regional Integration and Infrastructure
For exchange control purposes, a “resident” is a Dividends declared by South African subsidiaries
• Human Development person (a natural person or legal entity) whether of foreign companies, and profits distributed
of South African or any other nationality, by a branch of a foreign company operating in
• Economic and Corporate Governance
who has taken up residence, is domiciled or South Africa, may be remitted abroad.
registered in South Africa. Residents (including resident entities) may
There are, in principle, no restrictions on foreign remit payment for services actually rendered by
investors acquiring companies or businesses non-residents, provided that the fees payable
in South Africa. The introduction of capital are not calculated on the basis of a percentage
or the acquisition of shares does not require of turnover, income, sales or purchases (i.e.
SARB approval, but the acceptance of foreign based on a direct charge method).
loans by South African residents (including Payments to be made in respect of transfer
a South African subsidiary or branch of a pricing or cost sharing or cost allocation
foreign company) is subject to prior approval arrangements (i.e. based on an indirect charge
being obtained. Approval is required for the method) require SARB approval.
repayment of foreign loans by South African
residents. The remittance of licence fees/royalties is
subject to approval being granted by the SARB
There are no thin capitalisation rules imposed and/or the dti.
in terms of exchange controls, but the rate
of interest payable on foreign loans will be Payment for imports may be made through an
limited in terms of SARB policies, although after Authorised Dealer, against the submission of
approval has been granted, interest is freely documentation evidencing the receipt of the
transferable from South Africa. merchandise in South Africa.
The receipt of export proceeds by residents is
controlled. Foreign currency export proceeds
must be repatriated and offered for sale to an
Authorised Dealer within 30 days of receipt.

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Exporters may grant credit of up to 180 Repatriation of funds Management fees

Note:
days where it is the norm and on application For exchange control purposes, management
* Local borrowing, including normal trade
to the Authorised Dealer credit terms may Type Comments fees due to related parties are subject to
credit or financial assistance availed of for
be extended. exchange control approval.
local working capital purposes, of a South Dividends No restrictions
Residents (natural persons) over the age of African company in which non-residents Notable amendments
Interest No restrictions **
18 years may avail of a single discretionary have at least 75% ownership or controls, is
not limited. Royalties Withholding tax* Ongoing amendments to exchange controls, as
allowance of up to R1 million per calendar
well as financial market legislation, make South
year, which may be utilised for any one or all of Equity No restriction**
** Local financial assistance granted to Africa an attractive investment prospect and
the following categories of allowances: travel Investments
emigrants and companies in which brings it in line with international best practice.
(both holiday and business travel), maintenance Loans Readily granted**
non-residents have an interest of 75% Past notable amendments have included, for
payments, gifts or loans to non-residents, study subject to
or more, is restricted in respect of the example, the National Payment System Act of
allowance, alimony and child support payments, approval
acquisition of residential properties by 1998 (which confers greater powers and duties
wedding expenses and foreign capital
non-residents or affected persons, and *Assumes no double tax treaty relief exists. on the South African Reserve Bank to provide
allowance. Residents (natural persons) under
any other financial transaction, such as clearing and settlement facilities, bringing the
the age of 18 years may avail of travel facilities **Provided exchange control approval was obtained on
portfolio investments by non-residents, initial investment. South African financial settlement system in
within a limit of R200 000 per calendar year.
securities lending, hedging, repurchase line with international practice on settlement
Individuals resident in South Africa, who are agreements etc. In these cases, a ratio of Dividends systems and systematic risk management
taxpayers of good standing and over the age of 100% of invested, or shareholder funds, Dividends are freely remittable (provided the procedures) and the introduction of payment
18 years, are permitted to remit capital abroad applies. dividend will not cause the business to be “over clearing house agreements and agreements
to invest within a limit of R4 million per calendar borrowed”). The remitting bank may call for pertaining to settlement, clearing and netting
year, or alternatively, hold foreign currency documentation that may include an auditor’s agreements, and rules to create certainty and
deposits with an Authorised Dealer. report as evidence that the amount to be reduce systemic and other risks in inter-bank
transferred represents a dividend. settlement.
Foreign nationals temporarily resident in South
Africa may, subject to completing formalities Interest More recent developments in South Africa’s
through an Authorised Dealer, conduct their Provided exchange control approval has been exchange control environment included,
affairs on a resident basis while resident in obtained in advance, in respect of the loan and among others, the withdrawal of the
South Africa and may expatriate accumulated the interest payable. In other words, approval application process to make new outward
earnings or capital introduced. is required for the receipt of the loan and if foreign direct investments where the total
prior approval for the loan has been obtained, cost of such investment does not exceed
Investment Comments interest may be paid without separate approval. R500 million per company per year. Under
Repayment of capital is subject to separate this new dispensation, the responsibility for
Listed securities No restrictions approval. ensuring that the foreign investment purposes
Real estate No restrictions has been placed on the authorised dealer (i.e.
Equity investment No restrictions Royalties a commercial bank) facilitating the transaction.
Provided the royalty agreement has been South African companies who want to use
Loans All foreign loans subject to
approved by the SARB and/or the dti this dispensation are still required to show
approval
and provided the application for approval anticipated benefits to South Africa as a result
to remit the royalty is supported by the of the foreign direct investment.
auditor’s certificate.

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Additional reforms included removing controls - Transfers from the parent company to the • The requirement that collateral for securities to source funding from non-residents,
on emigrant blocked assets. South African holding company will be allowed within lending transactions are by way of cash cover domestic institutional investors, subject
emigrants are currently allowed to take a R2 billion per annum limit for listed in Rand or the pledge of unencumbered to permitted macro-prudential limits
R8 million per calendar year per family unit companies and R1 billion per annum for non-resident owned local assets, have been and, in respect of individuals, subject
offshore upon emigration. The rest of the assets unlisted entities; lifted and Authorised Dealers will now be able to their foreign capital investment
are blocked, but application may be made to accept non-Rand based collateral; allowance limit; and
- The Financial Surveillance Department of
for the externalisation of all remaining South
the SARB will, on application, consider • Debt and equity instruments issued by entities - Foreign member funds will be required to
African assets.
transfers of up to 25% of the listed in the CMA will be classified as domestic be domiciled, anaged and tax compliant
Furthermore, regarding investments abroad by company’s market capitalisation to the assets; in South Africa, and subject to the
individuals, R4 million per calendar year limit is Holdco provided there is a demonstrated Financial Services Bord and Financial
• The JSE will be permitted to offer African
applicable, but individuals may apply to have benefit to South Africa; Surveillance Department of the SARB.
agricultural commodity derivative contracts
funds in excess of this limit externalised subject
- Income generated from cash in foreign currency, subject to certain • Accessing capital for growth into Africa
to compliance with all tax and financial integrity
management will be freely transferable; requirements;
legislation. Individuals (resident natural persons) - Unlisted technology, media,
over the age of 18 years may avail of a single - Holding companies may choose their • The ability to operate gold and other telecommunications, exploration
discretionary allowance of up to R1 million per functional currency or currencies and commodity exchange traded funds and other research and development
calendar year. operate both foreign currency and Rand- will be opened to a wider range of companies will be allowed to freely list
denominated accounts for operational financial institutions and these funds offshore to allow them to raise capital
Further relaxations have resulted in the
purposes; will be classified as domestic assets for for their operations provided they remain
following concessions:
prudential purposes; and incorporated in South Africa and a tax
- There will be no restriction on transfers
• A special type of South African holding resident and are effectively controlled
into and out of the Holdco provided such • A review will be undertaken of the current
company (Holdco) that both JSE-listed and and managed from South Africa.
transfers comply with regular reporting stance that intellectual property is deemed to
unlisted entities will be able to establish for Their intellectual property is to remain
requirements and are not undertaken to be capital for exchange control purposes.
holding African and offshore operations registered in South Africa;
avoid tax commitments; and
without it being subject to exchange control • Member funds
- Following a successful offshore listing,
restrictions. Each entity will be entitled to - The Financial Surveillance Department
- In order to provide domestic investors the entity will be required to secondary
establish one such subsidiary of the SARB will consider, on application
with a channel to obtain foreign list in South Africa within two years;
and on a case-by-case basis, the listing of
- The aforementioned entity will exposure, while at the same time
the Holdco and joint ventures. - JSE-listed companies will be freely
also be able to operate as a cash benefitting from enhanced customer
permitted to secondary list offshore; and
management centre for the South African • Further refinements to the International protection, foreign member funds will be
multinational; and cash pooling will be Headquarter Company (IHC) rules have also introduced which will not be subjected to - In line with promoting access to offshore
allowed without restrictions; been announced. Banks will be permitted the macro-prudential limit applicable to capital, intellectual property developed
an additional five percentage points on their institutional investors; in South Africa may be freely assigned
- Such holding companies will also be
macro-prudential limits for further expansion offshore subject to the appropriate tax
able to raise and deploy capital offshore - These member funds will comprise
into Africa; treatment.
provided it is without South African collective investment schemes and
guarantees; alternative investment funds (including
private equity, venture capital and
hedge funds). They will be permitted

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• Changes applicable to Authorised Dealers - Income transfers to South African 5.3. Importing and exporting Total imports and exports
residents temporarily abroad – South
- Authorised Dealers will be required to Overviewd2
African residents temporarily abroad Year Imports Exports
submit a revised Macro-Prudential Limit
will be able to receive pension fund and The South African trade balance over the past
Report; and 2009 541 173.40 513 864.10
annuity payments without the specific year shows a negative balance, concluding
- Authorised Dealers will be permitted to approval of the Financial Surveillance 2010 585 229.50 590 035.50
that South Africa is importing more goods and
participate in foreign syndicated loans Department of the SARB; services than what it is exporting. 2011 729 026.90 712 141.30
irrespective of the status of the borrower
- Corporate foreign direct investment – 2012 831 034.50 714 089.10
(this is for exchange control purposes South Africa’s balance of trade recorded a
Companies that have utilised a portion of cumulative deficit of R69.91 billion in 2013, 2013 969 188.90* 811 867.80*
only) and within the macro-prudential
their authorised foreign direct investment compared to the R34.68 billion deficit recorded
limit applicable to the Authorised Dealer. *Based on preliminary results.
allowance in a calendar year will be able over the corresponding period in 2012.
• Miscellaneous reforms to remit the balance in the following Source: SARS
calendar year without obtaining the The expansion was mainly propelled by
- Customer Foreign Currency (CFC) increased export values of coal, machinery
specific approval of the Financial
accounts – Foreign currency purchased in and equipment, as well as coke and refined
Surveillance Department of the SARB; and
the spot market or the maturity proceeds petroleum products.
of hedging contracts may be credited - Emigrant transfers – Previously emigrants
to CFC accounts and paid away within were permitted to export listed securities
30 days. Previously, this timeframe was in lieu of a foreign capital allowance. This
restricted to the following business day; has been expanded to include unlisted
shares under certain conditions still to be
- Credit card limits – The current limit of
announced.
R20 000 per transaction will be increased
to R50 000 per transaction to cover
miscellaneous payments for imports,
services and subscriptions;
- Payments for imports – In respect of
payments in advance for imports within
a limit of R50 000, the presentation to
an Authorised Dealer of an invoice only
will suffice, obviating the requirement
to subsequently present further import
documentation;

d2
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Top 10 imported and exported commodities - 2013 (by Rand value) Import and export proceduresd3 Export permits
A number of products are subject to export
Customs procedures affect new business
Major Imports Major Exports control and licensing. Exporters should apply
operations in many areas. Most firms rely on
1 Petroleum oils and oils obtained 1 Gold, non-monetary: other directly to the government agency that controls
imports for initial capital equipment and for
from bituminous minerals, crude semi-manufactured forms the specific permit in question. Currently,
needed production materials and supplies.
restrictions exist on strategic goods (exhaustible
2 Original equipment 2 Bituminous coal Exporting firms rely on timely clearances to
resources), secondhand vehicles, agricultural
components: for motor cars of expedite shipments and for documentation
products and metal waste and scrap.
heading 87.03 to secure rebates. Import and export control
3 Distillate fuel, as defined in 3 Iron ores and concentrates, is the function of the International Trade Metal scrap must first be offered to downstream
additional note 1(g) agglomerated Administration Commission of South Africa manufacturers at a discount to the price at
(ITAC). which it can be exported (20% discount for all
4 Other vehicles of a cylinder 4 Platinum, unwrought or in semi-
categories of scrap metal as defined by ITAC). If
capacity exceeding 1 500 cm³ manufactured forms: other Import permits
manufacturers turn down the offer, an export
but not exceeding 3 000 cm Most goods may be imported into South Africa
permit may be issued. Export permits are valid
5 Telephones for cellular networks 5 Platinum, unwrought or in without restriction. However, the importation of
for a period not exceeding six months from the
or for other wireless networks: powder form certain goods specified by government notice
date of issue or a shorter period as indicated in
designed for use when carried is only permitted subject to the issuance of an
the permit.
in the hand or on the person import permit. All second-hand goods, including
waste and scrap of whatever nature, require an Registration as importer/exporter
6 Medicaments: other 6 Ferro-chromium: containing by
import permit. For goods subject to restriction, All importers and exporters in South Africa are
mass more than 4% of carbon
importers must be in possession of the required required to register with the Commissioner
7 Petrol, as defined in additional 7 Other vehicles of a cylinder permit before the goods are shipped. for SARS. Form DA 185 (plus the relevant
note 1(b) capacity exceeding 1 500 cm³ annexures) for importers and exporters, as well
but not exceeding 3 000 cm ITAC controls the issuing of permits. Additional
as clearing agents and warehouse licencees,
and prior authorisation may be required from
8 Motor cars and other motor 8 Iron ores and concentrates, must be completed and submitted to SARS.
other departments with jurisdiction over the
vehicles principally designed for non-agglomerated
control of the goods in question. The permit Forms are to be submitted to the SARS office
the transport of persons, other
can be acquired within three days, depending closest to the area in which the applicant’s head
9 Original equipment 9 Other, double-cab, of a vehicle on the nature of the application. office is situated. Upon registration, applicants
components: for motor vehicles mass not exceeding 2 000 are issued with a unique customs code number.
for the transport of goods of kg or a G.V.M. not exceeding For a complete list of goods currently subject
The registration process normally takes about
heading 87.04, vehicle mass 3 500 kg, or of a mass not to import control, an importer should approach
two to three weeks depending on the type of
not exceeding 2 000 kg or of a exceeding 1 600 kg the ITAC. Permits are issued free of charge and
registration required.
G.V.M. not exceeding 3 500 kg are valid for a period of 12 months from the
date of issue. SARS amended their rules around foreign
10 Portable automatic data 10 Catalytic converters of a kind
entities (not registered in South Africa) who
processing machines, of a mass used for motor vehicles Applications should be filed at least two weeks
wish to register for customs purposes.
not exceeding 10 kg prior to the date of shipment in order to ensure
approval in time for shipment. Foreign entities (foreign principals) can register
with Customs (i.e. register as importer and/
or exporter), provided they simultaneously

d3
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nominate a local representative (registered Import shipments may be cleared through Export process Deferment of payment scheme
agent) located in the Republic of South Africa Customs prior to the goods arriving at a South All required documentation must be submitted A deferment scheme is available to qualified
to act on their behalf in relation to any business African port. In order to avoid unnecessary to Customs and Excise before goods can be importers that allows for the deferment of
activity which relates specifically to customs. delays, an importer may wish to submit an cleared through Customs. Most transactions applicable import duties, and VAT. Payment
application for a tariff determination for are covered by a Bill of Entry (Form SAD500). is generally deferred for 30 days with
Customs clearance procedures
products where the tariff heading is unknown Customs can process paperwork within seven days to settle the account. No locally
Import process or under dispute. These can be acquired 24 hours. manufactured goods, (duties and levies) may
The clearance of imported goods generally takes from the Commissioner in Pretoria (submitted be deferred under this scheme. To apply for
All exports must reflect payment from
a maximum of 24 hours for airfreight and two through the relevant branch office). deferment, importers may apply to the local
the receiver of the goods. Other required
to three days for sea freight, depending on the Customs Controller.
In the case of sea freight, once Customs has documentation includes:
port of entry. All required documentation must
been cleared, the importer must pay dues to Required documentation includes:
be submitted to Customs and Excise before • Export invoice
Harbour Revenue, and receive a wharfage
goods can be cleared through Customs. • Application for deferment
order. The importer then pays the operator and • Transport document
Most transactions are covered by a Bill of Entry receives a release. At this point, the importer • Statement of income for the past three years
• Export permit (if required)
(Form SAD500). can go to the terminal and collect his goods.
• Audited financial statements and balance
Electronic processing
Other required documentation includes: Freight forwarders commonly apply for all sheet
Most Customs offices accept electronic versions
licences and registration numbers. They can
• Commercial invoice of required documentation to expedite the The local Controller will make its
apply for tariff determinations and provide
clearance process. SARS may request that the recommendation to the Commissioner.
• Prescribed certificate of origin when assistance in properly classifying goods.
electronic version be supported by additional Following approval, the applicant will be
preferential duty rates are claimed Through the use of technology, they can clear
documentation. The importer and/or the required to submit additional documentation,
goods quicker than an individual investor, and
• Negotiable copy of bill of lading or equivalent freight forwarder needs to keep all customs including a signed agreement and any required
provide inland transport for the goods to reach
document related documentation for a period of at least surety bond.
the investor.
five years.
• Import permit, if required Duty drawback scheme
Importers need to be aware that, although
SARS introduced a new automated customs A duty drawback scheme provides refunds for
• Rebate permit 470.03 (if applicable) for raw the freight forwarder will assist them with the
management system, which will eliminate import duties paid on materials used in the
materials to be processed and re-exported clearance process, the ultimate responsibility
lengthy delays and reduce the red tape at production of goods exported. Manufacturers
for the correct clearance of the goods
• Payment, by a bank guaranteed cheque, for the country’s border post. The new system may apply for refunds after the final product is
remains theirs.
all applicable duties and taxes (incl. VAT), if centralised the clearing of all imported and exported. Manufacturers must provide proper
not qualified for a deferment exported declarations using a single processing documentation to reconcile imported materials
engine. Benefits of the new system included with exports.
• Duly completed clearing instructions
reducing border turn-around time from two
hours to six minutes on average and reducing
inspection time from eight hours to two hours
on average. In addition, there is better security
and risk detection, which will help SARS
protect South African businesses. The digital
network will also promote trade within Africa
and improve competitiveness of the South
African economy.

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Bonded warehouses Clearing agents

Secure bonded warehouse facilities are available Clearing agents/customs brokers are available
at all points of entry and may be used to store throughout South Africa to attend to all
imported goods without payment of duties until formalities necessary for the clearance of goods
required for use, resale, or re-export. through Customs, including any required
permits, documentation, payment of duties,
Goods withdrawn from a bonded warehouse
port charges, forwarding and transport costs.
are liable for the duty applicable only if cleared
out of bond for home consumption. Goods may Customs duty planning
be stored for no more than two years. However,
Customs duty planning can provide significant
the new customs legislation proposed a reduced
savings for businesses locating to South Africa
storage period of 12 months only (i.e. one year).
whether through immediate reduction in
SARS also administers a programme for amounts of customs duty payable, improved cash
manufacturing under rebate, whereby flow or by streamlining procedures and reducing Customs valuation Inward processing relief
manufacturers may claim a rebate on imported overhead costs. The South African Customs and Excise Act A full rebate of the customs duty and
materials used in the production of goods for provides for a range of additions to, and VAT exemption is provided for goods for
It is essential that businesses locating to South
export. The objective from a SARS perspective deductions from, the transaction value of goods processing and re-exportation. Processing
Africa consider specialist advice at an early stage
will be to ensure that materials imported are used to determine the value for customs duty includes from simple repacking of goods, to
to ensure that suitable planning opportunities are
used in the manufacturing, packing, finishing purposes of imported goods. the most complicated manufacturing process.
identified and maximum savings are achieved,
or equipping of goods for export and that Certain accounting requirements have to be
especially since certain provisions are dependent Careful planning will ensure that the lowest
control measures are in place to ensure that the followed but careful planning can reduce these
on pre-approval from the authorities concerned. legal value can be used, thus reducing the
manufactured products are exported. requirements to a minimum.
overall duty liability. Where there is trade
Listed below are brief outlines of the main areas
Imported materials must be used within between related parties and SARS’ Customs Industrial Development Zones (IDZs)
in which businesses locating to South Africa may
12 months. This facility is exclusively export find that the transaction value is too low for Following the publication of the Industrial
obtain savings through customs duty planning:
driven, and to qualify manufacturers must have customs duty purposes, SARS can increase the Development Zone Regulations in December
secure facilities on their premises for the storage Stage consignment procedures transaction value. It is therefore important to 2000, the Coega (near Port Elizabeth), East
of dutiable materials. The designated area is These can benefit businesses importing capital ensure that the correct customs value is agreed London, Richards Bay and Johannesburg
subject to inspection by Customs. equipment in separate consignments. Instead with SARS. International Airport IDZs have been designated.
of classifying all the components separately,
It is recommended that building plans be Tariff classification The intention of IDZs is to provide investors in
and completing full customs entries for
submitted to Customs prior to construction Tariff classification of imported goods is the the zone with direct links to an international
each consignment, they may be classified as
to ensure that all requirements are met. Upon responsibility of the importer, even if entrusted port and the facility to import inputs and goods
component parts of one functional unit. The
approval, manufacturers are also required to to a clearing agent. Classification determines into the zone customs duty-free and exempt
customs duty applicable to the functional unit
provide a surety bond. The bond amount is the rate of customs duty payable, permit and from VAT. Each zone will have dedicated
will therefore be applied, that could result
usually determined in consultation with SARS. licensing requirements and entitlement to customs support for faster processing of
in one, low customs duty, instead of many
The entire process can take from two weeks to preferential customs duty rates or rebates of customs documentation. IDZs are suitable for
different customs duty rates, several of which
two months, depending on the length of time duty. Customs planning enables businesses to export-orientated production. Finished goods
might be quite high. Import documentation
required to obtain the bond. identify lower duty liabilities and avoid import sold into South Africa could have import status,
would also be reduced.
restrictions that should not apply to his product. i.e. it could be subject to the same customs
duties and taxes applicable to any other import.

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Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard Safeguard measures will apply to imports from Benefits include:
South Africa is moving to include SEZs in its measures all countries, although least developed countries
• Simplified procedures such as electronic
industrial and economic development toolbox ITAC conducts anti-dumping, countervailing can be excluded. Proper planning can ensure
clearances support a paperless environment
in the hope that they will help stimulate fixed and safeguard investigations in terms of the that the product is not subject to anti-dumping,
and lead to quicker turnaround times;
investment, particularly investment that can International Trade Administration Act. Anti- countervailing or safeguard investigation. When
contribute to the country’s re-industrialisation dumping, countervailing and safeguard duties being party to an anti-dumping, countervailing • Consulting with business to improve customs
thrust. The aim is also to use industrial parks can be imposed in addition to the prevailing or safeguard investigation, it is essential that processes; and
to stimulate a regionally diversified industrial rate of customs duty applicable to the product exporters, importers and manufacturers (South
• Less human intervention in customs
economy, particularly in underdeveloped being imported. Safeguard quotas can be African and foreign) cooperate with the
transactions.
provinces. imposed in the case of safeguard investigations. investigating authority in order to get the best
dispensation. The local trading industry did not embrace this
In 2014, the Special Economic Zone Act A product is considered dumped when it is
concept due to the lack of real benefits. SARS in
(SEZA) was signed into law and provides for exported to SACU at a price that is less than Interpretation of trade agreements and
turn has not got around to conducting customs
the designation, promotion, development, its normal value. The normal value is defined “rules of origin”
compliance inspections to verify compliance
operation and management of SEZs, as well as as the domestic selling price of a product in It is important to constantly monitor the
declarations made by applicants and, as a result,
for the establishment and functioning of the the country of export or, in the absence of changing trading environment and to develop
the application process became somewhat of a
SEZs Advisory Board and the appointment of domestic sales, exports to another country or a informed marketing strategies. Companies
“paper-exercise”.
members. constructed normal value. are advised on compliance with the “Rules
of Origin” provisions of the various trade SARS subsequently amended the accreditation
Note: Countervailing duties are imposed in the case of
agreements and assisted in mitigating risks programme and published two documents to
• These SEZs could be in the form of subsidies by a foreign government in an effort
in this area. South Africa is a beneficiary to aid applicants in understanding and assessing
Industrial Development Zones, Free to make their exports more competitive.
various trade agreements such as the free trade their compliance status with the accredited
Trade Zones, Free Trade Ports and Sector Safeguard measures are imposed when there agreements with the EU, EFTA, the SADC and criteria, namely:
Specific Zones. Further details about SEZ is a surge in imports of a specific product. AGOA, which makes it an ideal location to
offerings will be available in due course. • Request for information and self-assessment
In all three instances it must be shown that target large developed markets.
(Document number SC-CF-06-A1)
it has caused injury to the relevant South
Customs accreditation
African industry before final measures • Quick reference guide to accreditation
Customs and excise warehouses can be introduced. The anti-dumping and The SARS “accreditation initiative” was (Document number SC-CF-07)
countervailing duties can be country and /or introduced in February 2002, and aimed to
These warehouses allow the deferment of the The application process has, hence, been
company specific and are imposed for a period eradicate illegitimate trade and simultaneously
payment of customs duties and import VAT updated and applicants now need to complete
of five years. facilitate legitimate trade within South Africa.
on goods subject to customs duty. Payment is the self-assessment prior to applying for
only due at the time the goods are removed Accreditation allows SARS to grant accredited accreditation on the DA186. If the self-
from the warehouse for home consumption. status to those businesses registered under the assessment reveals that the applicant is not
Certain manufacturing operations may also Customs Act and which meet defined criteria. in a position to apply for accreditation, SARS
be undertaken in these warehouses subject to will (together with the applicant) draw up
special prior approval being received from the a “Compliance Improvement Plan” to assist
Customs authorities. the applicant to improve their compliance
levels and, hence, meet the qualifying criteria
Special dispensations are applicable to exporters
for accreditation.
if the goods are not subject to customs duty.

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If the self-assessment reveals that the applicant of the revised accreditation approach within The new accreditation process requires The main aim of the re-write is to modernise
meets the criteria for accreditation, the SARS. This will award clients with a new status the companies to complete a detailed self- customs systems in order to facilitate legitimate
completed self-assessment (together with the that will also introduce an “account manager assessment questionnaire that represents a due trade. The new customs Acts are in line with
DA186) needs to be submitted to SARS. SARS approach” to approved preferred traders. diligence report of their own compliance. SARS international trends and compliant with South
will verify the details and confirm whether or validates each company’s declaration through Africa’s commitments. The new Acts are largely
SARS believes that about 80% of trade volume
not accredited status has been granted. In the an audit that performs a combination of internal based on the Revised Kyoto Convention, which
is undertaken by clients who should be able to
event that it is not granted, the applicant can systems tests and sampling of compliance. provides a “blueprint” for a modern customs
demonstrate their compliance, and therefore be
participate in the Compliance Improvement organisation.
considered “low risk” and potentially suitable SARS has undertaken initial discussions with
Programme.
for accreditation. The mutual benefit is that neighbouring countries to help them adopt and Latest changes
If SARS grant accredited status to the applicant, customs operations at the entry/exit points deploy the SARS Customs Draft Accreditation
While a few new concepts have been
the applicant will be required to sign an of South Africa should then be able to focus Policy into an aligned Regional Accreditation
introduced, many of the changes see familiar
accreditation agreement in order to complete on high risk consignments and allow greater and Audit Programme.
concepts being revised with a lot of new
the process and receive the benefits available facilitation to its accredited clients.
Proposed benefits of the accreditation policy terminology added to ensure that the Acts (and
under accreditation. Ongoing compliance
The programme is dependent upon developing Proposed benefits of the accreditation policy their guidelines) are in line with international
reviews by SARS will be conducted. Should the
a solid customs audit capability supported by include, among others: protocols.
applicant’s compliance levels fall, the accredited
its core legal, policy, people, and process and
client status can be cancelled or suspended • Reduced interventions; Some of the major changes to be introduced
systems infrastructures. To achieve this, the
upon review. through the new customs legislation include:
PTI has developed draft audit and account • Upgraded service model for participants; and
Lastly, industry should be aware that SARS is management policies, procedures and standard • SARS’ ability to assess a duty liability has been
• Simplified procedures linked to accreditation
currently looking at revising the accreditation operating procedures to guide the new lengthened from two to three years, which
(dependent on new systems and legislative
initiative to bring it in line with the “Authorised programme. These are being tested by the pilot, will make potential exposures much bigger
provisions).
Economic Operator” concept which was and will be formalised in legislative rules and than in the past;
introduced by the World Customs Organization. policy. A new accreditation policy is also being SARS is also busy with an AEO benchmarking
• Provision has been made for a “self-
This revised accreditation is known as the SARS developed that will specify formal benefits for programme that will assist in the finalisation of
assessment” by importers and exporters;
“Preferred Trader Initiative” (PTI). clients linked to their compliance levels. This is the accreditation programme.
in line with the EU’s AEO programme, which • Provision has been made for the “fast
Customs modernisation has established a Re-write of the Customs Act
SARS is aligning with due to the fact that the EU tracking and simplified procedures” for
PTI that is currently undertaking a pilot with
countries are our largest trading partners. After much speculation the Customs Control Bill accredited traders;
importers and exporters from key economic
and Customs Duty Bill were finally promulgated
sectors identified by Government. The aim is The assurance audits will perform tests that • Provision is made for advanced rulings;
into Acts. However, they are yet to be
to improve trade facilitation and economic will score compliance against specific measures
proclaimed into practicing legislation. • Goods now have to be cleared within three,
protection of key industries, as well as raise and standards. This approach will also facilitate
not seven, days;
voluntary compliance and increase efficiency mutual recognition from international customs
for SARS. The intent of the PTI is to create administrations for their local status.
partnerships between Customs and business,
linking specific demonstrated and audited
compliance levels. “Preferred trader” forms part

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• Accredited status holders now have to renew • SARS will have far greater powers in terms of
this status every three years; recovering debt owed to the State, including
powers to arrest, being able to use a certain
• The benefits of accreditation have been more
level of force, and being able to carry
clearly defined;
firearms; and
• Companies registered with SARS will need to
• The provisions for the classification
renew their registration if they are found to
and valuation of goods have been
be inactive for a period of three years for the
expanded upon.
activity which they are registered for;
• The administration procedures have been Note:
clarified, including which forms are necessary • It is anticipated that the draft Excise Bill
and what the time frames are; will be released for public comment during
2015, while the draft rules to the new
Customs Acts are expected to be released
in batches for public comment, during
2014 and early 2015.

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6. Regulatory requirements in South Africa

6.1. Corporate regulations Profit companies Foreign and External Companies Annual returns
A foreign company is a company incorporated
Introduction Profit companies may be incorporated under An annual return is a summary of the most
outside of South Africa, irrespective of whether
the following types: relevant information pertaining to a company
The Companies Act, 2008 (the Act) it is a profit or non-profit company or carrying
and CC. By lodging annual returns, companies
became effective on 1 May 2011. The Act Private Companies (Pty) Ltd on business in South Africa or not.
and CCs ensure that the CIPC is in possession of
is characterised by flexibility, simplicity, A company that is not a state-owned company
A foreign company is prohibited from offering the latest information. It also confirms that the
transparency, corporate efficiency and and its Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI)
securities to the South African public unless it company and CC is still in business or will be
regulatory certainty. It is drafted in plain prohibits it from offering any of its securities to
follows the specific provisions of the companies doing business in the near future.
language, and is not as detailed and prescriptive the public, and restricts the transferability of its
Act, relating to offers to the public.
as the previous Act. Companies are allowed securities. All companies (including external companies)
flexibility to change certain requirements to suit A foreign company is required to register as and CCs are required by law to lodge their
Personal Liability Companies (Inc.)
their specific circumstances. an “external company” with the Companies annual returns with CIPC within a certain
A private company of which the company’s MOI
and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) if period of time every year. An annual return is
Different forms of enterprises determines that the company and the directors
it conducts or intends to conduct business in a statutory return in terms of the Companies
are jointly and severally liable for any debts and
According to the Companies Act of 2008, as South Africa. The Companies Act in terms of and Close Corporations Acts and therefore
liabilities of the company.
of May 2011, no new Close Corporations (CCs) section 23 lists a series of activities that will be must be complied with. Failure to do so will
would be registered, no conversions to CCs State-Owned Companies (SOC Ltd) regarded as conducting business. This list is result in the Commission assuming that the
would be registered and provision has been An enterprise, registered as a company, which is much broader than the provision in the 1973 company and/or CC is not doing business or
made for CCs to convert to companies without listed as a public entity in Schedule 2 or 3 of the Companies Act relating to a “place of business” is not intending on doing business in the near
any payment. Two types of companies may Public Finance Management Act (the PFMA) or in South Africa. future. Non-compliance with annual returns
be incorporated under the new Act; namely, is owned by a municipality. may lead to deregistration, which has the effect
Sole Proprietors and Partnerships
Non-profit Companies and Profit Companies: that the juristic personality is withdrawn and the
Public Companies (Ltd) Sole Proprietors and Partnerships are not
company or CC ceases to exist.
Non-profit companies A company that is not a state-owned company, required to be registered at the CIPC, however,
private company or personal liability company. they are expected to comply with the statutory
A Non-profit Company (NPC) is a company obligations in the country such as paying taxes.
incorporated for public benefit or other
objective relating to one or more cultural or The net profit of the Sole Proprietor and
social activities, or communal or group interests; Partner is viewed as personal income of the
and the income and property of the company business owner and taxed in his personal name
are not distributable to its incorporators, according to the income tax tables of South
members, directors, officers or persons related African income tax law. Partnerships can be
to any of them. created through a contractual legal partnership
agreement between two or more persons and
not more than 20.

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Filing of annual returns Transparency and accountability Enhanced transparency and accountability
The Act makes a distinction between the The Act requires companies to adhere to a Although all companies are subject to
annual returns of local companies and external number of measures to ensure transparency and transparency and accountability requirements
companies and the content of each differs. accountability. (as set out above), public companies, state-
There will therefore be three annual return owned companies are obliged to appoint a
lodgment avenues; namely, for local companies, Among others, all companies are required company secretary and an audit committee
external companies and CCs. to: (comprising at least three directors).
Have at least one office in the Republic, and
Note: All companies that are obliged to have audited
to register the address of such office (or its
• The annual return of an external financial statements audited must appoint an
principal office) with the Commission.
company will exclude the annual financial independent auditor.
Keep certain records in written or electronic
statements. Company finance
form for a period of seven years.
Keep accurate and complete accounting The authorisation and classification of shares,
Annual returns for local and external companies record. the numbers of authorised shares of each class,
must be filed within 30 business days, from the and the preferences, rights, limitations and
anniversary date of incorporation. If filing later Prepare annual financial statements. other terms associated with each class of shares,
than the 30 business days, an increased fee is must be set out in the company’s Memorandum
payable up until the company is deregistered Submit an annual return, including a copy of of Incorporation, and may only be changed by
due to non-compliance. its annual financial statements and any other special resolution of the shareholders.
prescribed information. The content of this
There is no distinction under the new Act report is prescribed in Regulations to the Act. However, directors are given special powers
between company types and NPCs are therefore in that the board of the company may (except
also required to lodge annual returns. if the MOI provides otherwise) change the
The Act requires public companies and state-
number of authorised shares of any class of
Filing within 30 Filing more than 30 owned companies to have audited financial
shares or to classify or reclassify any shares.
Annual turnover business days after business days after statements. Certain categories of other
anniversary anniversary companies may be required by the Minister The interests of minority shareholders are
in Regulations to have their annual financial protected by requiring shareholder approval for
Less than R100 R150
statement audited. All companies that are shares and options issued to directors and other
R1 million
not required (either in terms of the Act, or by specified persons, or financial assistance for
R1 million but less R450 R600 Regulations) to have their financial statements share purchases.
than R10 million audited may opt to either have their annual
A new framework for debentures provides
R10 million R2 000 R2 500 financial statements audited voluntarily or to
companies with significant freedom to create
but less than have it independently reviewed. Regulations
financial instruments.
R25 million set out exactly what is meant by independent
R25 million or R3 000 R4 000 review, what standards should be used, what
more professional qualifications are required for
reviewers, etc.

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Capital adequacy The strict standards of directors conduct and Business rescue
A person, acting in the capacity of
director, must exercise his powers and liability are somewhat tempered by the fact that
The Act requires the application of a solvency The Act provides for a process to rescue
perform his/her functions: companies are allowed to advance funds to
and liquidity test in specific instances, e.g. companies that are financially distressed. A
cover the expense of litigation against directors,
distributions, financial assistance to directors In good faith and for a proper purpose. company is in financial distress when it is likely
to indemnify directors in certain circumstances
or related companies, and mergers or to be insolvent, or unable to pay its debt in the
In the best interest of the company. or to purchase insurance to protect either the
amalgamations. In terms of this test, when one next six months.
With the degree of care, skill and diligence director or the company. Directors may never
considers all reasonably foreseeable financial
that may reasonably be expected of a person be indemnified for liability resulting from willful Business rescue proceedings may be initiated
circumstances of the company at a particular
carrying out the same functions and having misconduct or willful breach of trust. either by ordinary company resolution, or
point in time, the company’s total assets fairly
the general knowledge, skill and experience failing that, a court order. Business rescue
valued should equal or exceed its total liabilities The standard of conduct, and the provisions
of that director. proceedings may only be initiated where there
(including contingent liabilities) fairly valued relating to personal liability, also apply to
is a reasonable likelihood that the company can
and it should be clear that the company will be “prescribed officers”. A “prescribed officer”
Director liability be rescued.
able to pay its debts as they become due in the is any person that exercises general executive
course of business for a period of 12 months Directors of a company may be held jointly control over and management of the whole, Business rescue proceedings entail the
thereafter. and severally liable for any loss, damage or or a significant portion, of the business and appointment of a business rescue practitioner
costs sustained by the company as a result activities of the company. to supervise the company and its management
Governance
of a breach of the director’s fiduciary duty or on a temporary basis. During this time a
Takeovers and fundamental transactions
The Act provides for a range of governance the duty to act with care, skill and diligence. moratorium is placed on the rights of claimants
requirements, including a shareholder’s right In addition, a director may also be held liable Fundamental transactions are transactions that against the company. The business rescue
to be represented by proxy, notice for and where he/she: would fundamentally alter a company, including practitioner is tasked with the development
conduct at meetings, election of directors, the disposal of substantially all of its assets or and implementation of a plan to rescue the
disqualification of persons to be directors, • Acts in the name of the company without the undertaking, a scheme of arrangement, or a company by restructuring its affairs, business,
removal of directors, board committees and necessary authority; merger or amalgamation. property, debt and other liabilities, and equity in
board meetings, director’s conflict of interests, a manner that maximises the likelihood of the
• Is part of an act or omission while The Takeover Regulation Panel is tasked with
standards of director’s conduct, liability of company continuing to exist on a solvent basis.
knowing that the intention was to defraud regulating affected transactions. The Minister
directors and prescribed officers, and the
shareholders, employees or creditors; published takeover regulations to regulate The Act recognises the interests of all affected
indemnification of directors.
the detail requirements for fundamental persons (which might be either a shareholder,
Standards of directors conduct • Signs financial statements that are false or transactions. a creditor, trade union or the employees of the
misleading in a material respect; and company), and provides for their respective
Directors of all types of companies are required The process for approval of transactions that
• Issues a prospectus that contains an participation in the development and eventual
to meet the same standards of conduct and would fundamentally alter a company is set out
untrue statement. approval of a business rescue plan.
behaviour as defined in the Act. in the Act. Fundamental transactions require
approval by special resolution adopted by
shareholders. In any fundamental transaction,
dissenting minority shareholders are given a
remedy in that they may demand that they be
paid fair value for their shares (appraisal rights).

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Enforcement King III Key features

Some of the key features in King III include:
A number of statutory bodies are established to Introduction
enforce the provisions of the Act: The King Report on Governance for South Africa • Integration of strategy, sustainability and
2009 (King III) provides a list of best practice governance;
Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is responsible for: corporate governance principles. Although
• A number of matters concerning the board
King III refers to “companies” and “directors”,
• Monitoring proper compliance with the Act by companies and directors. and directors, such as the composition of
the principles apply to all institutions, including
the board, duties for the chairperson and
• Receiving and investigating complaints concerning alleged contraventions of the Act. public sector institutions.
the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the board
• Promoting the reliability of financial reports by investigating non-compliance with financial King III provides guidance on various appointment process, director development,
reporting standards. governance related aspects, including: remuneration, and performance assessment
of directors;
• Registering and de-registering companies, directors, business names and intellectual property • Ethical leadership and corporate citizenship
rights. • Clearly defined role and functions of the audit
• Boards and directors
committee;
Companies Tribunal is responsible for:
• Audit committees
• While not a new concept, emphasis on the
• Assisting in the resolution of disputes where any person applies to the Companies Tribunal for
• The governance of risk risk-based approach to internal audit and
relief as an alternative to applying to a court. An arbitration decision by the Companies Tribunal
the strategic positioning of the internal audit
is binding on the Commission or the Takeover Regulation Panel. • The governance of information technology
function within the company;
(IT)
Takeover Regulation Panel is responsible for:
• Inter-relation between risk management
• Compliance with laws, rules, codes and
• Regulating fundamental transactions. and the company’s strategic and business
standards
processes;
Financial Reporting Standards Council is responsible for:
• Internal audit
• The concept of combined assurance;
• Consulting with the Minister of Trade and Industry on the making of regulations establishing
• Governing stakeholder relationships
financial reporting standards. • Alternative dispute resolution and stakeholder
• Integrated reporting and disclosure relationships;

There is no statutory obligation on companies • IT governance and IT risk management;

to comply with King III. The underlying
• Compliance with laws and regulations; and
intention of King III is not to force companies
to comply with recommended practice, but • Integrated reporting and disclosure.
rather for companies to “apply or explain”.
Directors are accountable for the governance
and well-being of the company, and to the
body of shareholders. Where directors opt
not to implement the recommended practices
as set out in King III, they should be able to
explain their reasoning and motivation to the
shareholders.

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King III further proposes a formal election and • Determining the nature and extent of
induction process for new board members, non-audit services; and
ongoing director development, and emphasises
• Pre-approving any contract for non-audit
the importance of effective board performance.
services.
It also provides guidance on remuneration of
directors and executives, and the composition The board may delegate certain aspects of risk
and responsibility of board committees. management and sustainability to the audit
committee.
King III proposes that the boards of all
companies establish audit, risk, remuneration King III introduced the concept of integrated
and nominations committees, and be assisted reporting (that combines financial and
by a competent company secretary. sustainability reporting) and allows for the board
to delegate the review of integrated reporting
Audit committee
to the audit committee. In this regard, the
Although the Companies Act prescribes
audit committee should recommend to the
the composition and functions of the
Board the need to engage external assurance
audit committee for certain categories of
providers to provide assurance on the accuracy
companies, King III proposes that all companies
and completeness of material elements of
Boards and directors Although the directors are ultimately should appoint an audit committee. The
integrated reporting.
King III confirms the role of the board as the accountable for adherence to appropriate best audit committee should comprise at least
focal point for corporate governance. The practice principles, the direct responsibility three members and all members should be King III adopts a wide approach to the audit
board has collective responsibility to provide of the board is focused on the design and independent non-executive directors. The committee’s responsibility for financial risk and
and ensure good governance. As such, it is the adoption of adequate policies, inculcating the committee as a whole should have sufficient reporting to include:
responsibility of the directors to ensure, among required culture to adhere to such policies, and qualifications and experience to fulfil its
• Financial risks and reporting;
others, that the company: the subsequent oversight of the implementation duties, and should be permitted to consult
of such policies. Management bears with specialists or consultants after following • Review of internal financial controls; and
• Operates ethically and with integrity, and as a an agreed process. The terms of reference of
responsibility for the implementation of policies, • Fraud risks and IT risks as it relates to
responsible corporate citizen; the audit committee should be approved by
strategy, business plans and the like. financial reporting.
• Considers the interests of the community the board.
In order to ensure the effective functioning of King III further introduces the combined
within which it operates; The functions of the audit committee in relation
the board, King III proposes a unitary board assurance model. In terms of this model,
• Integrates governance, strategy, risk, structure comprising executive, non-executive to the external auditor include:
assurance should be done on three levels, i.e.
performance and sustainability; and independent non-executive members. The • The nomination of the external auditor for management, internal assurance providers
majority should be non-executives, of whom appointment and to verify the independence and external assurance providers. The audit
• Complies with laws and regulations;
the majority should be independent. The of the auditor; committee should ensure that a combined
• Identifies and manages risks; and board should be chaired by an independent assurance model is applied to provide a
non-executive director. The CEO of the • Determining the audit fee and the scope of
• Employs structures and processes to ensure coordinated approach to all assurance activities.
company should not also fulfil the role of the the appointment;
the integrity of its integrated reporting.
chair of the board. • Ensuring that the appointment complies with
the requirements of the Companies Act;

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Internal audit The board may assign its responsibility for IT governance The board should ensure that the positive and
King III advocates a risk-based approach to risk management to the risk committee. As IT systems have become such an integral negative impacts of the company’s operations,
internal audit. In order for internal audit to Membership of this committee should include part of doing business, King III provides specific as well as plans to improve the positives and
contribute to the attainment of strategic goals, executive and non-executive directors. Where guidelines to ensure effective IT governance. eradicate the negatives, are conveyed in the
the internal audit function should be positioned the company decides to assign this function It is necessary for directors to ensure proper IT integrated report. King III suggests that the
at a level within the company to understand the to the audit committee, careful consideration governance, the proper alignment of IT with board may delegate oversight of the integrated
strategic direction and goals of the company. should be given to the resources available to the performance and sustainability objectives of report to an appropriate committee (either the
It should develop a programme to test the the audit committee to adequately deal with the company, and the proper management of audit committee or a sustainability committee).
internal controls vis-a-vis specific risks. The governance of risk in addition to its audit operational IT risk, including security. The risk The audit committee should oversee the
internal audit function should provide assurance responsibilities. committee may be assigned responsibility to provision of independent assurance over
with reference to the adequacy of controls to oversee the management of IT risk. In addition, sustainability issues and should assist the board
Stakeholder management and alternative
identify risks that may impair the realisation of the audit committee should consider IT as it by reviewing the integrated reporting and
dispute resolution
specific goals ,as well as opportunities that will relates to financial risk and reporting. disclosure to ensure that it does not contradict
King III proposes that companies institute
promote the achievement of the company’s financial reporting.
measures to ensure that they are able to Compliance with laws, rules, codes and
strategic goals.
proactively manage the relationships with all standards Timeline for implementation
As an internal assurance provider internal their stakeholders, including shareholders. The board is responsible for overseeing the King III is effective from 1 March 2010.
audit should form an integral part of the The company should encourage constructive management of the company’s compliance
combined assurance model. It should provide stakeholder engagement. The board should risk. The board should ensure awareness 6.2. Banking
a written assessment of internal controls strive to achieve the correct balance between of and compliance with laws, rules, codes
and risk management to the board, and the interests of all its various stakeholder and standards throughout the business. In Banking licences
specifically on internal financial controls to groupings and promote mutual respect between turn, management is responsible for the A company wishing to conduct banking
the audit committee. the company and its stakeholders. implementation of an effective compliance operations in South Africa has three alternatives.
framework and processes, and for the effective All of these require the approval of the
Governance of risk Alternative dispute resolution has become a
management of the company’s compliance Registrar of Banks, who heads up the Banking
King III emphasises the fact that risk trend worldwide, and not merely an alternative
risk. The board may mandate management to Supervision Department of the Reserve Bank.
management should be seen as an integral to the judicial system. Rather, alternative dispute
establish a compliance function to implement
part of the company’s strategic and business resolution can be used as a management tool to The three main banking establishment options
measures and procedures to ensure that the
processes. The board’s responsibility for manage and preserve stakeholder relationships are:
board’s policy on compliance is implemented.
governance of risk should be set out in a risk and to resolve disputes expeditiously and
management policy and plan. The board should inexpensively. This approach is in line with the Integrated reporting and disclosure • A separate banking company
consider the risk policy and plan, and should directors’ duty to act in the best interest of the King III proposes integrated reporting to ensure • A branch of an international bank
monitor the whole risk management process. company and their duty of care. The inclusion that all stakeholders are able to assess the
of dispute resolution clauses in contracts, as economic value of the company. This entails the • A representative office of an
While the board remains responsible for the international bank
well as the utilisation of formalised alternative integration of the company’s financial reporting
risk management policy and the determination
dispute resolution channels, is recommended. with sustainability reporting and disclosure.
of the company’s risk appetite and risk
tolerance, management is responsible for the
design, implementation and effectiveness of
risk management. The board should receive
combined assurance regarding the effectiveness
of the risk management process.

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To establish a separate banking company, the • Curriculum Vitae of proposed directors and Should a foreign bank seek to establish a For more information, please contact:
investor must begin by incorporating a public executive officers and completed BA returns subsidiary or a branch in South Africa, the
company with the Registrar of Companies. A relating to the fit and proper requirements of procedures are similar to those for other The Registrar of Banks
bank of which the business consists solely of the directors and executive officers (BA020); investors set out above.
South African Reserve Bank
trading in financial instruments shall manage its
• Application for Approval of Appointment of However, foreign banks are also required to Telephone: +27 (12) 313 3196
affairs in such a way that the sum of its primary
Auditors (BA006); include the following with their application:
and secondary capital, its primary and secondary Facsimile: +27 (12) 313 3758
unimpaired reserve funds and its tertiary capital • A report from a Public Accountant on funds • Foreign Bank Holding Company Resolution
Website: www.reservebank.co.za
in the Republic does not at any time amount to received from anticipated shareholders and approving proposed formation of a subsidiary
less than the greater of: held in trust; bank;
Sources of local funding
• R250 000 000; or • Planned Internal Audit Activities; and • Letter of Comfort and Understanding from
The main sources of short, medium and
foreign bank holding company;
• An amount that represents a prescribed • Application for Permission to Acquire Share in long-term financing for companies are
percentage of the sum of amounts relating a Bank (BA007), which must be accompanied • Letter from the foreign bank’s home commercial banks. Funding an investment by
to the different categories of assets and by a written statement containing: regulatory authority to the effect that it has way of a loan is tax efficient (i.e. if the funds
other risk exposures and calculated in such a no objections to the application and that it are used for the purposes of a trade and in
-- The full particulars of the applicant’s
manner as may be prescribed by the Central will comply with certain minimum standards the production of income, the interest paid
shareholding in any associate;
Bank from time to time. of supervision; on the loan should be tax deductible subject
-- The full particulars of the applicants to the transfer pricing and the capitalisation
The investor must then supply the information • Board minutes from the holding company
shareholding in any bank or controlling provisions).
required by the Regulations to the Banks Act empowering an official to sign all documents
company other than the bank or
with the application form BA002 for a banking relating to the application; and Types of loans
controlling company to which the
licence. The following information must be
application relates; • All requirements relating to a foreign bank Mortgage loans
included:
establishing a branch in South Africa can Each commercial bank applies its own policy in
-- In the case of the applicant being
• Details of the applicant and the proposed be found in forms BA009 and BA023 of the the granting of a mortgage over a commercial
a company, the names of the
bank, including notice of registered office and Regulations Relating to the Bank’s Act. property. The factors that it takes into account
company’s directors;
postal address of company; include the value of the buildings, based
The requirements for establishing a
-- Particulars of all other corporate on a professional valuation undertaken by
• Memorandum and Articles of Association; Representative Office are less onerous and it
undertakings in which the applicant the bank, and where they are situated; the
takes considerably less time to obtain approval
• Certificate of Incorporation; holds a shareholders interest of 25% affordability of the applicant; and other credit
for a Representative Office. Representative
or more; and lending obligations imposed on the bank by
• Business Plan; Offices cannot take deposits, but can merely act
the regulators. Normally, South African banks
-- The reasons for the applicants as information conduits to the parent company.
• A number of Banks Act Returns, referred to as lend about 80% of the value of a commercial
desire to acquire the shares in Form BA010 of the Regulations relating to
“BA Returns”, to forecast the position for the property, but this can vary from one bank to
question in the bank or controlling the Bank’s Act sets out the requirements in
ensuing year are required; another depending on individual circumstance.
company concerned. greater detail.

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Secured/unsecured loans Export finance and guarantees • Financing for the development of the techno- • Project finance: Aimed at large projects in the
The most common way for a business to finance Commercial banks will assist with export credits, industry: Aimed at entrepreneurs in the IT, Metals, Petro- and Chemical Manufacturing,
its working capital is through a credit facility. A guarantees and letters of credit. The Credit telecommunication, electronic and electrical Agriculture, Minerals and Mining, and Energy
commercial bank might be prepared to grant this Guarantee Insurance Corporation of South Africa industries wanting to develop or expand market sectors.
credit facility on an unsecured basis depending administers an export credit insurance scheme on their business;
Restrictions on local borrowing by South
on the financial standing of the company, taking behalf of the dti.
• Financing for the development of agro- African companies that are foreign-owned
into account, for example, whether the business
State assistance industries: For entrepreneurs in the or controlled
has sufficient assets and cash generation ability
The state-owned Industrial Development agricultural, food, beverage and marine
to service the credit extension. Alternatively, An “affected person” is one where:
Corporation (IDC) provides financing to sectors wanting to expand and develop
the bank might require security for the credit
the private sector to facilitate commercially their businesses; • 75% or more of a South African entity’s
provided, in the form of, for example, personal
sustainable industrial development and capital, assets or earnings may be utilised to
guarantees by the directors, physical security • Financing for the development of the
innovation to the benefit of South Africa and pay, or to benefit in any way, a non-resident;
such as a bond over an unbounded property, or a tourism industry: Aimed at commercial
Southern Africa. Finance is in the form of equity, or
cession of the book debts of the company. projects in the medium to large sectors of
quasi equity and medium-term loan finance.
the tourism industry; • 75% or more of the voting or non-voting
As far as “discounting and factoring” is Interest rates are competitive, risk- related and
securities are held or controlled, directly or
concerned, South African banks will also, in some are based on the prime bank overdraft rate. • Financing for the expansion of the
indirectly by non-residents.
cases, be prepared to discount, for example, manufacturing sector: Aimed at
The IDC offers specific financing products:
foreign bills, trade bills, bankers’ acceptances or entrepreneurs wishing to develop or expand There is no restriction on the amount that can
promissory notes. • Bridging finance: For entrepreneurs who have their manufacturing business and create new be borrowed locally in instances where an
secured firm contracts except for construction or additional capacity; affected person wishes to borrow locally to
There are also a number of institutions, many
contracts with government and/or the finance domestic working capital requirements.
associated with the banks that undertake • Wholesale finance: For intermediaries
private sector and which have short-term
factoring, where the institution will advance looking for wholesale funding to lend to Regulations formerly restricted the granting of
financing needs;
money against the client’s debtor’s book. individual entrepreneurs; local financial assistance to affected persons, as
Normally, factoring gives a better rate than • Financing for empowerment: For emerging defined. The revised rules now allow Authorised
• Financing for the export of capital goods:
a normal bank cession over a debtor’s book, industrialists/entrepreneurs who wish to Dealers (i.e. South African banks) to grant or
To manufacturers and providers of exported
but that also depends on the quality of the acquire a stake in formal business by way of authorise local financial assistance facilities to
capital goods or services. The aim is to
book. Factoring is also commonly known management buy-ins or buy-outs, leveraged affected persons without restriction. The only
provide competitive US dollar and Rand
as securitisation. buy-outs or strategic equity partnerships; exception to this rule is where the local funds
financing to prospective foreign buyers
borrowed are required for financial transactions
Corporate finance • Financing for small and medium-sized of equipment;
and/or the acquisition of residential property in
The commercial divisions of the major banks mining and beneficiation: Aimed at
• Import credit facilities: For local importers South Africa.
offer standard lending products to medium-sized small and medium-sized mining and
of capital or services requiring medium- to
companies. There are also corporate finance beneficiation activities and jewellery The concept of financial transactions includes,
long-term import credit facilities;
divisions in the major banks, or specialised manufacturing activities; inter alia, the purchase and sale of any securities
corporate finance institutions, which offer • Short-term trade finance facilities: For (listed or unlisted), repurchase agreements and
tailor-made solutions for larger or more complex exporters looking for short-term working any derivative transactions on securities. It must
needs, such as the financing requirements of capital facilities to help them facilitate export be noted that it is not always clear as to what
multinationals or listed companies. orders; and is caught in the term “financial transactions”.
In the case of the local borrowing of funds, in

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order to acquire residential property situated in 6.3. Money laundering At an international level, South Africa is 6.4. Labour regulationse1
South Africa or for financial transactions, a ratio a signatory of the United Nations 1999
of 1:1 applies. This means, for instance, that Money laundering is a process by which International Convention for the Suppression of Overview
the wholly-owned South African subsidiary of a criminals hide or disguise the nature, location the Financing of Terrorism and is a member of The South African employment relationship
foreign company may only borrow locally up to or movement of the proceeds of their criminal both the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)) and between an employer and an employee, as well
100% of the total shareholder’s investment for activity, so that it appears to have originated of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money as the terms and conditions of employment that
these two specific purposes. from a legitimate source. Laundering Group (ESAAMLG). apply to such a relationship, is governed by the
Restrictions on borrowing abroad by South South African legislation has broadened this To date, South Africa has demonstrated a following sources:
African residents definition to include all acts or transactions that strong commitment to implementing anti- • The common law;
involve the proceeds of a crime including tax money laundering (AML) systems which are
The acceptance of foreign loans by South evasion and terrorist financing activities. This has • The employment contract or letter
fast evolving due to close cooperation and
African residents from foreign lenders, are put South Africa in line with worldwide efforts of appointment;
coordination between a variety of government
subject to prior South African Reserve Bank to fight money laundering. departments and agencies, as well as with • Employment policies and procedures;
approval.
A number of measures have been adopted international participation.
Twin peaks model • Collective agreements concluded with trade
by South Africa, at both an international and International investors are currently forced to
unions or organised labour;
South Africa is committed to the highest regional level, to respond to the growing comply not only with South African legislation,
standards for regulating the financial sector, and complexity and nature on money laundering but in the case of foreign ownership (i.e. US • Sectoral determinations and bargaining
in line with his objective, the previous Minister and terrorist financing. At a regional level, South owners above a certain threshold), to comply council agreements that regulate
of Finance, Pravin Gordhan, announced in his Africa has four main pieces of legislation which with both South African legislation, as well as basic conditions of employment in a
2012 Budget speech a move towards a “twin provides the framework for money laundering local legislation. This would not limit regulation specific industry; and
peaks system” for financial regulation. Under and terrorist financing control in the Republic. to purely AML, but will include, inter alia,
• Legislation.
this model, the financial services industry will These are: legislation pertaining to sanctions, US Patriot
have two regulators, a prudential regulator and Act, FATCA etc. increasing the burden of The employment relationship is fundamentally
• The Financial Intelligence Centre Act 38 of
a market conduct regulator. regulation to the investor. governed by the employment contract.
2011 (FICA)
Employment policies and procedures generally
The prudential regulator will operate within • The Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 South African companies with foreign investors/
supplement the employment contract by
the South African Reserve Bank and its main of 1998 (POCA) ownership are therefore subject to not only local
incorporating their provisions into the contract.
objective will be to maintain and enhance the legislation, but also to international legislation,
The employment contract is, however, always
safety and soundness of regulated financial • The Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt depending on the origin of the investor (which
subject to sectoral determinations, bargaining
institutions. The market conduct regulator will Activities Act 12 of 2004 (PRECCA) could result in either more stringent regulations
council agreements and employment legislation
be established from a restructured Financial or less stringent regulation).
• The Protection of Constitutional Democracy that provide minimum standards, rights and
Services Board (FSB) and its main objective will Against Terrorist Related Activities Act 33 of For local entities, this will impact entitlements to the employment relationship.
be to protect consumers of financial services 2004 (POCDATARA) competitiveness in the local markets, as other
and promote confidence in the South African
local entities may not be subject to the same
financial system. New legislation (namely, the
regulation than others. Together with this,
Financial Sector Regulation Bill) has been drafted
developments in local legislation (i.e. pending
in order to give effect to the shift towards the
developments in legislation like FICA), will
twin peaks model.
force local entities to tighten there measure to
combat AML.

e1
South African Labour Employment Guide. www.labourguide.co.za. Retrieved August 2014..

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Some of the most important terms and • An employee will be granted three days paid • Procedural fairness refers to the manner in - Dispute resolution; and
conditions of employment that must be leave during an annual leave cycle which the which any action is taken or implemented.
- Unfair dismissals and unfair
adhered to in South Africa from an employment employee is entitled to take for family reasons Procedural fairness can be regarded as
labour practice
law perspective, include the following: (i.e. family responsibility leave). the “rights” of the worker in respect of
the actual procedure. An example of The Basic Conditions of Employment Act
• An employee’s ordinary hours of work should The above constitute some of the most
procedural fairness, in a case of alleged (BCEA)
not exceed 40 hours in any one week or important terms and conditions of employment
misconduct, would be that the employee
nine hours in a day. Any work over this will regulated by the BCEA. • The BCEA gives effect to the constitutional
should be allowed a reasonable period of
constitute “overtime” work; right of fair labour practices by establishing
Employment law - General time to be allowed to prepare a response
and enforcing basic minimum conditions of
• Any time worked by employees after the to an allegation. In many instances, the
There are numerous Acts that impact on the employment, and regulating the variation of
completion of their ordinary hours will LRA sets out the procedure to be followed
employment relationship in South Africa which such conditions.
constitute overtime, and will have to be paid by an employer in effecting an action, for
are discussed briefly below.
at 1.5 times the employee’s ordinary rate; example, a retrenchment or dismissal. In • The BCEA prescribes minimum conditions of
The Labour Relations Act (LRA) such circumstances, the employer is obliged employment applicable to:
• If an employee, however, earns in excess
to follow a prescribed procedure in order to
of a certain threshold per annum (which is • The LRA seeks to govern how the parties to - Working time: Ordinary hours, overtime,
ensure that it acts within the law. Failing this,
currently R205 433.30) such an employee will an employment relationship interact with meal intervals, night work, work done on
the employer could be faced with a claim
not qualify for overtime pay; each other. It sets out how the terms and Sundays and public holidays;
for unfair conduct and the risk of financial
conditions of employment will be negotiated,
• Every employee will be entitled under the compensation to the employee. - Leave: Annual leave, sick leave, family
formulated and applied.
Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) responsibility leave and maternity leave;
• The underlying principle of the LRA is “fair
to three consecutive weeks paid annual leave; • The primary objective of the LRA is to realise
play” and “equity”. The dispute resolution - Particulars of employment and
and regulate the fundamental rights of
• In terms of the BCEA, an employee will be bodies created by the LRA (the CCMA and remuneration: Written particulars,
workers as entrenched in the Constitution,
entitled to 30 days paid sick leave in a three- Labour Court) are given wide powers in informing employees of rights, record
the most important of those rights been the
year cycle; determining whether parties have acted fairly keeping, payments, deductions and
right to fair labour practices.
in regulating or terminating an employment calculation of remuneration; and
• In the event that an employee is required to
• In respect of the employment relationship, relationship.
work on a public holiday which falls on a day - Termination of employment: Notice of
the LRA promotes fairness as the basis
which otherwise is an ordinary working day • Some of the major issues addressed by the termination, payments on termination,
of all interaction between employers and
for such an employee, the employee will have LRA are for instance: severance pay and certificates of service.
employees, regardless of the status of the
to be paid at one and one-third times the
employee. - Freedom of association and general • It is obligatory for every employer to provide
employee’s ordinary rate;
protections; the minimum terms and conditions as
• Any action taken by an employer against an
• An employer must pay an employee who prescribed by the BCEA.
employee is required to be both substantively - Collective bargaining;
works on a Sunday at double the employee’s
and procedurally fair. • Employers are, however, entitled to provide
wage for each hour worked, unless the - Strikes and lockouts;
employees with conditions of service that are
employee ordinarily works on a Sunday, • Substantive fairness alludes to the reason
- Workplace forums; more favourable than those set out in the
in which case the employer must pay the behind any action. In short there must be
BCEA.
employee at 1.5 times the employee’s wage a justifiable and acceptable reason for any - Trade unions and employers
for each hour worked; and action instituted against an employee. organisations;

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• It is important to note that many employers • In terms of the EEA, job applicants are given
are required by law to register with industry the same protection as employees.
specific bargaining councils which dictate the
• It is not unfair discrimination to: Take
terms and conditions applicable to employees
affirmative action measures consistent with
in that industry. In certain instances, a main
the purposes of the EEA and/or distinguish,
agreement regulating a particular industry
exclude or prefer any person on the basis of
will be applicable and may provide for
an inherent requirement of a job.
more favourable terms and conditions of
employment. • Employers must implement affirmative action
measures for people from designated groups.
The Employment Equity Act (EEA)
Designated groups mean: Black people
• The aim of this Act is to promote equal (African, coloureds and Indians), women and
opportunity and fair treatment in people with disabilities.
employment through the elimination of unfair
• In August 2014, there were amendments
discrimination.
made to the EEA, in terms of which, section 6
• Affirmative action measures must be (1) of the Act now provides for the equal pay
implemented to redress disadvantages in for equal work principle. As a result of this
employment experienced by designated new development, employees of the same
groups, in order to ensure their equitable employer, performing the same work or work
representation in all occupational categories of equal value, must not be treated differently
of employment. in terms of benefits and remuneration, unless
justifiable reasons exist for the differentiation.
• The Act is aimed at the elimination and
If the employee is therefore treated unfairly
prohibition of unfair discrimination.
with regards to benefits and remuneration Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 85 • Where this is not possible, the employer
• Positive steps must be taken by an employer on any of the listed grounds stipulated in of 1993 must inform workers of the hazards and
to eliminate unfair discrimination in any section 6 (1) of the EEA, or on any other risks present in the workplace. The employer
employment policy or practice. arbitrary grounds without any justification, • The Occupational Health and Safety Act
must also educate employees on how these
this may amount to unfair discrimination, and requires an employer to bring about and
• No one may unfairly discriminate, directly may be prevented, and how to work safely.
consequently, lead to an unfair discrimination maintain, as far as reasonably practicable, a
or indirectly, against an employee in any Protective measures for a safe workplace
claim being lodged against the employer. work environment that is safe and without
policy or practice on one or more grounds, must also be provided.
This may also require the equalisation of the risk to the health and safety of its workers.
including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, • The Occupational Health and Safety Act
benefits and remuneration of the employee • This means that the employer must ensure
marital status, family responsibility, ethnic or does not expect of the employer to take sole
claiming unfair discrimination. that the workplace is free of hazardous
social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, responsibility for health and safety.
disability, religion, conscience, belief, political substances, such as benzene, chlorine and
opinion, culture, language, birth or HIV micro-organisms, articles, equipment and
status. processes that may cause occupational injury,
damage, disease or ill-health.

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• The Act is based on the principle that hazards (Skills Development Levies Act 1999). This During consultation the parties should reach For further information on employee rights
and risks in the workplace must be addressed means that 1% of a company’s wage bill is consensus on the following: – dismissals, refer to: The Labour Relations
by communication and cooperation between spent on the education and training of their Act (No. Schedule 8: Code Of Good Practice:
• Appropriate measures to avoid the dismissals;
the employer and the employees. The employees, but 80% of this levy may be Dismissal, which can be accessed at:
employer and employees must share the claimed back if the training is performed by • Minimize the number of dismissals; http://www.labour.gov.za/DOL/documents.
responsibility for health and safety in the suitably registered trainers.
• Change the timing of the dismissals; Dispute resolutione3
workplace, and work together to mitigate
• Employers who have paid the skills levy can
all hazards and risks. Both parties must • To mitigate the adverse effects of the The Labour Relations Act (LRA) regulates
claim skills grants from their industry Sector
pro-actively participate to identify dangers dismissals; individual and collective employment relations.
Education and Training Authority (SETA).
and develop control measures to make the It created the institutions and processes for
• The method for selecting the employees to
workplace safe. Employee rights - Dismissalse2 dispute resolution. These institutions include
be dismissed; and
the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and
• The employer and the workers are required Every employee has the right not to be unfairly
• The severance pay for dismissed employees. Arbitration (the CCMA) and the Labour Courts.
by the Occupational Health and Safety Act dismissed. The Labour Relations Act (No. 66
to be involved in a system where health of 1995) recognises three grounds on which a The employer must disclose in writing to the The CCMA has the power to license private
and safety representatives may inspect the termination might be legitimate. These are: the other consulting party all relevant information, agencies and bargaining councils to perform
workplace regularly and then report to a conduct of the employee, the capacity of the but are not limited to: any or all of its functions. This allows parties in
Health and Safety Committee. The Health employee, and the operational requirements of dispute the choice of which institutions to assist
• The reasons for the proposed dismissals;
and Safety Committee must, in turn, make the employer’s business. them although the bargaining council where
recommendations to the employer about • The alternatives that the employer it exists for parties is always the first institution
Requirements for fair dismissals include:
the improvement of health and safety in the considered before proposing the dismissals of engagement and if there is no bargaining
workplace. • There must always be a fair reason for the and the reasons for rejecting each of those council then the CCMA has jurisdiction.
dismissal; and alternatives;
• To ensure that this system works, every The figure to the right shows the structure of
worker must know his/her rights and duties • The dismissal must have been affected in • The number of employees likely to be the dispute resolution system in South Africa. If
as contained in the Act. accordance with a fair procedure. affected and the job categories in which they there is a deadlock in a dispute at the firm level,
are employed; the parties to a dispute must refer their dispute
Skills Development Act (SDA) When an employer contemplates dismissing
to conciliation. The procedure of processing
one or more employees for reasons based on • The proposed method for selecting which
• The SDA has the objective of providing a disputes takes into account the different kinds
operational requirements, the employer must employees to dismiss;
framework to devise and implement national, of labour disputes. The process makes a specific
consult with the employee/representative.
sectoral and workplace strategies to develop • The time when, or the period during which, distinction between disputes of interests and
and improve the skills of the South African the dismissals are likely to take affect; disputes of rights. Classification of disputes
workforce. is important because it determines which
• The severance pay proposed; and resolution technique to use in resolving the
• The aim is to provide for recognised
• Any assistance that the employer proposes to dispute. The use of industrial action in relation
occupational qualifications. A levy for the
offer to the employees. to interest disputes is considered appropriate as
funding of skills development of 1% is
a method of last resort.
imposed on employers for this purpose

e2
http://www.labourguide.co.za e3
https://www.labour.gov.za

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Figure 1: Structure of dispute resolution in South Africa Conciliatione4

Note:
Intra-Firm Dispute Conciliation is a process where a Commissioner • Parties should ensure that internal
Resolution Process meets with the parties in dispute, and explores procedures and processes have been
ways to settle the dispute by agreement. At exhausted prior to making a referral to the
• CCMA conciliation a party may appear in person or CCMA. The LRA encourages parties who
Deadlock only be represented by a director or employee are in dispute to first attempt to try and
• Bargaining Councils
• Private Agencies of that party or any member, office bearer or reach an amicable solution to the dispute
Mediation/Conciliation official of that party’s registered trade union or by exploring internal mechanisms.
registered employer’s organisation. The meeting
Interest Disputes (New Rights) Rights Disputes (Existing Rights) is conducted in an informal way. Arbitration
If essential The Commissioner may begin by meeting When conciliation fails, a party may request the
Industrial Action Adjudication
jointly with the parties and asking them to CCMA to resolve the dispute by arbitration. At
Arbitration share information about the dispute. Separate an arbitration hearing, a Commissioner gives
• Labour Court meetings between the commissioner and each both parties an opportunity to fully state their
party may also be held. Parties are encouraged cases. The Commissioner then makes a decision
• CCMA • Labour Appeal Court to share information and to come forward with on the issue in dispute. The decision, called the
• Bargaining Councils
• Private Agencies ideas on how their differences can be settled. “arbitration award”, is legally binding on both
A Commissioner is given wide functions in parties. Attempts must generally be made to
conciliation. The Commissioner may determine a resolve the dispute through conciliation. If it
process that may include mediation, facilitation cannot be resolved by conciliation, the parties
or making recommendations in the form of an can go to arbitration or the Labour Court, the
advisory arbitration award. A Commissioner Act specifies which dispute goes to which
may cause persons and documents to be process.
subpoenaed, and has the power to enter and In an arbitration hearing the party in dispute
inspect premises and seize any book, document may appear in person or be represented by a
or object that is relevant to the dispute. The legal practitioner, a director or employee of the
Commissioner’s role is to try to resolve the party or any member, office-bearer or official of
dispute within 30 days of it being referred to the party’s registered trade union or registered
the CCMA. employers’ organisation.
If the dispute is settled, an agreement will Lawyers are not normally allowed to represent
normally be drawn up and that ends the parties in arbitrations over dismissal disputes.
matter. The Commissioner will issue a certificate They can be used though if the Commissioner
recording that the dispute has been settled. and the parties consent, or if the Commissioner
decides that it is unreasonable to expect a
party to deal with the dispute without legal
representation.

e4
http://www.ccma.org.za/Display.asp?L1=32&L2=13

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The decision of the Commissioner is legally The PPPFA regulates the environment by The following industries and thresholds have been designated:
binding on the parties and it ends the dispute. instructing government departments and
Arbitration awards are sent to the parties within public entities to only procure service providers Industry/sector/sub-sector Minimum threshold for local content
14 days of the arbitration. that comply with the minimum local content Buses (Bus Body) 80%
thresholds. Compliance to the designation
Textile, Clothing, Leather and Footwear 100%
Note: policy, thus means that an investor who would
like to provide goods and/or services for the Steel Power Pylons 100%
• By agreement between the parties, or South African public sector must adhere to Canned/Processed Vegetables 80%
when so directed by the Director or a minimum local production with minimum local Pharmaceutical Products:
Senior Commissioner, the parties to the content thresholds.
proceedings must hold a pre-arbitration -- OSD Tender 70% (volumes)
conference to: The PPPFA is one of the instruments used -- Family Planning Tender 50% value
by the South African Government to raise
-- Determine facts in dispute, common Rail Rolling Stock 65%
competitiveness of South African manufacturers
cause facts, issues to be decided, and and to maximise support for domestic Set Top Boxes (STB) 30%
relief claimed; manufacturing. Other instruments used to Furniture Products:
promote the competitiveness of South African
-- Exchange documents that will be used -- Office Furniture 85%
manufacturers are the Competitive Supplier
in the arbitration; and -- School Furniture 100%
Development Programme (CSDP), which
-- Draw up and sign a minute of the governs the procurement programmes of state- -- Base and Mattress 90%
pre-arbitration conference. owned companies such as Transnet and Eskom. Solar Water Heater Components 70%
While the National Industrial Participation
Electrical and telecom cables 90%
Programme (NIPP) is an instrument that obliges
6.5. Industrial procuremente5 Valves products and actuators 70%
overseas companies that have won tenders
The South African Minister of Trade and worth more than US$10 million to provide Residential Electricity Meter :
Industry is mandated to designate industries, “offset” obligations through investments in the -- Prepaid Electricity Meters 70%
sectors and sub-sectors for local procurement domestic economy.
-- Post Paid Electricity Meters 70%
at specified levels of local content. This
-- SMART Meters 50%
designation is legislated under the revised
Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act Working Vessels/Boats (All types): 60%
(PPPFA) regulations that came into effect on the -- Components 10% - 100%
7 December 2011.
6.6. Broad-Based Black Economic Why should your business be B-BBEE
Empowerment (B-BBEE) compliant?

What is B-BBEE? At the outset it should be stated that

compliance with the Broad Based Black
B-BBEE is the South African Government’s policy Economic Empowerment Act, No 52 of 2003
aimed at accelerating economic transformation. (B-BBEE Act) is not compulsory; rather it should
The policy is directed at empowering “black” be viewed as a business and constitutional
people and redressing the inequalities caused by imperative. The reasons for this are:
Apartheid. The term “black” refers to African,
Indians and person of mixed race. The policy • South African Government entities
also promotes the empowerment of designated procurement practices are regulated by
groups, which include women, youth, people legislation and between 10-20 points out
living with disabilities and rural communities of 100 points will be awarded for B-BBEE
e5
www.thedti.gov.za compliance; and

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• BEE points are awarded for spending with Employment equity Revised B-BBEE recognition levels
compliant entities and your clients will want This element aims to address issues around
the value-add of being able to claim spending the representation of black employees, B-BBEE status Current qualification New qualification B-BBEE
on your business as B-BBEE spending. black women employees, and disabled recognition
employees. This element is closely related to level
How does your business achieve a suitable
the requirements of the Employment Equity Level 1 contributor 100 points on the generic 100 points on the generic 135%
B-BBEE rating?
Act, No. 55 of 1998 and Labour Relations scorecard scorecard
Fortunately for your business, new companies Act No. 66 of 1995.
Level 2 contributor 85 but less than 100 points 95 but less than 100 points 125%
established in South Africa are deemed to have
Preferential procurement Level 3 contributor 75 but less than 85 points 90 but less than 95 points 110%
a level 4 B-BBEE status for their first year of
The aim of this element is to measure spending
trading. Level 4 contributor 65 but less than 75 points 80 but less than 90 points 100%
on B-BBEE compliant entities. Spending on
The criteria below are taken from the generic entities with turnover less than R35 million, as Level 5 contributor 55 but less than 65 points 75 but less than 80 points 80%
scorecard and only entities with turnover in well as entities that are more than 50% and Level 6 contributor 45 but less than 55 points 70 but less than 75 points 60%
excess of R35 million will need to meet all of more than 30% black-owned, is incentivised. Level 7 contributor 40 but less than 45 points 55 but less than 70 points 50%
the elements. Entities with turnover between
Enterprise development Level 8 contributor 30 but less than 40 points 40 but less than 55 points 10%
R5 million and R35 million will only need to
This element measures contributions made Non-compliant Less than 30 points Less than 40 points 0%
meet five of the elements and entities with
to enterprise development beneficiaries as a contributor
turnover less than R5 million are exempted
percentage of your business’ net profit after
micro- enterprises and are deemed to be a
tax. Enterprise development beneficiaries are
Level 4. Revised thresholds have been tabled
entities that are 25% black-owned or 25% black The amended codes of good practice on • Closer collaboration between the public and
by the dti, however, these will become
women-owned and that have a recognition B-BBEE 2013 (the Revised B-BBEE Codes) the private sector.; and
enforceable on 1 May 2015.
level of between one to six.
Since the enactment of the B-BBEE framework • Closer collaboration among large and small
The elements contained in the current generic
Socio-economic development in 2003, it has been observed that modest enterprises to unlock opportunities.
scorecard are as follows:
This element measures socio-economic progress, to meet the intended objectives of
The B-BBEE framework includes elements of
Ownership development contributions and contributions B-BBEE, have been made. As such the need for
Human Resource Development (Employment
Ownership is a measure of voting rights and to sector programmes as a percentage of net the review and re-orientation of B-BBEE was
Equity, Management and Skills Development)
economic interest in the hands of black persons. profit after tax. Socio-economic development important in order to enact Government’s key
and Indirect Empowerment (Enterprise
Points can also be earned, based on the beneficiaries are classified as programmes that priority programmes.
Development, Procurement and Socio-Economic
degree that share or economic interest remains support the development of the community and
The new path for B-BBEE intends to create a Development).
unencumbered. Bonus points can be achieved black persons. Your business’ points are then
culture that is supportive of entrepreneurship by
for ownership by black women, as well as totalled and your recognition level is calculated The key areas of the Revised B-BBEE Codes
linking the Enterprise to Supplier development
employee ownership schemes and cooperatives. according to the table below. include the consolidation of the measurable
scorecard elements. The envisioned outcomes
elements in the generic scorecard into
Management control from the empowerment efforts include:
five elements, as opposed to the seven
Management control measures participation
• Open markets in productive sectors where elements previously.
of black persons and black women at
previously disadvantaged individuals can start
Board level and senior management. Bonus
to effectively participate;
points are achieved for black independent
non-executive directors. • Core and critical skills in key sectors;

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The revised five elements of the B-BBEE scorecard are: Equity equivalents This programme is administered by the dti,
and multinationals wishing to participate in this
Enterprise and Supplier Development The Codes of Good Practice require that all
programme, must make applications to the dti.
entities operating in the South African economy
(merged Preferential Procurement and Enterprise 40 points make a contribution towards the objectives The Broad-Based Black Economic
Development) of B-BBEE. It is, however, acknowledged that Empowerment Amendment Act No. 46 of
Ownership 25 points there may be multinationals that have global 2013 (the B-BBEE Amendment Act)
practices preventing them from complying
Skills Development 20 points On 27 January 2014, the South African
with the ownership element of B-BBEE through
Management Control 15 points Government published the B-BBEE Amendment
the traditional sale of shares to black South
Act which amends the Broad Based Black
Socio-Economic Development 5 points Africans. In this instance, and provided that it
Economic Empowerment Act No. 53 of 2003
Total 105 POINTS can be proven that such entities do not enter
(B-BBEE Act) by addressing the institutional
into any partnership arrangements in other
environment for monitoring and evaluating
countries globally, the Codes of Good Practice
Of the five elements, priority elements have The Trade and Industry Minister highlighted B-BBEE. The B-BBEE Amendment Act introduces
have made provision for the recognition of
been introduced and these are as follows: that in line with the promotion of local a number of sweeping changes to the B-BBEE
contributions in lieu of a direct sale of equity.
production and industrialisation, the Revised Act, which are intended to achieve key strategic
• Ownership/Equity Equivalent Programme Such contributions are referred to as Equity
B-BBEE Codes under the Enterprise and objectives, with the main thrust of its provisions
Equivalent (EE) contributions.
• Skills Development Supplier Development element, introduces being to establish a framework for the
an “Empowering Supplier”, which is a B-BBEE EE contributions count towards the ownership regulation and monitoring of B-BBEE by aligning
• Enterprise Supplier Development element of B-BBEE made by Multinationals. the B-BBEE Act with other legislations that
compliant entity that can demonstrate that its
Large enterprises are expected to comply with production and/or value adding activities take The value of these EE contributions may be impact directly on B-BBEE and the Codes; by
all three priority elements. place in the country. Such activities must include measured against 25% of the value of the establishing a B-BBEE Commission, providing for
job creation and skills transfer. multinationals South African operations or may the regulation of the verification industry by the
Exempted Micro-Enterprises(EMEs) and be measured against 4% of the Total Revenue Independent Regulatory Board of Auditors; and
Qualifying Small Enterprise(QSEs), that are at An 18-month transitional period (from from its South African operations annually over to deal with non-compliance and circumvention
least more than 51% owned by black people, 11 October 2013 to 1 May 2015) has been the period of continued measurement. by inter alia introducing offences and penalties.
will qualify as a Level- 2 Contributor; and those granted to all entities with operations in
that are 100% black-owned will qualify as South Africa to align and prepare for the EE would entail a public programme/scheme B-BBEE Commission
Level-1. implementation of the Revised B-BBEE Codes. and/or private programme/schemes designed
The B-BBEE Commission (which is established in
Entities, which so elect, may immediately use to fulfil the requirements of B-BBEE ownership.
The points for Ownership have been the B-BBEE Amendment Act) will play a critical
the Revised B-BBEE Codes to be measured prior EE may also entail a programme targeting
broadened to include designated groups in the role including without limitation, overseeing,
to 1 May 2015. investment or any other programme that
main points, thresholds for EMEs and QSEs have supervising and promoting adherence with
promotes Socio-Economic Advancement/
been adjusted. the B-BBEE Act and Codes of Good Practice
Development within the South African
in the interest of the public. It is hoped that
economy. Such a programme needs to be
the Commission will strengthen and foster
approved by the Minister of Trade and Industry
collaboration between the public and private
in order to qualify for ownership points on the
sector in order to promote and safeguard the
scorecard. Where approval for an EE programme
objectives of B-BBEE by encouraging advocacy,
has been granted, the programme and points
access to opportunities, and educational
awarded may not form part of any other B-BBEE
programmes and initiatives of B-BBEE; as
element in the multinational’s B-BBEE scorecard.

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well as, promoting good governance and other official of an organ of State or public The Revised B-BBEE Codes now provide that When a supplier tenders for a contract, he
accountability by creating an effective and entity to report offences to an appropriate law where a measured entity falls within a sector will be awarded points for price, which is
efficient environment for the elevation and enforcement. code, then that entity may only be measured benchmarks against the lowest quote received
implementation of B-BBEE. for compliance in accordance with that specific and will be awarded points calculated out of
Any person convicted of an offence in terms of
sector code where as previously, entities could 10 or 20 for his/her B-BBEE recognition level,
Fronting the B-BBEE Amendment Act is liable to a fine or
elect whether to be governed by the generic which is benchmarked against the supplier
to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 10
The definition of “fronting practice” is now codes. with the lowest B-BBEE recognition level.
years; or to both a fine and imprisonment; or
included in the Amendment Act. The definition
to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 B-BBEE targets are achievable and are best In conclusion, it is not mandatory that a
is broadly, a transaction arrangement or other
months; or to both a fine and imprisonment; or attained as a phased approach over a few B-BBEE certificate is submitted and a supplier
act or conducts that directly or indirectly
to a fine not exceeding 10% of that enterprise’s years. Businesses should seek advice around will not be disqualified for not submitting a
undermines or frustrates the achievement of the
annual turnover. In addition any person this complex and often misunderstood piece certificate. However, the supplier will have
objectives and implementation of B-BBEE.
(including a jurisdictional person), convicted of of legislation before registering their entity in to submit significantly lower pricing than its
Fronting commonly involves reliance on an offence in terms of the B-BBEE Amendment South Africa. competitors in order to stand a chance of
data or claims of compliance based on Act may not for a period of 10 years from the winning the contract.
B-BBEE procurement
misrepresentations of facts, whether made date of conviction, contract or transact any
National Empowerment Fund (NEF)
by the party claiming compliance or by any business with an organ of state or public entity. Section 217 of the Constitution of the Republic
other person in order to secure a fictitious of South Africa, No.108 of 1996, states Overview
Sector specific codes
B-BBEE status level. Verification agencies, and/ that when an organ of State in the national, The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) was
or procurement officers and relevant decision- Specific charters exist for certain industries in provincial or local sphere of the government or established by the National Empowerment
makers may come across fronting indicators South Africa and will apply to your business other institution identified in terms of national Fund Act No 105 of 1998 (NEF Act), to
through their interactions with measured if you are involved in these industries. Sector legislation contracts for goods or services, it promote and facilitate black economic equality
entities. Under the B-BBEE Amendment codes exist for: must do so in accordance with a system that and transformation. Its mandate and mission is
is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and to be the catalyst of B-BBEE.
Act, fronting has now been given a statutory • The financial sector
cost effective.
definition, in order to ensure that all forms The Fund seeks to take the lead in the
• The construction sector
of circumvention are dealt with under the The Preferential Procurement Framework expansion of new industrial and manufacturing
designated legislative framework. • Property sector Act, No. 5 of 1999 (PPPFA) was enacted as e capacity, warehousing equity for the future
result of this provision and the PPPFA states benefit of B-BBEE in national strategic
The B-BBEE Amendment Act condones and • Agricultural sector (AgriBEE)
that when a government assess a contract, projects, increasing South Africa’s export
criminalises the following acts of fronting;
• Information and communications technology it must award points for B-BBEE, price (and earning potential and reducing South Africa’s
namely: misrepresenting or attempting to
sector functionality). The system applies the 90/10 dependency on imports. Investors are urged to
misrepresent the B-BBEE status of an enterprise;
rule for contracts in excess of R1 million invest in the NEF to support job creation and
providing false information or misrepresenting • Mining sector
and the 80/20 rule for contracts less than the growth of the economy.
information to the Verification Personnel in
• Tourism sector R1 million.
order to secure a particular B-BBEE status;
providing false information or misrepresenting • Petroleum and liquid fuels sector
information relevant to assessing the B-BBEE
• Chartered accountancy sector
status of an enterprise to any organ of State or
public entity; and failure by a B-BBEE Verification
Professional or any procurement officer or

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Specific objectives of the NEF are as follows: The NEF differentiates itself not only with empowering local and rural communities. It The Funds sector focus is informed by
a focused mandate for B-BBEE, but by also has four products: Project Finance, Business Government’s strategies on industrial
• To foster and support business ventures
assuming a predominantly equity-based risk Acquisition, Expansion Capital and Start- development through the dti’s National
pioneered and run by black enterprises;
to maximise the “Empowerment Dividend”. up/”Greenfields” with the funding thresholds Industrial Policy Framework and the
• To improve the universal understanding of Reward should balance the risk with the between R1 million and R50 million. corresponding Industrial Policy Action Plans
equity ownership among black people; application of sound commercial decisions to (IPAP).The sectors identified in the Framework
The uMnotho fund
support national priorities and Government and IPAP are as follows:
• To contribute to the creation of employment The Fund is designed to improve access to
policy such as the Accelerated and Shared
opportunities; B-BBEE capital to black owned or managed • Agriculture
Growth Initiative for South Africa (AsgiSA)
businesses who are buying equity shares in
• To encourage the development of a or targeted investments through the dti’s • Business Process Outsourcing Textiles
black or white owned businesses, starting new
competitive and effective equities inclusive of Industrial Policy Framework. The work of the
ventures, black enterprises looking to expand • Mining, Mineral Processing and Mineral
all persons in South Africa; NEF therefore straddles and complements
and B-BBEE businesses looking to be listed on Beneficiation
other Development Finance Institutions (DFIs)
• To encourage and promote savings, the JSE. In otherwords, this Fund would provide
by allowing the organisations to work in close • Automobiles
investments, and meaningful participation by financing for those entrepreneurs who wished
collaboration.
black people; to buy into an already established business • Renewable Energy and Biofuels
Products and services and would aid in increasing the number of
• To provide black people with opportunity • Plastics
The iMbewu fund entrepreneurs in the economy. The size of
of, directly or indirectly, acquiring shares or
This fund is designed to promote the creation funds available ranges between R5 million and • Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals
interest in private business enterprises;
of new businesses and the provision of R50 million.
• Forestry, Pulp and Paper
• State Allocated Investments (SAIs) that are expansion capital to early stage businesses.
Strategic projects fund
being restructured or in private business The iMbewu Fund aims to cultivate a culture • Infrastructure
It provides “Venture Capital Finance” to
enterprises; and of entrepreneurship by offering debt, quasi-
develop South Africa’s new and strategic • Manufacturing
equity and equity finance of up to R10 million
• To generally employ schemes, businesses and industrial capacity within sectors identified by
comprising: • Tourism
enterprises as may be necessary to achieve Government as the key drivers to economic
the objectives of the NEF Act. • Entrepreneurship finance growth. The Fund aims to increase the
participation of black people in early-stage
The NEF’s role is to support B-BBEE. As • Procurement finance
projects. This Fund acted to stimulate economic
the debate concerning what constitutes
• Franchise finance activity. Some of the areas where NEF had
meaningful and sustainable B-BBEE evolves, the
invested this funding were in renewable
NEF anticipates future funding and investment Rural and community development
energy, mining and minerals beneficiation,
requirements to help black individuals, The rural and community development projects
agro-processing, tourism, business process
communities and businesses achieve each facilitate community involvement in projects
outsourcing and infrastructure.
element of the Codes of Good Practice. These promoting social and economic upliftment.
include a focus on preferential procurement, In accordance with the B-BBEE Act, it aims
broadening the reach of black equity to increase the extent to which workers,
ownership, transformation in management cooperatives and other collective enterprises
and staff and preventing the dilution of black own and manage business enterprises. Also
shareholding within entities. it supports the B-BBEE Act objectives of

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6.7. Intellectual property In addition to the above protection, South • In terms of the South African Patents Act, a • In South Africa, there is no substantive
Africa is also a signatory of the following patent may be granted for any new invention examination of filed patent applications.
Introduction intellectual property treaties and conventions: that involves an inventive step and that is As long as the necessary formalities are in
Intellectual Property (IP) is the term used to capable of being used or applied in trade, place, an application will be accepted and
• Paris Convention for the Protection of
refer to creations of the human mind, such as industry or agriculture.e7 granted in the form in which it was filed. The
Industrial Property
inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, onus, therefore, remains on the applicant to
• There are various forms of IP that may be
symbols, names and images for commercial use. • Berne Convention for the Protection of ensure that its patent application remains in a
protected.
Countries have laws to protect IP for two main Literary and Artistic Works valid form.
reasons: Filing patents
• World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement • The Patent Office cannot accept any
• Individuals may file their own provisional
One is to give statutory expression to the on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual responsibility for the loss of rights arising if
patent applications. It is, however, advisable
moral and economic rights of creators in their Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement) the invention becomes public and is copied
for applicants to seek the assistance of a
creations and the rights of the public in access and the provisional applications have not
• The Community Trademark Convention patent attorney.
to those creations. The second is to promote, as been properly drafted.
a deliberate act of government policy, creativity • Patent Cooperation Treaty • The patenting process typically commences
Lifespan of patents
and the dissemination and application of its with the filing of a provisional patent
• The Madrid Protocol. (South Africa is not yet • A patent can last up to 20 years, provided
results and to encourage fair trading that would application. The provisional patent
a signatory but has the intention of joining that it is renewed annually before the
contribute to economic and social development. specification that is filed as part of the
the Madrid Union) expiration of the third year. It is important to
provisional application is a secret document,
Generally speaking, IP law aims at safeguarding pay an annual renewal fee to keep it in force.
The various forms of IP that may be protected and is thus not open to public inspection.
creators and other producers of intellectual The patent expires after 20 years from the
are as follows:
goods and services by granting them certain • The provisional patent application provides date of application.
time-limited rights to control the use made of Patents the applicant with 12 months to develop
What can be patented?
those productions.e6 (Patents Act No. 57 of 1978) and improve the invention. At the end of the
• In order to be patentable, an invention must
12-month period, the applicant can abandon
There are four main categories of IP; namely, • A patent is an exclusive right granted be novel, it must involve an inventive step,
the provisional application, file a complete
patents, trade marks, designs and copyright. for an invention, which is a product or a and it must not be prohibited subject matter.
patent application, or file a PCT patent
All of these are governed by South African process that provides a new way of doing Each of these requirements will be discussed
application (with a view to filing a foreign
legislation, which is covered in more detail something, or offers a new technical in more detail further below.
patent application down the line).
below. In addition, IP is also protected by means solution to a problem. The patent provides
- “Novelty”: An invention is new if it does
of legislation such as the Counterfeit Goods protection for the owner, which gives • South Africa is one of 142 countries that is
not form part of the “state of the art”
Act, the Merchandise Marks Act, the Plant him/her the right to exclude others from a member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty
before the priority date of the invention.
Breeders’ Rights Act, the Intellectual Property making, using, exercising, disposing of the (PCT). This Treaty allows an individual to
The “state of the art” comprises all
Laws Amendment Act as well as the Intellectual invention, offering to dispose, or importing file an international application, as well as
matter (whether a product, a process,
Property Rights from Publicly financed Research the invention. The protection is granted for a a national application. The international
information about either, or anything
Development Act. limited period of 20 years. application will designate countries in which
else) that has been made available to
the applicant seeks protection. Extra fees are
• A patent comprises a written patent the public (whether in South Africa or
payable for this type of registration.
specification document that sets out the elsewhere) by written or oral description,
scope of protection being claimed by a by use or in any other way. Thus, as
patentee.

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with most other countries around the Trade marks Filing of a trade mark • Protection measures for these owners
world, South Africa has an absolute (Trade Marks Act No. 194 of 1993) • All applications undergo examination by include:
novelty requirement, which means that the Trade Marks Office. After examination,
• A trade mark is a mark used or proposed to - Prohibiting of certain acts in relation
there should be no disclosure of an the Trade Marks Office will either accept
be used by a person in relation to goods or to counterfeit goods, as well as the
invention before a patent application the application, or preliminarily refuse it, or
services to distinguish these goods or services possession of counterfeit goods in certain
is filed. However, disclosure made on a indicate the conditions subject to which it
from the same kind of goods or services circumstances. This includes: making,
confidential basis, does not destroy an may be accepted. At present the examination
connected in the course of trade with any selling, hiring, exchanging, exhibiting,
invention’s novelty, but such a disclosure procedure takes between nine and twelve
other person. distributing, importing or exporting anti-
must be done with caution. months from the date of filing.
counterfeit goods;
• A trade mark may consist of a number of
- “Inventiveness”: An invention is deemed • Once a trade mark application has been
signs; including a device, label, logo, name, - Penalties in relation to offences in that
to involve an inventive step if it is not accepted, it is advertised in the Patent
signature, word, letter, shape, configuration, regard;
obvious to a person skilled in the art Journal, for opposition purposes.
pattern, ornamentation, colour or container.
to which the invention relates, having - Authorisation to South African Police
However, it is essential for the mark to be • In the absence of objections by third parties
regard (with certain exceptions) to any Services (SAPS) to enter premises, search
represented graphically through writing, within three months of the advertisement
matter, which forms part of the “state of for, and seize and remove, suspected
drawing, photography or any other visual date, the application will proceed to grant
the art”, immediately before the priority counterfeit goods for detention, pending
depiction. and a certificate of registration will be issued.
date of the invention. the finalisation of civil or criminal
• A trade mark registration confers a negative • The current time between advertisement proceedings; and
Renewal of patents
right on a trade mark proprietor to prevent and issuance of the registration certificate,
• To maintain a patent in force, a payment of - Authorisation to the Commissioner
others from using and/or registering a is approximately six months. The entire
a renewal fee is due every year starting from for Customs and Excise to seize and
confusingly similar trade mark. process, from date of application to issuance
the expiring of the 3rd year from the date of detain counterfeit goods, or suspected
of the registration certificate, should take
filing until the patent expires. This date is also • The law also protects certification and counterfeit goods, imported into or
between 18 and 24 months, provided that no
known as “due date” for renewal. collective marks. A mark may not be entering the Republic, and to provide for
difficulties are encountered.
registered if it is not capable of distinguishing incidental matters. Apart from a Court
• To renew a patent a Form P10 must be
goods or services, or if it indicates quality, Counterfeit goods Order declaring the counterfeit goods in
completed and submitted to CIPC, together
quantity, value or geographical origin. (Counterfeit Goods Act No. 37 of 1997) question to be forfeited to the State or
with the payment of the respective renewal
the goods, packaging and tools used in
fee, on or before the due date. • A trade mark registration lasts for a period • This Act provides protection to the owners
their manufacture to be destroyed, the
of 10 years and is renewable every 10 years of trade marks, copyright and others, against
• The amount due for the respective renewal Act also introduces strict penalties which
thereafter. the trade in counterfeit goods and further
fee can be seen from Item 7 of the Patents may be imposed upon counterfeiters in
against the unlawful application, to goods, of
Table of Fees (available on the CIPC website). • Trade marks are territorial and should be the event of their conviction. Any person
the subject matter of their respective IP rights
For example, the renewal fee for the fifth year registered in the country in which exclusive convicted of an offence in terms of the
and against the release of goods of that
is R130, for the sixth year is R85 and so on. rights are wished to be claimed, unless the Act will, in the case of a first conviction,
nature (so-called counterfeit goods) into the
proprietor can proof that it is a well-known be punishable by a fine in respect of
channels of commerce.
mark. each article or item, which fine may not

• Protection of well-known marks (whether

registered of unregistered) is incorporated in
the Act under the Paris Convention.

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Copyright infringement • Generally, in respect of written material, the

• The following constitutes copyright following guidelines apply:
infringement:
- Wherever possible, the author’s
- Copyright in a work is infringed by any permission should be sought to
person who, without the authorisation of reproduce his/her work;
the owner, does any of the acts reserved
- If in an article, paper or speech, when
for the owner, e.g. makes a reproduction
referring to the work of another, it is
of the work.
required that details of the reference be
• The Act also provides for copyright to be provided in the form of the name of the
infringed indirectly: author and details of his/her publication
i.e. title of book or magazine, publisher,
- By any person who, without the authority
date of publication etc. If only a small
of the copyright owner, imports, sells,
portion of the work is used, (eg. a few
exceed R5 000 per article or item, or - Cinematograph films e.g. programme- lets, by way of trade offers or exposes for
sentences or a paragraph) and provided
imprisonment for a period that may not carrying signal that has been transmitted sale or hire, or distributes for purposes
that an acknowledgement is made,
exceed three years, or both. In the case by satellite. of trade, an article in the Republic if
permission is not needed; and
of a second or subsequent conviction, he/she knew that the making of the
- Sound recordings article constituted an infringement of - If a “significant” section is reproduced
the fine in respect of each article or item
may not exceed R10 000 per article or copyright or would have constituted an (eg. a chapter) then permission should be
- Broadcasts (e.g. broadcasting of films or
item, while the imprisonment term may infringement if made in the Republic obtained.
music)
not exceed five years. (section 23(2)); or
• It is generally accepted that work that is
- Programme-carrying signals (e.g. signals
Copyright - By any person who permits a place of being used in academic institutions, research
embodying a programme)
(Copyright Act No. 98 of 1978) entertainment to be used for a public or for private use may be reproduced.
- Computer programmes performance of a literary or musical
• A copyright is an exclusive right granted • Clearly, if you were to copy a tape or a CD
work, where the performance constitutes
- Published editions (e.g. first print by and sell this, it would constitute copyright
by law for a limited period to an author, an infringement of copyright, unless
whatever process) infringement.
designer, etc. for his/her original work. The the person was not aware and had no
Copyright Act protects certain classes or • Copyright comes into being automatically reasonable grounds to suspect that the • As a general guide, copyright infringement
categories of works. and no registration is required. In respect of performance was an infringement section can be said to occur where the copyrighted
cinematograph films, registration is possible 23(3)). material of others is used for commercial gain
• The following works are eligible for copyright
but it is not necessary for copyright to exist. as opposed to private or personal use.
in South Africa (in the Republic): • Judicial proceedings can be instituted by the
• For a work to be eligible for copyright copyright owner in the case of infringement • Copyright infringement does not occur if
- Literary works e.g. books and written
protection, it must be original and be reduced of copyright if infringement is found to have you copy a public speech or lecture, made
composition novels
to material form. taken place. for information purposes, or photocopy
- Musical works e.g. songs government publications for public usage.
- Artistic works e.g. paintings and drawings

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Lifespan of copyright • South Africa is a member of the International General The CPA covers any new transaction for the
• The lifespan of copyright depends on the type Convention for the Protection of New supply of goods and services in South Africa
• The Companies Act No. 71 of 2008
of work protected: Varieties of Plants. and the promotion (i.e. advertisement) of
provides for the registration of any name
such goods and services concluded after
- The copyright of literacy works lasts for • PBRs for vines and trees are granted for a as a defensive company name and for the
1 April 2011. With respect to pre-existing
50 years after death of the author; period of 25 years; and for all other varieties, renewal of that registration. If the application
contracts, where those must be renewed or
20 years from the date on which a certificate is granted, the name shall be registered for a
- For cinematograph films, photographs extended, on renewal or extension, the CPA
of registration of the PBR is issued. period not exceeding two years or to renew
and computer programs, the term is will apply. The CPA is designed, in part, to
the registration of the name in question for a
50 years from the end of the year in The effect of the protection by the grant of a address an historical power imbalance between
period not exceeding two years, as the case
which the work is made available to the PBR is that any person intending to undertake consumers and suppliers by strengthening
may be.
public or is made (where no publication production reproduction conditioning for the consumers’ rights in their dealings with
takes place); and purpose of propagation, sale or any other form • It is possible to enforce IP rights by institution suppliers.e8
of marketing, exporting and importing, and of legal proceedings. The type of remedies
- For sound recordings, the copyright lasts The CPA defines “goods” to include anything
stocking of propagating material of the relevant available include: interdicts (injunctive
for 50 years from the day the work was marketed for human consumption; a tangible
variety or harvested material (including plants, relief), orders of infringement, delivery-up of
first broadcast. object including any medium on which anything
that was obtained through the unauthorised infringing goods, and damages, and other.
is or may be written or encoded; any literature;
Plant breeders’ rights use of propagating material of the relevant
• It is also possible to license IP rights. In case music; photograph; motion picture; game;
(Plant Breeders’ Rights Act No. 15 of 1976) variety); shall obtain prior authorisation by way
of payment of royalties to a non-resident information; data; software; code or other
of a licence.
• A Plant Breeder’s Right (PBR) is a form of licensor, exchange control approval may be intangible product written or encoded on any
intellectual property right granted to breeders Trade secrets required. medium; or a licence to use any such intangible
of new plant varieties for protection of their product; and a legal interest in land or any other
• Trade secrets are protected by common law • Regulations were issued in 2006 to deal
varieties against exploitation without their immovable property.
that also contains remedies for passing-off with“.co.za” domain name disputes through
permission.
and unlawful competition. cost-effective online arbitration. The definition of “services” includes any work or
• In terms of this Act, a PBR may be granted for undertaking performed by one person for the
• Any information that is sufficiently valuable
any variety of plant provided that the variety 6.8. Consumer protection law direct or indirect benefit of another and subject
and secret, and can afford an actual or
is new, distinct, uniform and stable. The to certain exceptions; the provision of any
potential advantage to other users, and Application of the Consumer Protection Act
variety of the plant must also be one that is education, information, advice or consultation;
which can be used in the operation of (CPA)
recognised by the Act. certain financial services, or the undertaking,
business or enterprise, is a trade secret.
The CPA, the ground-breaking legislation that underwriting or assumption of any risk by one
• PBRs are a form of IP rights that may be
• Where information is public knowledge or is came into effect on 1 April 2011, imposes person on behalf of another; the transportation
applied for by “breeders” only, included in the
generally known within the specific industry, varying levels of obligations on suppliers, of an individual or any goods; and the provision
definition of a breeder is a successor in title.
it does not fall within the ambit of being a importers, distributors and manufacturers; all of any accommodation or sustenance and other
The Act provides for the owner of a variety
trade secret. participants in the supply chain. Although the similar services.
the opportunity to obtain financial reward
for his/her efforts. PBRs are valid for 25 years consumer rights under the CPA only came into Establishing whether or not conduct is excluded
for vines and trees, and for 20 years for all effect on 1 April 2011, organisations should be is a complicated process since most exclusions
annual varieties, calculated from the date on aware that certain of the provisions affect all are based on whether or not certain other
which a certificate of registration is issued. goods supplied from 1 October 2010. legislation applies to goods or services.

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Broadly, the CPA seeks to protect consumers Themes Automatic warranty Also, agreements arising out of certain types of
who are natural persons, small businesses The CPA introduces an automatic six-month direct marketing have an automatic cooling-off
The CPA has broad themes running through
(namely, businesses whose asset value or annual warranty on all goods supplied and an period of five days during which the consumer
it, each dealing with specific issues consumers
turnover is less than R2 million per year) and automatic warranty of three months on all is entitled to cancel the transaction without any
might face. What follows is a brief explanation
franchisees. The wide definitions of the terms services. Practically, this means that all goods penalty.
of these themes:
“goods” and “transactions” in the CPA are supplied have a legally imposed warranty of at
Fixed term contracts and contractual
clearly intended to provide significant protection Limited exclusions least six months and three months respectively
content
to the “man-in-the-street” and small enterprises. Parts and goods that may be supplied under (irrespective of what any contact between
Between 80 and 40 days before the expiry of a
an excluded transaction (such as a credit the parties says that this period is shorter).
The CPA does have additional exclusions related fixed term agreement, a notice must be sent to
agreement) are still covered by the CPA, it is The nature of the warranty is even more
to goods or services supplied to the State, the the consumer advising them of the expiry and
merely the provision of the service during the far-reaching, as it allows the consumer the
content of credit agreements in terms of the indicating the implications of renewal of the
entering into of the agreement (such as the choice of having the goods replaced, repaired
National Credit Act (NCA), services under an agreement. What is notable is that, despite any
actual content of the credit agreement and its or refunded. This warranty will have significant
employment contract, collective bargaining provision in any agreement to the contrary, the
entering into) that is excluded; not the good implications for business.
agreements and most financial services consumer may cancel a fixed term agreement
supplied/sold.
governed by FAIS and insurance services. Extension of obligations upon expiry of the agreement without paying
Strict liability Certain provisions, such as the warranty and any penalty or at any other time, by giving the
Note: Probably the most dramatic aspect of the CPA liability provisions of the CPA, are even more supplier 20 business day’s notice in writing or in
• The CPA has introduced some far-reaching is the strict liability and warranty provisions onerous on the business world in that these some other recorded manner.
changes to lease agreements for that the CPA brings about in respect of goods provisions are jointly and severally applicable
Customer loyalty programmes
immovable property. Specifically for sold to consumers and which have far-reaching to each of the retailer, importer, distributor
There are stringent information requirements
ordinary people, the changes affect the financial and stockholding implications for all and manufacturer. None of these parties to
around what must be communicated to
maximum duration (24 months) and grants organisations involved in supply chain. The the supply chain are free of the warranty and
members of such customer loyalty programmes.
the parties certain rights of cancellation. liability for damages caused by faulty goods is liability obligations when it comes to dealing
Benefits claimed using the programme must
based on strict liability, meaning a consumer will with the consumer.
• The lessee (consumer) may terminate the now be equal to those products or services that
not have to prove any element of negligence to
lease at any time after giving 20 business Direct marketing can be purchased for cash, except for a total
succeed in its claim. In addition, the CPA now
day’s notice (effectively, one month). The The CPA provides every person the right to of 90 days during a calendar year on which
provides that an affected consumer can claim
lessor must give 20 business day’s notice opt out of being marketed to directly. Direct differentiation is permitted.
economic loss in respect of damage to them or
to cancel for a “material failure to comply marketing must be strictly managed, with a
their property that is caused by faulty, defective Franchise agreements
with the agreement” and must give 40 to register being maintained of those consumers
or dangerous goods. This can no longer be Considerable protection is afforded to those
80 day’s notice that the agreement is who do not want to receive such marketing.
excluded in any contract with a consumer. entering into franchise arrangements as
coming to an end. This is to facilitate compliance with the right to
franchisees. Significant information must be
opt out. The regulations to the CPA prescribe
• After expiry, the lease continues on a provided to the franchisee at the time that
times during and days on which marketing may
month-to-month basis unless the lessee the agreement is entered into, the franchisee
not be sent to consumers at their home. All
agrees to a further fixed.e9 is afforded a cooling-off period during which
marketing must have a method by which the
the cancellation of the transaction is permitted
consumer can indicate that they no longer want
and the franchisee has greater protection when
to receive such direct marketing. Consumers
it comes to having to purchase supplies from
may not be charged in any way for opting out
those suppliers dictated by the franchisor.
of receiving direct marketing material.

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Return of goods stringent since, if no clear periods for return of 6.9. Competition law • Expand opportunities for South African
The CPA makes provision for five instances in the goods are agreed with the consumer, and participation in world markets and recognise
which goods may be returned: clear steps are not taken by the supplier of the The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) the role of foreign competition in the republic
goods to take reclaim such goods, ownership of sought to redress the past economic imbalances of South Africa;
• During the direct marketing cooling-off that resulted from excessive concentrations of
these goods could pass to the consumer.
period; ownership and control, inadequate restraints • Ensure that small and medium-sized
Enforcement against anti-competitive trade practices and enterprises have an equitable opportunity to
• Where goods have not been seen before the
unjust restrictions on participation by all South participate in the economy; and
purchase; To enforce the CPA, the National Consumer
Commission (NCC) and the National Consumer Africans in the country’s economy. As a result, • Promote a greater spread of ownership, in
• Where the goods not do fulfill their stated the Competition Act No. 89 of 1989 (the
Tribunal (the NCT) were formed. The NCC and particular to increase the ownership stakes of
purpose; Act) was enacted and replaced the previous
NCT have aggressive investigative powers to historically disadvantaged persons.
• Where there is an implied warranty of quality ensure the investigation of practices that appear Maintenance and Promotion of Competition
of the goods and those goods are materially to be contrary to the spirit and/or the provisions Act No. 96 of 1979. A number of the sections Note:
defective; and of the CPA, despite a consumer not reporting of the Act commenced on 30 November 1998,
• In many respects, the principles of South
such practices. and the remaining sections came into effect on
• Where goods that are different to, or in Africa’s Competition Law are similar to
1 September 1999.
excess of, an agreement, are delivered post The offences listed in the CPA are numerous those of other major jurisdictions such
the expiry of the agreement. and the penalties for non-compliance are The Act is applicable to all economic activity as Canada, the EU and the US. However,
substantial. The CPA imposes fines of up to10% within or having an effect within the Republic South African Competition Law differs
Provision is also made that the costs related to of South Africa and thus has far-reaching from foreign models in that the focus is
of turnover for each offence. The wide reach
any return of goods, for a reason other than a consequences for local and foreign businesses not purely on competition issues, but also
of the provisions means that the possibility of
fault on the part of the consumer, must be paid operating within South Africa. It seeks to on certain public interest and social goals,
frequent offences is high and thus, the amount
for by the supplier of those goods. In addition, regulate prohibited practices i.e. restrictive such as the promotion of small businesses,
of fines that an organisation could be liable for,
if goods are delivered to the incorrect address horizontal and vertical practices and abuse of a the interests of employees and B-BBEE.e10
could be considerable.
or an address other than agreed, at a time other dominant position in the market, and to control
than that agreed, ownership in those goods It will be imperative for organisations to take mergers.
can pass to the person to whom they were continued steps to determine the extent to The Act establishes the Competition
delivered. What this means is that the missing of which the CPA applies to them so that the The purposes of the Act (as stated in section 2 Commission, the Competition Tribunal and the
agreed delivery times and dates will have to be new business risks that the CPA creates can be of the Act) are the promotion and maintenance Competition Appeal Court, which bodies aim to
strictly managed to avoid goods from becoming determined and mitigated. The solution will of competition in South Africa in order to: fulfill the purposes of the Act.
“unsolicited goods”, to which these significant have to be organisation wide, working through • Promote the efficiency, adaptability and
each of the organisation’s functional areas so The functions of the Competition Commission
consequences apply. development of the economy;
as to standardise compliance while optimising include:
Unsolicited goods • Provide consumers with competitive prices
business productivity but accounting for • The investigation and evaluation of alleged
If a consumer does not expressly or implicitly and product choices;
operational requirements of the organisation. contraventions of Chapter 2 of the Act (i.e.
request the performance of a service or the
• Promote employment and advance the social restrictive practices or abuse of dominant
delivery of goods and the goods are delivered,
and economic welfare of South Africans; position);
or the service performed, these are considered
unsolicited goods. This includes “demo” goods • The authorisation, prohibition or referral of
that sales people may leave with a consumer. mergers; and
The management of such goods will have to be

e10
http://www.werksmans.co.za/21/competition-anti-trust/&Category_ID=21&competition/=

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• The implementation of measures to increase Competition law developments The government departments involved
Note:
market transparency and the development of in administration and enforcement of
African countries are increasingly adopting
public awareness of the provisions of the Act. environmental laws in South Africa include the • It is an offence for anyone to commence
Competition Law (including merger control,
following: a listed activity without being granted
The Competition Tribunal adjudicates on any which is on the rise). One of the main
an environmental authorisation for the
prohibited conduct, such as restrictive practices challenges faced by companies expanding • The Department of Water and Environmental
activity. A person convicted of an offence
or abuse of dominant position. The Competition operations throughout the African continent is Affairs (DWEA)
is liable to a fine not exceeding R5 million
Tribunal also hears appeals from or reviews any therefore monitoring different Competition Law
• The Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) or to imprisonment for a period not
matters that have been investigated, controlled legislation and developments taking place to
exceeding 10 years, or to both such
and evaluated by the Competition Commission. the regulatory regimes of a number of African • The Department of Energy (DoE) fine and such imprisonment. If a listed
countries. Continent-wide Competition Law
The Competition Appeal Court may review • The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and activity has commenced or continues
training and compliance is therefore essential.
any decision of the Competition Tribunal and Fisheries to be conducted without the requisite
A Common Market for Eastern and Southern
adjudicates appeals from the Competition environmental authorisation, an application
Africa (COMESA) Competitor Authority is now The National Environmental Management
Tribunal. can be made for the rectification of such
in place. Act unlawful commencement or continuation.
The Competition Commission’s Corporate Such a rectification application is subject to
The National Environmental Management Act,
Leniency Policy, which was introduced in 2004, 6.10. Environmental law the payment of an administrative fine not
No. 107 of 1998 (NEMA) is the overarching
aims to eradicate and prevent cartel activity. exceeding R1 million.
Overview environmental statute that lays the foundation
In addition, the Competition Amendment Act
for other environmental legislation in South
No.1 of 1999, which is still to come into effect, The right to an environment that is not harmful Africa. The Act aims to place people and their
seeks to hold any director or manager of a firm to one’s health or well-being is entrenched needs (physical, psychological, developmental, NEMA also includes the “duty of care” provision,
personally accountable if they cause the firm to in the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of cultural and social) at the forefront of its in terms of which any person who causes, has
take part in cartel conduct. the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (the concerns. caused or may cause significant environmental
The Competition Tribunal may impose an Constitution). This provision places the burden pollution or degradation must take reasonable
on the Government of South Africa to take Section 2 of NEMA contains general principles
administrative penalty of up to 10% of a measures to prevent such pollution or
reasonable legislative and other measures to that apply to the actions of all organs of
firm’s annual turnover in South Africa and its degradation from occurring, continuing or
ensure that this environmental right is attained State involved in decision making or activities
exports from South Africa in the event that the recurring or, insofar as such harm to the
and protected. Thus, since the Constitution that may have a significant impact on the
firm engages in conduct specified in the Act, environment is authorised by law or cannot
came into effect, the Government has enacted environment. In terms of NEMA, certain
including any prohibited practices, failure to give reasonably be avoided or stopped, to minimise
various pieces of legislation in order to comply identified activities may not commence unless
notification of a merger or the implementation and rectify such pollution or degradation of the
with this constitutional duty. Existing legislation and until an environmental authorisation has
of a merger without the requisite approval or environment. This “duty of care” has also given
has been updated and, together with the new been obtained from the relevant environmental
in contravention of a condition or decision rise to the issuing of directives that empower
legislation, creates the environmental regulatory authority. These identified activities are listed
of either the Competition Commission or the the relevant environmental authority to take
framework. in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Competition Tribunal. Furthermore, in the event any necessary remediation measures and claim
Regulations.
of the prior implementation of a merger, the reasonable costs.
Competition Tribunal may order the divestiture
of any assets acquired as a result of the merger
transaction.

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The Environment Conservation Act In addition to regulating the use of water, the The National Environmental Management: The National Environmental Management:
National Water Act regulates the pollution of Biodiversity Act No. 10 of 2004 (NEMBA) Integrated Coastal Management Act No. 24
The Environment Conservation Act No. 73 of
water resources. The aims of NEMBA include the management of 2008 (Integrated Coastal Management
1989 (ECA) preceded and has largely been
and conservation of South Africa’s biological Act)
repealed by NEMA. The provisions that have The National Environmental Management:
diversity, ensuring that indigenous biological The Integrated Coastal Management Act was
survived deal with, among other incidental Air Quality Act No. 39 of 2004 (NEMAQA)
resources are used in a sustainable manner, and enacted to determine the coastal sum of South
issues; protected natural environments, limited The object of NEMAQA is to protect the
promoting the fair and equitable sharing of Africa, to provide for the coordinated and
development areas, regulations on noise, environment by providing reasonable measures
benefits arising from bio-prospecting involving integrated management of the coastal zone
vibration and shock, general regulatory powers for:
indigenous biological resources. NEMBA also by all spheres of government, and to preserve,
and various provisions relating to offences and
• The protection and enhancement of air gives effect to ratified international agreements protect, extend and enhance the status of
penalties.
quality throughout South Africa; affecting biodiversity, such as the Convention coastal public property as being held in trust by
Other environmental legislation on International Trade in Endangered Species the State for and on behalf of all South Africans.
• The prevention of air pollution and ecological
(CITES).
The National Water Act No. 36 of degradation; and
1998(NWA)
• Securing ecologically sustainable
The National Water Act introduced a shift away
development.
from South Africa’s previous water regime,
which was mainly regulated by riparian rights In addition, NEMAQA introduces more stringent
and permits issued in certain instances under air quality controls in comparison to the
the Water Act, 1956. It aims to reform the previous Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act
past laws relating to water resources as these No. 60 of 1965.
laws were discriminatory and not suitable
On 31 March 2001, the Department of
to conditions in South Africa. The new Act
Environmental Affairs (DEA) published a list of
enforces the idea that water is a natural
activities, which result in atmospheric emissions
resource that belongs to all South Africans.
that have or may have a significant detrimental
Under this Act, water is to be protected, used,
effect on the environment, including health,
developed, conserved, managed and controlled
social conditions, economic conditions,
as a whole.
ecological conditions or cultural heritage,
The National Water Act placed all fresh water and minimum emission standards for those
in South Africa under the custodianship of the listed activities.
Department of Water Affairs (DWA). As a result,
No person may conduct any of the listed
most uses of water in South Africa, where water
activities without a provisional atmospheric
is taken from a water resource, require a permit
emission licence or an atmospheric emission
issued in terms of section 21 of the National
licence issued by a metropolitan or district
Water Act in order to be legally compliant.
municipality in terms of NEMAQA.
A water resource includes a water course,
surface water, an estuary or aquifer.

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The National Environmental Management: The Hazardous Substances Act No. 15 of The National Heritage Resources Act No. 25 The Marine Living Resources Act No. 18 of
Protected Areas Act No. 57 of 2003 (NEMPA) 1973 of 1999 1998
NEMPA provides for the declaration and The Hazardous Substances Act provides for The National Heritage Resources Act introduces The objectives and principles of the Marine
management of protected areas, to promote the regulation of substances which, by their an integrated and interactive system for Living Resources Act include, the conservation
the sustainable use of protected areas for the nature or chemical composition, may cause the management of South Africa’s national of marine living resources and the preservation
benefit of all people. The system of protected injury or ill-health to or death of a person. The heritage resources. The Act also establishes of marine biodiversity, the minimisation of
areas in South Africa comprises: Hazardous Substances Act aims to regulate all the South African Heritage Resource Agency marine pollution, the need to restructure the
aspects of such hazardous substances, including for the coordination and promotion of the fishing industry to address historical imbalances,
• Special nature reserves, nature reserves
the storage, transport, handling, dumping, management of heritage resources at a national and to achieve equity within all branches of the
(including wilderness areas) and protected
labelling, manufacture, packaging and sale of level. fishing industry.
environments
such substances. The Hazardous Substances
Note: The National Radioactive Waste Disposal
• World heritage sites Act groups the various substances into
Institute (established by act in parliament,
different categories according to their nature. • Where a site is being developed in an
• Specially protected forest areas, forest nature Act No. 53 of 2008)
Compliance with the Hazardous Substances urban area, and a building of more than
reserves and forest wilderness areas The Act applies to all radioactive waste in South
Act is therefore mandatory for any person 60 years old needs to be demolished or Africa that is to be disposed of in an authorised
• Mountain catchment areas undertaking any activity in connection with such altered, the provisions of the National waste disposal facility. The Act also provides for
hazardous substances. Heritage Resources Act may be triggered.
The National Environmental Management: the establishment of the National Radioactive
Waste Act No. 59 of 2008 (NEMWA) The Hazardous Substances Act relies on the If this is the case, then a heritage impact Waste Disposal Institute, which shall be
NEMWA was enacted to reform the laws South African National Standards (SANS), which assessment will need to be undertaken responsible for the management of radioactive
regulating waste management by providing provides the necessary detailed description and permission may need to be obtained waste on a national basis.
reasonable measures for the prevention of of the various substances according to from the responsible heritage authority. In
pollution and ecological degradation and for their groupings. The SANS Codes and the the event that a site is being permitted in Note:
securing ecologically sustainable development Hazardous Substances Act overlap with the a rural area, and where a heritage object
• Legislative developments include the recent
so as to protect health and the environment. EIA Regulations to determine what falls within is discovered (for example a grave site),
changes the NEMA (Act No. 107 of 1998).
the definition of hazardous substances for the the National Heritage Resources Act may
A person conducting a waste management The National Environmental Management
purposes of determining whether and when an similarly be triggered. Heritage resources
activity, including (without limitation) the Laws Third Amendment Bill No. 26 of
environmental authorisation is necessary under include heritage places and heritage
accumulation and storage of waste, the 2013 was passed by Parliament in March
the EIA Regulations. objects.
collection and handling of waste, the 2014 and requires only the President’s
transportation of waste, and the treatment of The Conservation of Agricultural Resources signature before becoming law. The
waste; requires a waste management licence to Act No. 43 of 1983 NEML Bill endeavours to unify the current
be issued in terms of NEMWA. The remediation This Act would be considered by authorities disjointed system that involves separate
of contaminated land is also provided for in when determining the purposes of land use and environmental applications to different
NEMWA. land planning. The authorities would then need government departments.
to consider whether it is more appropriate for
such land to be developed as industrial land or
whether such land should be kept as agricultural
land. This consideration often arises when land
is being developed in a pre-urban area.

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EIA regulations In addition to procurement legislation and 6.11. Climate change policy and Following the publication of the Green Paper,
regulations, investors in renewable energy regulationse12 Government published the National Climate
EIA is process whereby potential environmental
need to comply with company, environmental, Change Response White Paper, released
impacts both positive and negative associated Overview
land and exchange control legislation in October 2011. According to the White
with certain activities are assessed, investigated
and regulations. For example, in terms South Africa is a party to the United Nations Paper, within two years of its publication, all
and reported. South Africa’s EIA legislative
of environmental regulations, renewable Framework Convention on Climate Change government departments would be required
framework is of international standards. The
energy developments are subject to various (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol. to review the policies, strategies, legislation,
new/current EIA regulations came into effect on
regulatory and permit requirements. The most regulations and plans falling within their
2 August 2010, signaling the start of the official It is categorised as a developing country (non-
burdensome of these requirements is obtaining jurisdictions to ensure their “full alignment”
implementation process of a regime aimed annex I country) under the Kyoto Protocol and
environmental authorisation in terms of NEMA, with the national climate change response. The
at improving the efficiency and effectiveness therefore, does not have specified commitments
which involves public participation and the South African Government will then determine
of EIA. The NEMA EIA 2010 Regulations, to reduce or cap its carbon emissions.
submission of detailed reports, as outlined in the adjustments that need to be made and
and the listing notices thereto, replaced the
NEMA’s EIA regulations. identify any legislative or regulatory measures
former NEMA EIA regulations of 2006 and its However, of the three mechanisms available for
that are deemed to be necessary.
associated listing notices. In terms of land regulations, renewable energy countries to meet emission reduction targets
developments are further regulated in respect under the Kyoto Protocol (namely; International In addition to the Green Paper and the White
Renewable energy Emissions Trade, Joint Implementation, and the
of rezoning, departures, consent uses and Paper, South Africa has regulations regarding
In line with South Africa’s commitment to subdivisions, by land use planning legislation. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)), South the establishment of a Designated National
sustainable development, there has been When considering the correct land use structure Africa is involved in several CDM projects. Authority (DNA) for the CDM. These regulations
a strong shift in focus from primary energy for a renewable energy project, developers empower the DNA to consider and approve
Overall climate change policy and
resources, such as coal and oil, to the need to take into account: the Subdivision applications for CDM projects that will result in
commitment
development of the country’s substantial of Agricultural Land Act, No. 70 of 1970; the carbon reductions.
alternative energy resources. A recent study requirements that the Department of Agriculture South Africa has not committed to targets
South Africa has also published a Renewable
ranked South Africa as the ninth-leading is expected to have in respect of long-term lease or timetables under the Kyoto Protocol and
Energy Procurement Programme to facilitate
destination for clean energy investment, and the agreements for renewable energy projects; has not yet enacted a national legislation or
the construction of renewable energy by
fastest growing “green energy market” among and the requirement for ministerial consent for regulations/policy directly pertaining to climate
Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and has
the G20 economies. surface rights with respect to mineral rights in change. It does, however, have a number of
successfully completed the first and second
terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources initiatives or mechanisms in place to address
The Renewable Energy Independent Power Rounds of the competitively bid procurement
Development Act, No. 28 of 2002.e11 challenges of climate change.
Producers (RE-IPP) Procurement Programme process for the IPPs to supply power in terms of
was acknowledged internationally when For example, in November 2010, it published for the Renewable Energy Procurement Programme.
the programme was awarded the Green comment a National Climate Change Response
Other regulations include, for example, the
Infrastructure Project of the Year Award at the Green Paper. The Green Paper is generally the
Air Quality Act, which requires the authorities,
sixth Global Infrastructure Leadership Forum in first step in law or policy making and statement
when issuing atmospheric emissions licences,
February 2013. of intent. The overarching objective of the
to specify the greenhouse gas emission
Green Paper was to align South Africa’s climate
measurements, monitoring and reporting
change policy with international principles and
requirements in the licence.
to ensure a coordinated, coherent, efficient and
effective response to the global challenge of
climate change.

e11
http://www.ipprenewables.co.za; http://www.energy.gov.za/files/renewables_frame.html; www.webberwentzil.co.za e12
http://www.iclg.co.uk/practice-areas/environment-and-climate-change-law/environment-and-climate-change-law-2013/south-africa;
www.sars.gov.za; www.treasury.gov.za

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The Regulations of the Air Quality Act • An additional graduated relief for trade 6.12. Information, communication Regulation of Interception of
distinguish between two kinds of emissions exposed and emissions intensive sectors; and technology law Communication and Communication Related
monitoring, namely: continuous emission Information Act (RICA)
• Carbon offsets that firms can use to reduce Introduction
monitoring and periodic emission monitoring.
their carbon tax liability; and The main purpose of RICA is to regulate the
Depending on the nature of the activity South Africa is fairly new to the world of interception of certain communications, monitor
• The overall maximum tax-free threshold is Information, Communication and Technology
involved, and the impact of that activity on air certain signals and radio frequency spectrums
limited to 90%. (ICT) law. We are, however, advancing towards
quality, either one of these emission monitoring and to provide certain communication-related
requirements will be required. alignment with our international counterparts. information. In addition, RICA regulates
Note:
Highlighted below is a handful of South African making applications for, and issuing directions,
Holders of atmospheric emission licences are • A carbon offset scheme has also been ICT legislation. authorising the interception of communications
also required to annually submit an emissions proposed. It is thought the scheme will
The Electronic Communications and and the release of communication-related
monitoring report to the licensing authority. enable businesses to lower their carbon
Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (ECTA) information under certain circumstances.
In addition, South Africa has plans to introduce tax liability and make investments that will
reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. ECTA gives effect to the validity of data RICA provides a general prohibition on the
a carbon tax from 2016. The proposed carbon
messages in terms of South African law, in interception of communications but does
tax (initially announced in the 2012 and 2013 • The carbon offsets scheme is meant to
the evidentiary context, as well as in terms of provide various exceptions to its provisions.
Budget Speeches and presented in the Carbon complement the carbon tax that South
records retention legislation. In addition, ECTA In addition, RICA regulates the provision of
Tax Policy Paper (May 2013)), will be one of the Africa plans to introduce from 2016.
contains provisions on facilitating electronic real-time or archived communication and the
key measures to mitigate climate change.
commerce in South Africa and contains various process by which it should be handled.
• Projects under four different carbon offset
To ensure a relatively smooth transition to a standards have been developed in South consumer protection provisions in instances Electronic Communications Act (ECA)
low-carbon economy, the carbon tax design Africa, including the Clean Development where other legislation (an example of which is
incorporates a number of relief measures Mechanism (CDM), Verified Carbon the Consumer Protection Act) does not apply. The ECA was enacted to promote convergence
and a gradual phased-in approach to protect Standard (VCS), Gold Standard (GS) and in the broadcasting, broadcasting signal
households and the international competiveness In terms of the legal requirements that play distribution and telecommunications sectors
Climate, Community and Biodiversity
of local businesses. More specifically, the a role when one deals with data messages, and in order to provide a legal framework for
Standard (CCBS). In order to facilitate
proposed carbon tax policy comprises the ECTA describes how to ensure admissibility the convergence of these sectors.
the introduction of the carbon offset
following key elements: and evidential weight of data messages by
scheme, it is proposed that carbon offsets Any service provider that wishes to engage
prescribing the implementation of security
• A basic tax-free threshold of 60% below developed under these standards will be in the broadcasting or telecommunications
measures in order to ensure that the integrity of
which the tax will initially not be payable; considered for eligibility if they fulfil specific industry must comply with the ECA and apply
the data message remains intact.
criteria. It is envisaged that the initial focus for the relevant licensing in terms of our law.
• Z-factor formula to adjust basic tax-free will be for projects approved along the Furthermore, ECTA gives effect to the retention The Independent Communications Authority of
threshold to reward companies that have lines of the Clean Development Mechanism of data messages in an electronic format. Thus, South Africa Act (ICASA Act) works in tandem
taken voluntary actions to reduce their GHG (CDM). in terms of other South African legislation that with the ECA, due to the fact that ICASA is the
emissions before the introduction of the refers to the retention periods and records to be authority that will grant licences in terms of the
carbon tax; Interestingly, the JSE opened to trading in credit retained, ECTA allows that these records may be broadcasting and telecommunications industry.
• Additional tax-free allowances for sectors emission reductions during 2008. retained in electronic format.
with limited potential for emissions reduction,
i.e. industrial process emissions;

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Protection of Personal Information Act (PPIA) 6.13. Land regulations Ownership in land may be transferred from
Note:
one person to another only by means of a
The PPIA is the first privacy legislation of its Right to property deed of transfer executed or attested by the • If property is purchased from a developer
kind in South Africa. The PPIA contains various
Registrar of Deeds. Other real rights in land, that is registered for VAT, such a
principles that organisations in South Africa or The Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the
such as a long-term lease, may be transferred transaction is exempt from transfer duty
engaging in the provision of services in South Republic of South Africa Act No. 108 of
from one person to another only by way of a and the purchaser will instead pay VAT on
Africa have to comply with. These principles 1996 (the Constitution) contains a right to
deed of cession attested to by a duly qualified the purchase price of the property.
relate to the processing of personal information property clause. This right was included in the
Constitution in order to protect a person’s real and admitted attorney and notary public and
by an organisation in relation to the general
rights in property, including ownership, lease, registered by the Registrar.
life cycle of information therein. The PPIA is In terms of the Sectional Titles Act No. 95 of
applicable to personal information processed mortgage, lien and servitude. In terms of this The transfer of ownership in land is subject to 1986, as amended (the Sectional Titles Act),
from the time that such personal information property clause, no one may be arbitrarily certain taxes, duties and fees. These include: buildings may be divided into sections and
is created all the way until the deletion of the deprived of property. In addition, should the common property. The Sectional Titles Act
State expropriate property it is required to • Conveyancing fees payable to the conveyance
personal information. makes provision for the individual ownership
pay compensation to the landowner, and • Transfer duty or VAT of a section and for joint ownership of the
The PPIA necessitates the creation of a regulator any expropriation must either be for a public common property. Bodies corporate may also
in charge of compliance with the principles purpose or in the public interest. • A Deeds Registry Fee
be established under the Sectional Titles Act to
outlined in the PPIA. Subsequent to this,
Ownership and rights in land Transfer duty is a tax levied on the value of any apply rules in order to ensure that the use of
organisations need to appoint an information
property acquired by any person by way of a the common property is controlled. The transfer
officer to handle their compliance prerequisites A person may not enter into a verbal transaction or in any other way. Transfer duty of ownership of sections and the registration
in terms of the PPIA. agreement for the sale of property. Instead, is governed by the Transfer Duty Act No.40 of of sectional mortgage bonds over sections is
In addition, the PPIA has an effect on direct the Alienation of Land Act No. 68 of 1991 1949. For the purpose of transfer duty, property recorded in the sectional title register at the
marketing practices within South Africa. The stipulates the requirements for the valid sale of means land and fixtures and includes real rights relevant Deeds Registry Office. South African
PPIA requires an “opt-in” model for electronic property, including that the agreement, must in land, rights to minerals, a share or interest law also provides for a person to hold a share in
direct marketing, whereas the ECTA (mentioned be in writing and signed by the parties to the in a “residential property company” or a share a share block scheme operated by a share block
above) merely required “opt-out” model with transaction or their authorised representatives. in a share-block company. The transfer duty company. In terms of a share block scheme,
respect to electronic direct marketing. Furthermore, the Division of Agricultural Land rates applied to properties acquired on or after the holder of a share is given certain rights
Act No. 95 of 1986 places restrictions on the 23 February 2011, are as follows, and apply or interest in the use of immovable property,
In terms of personal information that is be subdivision of agricultural land. to all persons (including companies, CCs and which includes land and any building erected
processed across borders, the PPIA describes
The Deeds Registries Act No. 47 of 1937, as trusts): or to be erected on the land. The powers,
the compliance requirements for the manner in
amended (the Deeds Registries Act), governs the rights and restrictions on the operation of such
which cross-border information flow should be Rates of duty Duty payable
registration of rights in land and any subdivision companies and schemes are regulated under
undertaken by an organisation.
thereof, bonds, servitudes (right or use of Acquisition of property by all persons: the Share Blocks Control Act No. 59 of 1980, as
General or a right of way over land), leases, and the amended, and no registration takes place in the
First R600 000 of
0% Deeds Registry.
In terms of effecting ICT legal compliance registration of antenuptial contracts. consideration
initiatives in the South African context, it is A duly qualified and admitted attorney and R600 001 to R1 000 000 3% In terms of the Mineral and Petroleum
regarded as common practice to implement conveyancer is required to prepare a deed of Resources Development Act No. 28 of 2002,
R1 000 000 to R1 500 000 R12 500 + 5%
principles of the King III Report, as well as transfer, mortgage bond, or certificate of title in as amended (MPRDA), South Africa’s mineral
having due regard to the ISO standards R1 500 001 and over R37 000 + 8% and petroleum resources are not capable of
order for such document to be capable of being
governing information security and business attested, executed and registered by a Registrar individual ownership. Instead, such resources
continuity. of Deeds in the Deeds Registry Office.

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belong to the nation and the State is the process. Most applications must meet both the Land acquisitione15 The primary methods of acquisition employed
custodian thereof. The objects of the MPRDA national building regulations and standards as by Government in terms of its policy include
South Africa has a proactive land acquisition
include the provision for security of tenure in set out in the National Building Regulations expropriation, auctions and market transactions/
policy based on a quantified or non-quantified
respect of prospecting, exploration, mining and Building Standards Act and regulations negotiated transfers.
need or demand. In other words, the State can
and production operations and to ensure that thereto, and the building codes of the relevant
buy/secure suitable land that is available, on Environmental assessments
the holders of mining and production rights municipality.
offer or have been targeted for land reform,
contribute to the socio-economic development Depending on the nature of the activities, some
Decisions to consult with exterior bodies before or after beneficiaries have been identified
of the communities in which they conduct their applications for building permits may require
(such as the Department of Health, local fire and quantified that can be achieved either
operations. The Mining Titles Registration Act an EIA to be carried out in terms of the EIA
department, the Department of Environmental programmatically or at a project level.
No. 16 of 1967 regulates the registration of Regulations under NEMA.
Affairs, and the Department of Water Affairs)
mineral and petroleum titles in the Mineral and At a project level, the need or demand may or
are made by the engineer in the local authority. An environmental consultant must carry out the
Petroleum Titles Registration Office. may not be quantified in terms of identified
assessment at the expense of the landowner.
The following areas are included in the beneficiaries. In some cases this may be
Site developmente13 Some investors have recently carried out
approvals: quantified in terms of specific programmes and
social impact assessments as well. It has been
Although the procedures for developing a site there is an indication of what type of land is
• Fire estimated that the environmental impact
are generally consistent throughout the country, needed as the need is very specific e.g. a set
assessments cost up to 5% of the investment.
the individual municipality or local authority • Pollution control number of labour tenant claims are registered.
defines the specific steps an investor must The State in this case may simply purchase the
• Health impact
take. In most cases, the approval of plans, the land based on the number of claims registered
assessment of environmental impact, and the • Frontage works in the office and then commence proper
provision of utilities (including water, sewerage, planning with the selected beneficiaries.
• Elevation control
and electricity) is handled exclusively by the
In terms of the programmatic approach, land
municipality concerned. • Drainage and coastal engineering
needs of potential beneficiaries are to be
In general, in areas where land is already • Roads identified in a specific area and matched with
serviced and no upgrades are required, utility suitable and available land in that area. The
• Sanitation
hook-ups are fairly simple and swift. Where programmatic approach is therefore based
capacity upgrades or servicing is required, the • Sewerage reticulation on area development planning; ultimately
wait for connections may be longer. culminating in an area development plan that
• Structures will clearly stipulate the land needs.
For further information and an overview
on site development procedures in South Once plans are approved, the municipality
Africa, refer to: www.doingbusiness. conducts a minimum of five inspections of the
org/data/exploreeconomies/south-africa/ building site. Some municipalities conduct more,
dealing-with-construction-permits/ especially in the case of a multi-storey building.
Other inspections may be carried out from
Building permitse14 time to time, depending on the specifics of the
building.
The municipal authority with jurisdiction over
the particular site, will issue building permits.
Each municipality has its own application

e13
South Africa: Investor’s Handbook 2010 www.thedti.gov.za. e15
http://www.info.gov.za
e14
South Africa: Investor’s Handbook 2010 www.thedti.gov.za.

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7. South African taxation

7.1. Corporate taxation Capital gains tax (CGT)

Income tax Residents of South Africa are liable for CGT

on capital gains made on the disposal of their
The principal source of direct tax revenue in worldwide capital assets. CGT is not a separate
South Africa is income tax. tax but forms part of income tax:
South Africa has a residence-based system of • The inclusion rate for capital gains is 33.3%
taxation: in respect of individuals and special trusts,
• South African residents are therefore taxed on and 66.6% in respect of companies and
their worldwide income, subject to a number other trusts. The maximum effective tax rate
of exceptions. is therefore 13.3% for individuals, 18.6% for
companies and 26.7% for trusts.
• Non-residents are taxed on income earned
from a South African source. • Exposure to CGT for non-residents is largely
limited to disposals of South African real
• The question of residency needs to be estate or assets of a branch business.
addressed in the light of any double taxation
agreements (DTAs) that may be applicable. • Where a person/company becomes a
resident, the market value of their assets at
• Any company, which is either incorporated in, the date they become South African residents
or effectively managed from South Africa, is for tax purposes, must be established. This
deemed to be a South African resident for tax market value becomes the base cost, which
purposes. is used to calculate the capital gains upon
• Domestic companies and branches of foreign disposal of capital assets in future. The
companies, which have their effective subsequent cessation of resident status may
management outside South Africa, are taxed result in a deemed disposal for CGT.
at a rate of 28%. Trusts (other than special
trusts) are taxed at a rate of 40%.

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Secondary tax on companies (STC) • Similar provisions exist for other exempt • In certain cases, foreign dividends (including
Note:
entities, such as specially exempt entities, dividends declared by a headquarter
• Prior to 1 April 2012, in addition to normal
government departments, municipalities, company) are fully exempt from income tax • The exemptions in paragraphs (a) and
corporate income tax, STC at the rate of
sporting bodies and the like. in the hands of the recipient. The exemptions (b) do not apply to any foreign dividends
10% applied to the net amount of any
include, inter alia: that are tax deductible in the hands of
dividend declared by a South African resident Local dividends
the company paying the dividend. The
company. -- (a) Where the recipient (in the case
• Dividends, being any amount transferred or exemption in paragraph (a) does also not
of a company, together with any
• STC was abolished on 1 April 2012 and was applied by a resident company in respect of a apply to a foreign dividend paid in respect
other company in the same group of
replaced with a shareholder dividends tax share in that company, are generally exempt of a share other than an equity share.
companies) holds at least 10% of the
of 15% (see further comments below under from income tax in the hands of the recipient.
total equity share capital and voting
Withholding taxes).
• There are substantial restrictions and rights of the foreign company; Tax losses
Exempt entities and Public Benefit prohibitions that apply to corporate
-- (b) If the recipient is a foreign company • A tax loss incurred by a company in any
Organisations (PBOs) shareholders in respect of shares not actually
and the foreign dividend is paid or business activity, may generally be carried
owned, or certain categories of trading stock,
• Receipts and accruals of PBOs are exempt declared by another foreign company forward without restriction and may be set
borrowed shares, etc.
from income tax to the extent that the that is resident in the same country as off against future profits until exhausted,
receipts and accruals are not from business Foreign dividends that person; provided that the company continues to trade
or trading activities, or are from integral, during each year of assessment.
• A general blanket exemption of 25/40 -- (c) Where the recipient is a resident,
occasional or approved business or trading
for natural persons and trusts, 13/28 for foreign dividends paid out of income • However, the losses earned by a foreign
activities (subject to certain conditions).
companies, and 15/30 for individual policy that has been included in the income branch of a South African resident company
• Certain trading activities are totally tax-free. holder funds, applies for all otherwise of the resident recipient as a result of cannot be set off against income from
Certain trading activities are partially taxable. taxable foreign dividends. The result is that the application of the controlled foreign a South African source (i.e. ring-fencing
the maximum effective tax rate is essentially company provisions; applies).
• The PBO can deduct the greater of R200 000
limited to 15%.
and 5% of its total business or trading -- (d) Foreign dividends received by or Withholding taxes (WHTs)
receipts and accruals for the year. • Subject to certain exceptions (see below), accrued to a person that are in respect
foreign dividends are subject to income tax in of shares that are listed and do not Dividends tax (DT)
• PBOs may register as a vendor for VAT • DT came into effect on 1 April 2012 and
the hands of the recipient. consist of a distribution of an asset
purposes in order to claim VAT inputs on replaced STC. It is levied at a rate of 15% on
in specie; and
supplies made to it. • A foreign dividend means any amount paid dividends declared by domestic companies
by a “foreign company” (a company that is -- (e) Foreign dividends received by or and in respect of shares of non-resident
• Donations to PBOs are exempt from
not a resident of South Africa) in respect of accrued to a company that is resident in companies that are listed on the JSE. It
donations tax and bequests to PBOs are
a share, where that amount is treated as a respect of a listed share and consists of does not apply to dividends paid by a HQC
exempt from estate duty. Donations or
dividend or similar payment under the laws of the distribution of an asset in specie. (see below).
bequests to PBOs are further not viewed as
the foreign country.
disposals for CGT purposes. • The 15% rate may be reduced under an
appropriate DTA.

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• Dividend payments to domestic companies, Branch remittances Withholding tax on interest • The WHT will not apply if the recipient
the government, provincial administrators or • Profits remitted by a branch of a foreign • A new WHT on interest has been proposed of the payment is an individual who was
municipalities, domestic retirement funds, a company are not subject to WHT. to come into effect from 1 March 2015. It physically present in South Africa for a period
rehabilitation company or trust, PBOs and is applicable to interest paid to, or for the exceeding 183 days during the 12-month
Withholding tax on royalties
various exempt bodies, are exempt from DT. benefit of any foreign person, to the extent period to preceding the date on which the
• A WHT applies to royalties paid to or for the
Exempt shareholders will have to certify their that the interest is received or accrued from a fees are paid, if the service fees are effectively
benefit of any foreign person to the extent
exemption status. South African source. connected to a PE in South Africa and the
that the royalty is received or accrued to that
foreign person is registered as a taxpayer in
• In respect of in specie dividends, the foreign person from a source within South • The WHT on interest is a final tax and will
South Africa, or if the service fees are paid in
distributing company (not the shareholder) Africa. be levied at a rate of 15%. The rate may be
respect of services rendered by any person in
will bear the liability, although it will be reduced under an appropriate DTA.
• The WHT on royalties is a final tax and it his/her capacity as an employee.
subject to similar exemptions and treaty relief
is levied at 15% (prior to 1 January 2015, • Certain exemptions apply, including in respect
as cash dividends. This has administrative Tax on entertainers and sportspersons
12%). The rate may be reduced under an of interest on government bonds, listed debt,
implications for companies whose • A 15% WHT applies in respect of gross
appropriate DTA. debt owed by a local bank, local dealer and
dividends normally flow through “regulated payments made to non-resident entertainers
brokerage accounts.
intermediaries” (i.e. in the case of in specie • The WHT does not apply in respect of and sportspersons performing in South Africa.
dividends) as the administrative burden will royalties paid to a foreign person if that • The WHT will also not apply to interest paid Failure to deduct or withhold tax or pay it
be upon the company itself. foreign person is an individual who was by HQC, nor will it apply to interest paid to to SARS, will render the resident taxpayer
physically present in South Africa for a period non-resident individuals spending in excess personally liable for tax. It is a final tax.
• The “dividend” definition is broad, with the
in excess of 183 days in the 12-month period of 183 days per year in South Africa, or if the
result that value-transfers (understood as Sale of immovable property
preceding the date on which the royalty was relevant debt is effectively connected with a
“deemed dividends”) may be taxed under • A WHT is imposed on the proceeds of the
paid, or if the property in respect of which PE in South Africa and the foreign person is
normal withholding rules. sale of fixed property in South Africa by
the royalty paid, is effectively connected to a registered as a taxpayer in South Africa.
non-residents where the proceeds exceed
• A dividend will be deemed to be paid on the permanent establishment (PE) of that foreign
Withholding tax on service fees R2 million. The tax is an advance in respect of
earlier of the date on which the dividend is person in South Africa and the foreign person
• A new WHT on service fees has been the seller’s liability for income tax.
paid or becomes payable by the company is registered as a taxpayer in South Africa.
proposed to come into effect from
that declared the dividend. It also does not apply to royalties paid by a • The amounts to be withheld by the purchaser
1 January 2016. It will be applicable to
HQC in certain circumstances. from payments made to the non-resident
Note: service fees paid to, or for the benefit of
seller are:
any foreign person, to the extent that the
• A guide on DT can be accessed on the service fees are received or accrued from - Where the seller is a natural person - 5%
SARS website at: www.sars.gov.za a South African source. of the amount payable;
• The WHT on service fees will be a final tax - Where the seller is a company - 7.5% of
and will be levied at a rate of 15%. The rate the amount payable; and
may be reduced under an appropriate DTA.
- Where the seller is a trust - 10% of the
amount payable.

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Allowance in respect of future expenditure

Notes:
on contracts
• A list of reduced WHT rates once a specific Section 24C of the Income Tax Act permits
DTA is applied can be obtained on the the matching of receipts with corresponding
SARS website at: www.sars.gov.za future expenditure, where such receipts arise in
advance of the expenditure concerned. This is
found in the practice of construction contracts.
Tax deductions and allowances The section 24C allowance is typically calculated
In addition to the general tax deduction that by taking the gross profit percentage applied
is permitted in terms of section 11(a) of the to the receipts to date on the contract, less
Income Tax Act, for business expenditure that the costs allowed on the contract to date. The
is not of a capital nature and that is incurred allowance should not exceed the receipts, and
in the production of income, specific tax should not create an overall loss. The allowance
deductions and allowances may be allowed. deducted in the current year shall be deemed to
have accrued or been received in the following
In the context of a business, tax deductions may year of assessment, and as a result shall be
include, for example, the following: included in taxable income in the following year.
Expenditure and losses incurred before Movable capital assets
commencement of trade With regard to capital assets, which are not
Taxpayers are entitled to a deduction subject to other capital allowances, wear-and-
for pre-trade costs incurred before the tear at rates in terms of SARS Interpretation
commencement of trade. Pre-trade costs Note No. 47 (Issue 3) may apply. Any asset
are not defined but may include costs such costing R7 000 or less may be written-off in
as advertising and marketing promotion, Commercial buildings Plant and machinery
the year in which it is acquired.
insurance, accounting and legal fees, rent, An allowance equal to 5% (20-year straight- With regard to plant and machinery, the capital
telephone, licences and permits, market Industrial buildings line basis) is permitted of the cost to the allowances apply as follows:
research and feasibility studies, but exclude Wear-and-tear is normally not allowed on taxpayer of new and unused buildings, or
• Manufacturing or similar process (new only):
costs such as the purchase of buildings and buildings or other structures of a permanent improvements to buildings (other than the
40%/20%/20%/20%
motor vehicles, and pre-trade research and nature. However, an allowance equal to provision of residential accommodation). For the
development expenses. Pre-trade costs incurred 5% (20-year straight-line basis) of the cost purposes of the 5% allowance, to the extent • Industrial policy projects (additional
before the commencement of trade can only be to the taxpayer of industrial buildings, or of a taxpayer acquires part of a building without investment allowance): 35% - 75%
set off against income from that trade. improvements to existing industrial buildings erecting or constructing that part, the following
• Renewable energy technology equipment:
used in a process of manufacture (other than percentages will be deemed to be the cost
50%/30%/20%
mining or farming), is granted. incurred:
• Small business corporations:
• 55% of the acquisition price, in the case of
part of a building being acquired; and - Manufacturing assets: 100%
• 30% of the acquisition price, in the case of an - Other depreciable assets*: 50%/30%/20%
improvement being acquired.
*General depreciation regime is optional.

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Environmental expenditure allowance Learnership allowance In determining an arm’s length price/

Note:
New or unused environmental treatment An allowance of R30 000 per annum is available consideration, the five transfer pricing methods
and recycling assets can be depreciated for • The R&D must be approved by the Minister as a deduction by employers for each registered recommended by OECD are used. These
tax at the rate of 40% in the first year, and of Science and Technology in advance learnership agreement. A completion allowance include:
20% in the following three years. New or to qualify for the enhanced allowance of a further R30 000 is available on completion.
• Comparable uncontrolled price (CUP) method
unused environmental waste disposal assets of 150%. To the extent that government Where the learnership is two years or longer,
can be depreciated for tax at the rate of 5% grants are received to fund R&D, the the completion allowance will be the number of • Resale price (RP) method
per annum. expenditure so incurred does not qualify years times R30 000. Learners with a disability
for the special allowance. Certain activities • Cost plus (CP) method
qualify for an additional R20 000 allowance.
Transportation/transmission of oil, electricity
are excluded. • Profit split (PS) method
and electronic communications Note:
An allowance equal to 10%, 5% or 6.67% is • Transactional net margin method (TNMM)
permitted on the cost incurred by a taxpayer in Intellectual property (see also Research and • The learnership tax incentive is currently
development) scheduled to expire in September 2016. Although there is no legislative requirement
respect of the acquisition of assets used for the
• Costs incurred in acquiring (i.e. other than for organisations to prepare transfer pricing
transportation /transmission of oil, electricity or
developing or creating): policies and documentation for South Africa,
electronic communications respectively.
Venture capital company shares the risk of an adverse transfer pricing audit
Rolling stock - Inventions, patents or copyrights: 5% Special rules allow a taxpayer to claim a from SARS is increased in the absence of such
An allowance equal to 20% is permitted on the deduction for income tax purposes in respect documentation. In view of the above, it is
- Designs: 10%
cost incurred by a taxpayer in respect of the of expenditure incurred in acquiring shares in critical that any transactions between a foreign
acquisition or improvement of any rolling stock. Note: a “venture capital company” that has been entity and any related South African entity be
approved for such purposes by SARS. considered from a transfer pricing perspective.
Research and development • Costs not exceeding R5 000 may be
A research and development (R&D) tax deducted in full. No deduction is available Transfer pricing and thin capitalisation Where a transaction between a resident and
deduction applies in respect of expenditure in respect of trade marks. non-resident (or PE of a resident outside South
incurred by a company on the following: Transfer pricing rules in South Africa are Africa) is not carried out on an arm’s length
contained in section 31 of the Income Tax Act. basis, the amount of the difference between
• Systematic investigative or experimental Urban development zone (UDZ) allowance
South Africa follows the OECD (Organisation the arm’s length basis and the basis applied,
activities of which the result is uncertain for An allowance equal to 5% of the cost to the
for Economic Cooperation and Development) if it results in a tax benefit for the resident, is
discovering non-obvious scientific or technical taxpayer of refurbishing an existing building in
Guidelines on transfer pricing and uses the deemed to be an in specie dividend paid by the
information, creating any invention, design, an UDZ, once it is brought into use, is granted.
“arm’s length” standard/principle to test resident if it is a company, or is deemed to be a
computer program or certain essential An allowance equal to 20% in the first year,
transactions between connected persons in an donation by the resident if it is a person other
knowledge, specified improvements to the and 8% in the subsequent years of the cost to
international transaction. than a company.
above, certain pharmaceutical products, and the taxpayer of constructing new buildings and
clinical trials: 150% allowance; and extending existing buildings in an UDZ, once it
• New or unused building, machinery, is brought into use, is granted. Different rules
plant, implement, utensils or article or apply in circumstances where a person has
improvements thereto, brought into acquired a building or part of a building from
use for the first time for R&D purposes: a developer.
50%/30%/20% allowance.

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Section 31 no longer deals separately with Because of concerns that the tax base is being Exclusions from attribution of income under CFC
Note:
the thin capitalisation rules. Instead thin eroded through the use of the corporate rules, rules include the following:
capitalisation rules have been merged into the • For purposes of the corporate rules, provisions were introduced that may deny the
• Where the net income of the CFC
general transfer pricing rules. This means that the definition of “group of companies” deduction of interest incurred on borrowings
is attributable to a foreign business
the thin capitalisation rules will also apply to excludes any company that does not arising from a transaction in terms of the
establishment in a foreign country, provided
local branches of foreign companies. have its place of effective management corporate rules in certain circumstances.
that the foreign business establishment
in South Africa except, in certain fairly
Corporate rules A transferor and transferee may enter into a effectively operates at arm’s length (subject to
limited circumstances, if such company is a
written agreement that the relevant provisions certain restrictions)
The corporate rules provide relief for controlled foreign company.
do not apply in the case of asset-for-share
transactions between group companies or • Where the income is subject to WHT in South
transactions, substitutive share-for-share
between shareholders and their company. Africa on interest, royalties or services fees;
The rules cover the following transactions: transactions, intra-group transactions and
In this regard, a “group of companies” is liquidation transactions. With regard to • Where the net income of the CFC is included
• Asset-for-share transactions
defined as two or more companies in which amalgamation and unbundling transactions, in its South African taxable income;
one company (the controlling group company) • Substitutive share-for-share transactions the corporate rules will apply, unless the parties
• Foreign dividends declared to a CFC by
directly or indirectly holds shares in at least one form part of the same group of companies
• Amalgamation transactions another CFC;
other company (the controlled group company) and jointly elect for the rules not to apply. Full
to the extent that: • Intra-group transactions particulars of any transaction falling within • Interest, royalties or rental income payable
these provisions must be disclosed in the to a CFC by another CFC and exchange
• At least 70% of the equity shares of each • Unbundling transactions
taxpayer’s tax return for the tax year in which differences between such parties, where
controlled group company are directly held
• Liquidation, winding-up and deregistration the transaction takes place. the entities are part of the same group of
by the controlling group company, or one
companies; and
or more controlled group companies, or any Each of the rules has qualifying criteria and anti- Special rules apply for determining contributed
combination thereof; and avoidance provisions. The rules provide for relief tax capital where shares are issued in terms of • Capital gains to the extent that the asset
from income tax, CGT, transfer duty, securities the rules. disposed of (subject to exclusions) is
• The controlling group company holds at
transfer tax and, in certain circumstances, DT. attributable to any business establishment of
least 70% of the equity shares in at least one Controlled foreign companies (CFCs)
VAT relief may also be obtained if certain a CFC that forms part of the same group of
controlled group company.
conditions apply. Also included in the income of a South African companies as the CFC.
resident is a proportional amount of the net
In addition, the net income of a CFC is deemed
income (including capital gains) earned by a
to be nil where foreign taxes paid by the CFC
CFC. A CFC is any foreign company where
amount to at least 75% of the South African
South African residents directly or indirectly hold
tax that would be payable had the CFC been
more than 50% of the total participation rights
a South African resident or (subject to certain
or more than 50% of the voting rights in that
conditions) all the receipts and accruals of
company. The proportionate income of the CFC
the CFC are attributable to a foreign business
will be included in the income of the resident
establishment of the CFC.
where the resident has participation or voting
rights of 10% or more. The income of the CFC
is to be determined as if the South African
Income Tax Act applied to such entity.

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Hybrid equity instruments, hybrid debt For this purpose, the following areas of tax relief • If, at the end of the relevant year, and all utilised in international shipping, is exempt from
instruments and third party backed shares will be granted to entities qualifying as HQCs (or prior years, 80% or more of the cost of the income tax (including CGT) on its international
their shareholders where applicable): total assets of the company was attributable shipping income. It is also exempt from WHT on
The Income Tax Act contains sections dealing
to equity shares in, loans to, or intellectual interest in respect of interest paid to a foreign
with hybrid debt instruments, hybrid equity • Foreign subsidiaries of HQCs will not be
property licensed to any foreign company person for debt used to fund the acquisition,
instruments and third party backed shares. treated as CFCs under the normal rules and,
in which the company (together with construction or improvement of a South African
These sections are anti-avoidance sections and therefore, no “net income” of any CFC can be
related group companies) held at least 10%; ship, and dividends WHT on any dividend
are aimed at ensuring instruments are correctly imputed to a HQC;
provided that in determining the total assets derived from international shipping income is
classified as debt or equity for tax purposes.
• Dividends declared by the HQC will be of the company, there must not be taken into levied at 0%.
Legislation to limit excessive interest exempt from DT; account any amount in cash or in the form
Mining, insurance, oil & gas, farming and
deductions of a bank deposit payable on demand, and
• HQCs engaged in financial assistance, public private partnerships
in determining whether the requirements
New provisions were inserted into the Income will enjoy relief from the transfer pricing Special rules apply to mining and insurance
for inclusion within the definition have been
Tax Act (effective 1 April 2014) with respect provisions to a certain extent; companies, oil and gas companies, farming
satisfied, no regard must be had to any year
to the deductibility of interest on acquisition activities and public private partnerships.
• Interest paid or owed by a HQC to a foreign in which the company did not own assets
and reorganisation indebtedness. Additional
person, to the extent that it relates to back- with a market value in excess of R50 000; Small business funding entities
provisions have been introduced (effective
to-back lending arrangements, will be exempt New rules will come into effect from
1 January 2015) relating to the deductibility of • Where the gross income of the company
from the WHT on interest; and 1 March 2015 that provide relief to entities
interest in respect of a debt owed to a person exceeds R5 million, if 50% or more of the
funding small businesses. These entities will,
that is not subject to tax in South Africa where • A HQC will be treated as a foreign company gross income of the company consisted of
for example, be exempt from income tax and
the funds are obtained directly or indirectly from for the purposes of the CGT participation dividends, interest, royalties or fees from any
dividends WHT on a similar basis to PBOs.
a person who is in a controlling relationship exemption for the benefit of qualifying foreign company contemplated above or of
(holding at least 50% of equity shares or voting shareholders disposing of their interest in proceeds from the disposal of shares in such Special economic zones (SEZs)
rights) in relation to the debtor. such HQC. foreign company or the above intellectual Subject to certain conditions, companies that
property; and carry on business within a SEZ are subject to
Headquarter company (HQC) regime A resident company may elect to be a HQC for
corporate income tax at the special rate of 15%
a year of assessment if the following criteria are • A HQC must submit to the Minister an
The HQC regime is a significant development on taxable income derived from business within
met: annual report providing the Minister with the
directed at establishing South Africa as a that SEZ, to a 10% capital allowance on new or
information that the Minister may prescribe
jurisdiction of choice for investments into Africa. • If, for the relevant year, each shareholder unused buildings (or improvements) within the
within such time and containing such
(together with related group companies) held SEZ and to other benefits. The date on which
Essentially, the regime provides for a relaxation information as the Minister may prescribe.
10% or more of the equity shares and voting these special rules are to come into effect still
for HQCs of the CFC and arm’s length rules, and
rights in that company; Other needs to be announced.
for dividends declared by these companies to
benefit from the same exemptions available to Partnerships Government islamic bonds (i.e. sikuks).
foreign dividends. Partnerships are not treated as separate taxable The regime allows for asset-based financing
entities. Each partner is taxed only on his/her with the yield giving rise to tax that is equivalent
share of the partnership’s taxable income. to interest. These bonds essentially serve as the
standard for risk-free Islamic financing within
Shipping companies
South Africa.
A company that is a resident, that holds a
share or shares in one or more ships that are

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Corporate taxation - rates of tax*

Current central taxes Rates

• Company tax (non-mining), 28%

including branches
• Qualifying companies in a SEZ (not 15%
yet in effect)
• Turnover tax** R0 - R150 000 0%
(micro-businesses: on an elective
R150 001 - R300 000 1% of each R1 above
basis, entities with an annual
R150 000
turnover of </= R1 million)
R300 001 - R500 000 R1 500 + 2% of amount
> R300 000

R500 001 - R750 000 R5 500 + 4% of amount

> R500 000
R750 001 and above R15 500 + 6% of
amount > R750 000
• Small business corporations: R0 – R70 700 0%
Calculating taxable income entities with an annual turnover
R70 701 – R365 000 7% of taxable income
of </= R14 million >R70 700
Gross income • Receipts/accruals of a South African resident
R365 001 – R550 000 R20 601 + 21%
Less: Exempt • Receipts/accruals sourced or deemed to of taxable income
income be sourced in South Africa accruing to a
> R365 000
non-resident
R550 000 + R59 451 + 28%
• E.g. local dividends
of taxable income
Less: Allowable • All non-capital expenses incurred in South Africa > R550 000
deductions in the production of income
* Unless otherwise stipulated, rates apply to financial years ending between 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015.
Less: Other tax • E.g. other capital allowances on: ** Turnover tax is a simplified system aimed at making it easier for micro-business to meet their tax obligations.
allowances The turnover tax system replaces income tax, VAT, provisional tax, CGT and DT for micro-businesses with
- Plant and machinery a qualifying annual turnover of R1 million or less. A micro-business that is registered for turnover tax can,
- Buildings and improvements to buildings however, elect to remain in the VAT system (from 1 March 2012).
etc
Plus: Taxable capital gain*
Equals: Taxable income
* Inclusion rate for capital gains: 33.3% for individuals and special trusts, and 66.6%
for companies and other trusts.

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Tax type Tax rate Provisional tax

Note:
• Any company and other person who derives
• Where the amount of any estimate is not
VAT On goods and services 14% income other than remuneration (salary/
within the abovementioned 80% or 90%
(exemptions apply) allowance), is a provisional taxpayer. Certain
of the taxpayer’s actual taxable income for
exclusions apply.
Other taxes: • CGT (part of income tax) that year, and the Commissioner is satisfied
• WHTs • A first provisional tax payment (due six that the amount of any estimate was
• Customs and excise months into the tax year) is calculated using seriously calculated with due regard to the
the “basic amount”, which is the taxable factors having a bearing thereon, and was
• Donations tax (20%)
income per the last year of assessment in not deliberately or negligently understated,
• Estate duty/tax (20%) or if the Commissioner is partly so satisfied,
relation to which a notice of assessment was
• Transfer duty on real estate transactions not issued. If the abovementioned assessment is the Commissioner may in his/her discretion
subject to VAT (sliding scale) remit the additional tax or part thereof.
in respect of a period that ends more than
• Fuel levies one year after the latest year of assessment
• Motor vehicle licence in relation to such estimate, the basic amount
determined shall be increased by an amount Tax administration
• Electricity levies
• Plastic bag levies equal to 8% per annum of that amount, from
Note:
the end of such year to the end of the year of
• Incandescent light bulb levies
assessment in respect of which the estimate • The Tax Administration Act, 28 of 2011
• Municipal taxes on owners of real estate
is made. (TAA), was promulgated on 4 July 2012,
• Skills development levy and came into effect on 1 October 2012.
• In the event that a provisional taxpayer’s
• Airport taxes
taxable income is more than R1 million,
• CO2 environmental levy
a 20% penalty will be levied where a Tax registrationf1
• Road accident fund levy provisional taxpayer’s second provisional tax Any company that becomes liable for any
• Diamond export levy payment (due at the end of the tax year) is normal tax, or becomes liable to submit any
• Mineral petroleum and resources royalty based on a taxable income that is less than return of income in terms of section 66 of
80% of the taxpayer’s actual taxable income the Act, is required to register as a taxpayer
for that year. in terms of section 67 of the Act, read with
• In the event that a provisional taxpayer’s chapter 3 of the TAA. Any such person must
taxable income is equal to or less than R1 register as a taxpayer at SARS within 60 days
million, a 20% penalty will be levied where a after so becoming a taxpayer by completing an
provisional taxpayer’s second provisional tax IT77C form.
payment is based on a taxable income that is
less than 90% of the taxpayer’s actual taxable
income for that year.

f1
http://www.sars.gov.za

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The following entities are required to register Supplementary declaration for companies Voluntary disclosure
as taxpayers for corporate income tax (CIT) and close corporations (IT14SD) A permanent legislative framework for voluntary
purposes: The IT14SD return is intended to reconcile a disclosure, that applies to all tax types, is
taxpayer’s financial information across tax types included in the TAA. The main purpose of
• Listed public companies
and customs. The IT14SD consists of the PAYE, such a framework is to enhance voluntary
• Unlisted public companies income tax, VAT and customs reconciliation compliance in the interest of the good
schedules that must be reconciled and management of the tax system and the best
• Private company
submitted by the taxpayer, where applicable. use of SARS’ resources.
• Cooperatives
Consolidated returns Rulings
• Other e.g. small business corporations South Africa does not allow for taxation on a A taxpayer may apply for a tax ruling in
(an entity with an annual turnover of less group or consolidated basis. Each company accordance with the advance tax ruling system.
than R14 million) in a group of companies is a taxpayer in its The ruling generally will be binding on SARS.
own right.
Tax year Double taxation agreements (DTAs)
The tax year of a company is the same as its Penalties
• South Africa has concluded DTAs with a
accounting year. Penalties and interest are imposed for failure
number of countries, the primary purpose
to comply.
Filing requirements being the prevention of double taxation. The
Companies are required to file their income tax Statute of limitations (prescription) agreements essentially divide up the taxing
returns (ITR14s) annually, within 12 months of Where an assessment is issued by SARS, the rights between the contracting countries, in
the company’s financial year-end. statute of limitations is three years from the situations where they might both claim such
date of the original assessment, unless there is rights. Another purpose to these agreements
Advance payments of tax (provisional tax) must
fraud, misrepresentation or non-disclosure of is the prevention of tax evasion by taxpayers
be made twice a year, based on estimates of
material facts. In the case of a self-assessment, of the contracting countries. The tables
the final tax amount, the first payment during
it is five years from the date of the original below provide a list of existing comprehensive
the first six months of the company’s financial
assessment. treaty agreements in force and treaties in the
year and the second before the end of the year.
process of negotiation or finalised but not
Where the provisional tax payments are less
signed.
than the final tax liability, a third provisional tax
payment should be made within six months • A complete list and status overview (i.e.
after the end of the tax year. finalised, signed, ratified, in the process of
negotiation etc) of all DTAs and Protocols,
as well as other International Agreements
(including Air & Sea Agreements, Exchange of
Information Agreements, MAAs on VAT and
Customs and Estate Duty Agreements etc.)
applicable to South Africa can be accessed on
SARS website at: www.sars.gov.za

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Existing comprehensive agreements

Treaties in the process of negotiation or finalised but not signed
Algeria France Malta (Protocol 2013) Singapore
Australia Germany Mauritius Slovak Republic Austria Hong Kong Morocco Switzerland
Australia (Protocol 2008) Ghana Mexico Spain Belgium India Mozambique Syria
Austria (Protocol 2012) Greece Mozambique Swaziland Botswana Indonesia Namibia Thailand

Belarus Hungary Namibia Sweden Brazil Isle of Man Netherlands Turkey

(Protocol 2012) Cameroon Kenya Norway United Arab Emirates
Belgium India Netherlands Switzerland Chile Kuwait Qatar Vietnam
(Renegotiated 2008) (Renegotiated
Netherlands 2009) Cuba Lesotho Senegal Zambia
(Protocol 2008) Cyprus Luxembourg Singapore Zimbabwe
Botswana Grenada New Zealand Taiwan Gabon Malawi Sudan
Brazil Indonesia Nigeria Tanzania Germany Mauritius Swaziland
Bulgaria Iran Norway Thailand
Canada Ireland (Protocol 2012) Oman (Protocol 2013) Tunisia
China (PRC)) Israel Pakistan Turkey 7.2. Transaction taxes VAT (output tax) is levied at 14% on the value
of any supplies made by a vendor, unless such
Croatia Italy Poland Uganda Value added tax (VAT) supplies qualify for a zero rating (for example,
Cyprus Japan Portugal Ukraine The principal source of indirect taxation revenue supplies physically rendered outside of South
in South Africa is VAT. Africa are subject to VAT at the zero rate) or are
Czech Republic Korea Romania United Kingdom
(Protocol 2011) exempt from VAT.
The standard rate of VAT is 14%. Exports,
DRC Kuwait Russian Federation United States of Any SA VAT charged to the vendor by suppliers,
certain foodstuffs, and other supplies, are
America as well as VAT levied on the importation of
zero-rated, and certain supplies are exempt
Denmark Lesotho Rwanda Zambia goods, will generally be deductible as an input
(mainly certain financial services, residential
Egypt Luxembourg Saudi Arabia Zimbabwe accommodation and public transport). tax credit by the vendor.

Ethiopia Malawi Seychelles Any person that carries on an “enterprise” in VAT returns are generally submitted every two
(Protocol 2012) South Africa for VAT purposes and that makes months but businesses with an annual turnover
Finland Malaysia (Protocol 2012) Sierra Leone taxable supplies above a certain threshold, is in excess of R30 million must submit monthly
obliged to register as a VAT vendor. Investment returns. Returns must be submitted within 25
in South Africa, both by a branch or through a days after the end of the tax period (or, in the
subsidiary, will constitute an “enterprise” and case of electronic filing, by the last business
will therefore require VAT registration. day of the month in which the 25th day falls).
Payment in full must accompany the return.

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Transfer duty Securities transfer tax (STT) The deductions allowed in terms of section 4 of Donations tax is only payable where the
the Estate Duty Act in calculating the dutiable donor is an individual who is a tax resident
Transfer duty is applicable to real estate STT is levied at a rate of 0.25% on every
amount of an estate include: of South Africa, or is a “private company” for
transactions that are not subject to VAT. transfer of securities issued by a company
tax purposes, which is a tax resident of South
incorporated, established or formed in South • Liabilities of the estate, including funeral and
Rates of transfer duty* Africa. Public companies are exempt from
Africa and foreign incorporated companies administration expenses;
donations tax.
• First R600 000 of 0% listed on a licensed exchange.
• Certain foreign assets held by the deceased;
consideration A “donation” includes any gratuitous disposal of
Transfers include the transfer, assignment or
• R600 001 to R1 000 000 3% • Charitable and certain other bequests; property or waiver of a right. Certain donations
cession, or disposal in any other manner, of a
are exempt from tax. These include:
• R1 000 000 to R1 500 000 R12 500 + 5% security but exclude any event that does not • Property that is inherited by the surviving
• R1 500 001 + R37 000 + 8% result in the change in beneficial ownership, spouse (a spouse includes heterosexual or • Donations between spouses;
the issue of a security, and cancellation or same sex life partners and spouses married
* These rates are applicable to both natural and legal • Donations cancelled within six months from
redemption where corporate existence is under any recognised system of religious
persons (companies and trusts). the date they took effect;
being terminated. law); and
Note: • Donations made by public companies (PBOs);
Estate duty • Any CGT payable by the estate (death triggers
• Where the sale of fixed property attracts a disposal for CGT purposes). • Donations to approved PBOs and recreational
Estate duty is payable on the dutiable amount
VAT, no transfer duty is payable. Where clubs;
of a deceased estate. In general, the estate of A R3.5 million abatement (R7 million for a
the transfer of fixed property is not a person who was ordinarily resident in South married couple) is deducted from all estates, • Donations by, to or for any traditional council,
subject to VAT (at either the standard or Africa at the date of his death, includes all his regardless of personal circumstances. Estate traditional community or tribe;
zero rate), transfer duty is payable. The assets irrespective of where they are situated. In duty is payable on the resultant dutiable amount
indirect acquisition of residential property • Donations between group companies where
addition, an asset that is located in South Africa of the estate of a person at the rate of 20%.
by way of the acquisition of shares, or a the recipient is a resident of South Africa; and
may be subject to estate duty even though
contingent right in a discretionary trust, is Donations tax
the owner was not ordinarily resident in South • Donations of property situated outside the
subject to transfer duty. Taxpayers engaged Africa at the date of his death. Donations tax is payable where a donor donates Republic, provided certain conditions are
in, for example, asset-for-share rollovers property valued in excess of R10 000 per annum present.
(e.g. upon formation of a company) obtain An estate consists of all the property of a person
(R100 000 in the case of donors that are natural
relief from transfer duty. Where a company at the date of his death, including limited rights A “deemed donation” is any disposal of
persons).
or trust owns residential property and the in property (such as a usufruct) and deemed property for a consideration that, in the opinion
shares or beneficiaries are changed or sold, property. Deemed property includes the The tax is levied at a rate of 20% on such excess of SARS, is not an adequate consideration. In
it will be deemed that a sale of immovable following, whether or not the proceeds accrue and is payable by the donor. the case of a deemed donation, the value of the
property has occurred and transfer duty for the benefit of the deceased’s estate: property for donations tax purposes is reduced
Where spouses are married in community of
will apply. by any consideration given by the donee.
• Domestic policies of insurance on the life of property, a donation made by one spouse out
the deceased; of the joint estate will be deemed to be made in
equal shares by each spouse.
• Lump sum payments received on death from
pension, provident or retirement annuity
funds (annuities payable from pension and
retirement annuity funds are not dutiable);
and
• Accruals under the Matrimonial Property Act.

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Other taxes CO2 environmental levy Diamond export levy

Notes:
New passenger motor vehicles with carbon On 1 November 2008, a diamond export
Customs duties
• The Customs and Excise Act No. 91 of dioxide (CO2) emissions in excess of 120g/km, levy on unpolished diamonds exported from
At present, customs and excise duties are
1964 is in the process of being replaced and motor vehicles used for the transportation South Africa, was introduced. Although this
imposed by the Customs and Excise Act No. 91
by an entirely new set of rules that will be of goods with CO2 emissions exceeding 175g/ is legislated in the Diamond Export Levy Act,
of 1964. Customs duties are levied on imported
contained in the Customs Duty Act, the km, manufactured in or imported into South SARS is mandated to administer and collect
goods with the aim of raising revenue and
Customs Control Act and the Excise Duty Africa, attract a CO2 environmental levy. The this levy. All producers, dealers, beneficiators
protecting the local market. They are usually
Act. levy is not payable on motor vehicles that and/or holders of permits, must pay this levy
calculated as a percentage of the value of the
can transport 10 or more persons or new when exporting such diamonds. The export
goods (set in the schedules to the Customs and • The last-mentioned Act will come about
motor vehicles manufactured and cleared for rate of duty is 5% of the total value less
Excise Act). However meat, fish, tea, certain by way of the Customs and Excise
home consumption for purposes as defined overpaid or plus underpaid. The Act provides
textile products, and certain firearms, attract Amendment Act 2014, which changes the
(i.e. hearses and ambulances, shuttle cars for for six-monthly payments.
rates of duty calculated either as a percentage name of the current Customs and Excise
underground mines, special purpose motor
of the value or as cents per unit (for example, Act to the Excise Duty Act. Mineral petroleum and resource royalty
vehicles etc.).
per kilogram or metre). SARS collects a royalty for these resources in
• New rules to the Customs Acts are still
Note: terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources
Excise duties being drafted and the current Customs
Royalty Act, 2008, and the Mineral and
Excise duties and levies are imposed mostly on and Excise Act 1964 will remain in place
• South Africa has plans to introduce a Petroleum Resources Royalty (Administration)
high-volume daily consumable products (e.g. until the new legislation and rules become
carbon tax from 2016. The proposed Act, 2008. The rates for the mineral and
petroleum, alcohol and tobacco products), as effective. This is expected to take place
carbon tax (initially announced in the petroleum resource royalties are currently: for
well as certain non-essential or luxury items (e.g. during the second half of 2015.
2012 and 2013 Budget Speeches and refined mineral resources: the minimum of 0.5%
electronic equipment and cosmetics). Excise presented in the Carbon Tax Policy Paper to a maximum of 5%; and for unrefined mineral
duties are levied on both imported and locally (May 2013)), is one of the key measures resources: the minimum of 0.5% to a maximum
manufactured goods. These duties and levies being contemplated by the South African of 7%. These royalties should be paid at the
are self-assessed by the client per periodic excise Government to mitigate climate change. same time as the corporate provisional tax cycle.
return and, depending on the product, paid to
SARS on either a monthly or quarterly basis.
Air passenger tax
Customs and excise duties are levied throughout This tax came into effect on 1 November 2000
the SACU, on import into SACU, or at point of and is charged at a different/slightly lower rate
manufacture, and based on a “duties-at-source” for destinations in the SACU countries than that
principle. The customs and excise duties raised for destinations outside of those countries. The
within the various member states are pooled standard rate departures are R190 per ticket for
and finally distributed between the SACU a destination other than the SACU countries,
member states based on statistics and formulas. while BLNS countries (Botswana, Lesotho,
Namibia and Swaziland) have a lower rate
departure of R100 per ticket. This tax is included
in the ticket price and the airline/operator is
liable to pay SARS.

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7.3. Personal taxation - Individuals • Conducted any trade in South Africa; For further information on how to complete and
submit a PIT return (i.e. ITR12), a comprehensive
Income tax • Received an allowance, such as a travel,
guide can be accessed on the SARS website at:
subsistence or office bearer allowance
South African residents are taxed on worldwide www.sars.gov.za
(section 8(1)(a) of the Income Tax Act);
income. Non-residents are taxed on their South The tax year for individuals runs from 1 March
African-source income, and on capital gains • Received interest in excess of R22 800 where
to the end of February each year.
from the disposal of immovable property and under the age of 65 years (and in excess of
assets of a PE in South Africa. R33 000 where over the age of 65 years); The submission deadline dates for individuals
change periodically. Typically, these dates
An individual is resident if he/she is “ordinarily • Had a local capital gain/loss exceeding
are around September for taxpayers who
resident” in South Africa. Alternatively, an R30 000;
submit their tax returns manually, around
individual is resident if he/she is physically • Received any income or capital gain in a November for taxpayers who submit their
present in South Africa for more than 91 days foreign currency; returns electronically, and around January of the
during the current and each of the preceding succeeding year for provisional taxpayers who
five tax years, and is physically present in • Held any rights in a CFC; or
submit their returns electronically.
South Africa for a period exceeding 915 days • Received an income tax return or was
in aggregate in the preceding five tax years. requested by SARS to submit a return for the Note:
Tax registration and return submission year in question. • The actual filing dates for the 2015 tax
season (i.e. 1 March 2014 to 28 February
The tax registration and tax return submission Note:
2015) have not yet been announced by
thresholds for individuals change periodically.
• The term “trade” includes every profession, SARS.
On the basis of requirements applicable to the trade, business, calling, occupation or
2014 tax year, it is anticipated (but still to be venture, including the letting of any
Individual tax rates and rebates
confirmed by official notice) that submission of property, but excluding any employment
a personal income tax (PIT) return (ITR12) will income. Tax rates
be required by a taxpayer for the 2015 tax year Individuals, estates, special trusts (year of assessment ending 28 February 2015)*
(i.e. tax year ending 28 February 2015) in the
There are various ways in which PIT taxpayers Taxable income Rate of tax
following situations:
can complete and submit their returns to SARS,
• Less than 65 years of age and received an namely: R0 – R174 550 18% of taxable income
income of more than R70 700 from one or
• eFiling, which is the most convenient and R174 551 – R272 700 R31 419 + 25% of taxable income above R174 550
more sources during the tax year;
quickest way; R272 701 – R377 450 R55 957 + 30% of taxable income above R272 700
• Between 65 and 75 years of age and received
• Filing electronically at a branch where R377 451 – R528 000 R87 382 + 35% of taxable income above R377 450
an income of more than R110 200 from one
SARS staff will help; or
or more sources during the tax year; R528 001 – R673 100 R140 074 + 38% of taxable income above R528 000
• Completing the return(s) in writing and R673 101 and above R195 212 + 40% of taxable income above R673 100
• Greater than 75 years of age and received an
posting it to SARS or dropping it off in a
income of more than R123 350 from one or * The tax rates are adjusted annually, as announced in the Minister of Finance’s annual Budget Speech in February
SARS drop box. each year.
more sources during the tax year;

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Interest received or accrued to a non-resident Dividends

Tax rebates • The tax threshold for years ending
28 February 2015 is R70 700 for individuals will not be taxable in South Africa, unless that Subject to certain exceptions, local dividends
Natural persons (year of assessment ending below 65 years of age, R110 200 for person is an individual that is in South Africa are fully exempt from income tax in the hands
28 February 2015)* individuals aged between 65 years for a period exceeding 183 days in aggregate of the recipient. (See further discussion under
and 75 years of age, and R123 350 for during the 12-month period preceding the date Withholding taxes in respect of the WHT
Primary rebate - All individuals R12 726 individuals aged 75 years and older. on which the interest was received or accrued, applicable to dividends).
Age rebate** • Rebates are a credit against tax payable. or the debt from which the interest arises is
Foreign dividends are subject to income tax in
Secondary rebate Rebates are available only to natural effectively connected to a PE of that person
R7 110 the hands of the recipient but are exempt if, for
persons and not to companies and trusts, in South Africa.
(65 years and older) example, the shareholder holds at least 10%
and must be apportioned where a taxpayer
Third rebate is assessed for a period of less than a year. Prior to 1 March 2015, no WHT applied in of the equity shares and voting rights in the
R2 367 respect of interest paid to non-residents, foreign company declaring the dividend. Foreign
(75 years and older) • Taxpayers may be entitled to a foreign tax
but with effect from 1 March 2015, interest dividends received by individuals from foreign
* The tax rebates are adjusted annually, as announced credit (rebate) for foreign tax paid where
in the Minister of Finance’s annual Budget Speech in income from foreign sources is subject paid to non-residents, may be subject to companies are taxable at a maximum effective
February each year. to tax in a foreign country and in South WHT at a rate of 15% (see discussion under rate of 15%.
** Additional to primary rebate. Africa. Withholding taxes).
Remuneration for services rendered outside
Notes: Tax-free investments South Africa
Taxable income New rules will come into effect from South African residents working abroad for
• Rates are progressive to a maximum rate 1 March 2015, which will exempt from income more than 183 days over a 12-month period,
of 40%. Taxable income is gross income less exempt
tax any amounts received by or accrued to an and for a continuous period of more than
income and allowable deductions. Gross income
• The tax year for individuals runs to the end individual in respect of particular prescribed 60 days during that period, are exempt from
from employment includes all remuneration in
of February. Tax returns must be filed by a investment instruments and policies. income tax on remuneration for services
date published annually by SARS. cash or in kind, including bonuses, allowances
rendered while abroad.
and taxes reimbursed or paid on the employee’s Contributions to these prescribed investments/
• All taxpayers who earn income exceeding behalf. policies will be subject to a R30 000 annual limit Foreign social security and pension
prescribed tax thresholds are required to
be registered as taxpayers with SARS. This and a R500 000 lifetime limit. payments
Exemptions
process does not happen automatically on Social security payments received by South
Capital gains and losses on the disposal of a
entering the country. Local interest African residents from another country are
tax-free investment will be disregarded, and no
Local interest earned by individuals is exempt exempt from tax in South Africa. There is also
• Individuals who earn income other than DT will apply on dividends paid to an individual
from income tax up to certain levels. For the tax currently an exemption for pensions received
remuneration are required to register in respect of a tax-free investment.
as provisional taxpayers. SARS reserves year ending 28 February 2015, the exemption from a source outside South Africa in respect
the right to classify any taxpayer as a is R23 800 for individuals who are under the of past employment outside South Africa.
provisional taxpayer. age of 65 years, and R34 500 for individuals Lump sums and annuities are included in the
65 years and older. Additional relief from tax exemption from 1 March 2015.
applies under the special tax-free investment
rules effective 1 March 2015 (see below).

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Other exemptions General deductions Medical expenses

Note:
Further exemptions include: disability pensions, General deductions are permitted under what In an effort to achieve greater equality in
compensation for occupational injuries and is called the “general deduction formula”. The the treatment of medical expenses across • It has been announced that a new National
diseases, UIF payments, alimony, government general rule is that if an expense does not income groups, the previous medical scheme Health Insurance Scheme is to be phased
in over a period of time. Funding options
grants and scrapping payments etc. (subject to comply with the requirements of the formula, contribution deduction (limited to a prescribed
to be considered include a payroll tax
certain conditions being met). it will not be deductible, unless specifically capped amount) was replaced by a medical (payable by employers), an increase in the
allowed by another section of the Act. Where scheme fees tax credit and medical expenses VAT rate and a surcharge on individuals’
Deductions and tax credits
an expense qualifies for a deduction under both tax credit. taxable income. Further details are
Subject to certain restrictions, deductions (and/ the general formula and a specific section, it awaited.
The amount of the tax credit changes
or tax credits) are granted for contributions to may only be deducted once.
periodically. For the tax year ending 28 February Donations to PBOs
pension and retirement annuity funds, certain
In terms of the general deduction formula, the 2015, the tax credit comprises the following: Donations to certain approved PBOs are tax
donations, travel and motor vehicle expenses,
following requirements must be fulfilled before deductible. The tax deduction is limited to 10%
entertainment expenses (if an employee is • Medical scheme fees tax credit:
an expense can be deducted: of taxable income (excluding retirement fund
paid on a commission basis) and certain other
- Monthly credit of R257 each for the lump sums/withdrawals and severance benefits).
qualifying expenses. A tax credit is available for • The amount must have been actually incurred
taxpayer and his/her spouse (or first These organisations include most welfare,
medical expenses incurred by a taxpayer. or there must be an actual loss;
dependant), and a further R172 for every healthcare, education and development, land
General principles • The taxpayer must be legally liable to pay the additional dependant; and and housing, and conservation, environmental
The Income tax Act permits the deduction amount; and animal welfare organisations, with certain
• Medical expenses tax credit:
of certain expenses incurred in the carrying exceptions. Any excess may be carried forward
• The expense, or loss, must have been
on of an individual’s trade. “Trade” includes - Over 65 years of age and taxpayers with and is treated as a donation made in the
incurred during the year of assessment in
a profession, trade, business, employment, a disability (taxpayer, spouse or child): subsequent year.
respect of which it is claimed;
calling, occupation or venture, including the 33.3% of the amount of contributions to
letting of property. Certain activities may not • The expenditure must be incurred in the a medical scheme as exceeds three times Pension fund contributions
be regarded as “carrying on of trade” (the production of income; the medical scheme fees tax credit, and • Current: Maximum deduction is the
most common being investments in dividend 33.3% of qualifying medical expenses greater of:
• The expenditure must be of a revenue and
and interest-bearing stocks and income from incurred; and - R1 750; or
not of a capital nature; and
pensions and annuities). In order for an expense
- Under 65 years of age: 25% of the - 7.5% of remuneration from “retirement-
incurred in the carrying on of trade to be • The expense must be expended for the
aggregate of the amount of fees paid funding employment”.
tax-deductible either: purposes of a trade.
to a medical scheme as exceeds four
• The expense must comply with the Specific deductions/tax credits times the medical scheme fees tax • Arrear: Maximum R1 800 (excluding former
requirements of the general deduction Those expenses, which qualify for a deduction credit and qualifying medical expenses, members of a non-statutory force or service).
formula (a “general deduction”); or under a specific section of the Act, need only as exceeds 7.5% of taxable income
meet the requirements of the specific section (excluding retirement lump sum benefits/ Note:
• The expense must specifically be allowed
and do not have to meet the requirements withdrawals and severance benefits). • Provident fund contributions made by
as a deduction under a section of the Act
of the general deduction formula. Specific an individual are not deductible for tax
(a “specific deduction”). purposes at present.
deductions or credits include the following:

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Retirement annuity fund contributions Income continuation premiums Employment benefits and allowances to the employer in circumstances where the
• Current: Maximum deduction is the Premiums on income protection insurance employer supplied accommodation that was
Subsistence allowances
greatest of: policies are generally deductible. Changes are obtained under an arm’s length transaction with
Subsistence allowances are tax-free if they
proposed to the current rules. an independent third party.
- 15% of net income, excluding income are granted to an employee who is obliged
from “retirement-funding employment”; Limitation of employee deductions to spend at least one night away from his/her No taxable fringe benefit will apply in certain
or Only the following expenses may be deducted usual place of residence while on business and if circumstances, including in the case of
by individuals, except where the employee’s they do not exceed the following amounts: accommodation provided to employees who are
- R3 500, less deductible current pension
remuneration is wholly or mainly derived in the away from their usual place of residence within
contributions; or • Varying amounts per day for meals and
form of commissions based on sales or turnover: the Republic, or their usual place of residence
incidental costs for travel outside the
- R1 750. outside the Republic (i.e. in respect of expatriate
• Business travel deduction against travel Republic, depending upon the country/
employees), subject to certain conditions and
• Reinstatement: R1 800 per annum. allowance; countries visited;
limitations.
Note: • Certain medical expenses; • R335 per day for meals and incidental costs
Company car fringe benefit
for travel within the Republic (per current
• Contributions to a pension and/or retirement The taxable value per month comprises 3.5% of
• Significant changes to the taxation of amounts); and
annuity fund; the “determined value” of the motor vehicle. In
retirement fund contributions have
• R103 per day for incidental costs only within terms of current rules, the “determined value”
been proposed. Initially, these were to • Donations to certain PBOs;
the Republic (per current amounts). comprises the original cost to the employer in
take effect from 1 March 2015 but the
• Specific expenditure against allowances of the case of a motor vehicle acquired by way of
implementation of these changes has been Interest-free or low-interest loans
holders of public office; purchase from an independent third party. With
postponed to 1 March 2016, and may be The difference between interest charged at the
effect from 1 March 2015, the determined value
postponed further. The details may still • Home office expenses under certain official rate and the actual amount of interest
in this case will be the retail market value of the
change but were previously proposed as circumstances; charged, is to be included in gross income as a
motor vehicle as listed by way of Government
follows: taxable fringe benefit.
• Premiums paid of an insurance policy that Notice. If the vehicle is subject to a maintenance
-- Employer contributions to retirement covers against loss of income caused by Residential accommodation plan, the taxable value per month will be 3.25%
funds (i.e. pension and provident funds) illness, injury, disability or unemployment; and In terms of current rules, the taxable fringe of the determined value.
will be a taxable fringe benefit in the benefit to be included in gross income is
• Wear-and-tear allowances on assets. These rates apply for all vehicles provided by an
hands of the employee. Currently, this the greater of the benefit calculated by
employer and the benefit will be reduced by any
contribution on behalf of an employee applying a prescribed formula and the cost
consideration paid by an employee (other than
is made without tax consequences to to the employer. The formula will apply if the
consideration relating to insurance, licensing,
the employee; accommodation is owned by the employer,
maintenance or fuel, for which there are specific
-- Individuals will be able to claim a by an associated institution in relation to the
deductions available).
deduction of up to 27.5% of their employer, or under certain limited circumstances
where it is not owned by the employer. On assessment there will be a reduction in the
taxable income for contributions to
taxable fringe benefit for business use where
pension, provident and retirement With effect from 1 March 2015, the taxable
an employee can furnish accurate records of
annuity funds (currently more limited fringe benefit to be included in gross income,
distances travelled for business purposes and
deductions are allowed, only in relation will ordinarily comprise the benefit calculated
total distances travelled. The employee will
to the employee’s contribution to a by applying the prescribed formula, but it will
also be entitled to a reduction in the taxable
pension fund or retirement annuity comprise the lower of the formula and the cost
fringe benefit where he/she has borne the full
fund); and
-- A maximum annual deduction threshold
will be capped at R350 000.

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expenditure relating to maintenance, licensing, Other tax features Capital gains tax (CGT)
insurance or fuel in relation to the company car, Tax residents are subject to CGT in South Africa
Ring-fencing of losses from certain trades
and has kept accurate details thereof. on the disposal of their worldwide assets.
Losses from certain trades conducted by
Non-residents are essentially subject to CGT
80% of the taxable fringe benefit will be individual taxpayers who are subject to the
in South Africa only on the disposal of fixed
included in remuneration for Pay-As-You-Earn maximum marginal tax rate (e.g. annual
property, held directly or indirectly, located in
(PAYE) purposes. This monthly fringe benefit taxable income exceeding R673 101 for the
South Africa.
inclusion may be further reduced where 2015 tax year, excluding any loss from trade)
employees travel extensively on business travel. are ring-fenced in certain circumstances On breaking tax residence, CGT will be payable
and such losses may only be offset against on the deemed disposal of a tax resident’s
No taxable fringe benefit will arise in certain
income from that trade. A trade subject to the worldwide assets (excluding South African
circumstances.
ring-fencing means: fixed property) i.e. the growth in value from the
Travel allowances date of establishing tax residence to the date
• A trade that has generated losses for at least
The following table sets out the three components of the rates that may be used in determining the of breaking tax residence will be regarded as a
three tax years out of the previous five years;
cost of business travel, where actual costs are not used: capital gain and CGT will be payable.
or
33.3% of an individual’s net capital gain for
Value of the vehicle Fixed cost Fuel cost Maintenance cost • Any one of the specifically listed trades;
the year is included in his/her taxable income
(incl.VAT) (R) (R p.a.) (c/km) (c/km) namely, sporting activities, dealing in
to be taxed at the applicable marginal tax rate.
collectibles, the rental of residential
0 – 80 000 25 946 92.3 27.6 The general annual capital gains exclusion
accommodation, vehicles, aircraft or boats
for individuals and special trusts is currently
80 001 – 160 000 46 203 103.1 34.6 (as defined in the Eighth Schedule of the
R30 000, and the exclusion on death is
160 001 – 240 000 66 530 112.0 38.1 Income tax Act) unless at least 80% of the
R300 000.
accommodation or asset is used for at least
240 001 - 320 000 84 351 120.5 41.6
half of the tax year by persons who are not Various other exclusions and roll-over reliefs
320 001 - 400 000 102 233 128. 9 48.8 relatives of the taxpayer, farming or animal- apply. These include an exclusion in respect of
400 001 - 480 000 120 997 147.9 57.3 breeding on a part-time basis, any form the disposal of personal use assets, an exclusion
480 001 - 560 000 139 760 152.9 71.3 of performing or creative arts, gambling of up to R2 million on the disposal of a primary
or betting, and the showing of animals in residence and an exclusion of up to R1.8 million
Exceeding 560 000 139 760 152.9 71.3 on the disposal of a small business (when the
competitions.
* If the travel allowance is applicable to a portion of the tax year, the fixed cost is reduced proportionately. owner is over 55 years of age and the market
** Where the travel allowance is based on actual distance travelled and business travel during the tax year does not Even if the above requirements are met, the
value of assets does not exceed R10 million).
exceed 8 000 kilometres, no tax is payable on an allowance paid by an employer to an employee, up to the rate of ring-fencing will not apply if the taxpayer
Roll-over relief applies, for example, in respect
330 cents per kilometre regardless of the value of the vehicle. This alternative is not available if other compensation in can show that the business has a reasonable
the form of an allowance or reimbursement (other than for parking or toll fees) is received from the employer in of the transfer of assets between spouses.
prospect of generating taxable income (other
respect of the vehicle.
*** The logbook method to claim business travelling expenses is compulsory.
than a taxable capital gain) within a reasonable
period. This exemption will, however, not apply
if the taxpayer has incurred an assessed loss
from that trade (other than farming) during at
least six out of the prior ten years, including the
current tax year.

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Married persons Severance benefits and lump sum awards Retirement fund lump sum withdrawal 7.4. Employment tax
Married individuals are generally taxed as from retirement funds following retirement benefits
separate taxpayers but may be taxed equally or retrenchment are taxed according to the Lump sum benefits in consequence of South African employment taxes comprise:
on, for example, investment income if they are following table: membership of a retirement fund, including employees’ tax (PAYE), skills development levies
married in community of property. amounts assigned in terms of divorce (SDL) and unemployment insurance fund (UIF)
Taxable income from settlements in certain circumstances, other contributions.
Keyperson insurance policies Tax payable
lump sum benefits* than lump sum benefits as above, are taxed
Keyperson insurance policies are intended to • Employees’ tax is payable to SARS monthly
according to the following table: at prescribed tax rates in respect of any
insure an employer against losses suffered due 0% of taxable
R0 – R500 000 remuneration payable by an employer to an
to the death, disablement or severe illness of a income Taxable income from
key employee/director. Currently, a deduction Tax payable employee.
R0 + 18% of lump sum benefits*
may be claimed in respect of these policies even • SDL is also payable to SARS monthly and is
if the policy is held by a creditor of an employer R500 001 – R700 000 taxable income
0% of taxable calculated at 1% of the remuneration payable
above R500 000 R0 – R25 000
as security for a debt. It is proposed that the income to the employee. SDL does not, however,
provisions relating to the cession of keyperson R36 000 + 27%
18% of taxable apply to employers with an annual payroll of
insurance policies be deleted. R700 001 – R1 050 000 of taxable income
R25 001 – R660 000 income above less than R500 000.
above R700 000
Long-term insurance R130 500 + 36% R25 000 • UIF contributions are payable to SARS
Currently, employer-paid premiums in respect R1 050 001 and above of taxable income R114 300 000 + monthly and are calculated at 2% of the
of employer group income protection policies, above R1 050 000 27% of taxable remuneration payable to the employees,
are deemed to be a payment made by the R660 001 – R990 000
income above subject to a maximum limit.
employee to the extent that the premium is * Taxable income is cumulative and includes all lump
R660 000
taxed as a fringe benefit in the hands of the  sum payments whether on retirement or withdrawal or a As a general rule, if an employer is required
severance benefit. R203 400 + 36%
employee. This ensures that the employee can to withhold employees’ tax in respect of an
R990 001 and above of taxable income
claim a monthly deduction for PAYE. amount paid to a person, that employer would,
above R990 000
subject to certain limited exceptions, also be
Severance benefits and retirement fund lump required to withhold SDL and UIF in respect of
* Taxable income is cumulative and includes all lump
sum benefits sum payments whether on retirement or withdrawal or a that amount.
Severance benefits are lump sums received by severance benefit.
employees from employers in respect of the
relinquishment or termination of employment
for the following reasons:
• Attaining the age of 55 years;
• Due to incapacity through sickness or other
ailment; and
• Retrenchment due to cessation of trade or
general reduction in staff.

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Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) The above parties/employers are obliged to Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF)
• Fringe benefits and allowances provided
withhold employees’ tax from the amounts paid
PAYE ensures that an employee’s income tax to employees as part of their remuneration Every employer will be liable to pay a monthly
to the persons who render services to them,
liability is settled in a continuing fashion, at packages, may be taxable or may be contribution to UIF in respect of its employees,
unless the person to whom the payment is
the same time that the income is earned. The subject to exemption up to specified levels which is based on a maximum (i.e. capped)
made, qualifies for specific tax relief.
advantage of this is that the tax liability for the if certain conditions are met. monthly gross remuneration per employee
year is settled over the course of the whole year Each employer should, on an individual basis, of R14 872 (the limit is adjusted periodically).
• Temporary employees (“non-standard
of assessment. determine whether the person to whom the The employer will contribute 1%, and the
employees”) are generally not taxed based
payment is made, qualifies for tax relief. This employee will (by means of a deduction from
The employment tax rules essentially provide on standard tax rates for employees’ tax
assessment depends on a number of factors, salary) contribute 1% of remuneration, up to
that, unless the person to whom the payment is purposes. Instead, employers must deduct
including whether the person is a South African the prescribed calculation limit. Remuneration
made qualifies for specific tax relief, an employer employees’ tax at a rate of 25% from the
resident or non-South African resident, and an for purposes of calculating UIF excludes the
is obliged to withhold employees’ tax in respect taxable remuneration paid to temporary
individual or a corporate entity. following:
of remuneration paid/payable to an employee if employees.
that employer is: If the recipient of the payment qualifies for tax • Payments to independent contractors;
• Failure by an employer to comply with its
relief, no employees’ tax needs to be withheld in
• A resident of South Africa; or employment tax obligations may result • Non-employment related payments (such as
respect of that specific person. If, however, no
in significant penalties and interest being annuity or pension payments);
• A non-South African resident, but has a tax relief applies, the employer will be obliged
imposed by SARS.
“representative employer” in South Africa. to withhold employees’ tax from the amount • Payments made to labour brokers that hold a
paid to that person. valid exemption certificate;
Entities listed below would generally comprise
an employer for South African employment tax Notes: • Retrenchment payments;
purposes:
• The employers listed above will be required • Lump sums paid from pension, provident, or
• Any South African resident company; to register for employees’ tax, SDL, and retirement annuities;
• A foreign company in respect of any branch/ UIF, and submit monthly employment • Restraint of trade payments;
PE it may create in South Africa; tax returns to SARS and other relevant
authorities. Employment taxes are paid • Commission; and
• Any South African resident sub-contractor; to SARS. • Payments made to juristic persons (such as
• Any non-South African resident • All persons (individuals and corporate companies).
sub-contractor who has established a PE in entities, South African residents and
South Africa; and non-South African residents) who are
• Any non-South African resident who has not liable for income tax in South Africa, are
established a PE in South Africa, but has an required to register as taxpayers and must,
office or carries on a business in South Africa. where required, submit annual income
tax returns.

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Employees that are excluded from contributing Skills Development Levy (SDL) For the first 12 months of employment, the For the second 12 months of employment, the
toward UIF, but must still be reported in the incentive is as follows: incentive is as follows:
Employers are liable to monthly pay a 1% levy
return, are:
of total remuneration paid by that employer, • 50% of an employee’s monthly remuneration • Half of the amounts mentioned above apply.
• Temporary workers (working less than 24 where the employer’s annual payroll exceeds up to R2 000 per month. (This would only be
hours per month); R500 000. Generally, the total value of applicable if the minimum wage prescribed Note:
remuneration paid is used to calculate the levy, by the relevant sector determination or • To enhance this incentive, SARS has
• Employees in the national or provincial sphere
but excludes the following: bargaining council agreement was less than developed a mechanism to reimburse
of government;
R2 000 per month.); employers in instances where the incentive
• Amounts paid to independent contractors;
• Foreign employees that will be repatriated at exceeds PAYE payable.
• For an employee with a monthly
the end of the service/employment contract • Reimbursement payments to employees;
remuneration of between R2 000 and
term;
• Pensions paid; and R4 000, the incentive will be R1 000
• Employees with no taxable income, or per month; and
• Remuneration of learners under contract.
commission only; and
• For employees with monthly remuneration
Employment tax incentive
• Learners under contract (in terms of the Skills of between R4 000 and R6 000, the value
Development Act). Government introduced the employment tax of the incentive will be between R1 000 and
incentive on 1 January 2014 to encourage zero per month, as determined in terms of
Note: employers to hire young and less experienced a formula.
• It has been proposed that the work seekers and thereby help reduce youth
Unemployment Insurance Contributions unemployment.
Act be aligned with the amendments in the It comprises a deduction (credit) that may be
Unemployment Insurance Amendment Bill, claimed by employers against their employees’
which proposes to extend unemployment tax liability and, in general, it applies in respect
insurance benefits to learners in learnership of employees between the age of 18 years
training, civil servants and foreigners and 29 years, employees in a SEZ and certain
working in South Africa. However, civil industries that may be designated by the
servants would not be expected to make Minister of Finance.
contributions and, instead, the fiscus
would make funds available to cover the Currently, excess amounts can be set off against
cost of government workers who qualify to future PAYE liabilities.
claim unemployment insurance benefits.

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8. Incentives and industrial financing

8.1. Overviewg1 • Capital Expenditure Incentives (CEI): These are

incentives for companies that want to acquire
South African government departments offer or upgrade assets in order either to establish
an array of incentive schemes to stimulate or expand the business’ productive capacity;
and facilitate the development of sustainable, and
competitive enterprises.
• Competitiveness Enhancement Incentives
A variety of these incentive schemes seek (ECA): These are investments that facilitate
to support the development or growth of increased competitiveness, sustainable
commercially viable and sustainable enterprises economic growth and development in a
through the provision of either funding or tax specific sector.
relief. Most of the incentives are housed within
the dti, with a few others in other government Note:
departments.
• The three categories generally mirror the
These incentive schemes are broadly classified stages involved in project development.
into three categories, as follows:
• Concept and Research & Development
Incentives (CRD): These are incentives
available to private sector enterprises
that invest in the creation, design and
improvement of new products and processes.
Such businesses conduct investigative
activities with the intention of making
a discovery that can either lead to the
development of such new products and
processes or to the improvement of existing
products;

g1
Source: Information provided by the dti, Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Economic Development Department.
Website: www.investmentincentives.co.za.

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8.2. Investment and enterprise development incentives (ECA) Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG)

(ECA) Critical Infrastructure Programme (CIP) (Managed by the Department of Provincial and Local Government)
Objective: To supplement municipal capital budgets through the
(Managed by the dti)
funding of basic municipal infrastructure backlogs for
Objective: Support the competitiveness of South African industries the provision of basic services to primarily service poor
by lowering business costs and risks and to provide households. This infrastructure must be provided in such
targeted financial support for physical infrastructure that a way that employment is maximised and opportunities
will leverage strategic investment with a positive impact are created to support enterprise development.
on the economy.
Applicability: All metro, district and local municipalities in
Applicability: New or expanding enterprises investing in infrastructure South Africa.
such as roads, railways, electricity transmission and
Benefit: Conditional grant allocations are made to municipalities
distribution, water pipelines, telecommunication
each year and are published in the Division of Revenue
networks, sewage systems etc. Available to
Act.
municipalities, public sector enterprises and private
enterprises. (ECA) Neighbourhood Development Partnership Grant (NDPG)
Benefit: Cash grant incentive that covers between 10% and (Managed by National Treasury)
30% of the infrastructure development costs limited to Objective: To create enabling economic infrastructure in dormitory
R30 million per application. townships across South Africa that will attract private
(ECA) National Electrification Programme (Municipal) sector investment.
(Managed by the Department of Energy) Applicability: All metro, district, and local municipalities in South Africa.
Objective: To provide capital subsidies to municipalities to Benefit: Benefits are in the form of the technical assistance grant
address the electrification backlog of permanently and the capital assistance grant, to assist municipalities
occupied residential dwellings, the installation of in implementing community facility projects that are not
bulk infrastructure and rehabilitation of electrification presently funded through the equitable share or other
infrastructure. grants.
Applicability: All metro, district and local municipalities in South Africa. (ECA) Local Economic Development (LED) Programme
Benefit: Conditional grant allocations are made to municipalities (Managed by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional
each year and are published in the Division of Revenue Affairs)
Act. Objective: Creating an enabling environment for investment into the
area and encouraging the development of the market
to facilitate linkages between established and emerging
sectors.
Applicability: Local government, private sector enterprises, enterprises
forming partnerships with government agencies, donors
and other enterprises aiming to develop clusters to
strengthen their sector.
Benefit: Up to 70% grant-based funding available for certain
identified areas.

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(ECA) Business Process Services (BPS) incentive (CEI) Enterprise Investment Programme (EIP): Aquaculture Development
and Enhancement Programme (ADEP)
(Managed by the dti)
Objective: To attract investment in the BPS sector that creates (Managed by the dti)
employment opportunities through offshore activities. Objective: Investment in the aquaculture sector.
Applicability: Local and foreign investors that are providing IT-enabled Applicability: SA entities involved in fish hatcheries and fish farms
services to an offshore market, through a captive or (primary aquaculture), processing and preserving
outsourced business environment, thus creating jobs in of aquaculture fish (secondary aquaculture), service
South Africa. activities to operators of hatcheries and fish farms
Benefits: • Non-Complex Jobs (L1) with fully loaded costs up (ancillary aquaculture).
to R300 000 - A total grant of up to R124 000 per Benefit: 20% - 45% grant for investment in land, and
offshore job created and maintained over five years. buildings, machinery and equipment, commercial
vehicles and work boats and bulk infrastructure
• Complex Jobs (L2) with fully loaded costs above
capped at R40 million per application.
R300 000 - A total grant of up to R184 000 per
offshore job created and maintained over five years. Section 12I Tax Allowance Incentive (12I TAI)

• The grant will be payable over a period of five years. (Managed by the dti)
The incentive is designed to support Greenfield investments (i.e. new
• Additional bonus structures will be applicable for
industrial projects that utilise only new and unused manufacturing assets),
projects creating more than 400 or 800 offshore jobs
as well as Brownfield investments (i.e. expansions or upgrades of existing
for L1 and L2 respectively.
industrial projects). The incentive offers support based on capital investment
and training.
(CEI) Tourism Enterprise Partnership
The minimum investment in Qualifying Assets required is R50 million for
(Managed by the Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP)) a Greenfield project and an additional investment of R30 million for a
Objective: To facilitate the growth, development and Brownfield project.
sustainability of micro, small and medium tourism Objectives: The objectives of the incentive programme are to
enterprises. support:
Applicability: Micro, small and medium tourism enterprises.
• Investment in manufacturing assets, to improve the
Benefits: The TEP offers the following products and services: productivity of the South African manufacturing
• Access to Information sector; and

• Business Support • Training of personnel; to improve labour

productivity and the skills profile of the labour
• Skills Development force.
• Market Access
For further information refer to: www.tep.co.za

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Offerings: (a) Investment Allowance: Targeted • The investment must be:

Enterprises:
-- 55% of Qualifying Assets or a maximum of -- A Greenfield project (new project);
R900 million investment allowance in the case of
-- A Brownfield project (expansion or upgrade); or
any Greenfield project with a preferred status (100%
if located in a SEZ); -- Classified under “Major Division 3: Manufacturing in
the Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic
-- 35% of Qualifying Assets or a maximum
Activities (“SIC”) 5th Edition or SIC 7th Edition,
R550 million investment allowance in the case of
Section C: Manufacturing”.
any other Greenfield project (75% if located in
a SEZ); Note: The point scoring system is subject to changes
during 2015.
-- 55% of Qualifying Assets or a maximum of
(CEI) Automotive Investment Scheme (AIS)
R550 million investment allowance in the case of
any Brownfield project with a preferred status; and (Managed by the dti)
-- 35% of Qualifying Assets or a maximum of Objective: To grow and develop the automotive sector by
R350 million investment allowance in the case of increasing plant production volumes and strengthening
any other Brownfield project. the automotive value chain.

Qualifying Assets are defined as new and unused Applicability: Light motor vehicle and automotive component
buildings and new and unused plant & machinery manufacturers.
contracted for and acquired after date of approval Benefits: A taxable grant of between 20% and 30% of the value
and brought into use within four years from date of the qualifying investment in productive assets.
of approval.
(ECA) Foreign Film and Television Production Incentive
(b) Training Allowance:
(Managed by the dti)
-- A training allowance of R36 000 per full time
employee may be deducted from taxable income Objective: To encourage and attract large budget films and
during the first six years; and television productions that will contribute towards South
Africa’s economic development and international profile
-- According to the points system, an industrial policy and increase foreign direct investment.
project will achieve “qualifying status” if it achieves
Applicability: Foreign-owned qualifying productions with Qualifying
at least four of the total eight points, and “preferred
South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE) of
status” if it achieves at least seven of the total
R12 million and above.
eight points.
Benefit: Rebate of 20% of the QSAPE to qualifying productions
The project could score points for: and an additional 2.5% - 5% for post-production
• Upgrade an industry within South Africa by utilising conducted in South Africa.
innovative processes; (ECA) South African Film and Television Production and Co-Production
Incentive
• Utilising new technology that results in improved
Energy Efficiency and cleaner production technology; (Managed by the dti)

• Provide general business linkages within South Africa; Objective: To support the local film industry and to contribute
towards employment opportunities in South Africa.
• Acquire goods and services from SMMEs;
Applicability: Local productions and official treaty co-productions with
• Provide skills development in South Africa; and a total production budget of R2.5 million and above.
• In the case of a Greenfield project, is located within Benefit: Rebate of 35% for the first R6 million, and 25% for the
a SEZ. remainder of the QSAPE.

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(ECA) South African Emerging Black Filmmakers Incentive Applicability: The IWF targets formally registered, 60% women-
owned and/or managed enterprises that have been
(Managed by the dti)
in existence for at least two years. It also focuses on
Objective: To nurture emerging black filmmakers and to capacitate professional women with feasible business ideas,
them to take up large productions in order to contribute high potential survivalists, micro-enterprises and
towards job creation. cooperatives on a case-by-case basis. The fund pursues
Applicability: South African black-owned qualifying productions with deals involving start-up funding, business expansions,
production budgets greater than R1 million. business rehabilitation and turnaround franchises and
Benefit: Rebate of 50% for the first R6 million, and 25% for the bridging finance.
remainder of the QSAPE. Benefit: Loan range from R30 000 - R2 million and the loan
repayment period is a maximum of five years.
(ECA) PSOM Business Incentive: Dutch Programme for Cooperation with
Emerging Markets 8.3. Competitive enhancement incentives
(Funded by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Development Cooperation)
(ECA) Black Business Supplier Development Programme (BBSDP)
Objective: To provide opportunities for Dutch companies to
expand investments and trade relations with South (Managed by the dti)
Africa. Objective: To improve the sustainability of black-owned enterprises
Applicability: Dutch companies that wish to invest in South Africa by providing funding to increase the competitiveness of
in partnership with a local South African company. the businesses.
The grant is also available for companies based in Applicability: Companies that are majority black-owned (51% or more),
emerging markets (such as South Africa) investing into have an annual turnover of between R250 000 and
Mozambique and Uganda. R35 million and have a predominantly black management
Benefit: Grants contributing up to 50% of total project costs team. The entity must have a minimum trading history of
up to a maximum of €1.5 million. one year.
(CEI) Isivande Women’s Fund (IWF) Benefit: The programme provides grants up to a maximum of
R1 million in total that will be limited to a payment
(Managed by the dti)
of R800 000 for tools, machinery and equipment
Isivande Women’s Fund (IWF) is an exclusive women’s fund established by and limited to a payment of R200 000 for business
the the dti Gender and Women Empowerment Unit in partnership with Old development and training interventions.
Mutual Masisizane Fund. The fund aims at accelerating women’s economic
(ECA) The Cooperative Incentive Scheme (CIS)
empowerment by providing affordable, usable and responsive finance than
is presently the case. IWF targets formally registered, 60% women-owned (Managed by the dti)
and/or managed enterprises that have been existing and operating for two or Objective: To promote cooperatives by improving the viability
more years with a loan range of R30 000 - R2 million. and competitiveness of the cooperative enterprises by
Objective: The fund improves and expands access to finance to lowering the cost of doing business.
woman entrepreneurs by lending and investing in Applicability: Any entity incorporated and registered in South Africa
woman enterprises and generating income that will in terms of the Cooperatives Act. Target is cooperatives
improve their living standards. operating in the emerging sector, and manufacturing,
retail and services sector.
Benefits: Cost-sharing grant of 100% paid by the dti up to a
maximum of R350 000 for costs relating to business
development services, business profile development,
feasibility studies/market research, start-up requirements
etc.

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(ECA) Incubation Support Programme (ISP) (ECA) The Clothing and Textile Competitiveness Improvement
Programme (CTCIP)
(Managed by the dti)
Objective: To develop and nurture sustainable SMMEs that can (Managed by the IDC)
provide jobs. Objective: To stimulate the competitiveness of the South
Applicability: South African registered legal entities. Specifically, African clothing, textiles, footwear and leather goods
registered higher education or further education manufacturing sectors by encouraging world-class
institutions in partnership with private sector; and manufacturing initiatives aimed at improving people,
licensed and/or registered science councils in partnership processes and products.
with private sector. Applicability: Competitiveness improvement projects undertaken on
Benefits: A grant of 50% or 60% of the qualifying costs of the an individual company level or on a cluster level.
incubator limited to R30 million per application. Benefit: Cost-sharing grant of 75% of project costs for cluster
projects and 65% of project costs for company level
(ECA) Clothing and Textile Competitiveness Programme (CTCP) - projects. The cluster project grant will be limited to
Production Incentive (PI) R25 million per approved cluster and the company
(Managed by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)) level grant will be limited to R2.5 million per
approved company.
Objective: To structurally change the clothing and textile industry
by providing funding assistance for enterprises to invest
in competitiveness improvement interventions.
(ECA) Jobs Fund
Applicability: Clothing manufacturers, textiles manufacturers,
Cut, Make and Trim (CMT) operators, footwear (Managed by the Development Bank of Southern Africa)
manufacturers, leather goods manufacturers and Objective: To co-finance public and private sector projects that will
leather processors. significantly contribute to job creation.
Benefit: The incentive comprises two components; namely an Applicability: The Fund will, on a competitive basis, consider
Upgrade Grant Facility, which is meant to focus on co-financing proposals from private sector,
competitiveness improvement and an Interest Subsidy non-governmental organisations, government
for Working Capital Facility, which is meant to support departments and municipalities that show economic
working capital requirements resulting from past and development potential linked to sustainable job creation.
future upgrading interventions. The grant is limited
to a benefit ceiling, which is calculated as 7.5% of a Benefit: Matching grant funding for the following windows:
company’s manufacturing value addition. • Enterprise development initiatives: Initiatives that reduce
risk, remove barriers to market access and broaden
supply chains;
• Infrastructure initiatives: Light infrastructure initiatives
necessary to unlock job creation; and
• Work-seekers initiatives: Initiatives linking work-seekers
to the formal employment sector.

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8.4. Export incentives - Non-industry specific (ECA) Capital Projects Feasibility Programme (CPFP)

(ECA) Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) Scheme (Managed by the dti)
Objective: To facilitate feasibility studies that are likely to lead to
(Managed by the dti)
projects that will increase South African exports and
Objective: To assist South African exporters in establishing export stimulate growth for local capital goods and services.
markets for their products and to attract foreign
Applicability: South African registered companies. Capital goods
investment into South Africa through the following
sectors and consulting engineers.
schemes: National Pavilions, Individual Participation in
Exhibitions, Outward Investment and Selling Missions, Benefit: An advance up to a maximum of 50% of study costs for
Inward Buying And Investment Missions, Individual projects outside Africa and 55% for projects in Africa
Inward Missions, Foreign Direct Investment and Primary capped at R8 million.
Market Research. (ECA) Steel Rebate
Applicability: Available to all enterprises registered with the (Funded by South African Iron and Steel Institute)
Commissioner of Customs and Excise with special terms
Objective: To promote the development of the value-added steel-
for SMMEs.
processing industry in South Africa as an expanding
Benefit: A portion of specified costs relating to: market for locally produced primary steel products, to
• Travel (economy class) enhance South Africa’s foreign currency earnings and
increase employment opportunities.
• Daily subsistence
Applicability: Exporters (situated in SACU) of fabricated steel products
• Transportation of samples for specific events where 20% value has been added.
• Development of marketing materials for specific Benefit: Rebates based on the value of exports, currently at R173
events per ton of net steel content (VAT exclusive) provided by
steel suppliers.
• Exhibition costs relating to stand rental, stand design
(ECA) Customs Rebate and Drawback Provisions
and set-up costs
(Managed by the International Trade Administration Commission of South
• Costs of brochures
Africa (the dti))
(ECA) Sector Specific Assistance Scheme (SSAS)
Objective: Promote manufacturing and exporting of South African
(Managed by the dti) goods.
Objective: Develop new export markets, broaden the specific Applicability: Importers, exporters and manufacturers.
industry export base, increase participation of B-BBEE Benefit: Rebate or drawback of customs duties on imported
and SMME companies in the export process. goods, raw materials and components used in
Applicability: Approved export councils, registered industry manufacturing or processing of goods for export.
associations and joint actions groups.
Benefit: A matching grant of 80% of the cost to support the
development and growth of exports.

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(ECA) Special Economic Zones (SEZs) (ECA) Value Added Tax - Licensed Customs and Excise Storage
Warehouse
(Managed by the dti)
Objective: To promote targeted investment to facilitate economic (Managed by the South African Revenue Service)
growth and job creation. The supply of goods by a non-resident of the Republic that have been
Applicability: Qualifying projects located in SEZs. entered for storage into a licensed customs and excise storage warehouse
but not yet cleared for home consumption is exempt from VAT, unless the
Benefit: • 15% corporate tax rate.
non-resident applies in writing to SARS to be allowed to zero rate the supply.
• Accelerated write-off of buildings over a 10 year Objective: To limit the VAT registration and administrative burden
period. for non-residents in South Africa.
• Employment tax allowance per job created. Benefit: Non-residents do not have to register and charge VAT on
supplies within such storage warehouses. Non-residents
• Customs controlled area for duty-free rebate and VAT
applying to be registered and zero rating their supplies
exemption for importing inputs of export products.
will be able to claim back any VAT incurred in relation to
• One-stop-shop for investment facilitation. such zero-rated supplies.
(ECA) Value Added Tax (VAT) - Export Incentives
(Managed by the South African Revenue Service)
Objective: To encourage exports from and investment in South
Africa.
Applicability: Exporters, registered as VAT vendors in South Africa.
Benefit: A vendor may supply movable goods at the zero rate
where the vendor consigns or delivers the goods to an
address outside South Africa.
Requirements as outlined in VAT Interpretation Notes
30 (Issue 2), 31 or the Export Incentive Scheme (1998)
should be complied with. Alternatively the “qualifying
purchaser” may claim a refund of the VAT from the VAT
refund administrator upon the exit of the goods from
South Africa.

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8.5. Export incentives - Industry specific (CEI) Automotive Investment Scheme (AIS)

(ECA) Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) (Managed by the dti)
Objective: To encourage investment in the motor industry
(Managed by the dti)
sector by manufacturers of specified light motor
Background: The APDP objectives include the following: vehicles and automotive components with the aim
• Stimulate expansion of automotive vehicle production to of encouraging the localisation of components
1.2 million vehicles per annum by 2020 with associated fitted to new or replacement motor vehicle models,
deepening of the components industry; encouraging manufactures to achieve economies
of scale by increasing plant production volumes,
• Achieve better balance between domestic and export encouraging upgrading in manufacturing processes and
sales to supply growing domestic demand; strengthening the automotive value chain.
• Expand value-added investment, employment and net Applicability: Motor vehicle assemblers and automotive component
government revenue (directly and via multiplier effect); manufacturers associated in motor vehicle assemblers
and supply chain.

• Make a large positive contribution to the balance of Benefit: 20% taxable cash grant of the value of the investment in
payments. productive assets, approved by the dti, spread equally
over a three-year period. An additional taxable cash
Benefits: The following benefits will be available under APDP:
grant, 5% or 10% over and above the 20% taxable cash
• Automotive Investment Scheme (AIS): Investment-based grant is available to projects found to be strategic by
incentive linked to investments in buildings, machinery, the dti.
equipment and tooling to be used in manufacturing of (CEI) People-Carrier Automotive Investment Scheme (PAIS)
motor vehicles and related components to increase plant
production volumes and strengthening of the automotive (Managed by the dti)
value chain; Objective: To encourage growth of the people-carrier sector
through investment in new and replacement models and
• Production Incentive (PI): Incentive available to final
components.
manufacturers based in the SACU in the form of
a duty-free import credit based on value added in Applicability: Semi Knock Down (SKD) and Complete Knock Down
the production process of qualifying automotive (CKD) vehicle assemblers.
components; and Benefit: • 20% grant of the value of investment for SKD
assemblers with start of production dates before
• Vehicle Assembly Allowance (VAA): The VAA is a
31 March 2015.
duty-free import credit for qualifying local vehicle
assemblers. • 25% grant of the value of investment for CKD
assemblers with start of production dates before
31 March 2015.
• 20% grant of the value of investment for CKD
assemblers with start of production dates after
1 April 2015.
• A top-up grant of 5% or 10% of the value of the
investment made for strategic projects.

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8.6. Industrial financing

(ECA) Agro-industries
(Managed by the IDC)
Objective: Provide support to agro-processing and aquaculture sectors.
Applicability: Focus areas are:
• Horticulture primary agricultural sector
• Food processing sector
• Agro-industrial sector
• Beverage sector
• Fishing and aquaculture sectors
Minimum finance More than R1 million in debt and/or more than R5 million in equity.
(ECA) Production Incentive (PI) (with effect from 1 January 2013)
requirement:
(Managed by the ITAC) Benefit: Competitive, risk-related interest rates are based on the prime bank
The PI is an incentive available to final manufacturers based in the SACU overdraft rate.
based on value added in the production process of qualifying automotive (ECA) Chemicals and Allied Industries
components. The PI is calculated on the sales invoice of the final
manufacturer less the value of imports and local materials introduced by (Managed by the dti and IDC)
itself or by other manufacturers in the manufacturing chain. 25% of certain Objective: To stimulate development and sustainable global competitiveness.
material is deemed to have a local content. Applicability: Focus areas are:
Applicability: Motor vehicle assemblers and automotive component
• Upstream and basic chemicals
manufacturers associated in motor vehicle assemblers
supply chain. • Ceramic, concrete and stone products
Benefit: Duty-free import credit calculated at 50% - 55% of value • Cosmetics and detergents
added, or 80% - 50% of value added for non-vulnerable
and vulnerable industries respectively. • Fine and speciality chemicals
(ECA) Vehicle Assembly Allowance (VAA) • Glass products
(Managed by the ITAC) • Recycling
The VAA covers all vehicles assembled within South Africa irrespective of their • Rubber products
market focus.
• Plastic products
Applicability: Exclusive to motor vehicle assemblers on production of
motor vehicles for the domestic market. Minimum • Funding from R1 million
investment
Benefit: The incentive will commence with 20% in 2013,
requirements:
reducing by 1% each year until 2015, at which it will
remain at 18% until 2020. Benefit: Competitive, risk-related interest rates are based on the prime bank
overdraft rate.

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(ECA) Mining and Minerals Beneficiation (ECA) Healthcare

(Managed by the IDC) (Managed by the IDC)
Objective: Assistance for small and medium-sized mining and Objective: To support and develop businesses in both the healthcare and
beneficiation activities and jewellery manufacturing. education sectors in South Africa and the rest of the continent.
Applicability: Focus areas are: These include the financing of Greenfield projects, expansions and
acquisitions and combinations thereof.
• Financial and technical assistance for the development of
Applicability: Focus areas are:
mining, beneficiation and metals projects in South Africa
and the rest of the continent; • Manufacturing of medical equipment;
• Financial assistance for junior and emerging mining • Medical schemes administration and medical schemes
houses and mining-related activities such as contract management;
mining;
• Medical and dental practice activities;
• Facilitating the acquisition of mining assets by historically
• Clinics and related services;
disadvantaged persons (HDPs); and
• Hospital services;
• Developing the South African jewellery manufacturing
industry and optimising value-addition beneficiation • Human health services;
opportunities.
• Management services of the above businesses; and
Benefit: Competitive risk-related interest rates based on the prime
bank overdraft rate. • Buy-ins or take-overs by B-BBEE partners of the above existing
businesses.
(ECA) Forestry and Wood Products
Note:
(Managed by the IDC)
Objective: To be the key player in the generation of a balanced, Preference is given to Greenfield projects, expansions and rehabilitations; projects exhibiting
integrated and internationally competitive forest products economic merit in terms of profitability and sustainability; projects that have a significant
sector within the Southern African region. development impact (e.g. rural development, empowerment, job creation); financing of fixed
assets and the fixed portion of growth in working capital, buy-ins or take-overs by HDIs and
Applicability: Focus areas are projects and investments in the following
businesses led by competent management team members.
industries:
Minimum requirements: • Compliance with international environmental standards.
• Forestry
• Shareholders/owners are expected to make a significant financial
• Pulp and paper contribution.
• Furniture Benefit: Competitive, risk-related interest rates based on the prime bank
overdraft rate.
• Saw milling, board production, etc
• Renewable energy
Benefit: Competitive risk-related interest rates based on the prime
bank overdraft rate.

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(ECA) Metal, Transport and Machinery Products (ECA) Information Communication Technology (ICT)
(Managed by the IDC) (Managed by the IDC)
Objective: To develop and support viable downstream metal producers with a focus on Objective: Development and expansion of technology intensive businesses in IT,
the automotive, other transport, structural and fabricated metal, as well as telecommunication, electronic and electrical industries.
the machinery sectors. Applicability: Entrepreneurs in the IT, telecommunication, electronic and electrical industries
Applicability: Focus areas are: wanting to develop or expand their businesses. New technology ventures
with strong local or foreign technology partners and proven technology.
• Basic iron, steel and non-ferrous fabricated metal products;
Minimum • Minimum equity amount is R5 million, which requires a minimum real
• Plant, machinery and equipment; investment after-tax IRR and a percentage of upside.
• Motor vehicles, components and accessories; and requirements:
• Shareholders/owners are expected to make a significant financial
• Diverse transport products such as boats, planes and trains. contribution.

Note: Benefit: Competitive risk-related interest rates based on the prime bank overdraft rate.
(ECA) Tourism Finance
Preference is given to financing of fixed assets and the fixed portion of growth in working capital
requirements and projects/businesses that have a significant developmental impact (e.g. rural (Managed by the IDC)
development, empowerment, job creation). Objective: To contribute to Government’s strategy for the tourism industry, participate in
the establishment of good quality hotels in South Africa and the rest of Africa
Minimum • Minimum equity amount is R10 million.
and diversify the portfolio into other subsectors such as cultural and heritage
investment
• Shareholders/owners are expected to make a significant financial products, arts and crafts and business tourism.
requirements:
contribution. Applicability: Focus on asset-based finance, with the bulk of the portfolio invested in the
Benefit: Competitive, risk-related interest rates based on the prime bank accommodation sector.
overdraft rate. Preference is • Projects that show profitability and sustainable commercial viability.
given to:
• Financing of fixed assets and capital expenditure.
• A product or facility for which there is an identifiable demand from a
quantifiable market.
• Projects that have a significant developmental impact (i.e. job creation,
empowerment and rural development).
Minimum Minimum 40% owner’s contribution.
financing
requirement:
Benefit: Competitive risk-related interest rates based on the prime bank overdraft rate.

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(ECA) Gold Loan Scheme (ECA) Green Energy Efficiency Fund (GEEF)
(Managed by the IDC) (Managed by the IDC)
Objective: To provide working capital loans to gold jewellery manufacturers. Objective: To encourage investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects
Applicability: Existing gold jewellery manufacturers. aimed at improving energy efficiency, facilitating South Africa’s transition
towards a low-carbon economy.
Benefit: The working capital loans under the Scheme are provided at a fixed interest
rate of 3% per annum. Applicability: Priority will be given to companies that have less than or equal to:

The IDC’s business support programme offers non-financial support to • R51 million turnover, or
entrepreneurs. The support is available pre- and post-approval. • R55 million assets, or
(ECA) Technology Venture Capital Fund (TVC)
• 200 employees.
(Managed by the IDC)
• Priority will be given to projects that have a high local content where there
Objective: A fund established by the dti and managed by IDC to provide business is local manufacture of a particular technology in South Africa.
support and seed capital for the commercialisation of innovative products,
processes and technologies. The Fund aims to increase the number of • Replicable and/or bundled industrial energy efficiency projects are
economically productive companies in South Africa, and thus contributes to preferred.
economic growth and international competitiveness through innovation and • Projects for non-SMEs or low local content may be also considered if they
technological advancement. provide significant energy and emissions reductions.
Applicability: South African SMME companies.
• Only available to businesses registered and operating in South Africa.
Benefit: Financial assistance to qualifying companies wishing to commercialise
Benefit: Competitive risk-related interest rates based on the prime bank overdraft rate.
innovative products.
(ECA) Gro-E Scheme
(ECA) Technology Development Fund (TIA)
(Managed by the IDC)
(Managed by the Technology Innovation Agency)
Objective: To promote competitiveness in the manufacturing arena and ensure job
Objective: The Fund is set up to fund the creation of new technology based products or
retention in this sector.
services that can be commercially exploited.
Applicability: • Financial support to start-up businesses, including funding for buildings,
Applicability: Individual inventors, SMMEs, science councils and higher education
equipment and working capital.
institutions (HEIs).
Benefit: A royalty grant for full development costs, as well as non-financial business • Companies wanting to expand also funded. The proviso is that they must
support services on completion of a project in order to link with other late show an ability to create jobs.
stage funders. • Africa and the rest of the continent.
Benefit: Competitive risk-related interest rates based on the prime bank overdraft rate.

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(ECA) Transformation and Entrepreneurship Scheme (CRD) Venture Capital

(Managed by the IDC) (Managed by the IDC)
Objective: To stimulate and develop largely small and medium enterprises, and make the Objective: To facilitate the development and commercialisation of technology-rich South
mainstream economy accessible to marginalised groups (i.e. women, people African Intellectual Property (IP) that is unique from a global perspective.
with disabilities, and workers and communities). Applicability: • IP owned by the company.
Applicability: Funding for start-up businesses, expansions or expansionary acquisitions.
• Development of IP done in-house.
Benefit: The Scheme consists of five funds:
• IP that is patentable (if not patentable, should provide some form of
• Women Entrepreneurial Fund sustainable competitive advantage).
• People with Disabilities Fund • Management teams must include people with all the required key
• Equity Contribution Fund competencies.

• Development Fund for Workers • Key founding shareholders should be involved in the business on a full-time
basis.
• Community Fund
• Business should display good prospects of being economically viable.
There are general criteria set out for all funds:
Benefit: Equity funding of between R1 million and R30 million per project (maximum
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate that their business is economically first round funding of R15 million with the right, but not obligation, to
viable and financially sustainable; provide follow-on funding up to maximum of R30 million).

• The business must be in one of the IDC’s mandated sectors; and

• Provision must be made for the employment of people with disabilities.
(ECA) Risk Capital Facility Programme
(Managed by the IDC)
Objective: To provide risk finance to companies owned by historically disadvantaged
people.
Applicability: SMEs located either in South Africa or elsewhere in Africa.
Benefit: There are three channels through which funding is provided: a direct channel
operating alongside the IDC’s mainstream business; a niche fund channel,
where venture capital funds target a specific sector that has a developmental
focus; and a third party channel, where funds co-invest with other financial
institutions. The maximum investment for the niche fund channel is
R30 million.

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8.7. Industrial participation 8.8. Social responsibility

Note: (ECA) DANIDA Business-To-Business Programme

The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) established a Competitive Supplier Development (Managed by Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA))
Programme (CSDP), which is responsible for finding innovative ways to leverage state-owned Objective: To develop and strengthen business opportunities and
enterprises (SOE) procurement to build local world-class manufacturing capabilities, both to create jobs for eligible entrepreneurs from previously
supply the SOE with capital goods in their build programmes and to gain access to the global disadvantaged communities.
value chains of the SOE’s first tier multi-national suppliers. This project also coordinates supplier
Applicability: Development support is provided to commercially
industry support measures across Government, involving the dti, DST and the IDC. Another
viable businesses, based on the formation of business
key component of this project is creating world-class procurement practices in the SOE through
partnerships between black-owned/controlled South
training and certification.
African companies and Danish business enterprises.
The ultimate • To contribute to the AsgiSA aims of increasing economic growth,
Benefit: Support for expenses relating to the transfer of
goals of the employment creation, skills development and B-BBEE;
management and business skills, technology from
CSDP are:
• To develop local industries to supply participating SOEs with high quality, Danish to South African companies and to provide
globally competitive goods and services; access to financing for the South African company.
Khula may issue up to 100% guarantee to the financial
• To improve the quality, efficiency and cost effectiveness of the services
institution that will issue a loan for the procurement of
provided by the SOEs as a result of their obtaining more competitive goods
shares, purchase of machinery and capital equipment
and services from local suppliers; and
for the business.
• To improve the competitiveness of the SOEs as a result of savings resulting (ECA) DEG Public Private Partnership (PPP)
from their sourcing from innovative, responsive and more competitive
Objective: Provides co-financing for private sector activities in
suppliers.
developing countries that positively affect sustainable
(ECA) Defence Industrial Participation Programme (DIP) development and social upliftment.
(Managed by the dti) Applicability: Projects that lead up to or accompany investment,
Objective: The process where purchases of the Department of Defence are used as a the transfer of technology and entrepreneurial
leverage to oblige a foreign seller of defence commodities/services to do know-how, training of employees and raising social
defence related business in South Africa on a reciprocal basis in order to and environmental standards. Companies partnering
advance military strategic and defence related industrial imperatives. with, or related to, companies of the EU, Norway and
Switzerland.
Applicability: Mandatory on all foreign defence purchases above US$2 million.
Benefit: Up to a maximum of 50% of the costs of an individual
Requirements • Exceeding US$2 million but less than US$10 million: Require a DIP
activity not exceeding €200 000 per project.
(defence obligation of up to 50%; and
purchases):
• Exceeding US$10 million: Require a DIP obligation of at least 50% and a
National Industrial Participation obligation of at least 30%.
(ECA) National Industrial Participation Programme (NIPP)
(Managed by the dti)
Industrial Participation is a programme that seeks to leverage economic benefits and support
the development of South African industry by effectively utilising the instrument of government
procurement.
Mandatory on all government and state-owned entity procurement of goods and services with an
imported content greater than US$10 million.

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8.9. Tax incentives (CEI) Depreciation

Preferential Corporate Tax Rate for Small Business (Managed by the South African Revenue Service)
Objective: To stimulate investment in capital assets.
(Managed by the South African Revenue Service)(ECA)
Applicability: • Plant and machinery
Objective: To encourage small/medium business development in
South Africa. • Manufacturing or similar process (new or unused)
Applicability: Qualifying small/medium businesses with a turnover for • Hotel equipment
the year of assessment that does not exceed R14 million
are eligible (for years of assessment commencing on or • Farming
after 1 April 2012). • Buildings:
Benefit (taxable • R0 – R70 700 = 0%
- Industrial (manufacturing or similar process)
income):
• R70 701 - R365 000 = 7%
- Hotels
• > R365 001 = R20 601 + 21% of amount greater than
- Hotel refurbishments
R350 000
Benefit: • New or unused (Plant and Machinery):
• > R550 000 = R59 451 + 28% of amount greater than
R350 000 - 40% per annum - 1st year
(CRD) Research and Development (R&D) - 20% per annum - 2nd to 4th years
(Managed by the South African Revenue Service and the Department of • Used (Plant and Machinery):
Science and Technology)
- 20 % per annum
Objective: To stimulate scientific or technological R&D.
• Hotel equipment:
Applicability: Expenditure incurred in the discovery of novel, practical
and non-obvious information or devising, developing or - 20% per annum
creating any invention, design or computer programme
• Farming and production of renewable energy:
or any knowledge essential to the use of the invention,
design or computer programme. - 50% - 1st year
Benefit: Deduction increased to 150% for expenditure incurred - 30% - 2nd year
on or after 2 November 2006. Accelerated allowance on
R&D assets. - 20% - 3rd year
• Hotel refurbishment:
- 5% per annum for external refurbishments
- 20% per annum for internal refurbishments
Special depreciation allowances on manufacturing buildings vary between
2% per annum and 10% per annum. Wear-and-tear rates vary for assets not
used as part of the manufacturing process.

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(ECA) Urban Development Allowances (ECA) Infrastructural Development

(Managed by the South African Revenue Service) (Managed by the South African Revenue Service)
Objective: To counter decay and stimulate urban regeneration. Objective: To encourage investment in infrastructure.
Applicability: All taxpayers refurbishing a building within a designated Applicability: Taxpayers involved in the erection of pipelines, transmission
urban development zone or taxpayers constructing a new lines and railway lines.
commercial or residential building in such a zone. Benefit: A tax deduction is granted in respect of any new or unused
Benefit: The following allowances are available: affected assets owned by the taxpayer. The allowances are as
follows:
• In the case of the erection of new buildings or extensions
or additions thereto, the allowance is equal to 20% of the • Pipelines used to transport natural oil:
cost incurred, which is deductible in the year of assessment
-- 10% of the cost per annum
the building is brought into use solely for the purposes of
the taxpayer’s trade; and 8% of that cost in each of the • All other affected assets
16 succeeding years of assessment. The total cost can (ECA) Public Private Partnerships
therefore be claimed over 11 years; and
(Managed by National Treasury)
• In the case of improving an existing building, the
Objective: Encouragement of the private sector to invest in infrastructure
allowance is equal to 20% of the cost incurred;
in partnership with the public sector.
deductible for the first time in the year of assessment the
improved part is brought into use solely for the purposes Applicability: Grants received by the Government and utilised by the
of the taxpayer’s trade, and 20% for each succeeding taxpayer to effect improvements to state-owned property, in
year of assessment. The total cost can therefore be pursuance of the terms of the relevant lease agreement with
claimed over five years. the State.
(ECA) 12i Investment and Training Allowance Benefit: The receipt of qualifying Government grants is exempt from
tax. In addition, a tax allowance is available in respect of such
(Managed by the dti) improvements actually effected by the taxpayer.
Objective: To promote industrial upgrading and new investment in (ECA) Rolling Stock Depreciation
large-scale manufacturing.
(Managed by the South African Revenue Service)
Applicability: Medium to large manufacturers with investment from
R30 million. Objective: Encouragement of infrastructural development of rail
transportation.
Benefit: • Training allowance: max. R36 000 per person.
Applicability: Rolling stock, this is understood to mean trains, carriages and
• Max. 55% of qualifying investment costs in machinery the like.
and equipment.
Benefit: Deduction of 20% per annum of the cost incurred in respect
of rolling stock brought into use on or after 1 January 2008.

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(ECA) Environmental Expenditure Deductions (ECA) Energy Expenditure Allowances

(Managed by the South African Revenue Service) (Managed by the Department of Energy)
Objective: Provide relief for the depreciation of environmental Objective: To promote energy efficiencies.
expenditure. Applicability: Energy efficiency savings.
Applicability: Environmental treatment and recycling assets and Benefit: An additional 45 cents per kilowatt hour equivalent
environmental waste disposal assets ancillary to a energy savings.
manufacturing process.
(ECA) Oil and Gas Income Tax Incentive
Benefit: • Environmental treatment and recycling assets:
(Managed by the South African Revenue Service)
- 40% per annum 1st year
Objective: To provide tax incentives to oil and gas companies
- 20% per annum 2nd to 4th year involved in incidental trades in South Africa.
• Environmental waste disposal assets: Applicability: Oil and gas companies.
Benefit: Tax incentives to be provided to oil and gas companies
- 5% per annum
that are involved in incidental trades inside South Africa.
(ECA) Commercial Buildings Depreciation
(ECA) Underwater Telecommunication Cable Allowances
(Managed by the South African Revenue Service)
(Managed by the South African Revenue Service)
Objective: Provide relief in respect of commercial buildings.
Objective: To provide relief for the depreciation of underwater
Applicability: Buildings (and improvements) used wholly or mainly in the telecommunication cables.
production of income, where building is owned by the
Applicability: Underwater telecommunication cables.
taxpayer.
Benefit: 5% depreciation allowance over 20 years.
Benefit: • 5% depreciation per annum on new or unused buildings
(and improvements). (ECA) Film Rebate Subsidies

• Specifically excludes buildings used in the provision of (Managed by the dti)

residential accommodation. Objective: To provide tax exemptions to investor-owner film
(ECA) Carbon-reducing Charges producers.

(Managed by the South African Revenue Service) Applicability: Investor-owner film producers.

Objective: To take advantage of the Clean Development Mechanism Benefit: Tax exemptions to be granted to investor-owner film
(CDM) opportunities of the Kyoto Protocol. producers.

Applicability: Companies that receive revenue from Certified Emission

Reductions (CERs).
Benefit: Revenue derived from primary CERs (from CDM projects) is
tax exempt. This applies to all revenue received in respect of
disposals on or after 11 February 2009.

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(CRD) Support Programme for Industrial Innovation (SPII) (Suspended) (CRD) SPII - Partnership Scheme
(Managed by the IDC) (Managed by the IDC)
Objective: Promote technology development in South Africa through Applicability: All private sector enterprises engaged in a manufacturing or an IT-related
provision of financial assistance to all South African project.
registered enterprises in manufacturing or software Benefit: A conditional repayable grant of 50% of the qualifying cost incurred during
development that engage in development of innovative, development activity with a minimum grant amount of R3 million per project,
competitive products and/or processes. repayable on successful commercialisation of the project.
(CRD) SPIi Matching Scheme (Suspended) (CRD) SPII - Product Process Development Scheme
(Managed by the IDC) (Managed by the IDC)
Applicability: The Matching Scheme is available to all South African Applicability: All small and micro-private sector enterprises (employees less than 50,
registered small and medium enterprises (SMEs): turnover less than R13 million, total gross assets less than R5 million) whose
(employees < 200, turnover < R51 million, assets members are actively involved in the management of a business that is
< R19 million) in the private sector that are engaged in engaged in a manufacturing or an information technology-related project.
a manufacturing or an information technology related
Benefit: A grant of between 50% and 85% of the qualifying cost incurred during the
project.
technical development stage with a maximum grant amount of R1 million per
The Matching Scheme is also available to large companies. project. For enterprises with <25% black shareholding - the grant amount
Benefit: • For SMEs: A grant of between 50% to 75% of the is 50%. For enterprises with >25% ≤50% black shareholding or women/
qualifying cost incurred during the technical development physically challenged shareholding - the grant amount is 75%. For enterprises
stage up to a maximum of R3 million per project. For with black shareholding >50% - the grant amount is 85%.
enterprises with <25% black shareholding - the grant
amount is 50%, for enterprises with >25% ≤50% black (CRD) Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP)
shareholding or women/physically challenged shareholding
(Managed by the National Research Foundation and the dti)
- the grant amount is 65%, and for enterprises with black
shareholding >50% - the grant amount is 75%. Objective: To boost South African industry by supporting R&D, and by enhancing the
quality and quantity of appropriately skilled people.
• For large companies: A grant of 50% of the qualifying
Applicability: THRIP supports all companies undertaking science, engineering and
cost incurred during the technical development stage up
technology (SET) research in collaboration with educational institutions and
to a maximum of R30 million per project. The incentives
will consider the support of projects in which the primary aim is to promote
for B-BBEE and women participation provided under both
and facilitate scientific research, technology development, and technology
the Product Process Development (PPD) and Matching
diffusion, or any combination of these.
Schemes do not apply to large companies.
Benefit: THRIP will contribute between 30% and 50% of the funds invested by
a company in research projects. For all SMME and all SMME and B-BBEE
partners the THRIP funding will contribute between 100% and 200% of the
funds invested. The maximum level of THRIP funding per grant holder will be
set at R8 million across any number of projects per annum.

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(CRD) Innovation Fund (IF) (CEI) Manufacturing Competitive Enhancement Programme (MCEP)
(Funded by the Department of Science and Technology) (Managed by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti))
• Advancement Programme (TAP): Invests in R&D from “proof-of-idea”/science to “proof-of- Objective: The Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (MCEP),
concept”, and is open to publicly funded institutions (including higher education institutions which is one of the key action programmes of the IPAP, provides enhanced
and science councils), small and medium-sized businesses, and any consortia consisting of manufacturing support aimed at encouraging manufacturers to upgrade their
these. production facilities in a manner that sustains employment and maximises
value-addition in the short to medium term.
• Missions in Technology Programme (MiTech): A public-private partnership programme for
the development of technology platforms. Applicability: Providing assistance for participants in the manufacturing and engineering
sector, including conformity assessment agencies.
• Seed Fund: Invests in early commercialisation/start-up activities to take a technology that is at
“proof-of-concept”/prototype to the market. Note:

• Patent Support Fund for SMEs: To assist in absorbing the cost of protecting their intellectual This incentive programme will not be available to start-ups or companies
property through patent registration. without at least one year’s manufacturing track record. It is, however,
important that all enterprises that are in the manufacturing value chain,
• Patent Support Fund-Technopreneur: This fund supports the filing of at least a South African should take cognisance of MCEP as it may affect them, whether directly or
provisional patent application in respect of technological inventions by individuals, so-called indirectly.
techno-entrepreneurs, where such inventions have commercial merit and a prototype can be
Benefit: Applicants will be assigned a benefit ceiling based on entity-level
developed in under 12 months.
manufacturing value-add, which the applicant will have to claim through the
• Patent Support Fund for Research Institutions: Provides subsidy to publicly funded seven sub-programmes of the MCEP within a two-year period. MCEP consists
institutions (higher education institutions and science councils) for costs incurred in filing and of two categories, a production incentive and industrial financing loan
prosecuting patent applications, and maintaining patents. facilities. The two categories have seven components in terms of which an
applicant can benefit from MCEP. These are:
• Patent Incentive Scheme: A scheme to encourage patent protection through cash incentives
to inventors in publicly funded institutions (higher education institutions and science councils) 1. Production Incentive:
who obtain patents for their inventions.
• Capital Investment
Benefit: The IF uses a flexible returns structure; be it royalty, equity, convertible loans or
combinations thereof, structured as appropriate for each investment. • Green Technology and Resource Efficiency Improvement
• Enterprise Level Competitiveness Improvement
• Feasibility Studies
• Cluster Competitiveness Improvement
2. Industrial Financing Loan Facilities:
• Pre- and Post-dispatch Working Capital Facility
• Industrial Policy Niche Projects Fund
The cash benefit, based on the MVA, which is available through the above
listed nine components will amount to the following percentages of the
calculated MVA:

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Asset Value MVA Benefit

100% black 25%
shareholding
< R5 million Based on a cost-sharing grant
(MVA not applicable)
> R5 million but 25%
< R30 million
> R30 million but 20%
< R200 million
> R200 million 10%
It is also important to note that an applicant can apply for a
combination of the seven components of MCEP and that the
benefits can be substantial. As example, benefits for capital
investment and green technology and resource efficiency
improvements are capped at R30 million and R20 million
respectively.

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9. Contacts in South Africa

9.1. Business information services Small Enterprise Financie Agency (SEFA)

The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) Eco Fusion 5, Building D,
1004 Teak Close,
Private Bag X84, Pretoria, 0001 Witch Hazel Avenue, Highveld,
Tel: 0861 843 384 (National)/+27 (12) 394 9550 (International) Centurion, 0157
Fax: 0861 843 888 (National)/+27 (12) 394 9501(International) Tel: +27 12 394 5560 /5900
E-mail: contactus@thedti.gov.za Fax: +27 12 394 6560
www.thedti.gov.za Call centre: 086 000 7332
E-mail: helpline@sefa.org.za
The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) www.sefa.org.za

P O Box 31, Melrose Arch, Melrose North, 2076 Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda)
Call Centre: 0861 843 633/0861 (THE NEF)
Tel: +27 11 305 8000 Box 56714, Arcadia, 0007
Fax: +27 11 305 8001 Call Centre: 0860 103 703
E-mail: applications@nefcorp.co.za (Funding)/ Tel: +27 12 441 1000
info@nefcorp.co.za (General Enquiries) Fax: +27 12 441 2064
http://www.nefcorp.co.za E-mail: info@seda.org.za
www.seda.org.za

Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) Black Business Council

P O Box 1234, Halfway House, 1685 87 Central Street, Houghton, Johannesburg, 2000
Tel: +27 11 313 3911 Tel: +27 11 728 3336
Fax: +27 11 313 3086 Fax: +27 11 728 3331
E-mail: webmaster@dbsa.org E-mail: info@blackbusinesscouncil.org
www.dbsa.org
Business Leadership
Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) P O Box 7006, Johannesburg, 2000
Tel: +27 11 356 4650
P O Box 784055, Sandton, 2146
Fax: +27 11 726 4705
Tel: +27 11 269 3000
www.businessleadership.org.za
Fax: +27 11 269 3116
www.idc.co.za

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9.2. Bankingh1 22. Icici Bank Limited +27 11 676 7800

Foreign bank representatives Industrial and Commercial Bank of +27 21 200 8005
23.
China African Representative Office
Institution Telephone Website address 24. KfW Ipex-Bank GmbH +27 11 507 2511
1. AfrAsia Bank Limited +27 11 268 5780 www.afrasiabank.com +27 11 622 0847
25. Millenium BCP
2. African Banking Corporation of +27 11 722 5300 +27 11 622 0857
Botswana Limited (trading as BancABC 26. Mizuho Bank Limited +27 11 881 5410
Botswana)
+27 11 268 0500/
3. Banco Angolano de Investimentos +27 11 881 5651 27. National Bank of Egypt
+27 11 268 0501
4. Banco BPI, SA +27 11 622 4376/86 28. NATIXIS Southern Africa Representative +27 21 418 0306
Banco Espirito Santo e Comercial de +27 11 616 5382/9 Office
5.
Lisboa 29. Royal Bank of Canada (Suisse) SA +27 11 305 2382
6. Banco Internacional de Credito +27 11 6 161 726 30. Royal Bank of Scotland International +27 11 303 5993 www.rbsint.com
Banco Nacional De Desenvolvimento +27 11 341 4000 Limited
7.
Econômico E Social 31. Société Générale Representative Office +27 11 778 4381 www.socgen.com
8. Banco Santander Totta S.A. +27 11 656 3156 for Southern Africa
Banif - Banco Internacional do Funchal, +27 11 616 6322 +27 11 219 5300 www.smbcgroup.com
9. 32. Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
S.A. +27 11 219 5303
10. Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM +27 11 328 1700 +27 11 217 7160
33. The Bank of New York Mellon
11. Bank of America, National Association +27 11 305 5842 +27 11 217 7161

12. Bank of Cyprus Group +27 11 784 3941 34. The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd +27 11 884 4721

+27 11 486 0724 36. The Mauritius Commercial Bank +27 11 880 8472
13. Commerzbank AG Johannesburg Limited
+27 11 486 0565
14. Credit Suisse AG +27 11 012 8000 www.credit-suisse.com 37. The Rep. Off. for Southern and Eastern +27 11 783 0767
Africa of The Export-Import Bank of
15. Ecobank +27 11 783 6197
China
16. Export-Import Bank of India +27 11 326 5103 www.eximbankindia.com
38. The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc +27 11 505 7300
Fairbairn Private Bank (Isle of Man) +27 11 295 8195
17. 39. UBS AG +27 11 322 7918 www.ubs.com
Limited
40. Unicredit Bank AG +27 11 881 5570
18. Fairbairn Private Bank (Jersey) Limited +27 11 295 8195
+27 11 883 3313 www.unionbankng.com
+27 11 784 9922 41. Union Bank of Nigeria Plc
19. First Bank of Nigeria +27 11 883 2915
+27 11 784 9925
42. Vnesheconombank +27 11 783 3425
20. First City Monument Bank Plc +27 11 881 5520
43. Wells Fargo Bank, National Association +27 11 447 5373
21. Hellenic Bank Public Company Limited +27 11 783 0155 www.hellenicbank.com
+27 11 783 5826/
44. Zenith Bank Plc
+27 11 783 5827
h1
www.reservebank.co.za

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Foreign controlled banks Mutual banks

Institution Telephone Website address Institution Telephone Website address
1. ABSA Bank Limited +27 11 350 4000 www.absa.co.za 1. Finbond Mutual Bank +27 12 460 7288 www.finbondmutualbank.co.za
2. Albaraka Bank Limited +27 31 366 9000 www.albaraka.co.za 2. GBS Mutual Bank +27 46 622 7109 www.gbsbank.co.za
www.habiboverseas. +27 15 516 3542
3. Habib Overseas Bank Limited +27 11 834 7441 3. VBS Mutual Bank www.vbsmutualbank.co.za
co.za +27 15 516 4410
4. HBZ Bank Limited +27 31 267 4400 www.hbzbank.co.za
5. Mercantile Bank Limited +27 11 302 0300 www.mercantile.co.za Banks in liquidation
6. The South African Bank of Athens Institution Telephone Website address
+27 11 634 4300 www.bankofathens.co.za
Limited
1. Islamic Bank Limited (In final +27 11 484 7860
liquidation)

Locally controlled banks 2. Regal Treasury Private Bank +27 12 344 4315/
Limited (In liquidation) +27 11 839 3920
Institution Telephone Website address
1. African Bank Limited* +27 11 256 9000 www.africanbank.co.za
2. Bidvest Bank Limited +27 11 407 3000 www.bidvestbank.co.za
3. Capitec Bank Limited +27 21 809 5900 www.capitecbank.co.za
4. FirstRand Bank Limited +27 11 282 8000 www.firstrand.co.za
5. Grindrod Bank Limited +27 31 333 6600 www.grindrodbank.co.za
6. Investec Bank Limited +27 11 286 7000 www.investec.com
7. Nedbank Limited +27 11 294 4444 www.nedbank.co.za
8. Sasfin Bank Limited +27 11 809 7500 www.sasfin.co.za
9. The Standard Bank of South Africa
+27 11 636 9111 www.standardbank.co.za
Limited
10. UBANK Limited +27 11 518 5000 www.ubank.co.za
* The South African Reserve Bank has placed African Bank under curatorship with the intention to maintain
African Bank’s future as an issuer of credit.

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9.3. Chambers of commerce and industry 9.4. Investment promotion agencies

Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut (AHI) Trade and Investment South Africa (TISA)

P O Box 3510, Menlo Park, 0102 Private Bag X84, Pretoria, 0001
Tel: +27 12 348 5440 Tel: +27 12 394 1339 /12 394 5935
Fax: +27 12 348 8771 Fax: +27 12 394 4016
www.ahi.co.za E-mail: investmentsa@thedti.gov.za
www.thedti.gov.za
Foundation for African Business and Consumer Services (FABCOS)
Durban Investment Promotion Agency (DIPA)
ICT Globe Micro Telco E-Ncubator, Building 10, Oxford Office Park,
3 Bauhenia Road, Highveld Techno Park, Centurion (temporarily located) P O Box 1203, Durban, 4000
P O Box 8785, Johannesburg, 2000 Tel: +27 31 336 2540
Tel: +27 11 079 7580 Fax: +27 31 336 2511
Emergency contact: +27 73 526 1492/+27 61 475 1941 www.dipa.co.za
www.fabcos.co.za
City of Johannesburg
National African Federation of Chambers of Commerce (NAFCOC)
P O Box 1049, Johannesburg, 2000
P O Box 784880, Sandton, 807 5063 Tel: 086 056 2874
Tel: +27 11 807 5063 Fax: +27 11 339 5704
Fax: +27 11 807 9816 E-mail: cgis@joburg.org.za
E-mail: info@nafcoc.org.za www.joburg.org.za
www.nafcoc.org.za
Free State Development Corporation (FDC)
South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI)
P O Box 989, Bloemfontein, 9301
P O Box 213, Saxonwold, 2132 Tel: +27 51 4000 800/810
Tel: +27 11 446 3800 Fax: +27 51 447 0929
Fax: +27 11 446 3804 www.fdc.co.za
www.sacci.org.za
Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA)
Business Unity South Africa (BUSA)
124 Main Street, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, 2107
P O Box 652807, Benmore, 2010 Tel: +27 11 085 2400
Tel: +27 11 784 8000/1/2/3 www.ggda.co.za
Fax: +27 11 784 8004/086 609 8248
www.busa.org.za North West Development Corporation
Mafikeng Headoffice
P O Box 3011, Mmabatho, 2735
Tel: +27 18 381 3663/4/5
Fax: +27 18 381 2041
E-mail: info@nwdc.co.za
www.nwdc.co.za

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Rustenburg Trade & Investment 9.5. Government departments

P O Box 6352, Rustenburg, 0300 Department of Home Affairs Republic of South Africa
Tel: +27 14 594 2570
Fax: 086 559 6549 Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001
Tel: 0800 60 11 90 (Toll free hotline)/
Trade and Investment KZN (TIK) +27 12 406 2500 (Local)
www.dha.gov.za
P O Box 4245, Durban, 4000
Tel: +27 31 368 9600 Department of International Relations and Cooperation
Fax: +27 31 368 5888
E-mail: info@tikzn.co.za Private Bag X152, Pretoria, 0001
www.tikzn.co.za Tel: +27 12 351 1000
Fax: +27 12 329 1000
Trade and Investment Limpopo E-mail: consular@dirco.gov.za
www.dirco.gov.za
P O Box 3490, Polokwane, 0700
Tel: +27 15 295 5171 The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti)
Fax: +27 15 295 5197
www.til.co.za Private Bag X84, Pretoria, 0001
Tel: 0861 843 384
Wesgro International: +27 12 394 9500
Fax (National): 0861 84 38 88
P O Box 1678, Cape Town, 8000 Fax (International): +27 12 394 9501
Tel: +27 21 487 8600 E-mail: contactus@thedti.gov.za
Fax: +27 21 487 8700/5 www.thedti.gov.za
E-mail: info@wesgro.co.za
www.wesgro.co.za International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC)

Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) Private Bag X753, Pretoria, 0001
Tel: +27 12 394 3688/3728
P O Box 11197, Southernwood, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa, 5213 Fax: +27 12 394 0520
Tel: +27 43 704 5600 Import and Export Control Call Centre: 0861 112 369
Fax: +27 43 704 5700 E-mail: info@itac.org.za
E-mail: info@ecdc.co.za www.itac.org.za
www.ecdc.co.za

Northern Cape Department of Economic Affairs & Tourism

Private Bag X5054, Kimberley, 8300
Tel: +27 53 839 4000
Fax: +27 53 832 9464
E-mail: dedat@ncpg.gov.za
economic.ncape.gov.za

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Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)

P O Box 429, Pretoria, 0001
Call Centre: 086 100 2472 (CIPC)
International Tel: +27 12 394 9973
Fax Number: 086 517 7224
International Fax: +27 12 394 1015
E-mail: info@cipc.co.za
www.cipc.co.za

The National Consumer Commission (NCC)

Tel: +27 12 761 3000 /086 000 3600
Fax: 086 758 4990
E-mail: NNetshitomboni@thencc.co.za/complaints@thencc.org.za
www.nccsa.org.za

The Commissioner of South African Revenue Services (SARS)

Private Bag X923, Pretoria, 0001
Tel: +27 12 422 4000
Call Centre: 0800 007277
Fax: +27 010 208 5005
www.sars.gov.za

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) (Exchange Control and Securities)
P O Box 427, Pretoria, 0001
Tel: +27 12 313 3911/0861 12 SARB (0861 12 7272)
Fax: +27 12 313 3197/3929
www.resbank.co.za

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10. Acronyms and abbreviations

AACSB Advance Collegiate Schools of Business CCA Customs Controlled Area

ACSA Airports Company South Africa CCB Customs Control Bill
AEC African Economic Community CCMA Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration
AEO Authorised Economic Operator CDB Customs Duty Bill
AGOA Africa Growth and Opportunity Act CDM Clean Development Mechanism
AHI Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut CEI Capital Expenditure Incentives
AIS Automotive Incentive Allowance CEO Chief Executive Officer
AltX Alternative Exchange CERs Certified Emission Reductions/carbon credits
AMBA Association of MBAs CFC Controlled Foreign Company
AML Anti-Money Laundering CGT Capital Gains Tax
ANC African National Congress CIP Critical Infrastructure Programme
APDP Automotive Production and Development Programme CIPC Companies and Intellectual Property Commission
AsgiSA Accelerated and Shared Growth - South Africa CIS Cooperative Incentive Scheme
ATM Autoteller Machine CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
ATS Antarctic Treaty System CKD Complete Knock Down
AU African Union CMA Common Monetary Area
AV/av Average COMESA Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
B-BBEE Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment CPA Consumer Protection Act
BBSDP Black Business Supplier Development Programme COSATU Congress of South African Trade Unions
BCEA Basic Conditions of Employment Act CP Cost Plus
BEE Black Economic Empowerment CPA Consumer Protection Act
BLNS Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland Member States Corp Corporation
BILLION/billion Billion CPI Consumer Price Index
BOP Balance of Payments CRD Concept and Research and Development Incentives
BPS Business Process Services CSDP Competitive Supplier Development Programme
BRICS Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa CTCIP Clothing and Textile Competitiveness Improvement Programme
BRTS Bus Rapid Transport System CTCP Clothing and Textiles Competitiveness Programme
BUSA Business Unity South Africa CUP Comparable Uncontrolled Price
CC Close Corporation DBSA Development Bank of Southern Africa

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DEA Department of Environmental Affairs FABCOS Foundation for African Business and Consumer Services
DFA Duty-free Allowance FATF Financial Action Task Force
DFIs Development Finance Institutions FAX/fax Facsimile
DIPA Durban Investment Promotion Agency FBE Free Basic Electricity
DIPP Defence Industrial Participation Programme FDC Free State Development Corporation
DMR Department of Mineral Resources FEDUSA Federation of Unions of South Africa
DNA Designated National Authority FDI Foreign Direct Investment
DoE Department of Energy FICA The Financial Intelligence Centre Act No. 38 of 2011
DPE Department of Public Enterprises FIFA International Federation of Football Association/Fédération
DRC Democratic Republic of Congo Internationale de Football Association

DSL Digital Subscriber Line FSB Financial Services Board

DT Dividend Tax FSC Forest Stewardship Council

the dti The Department of Trade and Industry FTA Free Trade Agreement

DWEA Department of Water and Environmental Affairs GDP Gross Domestic Product

ECDC Eastern Cape Development Corporation GHG Greenhouse Gas

ED Estate Duty GNI Gross National Income

EE Equity Equivalent GMT Greenwich Mean Time

EEA Employment Equity Act GSP General System of Preferences

EIS Enterprise Investment Programme GTL Gas-to-liquids

EFTA European Free Trade Area G8 Group of Eight

e.g. For example G8+5 Group of Eight plus Five

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment G20 Group of Twenty

EIU Economic Intelligence Unit HDPs Historically Disadvantaged Persons

EMIA Export Marketing and Investment Assistance HQC Headquarter Company

EPA EU Economic Partnership Agreement HR Human Resources

EQUIS European Quality Improvement System ICT Information and Communication Technology

ESAAMLG Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group IDC Industrial Development Corporation

et al. et alii (and others) IDZs Industrial Development Zones

EU European Union IF Innovation Fund

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ITED International Trade and Economic Development

IWF Isivande Women’s Fund
JI Joint Implementation
JHB Johannesburg/Joburg
JSE Johannesburg Securities Exchange SA
km Kilometres
LED Local Economic Development
LRA Labour Relations Act
LSE London Stock Exchange
MBA Master of Business Administration
MCEP Manufacturing Competitive Enhancement Programme
MDGs Millennium Development Goals
MFN Most Favoured Nation
MiTech Missions in Technology Programme
MIG Municipal Infrastructure Grant
MIP Manufacturing Investment Programme
MOI Memorandum of Incorporation
MPRDA Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act
NAAMSA National Association of Automobile Manufacturers
NAFCOC National African Federation of Chambers of Commerce
NACTU National Council of Trade Unions
NCA National Credit Act
NDPG Neighbourhood Development Partnership Grant
NEF National Empowerment Fund
IHQ International Headquarter Company NEMA National Environmental Act
IMF International Monetary Fund NEMAQA National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act
IP Intellectual Property NEMBA National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act
IPAP Industrial Policy Action Plan NEMPA The National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act
IPPs Independent Power Producers NEMWA The National Environmental Management: Waste Act
IT Information Technology NEPAD New Partnership for Africa’s Development
ITAC International Trade Administration Commission NGO Non-Governmental Organisation

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NIP The National Industrial Participation R&D Research and Development

NIPF National Industrial Policy Framework RICA Regulation of Interception of Communication and
NIPP National Industrial Participation Programme Communication Related Information Act

NOA National Outsourcing Association RISDP Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan

NT National Treasury ROO Rules of Origin

NWA The National Water Act RP Resale Price

OECD Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development RSA Republic of South Africa

PAIS People-Carrier Automotive Investment Scheme SA South Africa

PAYE Pay-As-You-Earn SAA South African Airways

PBO Public Benefit Organisation SABS South African Bureau of Standards

PBRs Plant Breeders Rights SACCI South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry

PCT Patent Cooperation Treaty SACU Southern African Customs Union

PI Production Incentive SADC Southern African Development Community

Pop. Population SAICA South African Institute of Chartered Accountants

POCA Protection of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998 SANCB South African National Convention Bureau

POCDATARA Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist SANRAL South African National Roads Agency
Related Activities Act 33 of 2004 SANS South African National Standards
PPD Product Process Development SAPS South African Police Service
PPIA Protection of Personal Information Act SARB South African Reserve Bank
PPP Purchasing Power Parity SARS South African Revenue Service
PPPFA Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act SDL Skills Development Levy
PRECCA Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act SDP Supplier Development Programme
Prasa Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa SEDA Small Enterprise Development Agency
PS Profit Split SEFA Small Enterprise Finance Agency
PSOM Programme for Cooperation with Emerging Markets SET Science Engineering and Technology
PTA Preferential Trade Agreement SEZA Special Economic Zone Act
PTI Preferred Trader Initiative SEZs Special Economic Zones
PTIF Public Transport Infrastructure SKD Semi Knock Down
QSAPE Qualifying South African Production Expenditure SMEs Small Medium Enterprises

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SMME Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises UNCTAD United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
SOCs State-Owned Companies UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
SOE State-Owned Enterprises UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
SPII Strategic Partnership for Industrial Innovation UNISA University of South Africa
SPS Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary Measures UPOV International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of
SSAS Sector Specific Assistance Scheme Plants

STC Secondary Tax on Companies US United States

STT Securities Transfer Tax USA United States of America

TAA Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011 VAT Value Added Tax

TAP Advancement Programme WEF World Economic Forum

TAX/tax Taxation WEE Women’s Economic Empowerment

TBT Technical Barriers to Trade WHO World Health Organisation

TD Transfer Duty WHT Withholding Tax

TDCA Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement WTO World Trade Organisation

TEP Tourism Enterprise Partnership ZAR The South African Rand

TEL/tel Telephone ZPCSA South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone

T-FTA SADC-EAC-COMESA Tripartite FTA

the dti Department of Trade and Industry
THRIP Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme
TIDCA Trade, Investment, Development and Cooperation Agreement
TIFA Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
TIK Trade and Investment KZN
TISA Trade and Investment South Africa
TNMM Transactional Net Margin Method
UAE United Arab Emirates
UCT University of Cape Town
UIF Unemployment Insurance Fund
UK United Kingdom
UN United Nations

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11. Addendums: Indicative costs and other

practical aspects of doing business and living
in South Africa
11.1. Addendum 1: Telecommunication costs

Telkom call rate chargesi1

The following tables provide an overview of the Telkom call rate charges for 2014/15
(effective from 1 August 2014).
ADSL prices
Telkom capped accounts
Home SoftCap bundles

Product Data Price Difference in Price per

(Telkom internet) Current New Current New price GB

5GB SoftCap 5 10 R99.00 R99.00 R0.00 R9.90

10GB SoftCap 10 20 R149.00 R149.00 R0.00 R7.45
20GB SoftCap 20 50 R239.00 R269.00 R30.00 R5.38
30GB SoftCap 30 50 R395.00 R269.00 -R126.00 R5.38
40GB SoftCap 40 100 R525.00 R525.00 R0.00 R5.25
50GB SoftCap 50 100 R645.00 R525.00 -R120.00 R5.25
80GB SoftCap 80 100 R995.00 R525.00 -R470.00 R5.25
100GB SoftCap 100 100 R1 225.00 R525.00 -R700.00 R5.25
200GB SoftCap 200 200 R2 395.00 R995.00 -R1 400.00 R4.98
New 300 R1 495.00 R1 495.00 R4.98
300GB SoftCap
500GB SoftCap 500 500 R5 595.00 R2 495.00 -R3 100.00 R4.99

i1
http://www.telkom.co.za/summerofwow/index.html

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Telkom internet home SoftCap bundles Telkom internet home uncapped bundles
Bundles DSL speed Current New Difference Bundles DSL speed Telkom internet Current New Difference
uncapped usage price price
Telkom Bundle Telkom Bundle
speed
internet price internet price
do Uncapped Basic Up to 2 Mbps 2 Mbps R364.00 R394.00 R30.00
account account
do Basic Up to 2 Mbps 5GB SoftCap R219.00 10GB SoftCap R219.00 R0.00 do Uncapped Advanced Up to 4 Mbps 4 Mbps R548.00 R585.00 R37.00

do Advanced Up to 4 Mbps 10GB SoftCap R395.00 20GB SoftCap R395.00 R0.00 do Uncapped Premium Up to 10 Mbps 4 Mbps R674.00 R711.00 R37.00

do Premium Up to 10 Mbps 20GB SoftCap R554.00 50GB SoftCap R584.00 R30.00 do Uncapped Premium Plus Up to 10 Mbps 10 Mbps R999.00 R999.00 R0.00

do Premium Plus Up to 10 Mbps 30GB SoftCap R639.00 50GB SoftCap R584.00 -R55.00 do Uncapped Elite Up to 20 Mbps 20 Mbps R1 799.00 R1 639.00 -R110.00

do Elite Up to 20 Mbps 30GB SoftCap R727.00 50GB SoftCap R601.00 -R126.00 do Uncapped Elite Plus Up to 40 Mbps 40 Mbps R3 104.00 R2 594.00 -R510.00

do Elite Plus Up to 40 Mbps 50GB SoftCap R1 099.00 100GB SoftCap R979.00 -R120.00 Simple Uncapped Up to 2 Mbps 2 Mbps R549.00 R579.00 R30.00

do Elite Simple Up to 20 Mbps 30GB SoftCap R899.00 50GB SoftCap R773.00 -R126.00 Simple Uncapped Plus Up to 4 Mbps 4 Mbps R733.00 R770.00 R37.00

do Elite Plus Up to 40 Mbps 50GB SoftCap R1 279.00 100GB SoftCap R1 159.00 -R120.00
Simple
Broadband prices
Simple Up to 2 Mbps 5GB SoftCap R399.00 10GB SoftCap R399.00 R0.00 Uncapped business broadband prices
Simple Plus Up to 4 Mbps 10GB SoftCap R499.00 20GB SoftCap R499.00 R0.00
Business broadband services
Service plan Downstream Upstream Monthly charge
Telkom uncapped accounts
Home uncapped products Telkom Business TBiz PremiumPlus Uncapped 10Mbps 1Mbps R2 549.00
Vodacom BBC Fibre 10Mbps 10Mbps 5Mbps R3 499.00
Telkom internet home uncapped standalone data
iBurst BusinessLink 10Mbps 10Mbps R6 499.00
Bundles DSL speed Current price New price Difference
Neotel NeoBroadband Fibre 10Mbps 10Mbps R9 348.00
do Uncapped Basic 2 Mbps R199.00 R229.00 R30.00 Telkom Business TBiz Elite Uncapped 20Mbps 2Mbps R3 274.00
do Uncapped Advanced 4 Mbps R249.00 R286.00 R37.00 Vodacom BBC Fibre 20Mbps 20Mbps 10Mbps R5 899.00
do Uncapped Premium 4 Mbps R249.00 R286.00 R37.00 iBurst BusinessLink 20Mbps 20Mbps R10 999.00
do Uncapped Premium Plus 10 Mbps R574.00 R574.00 R0.00 Telkom Business TBiz ElitePlus Uncapped 40Mbps 3Mbps R4 174.00
do Uncapped Elite 20 Mbps R1 209.00 R1 099.00 -R110.0 Vodacom BBC Fibre 40Mbps 40Mbps 20Mbps R7 999.00
do Uncapped Elite Plus 40 Mbps R2 309.00 R1 799.00 -R510.00 iBurst BusinessLink Uncapped 40Mbps 40Mbps R20 001.00

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International call chargesi2 11.2. Addendum 2: Fuel costs

Minimum price per minute (incl. VAT)* Latest fuel prices: 2014i3
Africa R1.13
South African fuel price history
Europe R0.60

2014 (RSA c/litre)

Petrol Diesel Illuminating paraffin
South America R1.14
Leaded Unleaded 0.05% sulphur
North America R0.57 replacement
Australia and Oceania R0.81 petrol
Asia R0.74 Inland 93 Coast 95 Inland 95 Reef Coast Coast Reef
* Minimum ratess per minute. Rates may vary for countries within each international destination/region. Jan 1 336.00 1 320.00 1 357.00 1 287.157 1 260.550 963.828 1 009.728
Feb 1 375.00 1 359.00 1 396.00 1 311.350 1 284.750 975.828 1 021.728
Note: Mar 1 411.00 1 395.00 1 432.00 1 338.550 1 311.950 991.828 1 037.728
• The new (i.e. 2014/15) comparative rates (and packages) for Vodacom and Apr 1 416.00 1 398.00 1 439.00 1 329.750 1 299.150 953.028 1 003.228
Cell C can be accessed on their websites at: www.vodacom.co.za/personal/
phonesandpackages/businesscall and www.cellc.co.za/cell-phone-contract/ May 1 401.00 1 383.00 1 424.00 1 299.970 1 269.370 934.028 984.228
businesschat respectively. Jun 1 379.00 1 361.00 1 402.00 1 276.390 1 245.790 924.028 974.228
July 1 408.00 1 392.00 1 433.00 1 290.390 1 259.790 947.028 997.228
Aug 1 408.00 1 392.00 1 433.00 1 284.770 1 254.170 940.028 990.228

i2
http://www.telkom.co.za/sites/athome/productsandservices/productsatoz/residentialcallrates/&null i3
www.aa.co.za/on-the-road/calculator-tools/fuel-pricing.html

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Worldwide fuel price comparisoni4 11.3. Addendum 3: Water tariffs Rent index is estimation of prices of renting
apartments in the city compared to NYC. If the
1 American gallon = 3.785 litres The national and regional water tariffs/charges rent index is 80, the price for renting in that city
1 Imperial gallon = 4.540 litres for 2014/15 for the Western Cape, Eastern is 80% of the price in NYC.
Currency converter = www.oanda.com/convert/classic Cape, Free State and Gauteng can be obtained
Worldwide fuel list directly from the Department of Water Affairs Groceries index is an estimation of grocery
or alternatively accessed on their website at: prices in the city compared to NYC. If groceries
Country Leaded petrol Unleaded petrol Diesel LPG Currency Per
www.dwaf.gov.za/Projects/WARMS/Revenue/ index is 40, estimated grocery prices in that city
Price Octane Price Rating are 40% of prices in NYC.
charges2014.aspx
rating
Restaurants index is a comparison of prices
Argentina - - 7.329 95 7.149 - ARS litre 11.4. Addendum 4: Cost of living of meals and drinks in restaurants and bars
8.099 97 comparisoni5 compared to NYC. If a city has a restaurant
Australia - - 1.512 95 1.577 - AUD litre index of 105, it means it is 5% more expensive
About cost of living indices than in NYC.
Germany - - 1.600 95 1.397 0.750 EUR litre
1.551 95E10 Indices on this website are relative to New York Local purchasing power shows relative
1.640 98 City (NYC), which means that for NYC, each purchasing power in buying goods and services
India - - 70.57 91 43.31 33.37 INR litre index should be 100%. If another city has, for in a given city for the average wage in that
example, a rent index of 120, it means rents in city. If domestic purchasing power is 40, this
Japan - - 154.70 90 132.06 JPY litre
average in that city are 20% more expensive means that the inhabitants of that city, with
165.57 100
than in NYC. If a city has a rent index of 70, that the average salary, can afford to buy 60% less
Kenya - - 108.03 93 107.00 - KES litre
means in the average in that city, rents are 30% typical goods and services than NYC residents
114.60
less expensive than in NYC. with an average salary.
Mozambique - - 47.52 - 36.81 - MZM litre
Consumer price excl. rent index (CPI) is a
Russia - - 28.45 92 31.15 15.90 RUB litre
relative indicator of consumer goods price,
31.00 95
including groceries, restaurants, transportation
34.00 98
and utilities. CPI index doesn’t include
South Africa 13.18 93 13.12 93 12.26 22.58 ZAR litre accommodation expenses such as rent or
(Coastal) LRP 95 13.18 95 mortgage. If a city has a CPI index of 120, it
South Africa 13.32 93 13.32 93 12.53 24.40 ZAR litre means it is 20% more expensive than in NYC
(Gauteng) LRP 95 13.55 95 (excluding rent).

United - - 1.341 95 1.417 0.692 GBP litre

Kingdom 1.453 98

United States - - 3.541 87 3.870 - USD Am.

of America 3.712 89 gal
3.878 91
2.858 E85

i4
AIT/FIA Information Centre - OTA. Retrieved August 2014. i5
http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=South+Africa. August 2014.

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Country Consumer Rent index Groceries Restaurant Local Country Consumer Rent index Groceries Restaurant Local
price index index price index purchasing price index index price index purchasing
power power
index index
Norway 145.16 61.54 137.08 166.66 89.81 Ghana 71.20 57.45 76.67 60.27 13.53
Switzerland 142.49 64.86 147.75 139.88 137.03 Nigeria 68.48 24.24 64.49 54.94 37.84
Angola 117.92 137.36 107.07 112.64 42.33 United Arab Emirates 67.79 65.83 61.67 61.78 102.01
Denmark 115.09 42.10 101.85 133.40 91.59 Portugal 67.78 21.88 56.36 56.38 51.81
Australia 114.59 61.52 111.96 101.16 100.49 Zimbabwe 67.71 20.39 62.40 52.53 30.87
Luxembourg 107.41 69.79 91.93 120.47 107.17 Brazil 66.24 23.29 54.10 51.77 38.37
New Zealand 106.70 43.52 107.59 92.72 84.16 Mozambique 64.54 37.50 57.36 62.12 36.27
Ireland 105.62 40.23 101.16 101.30 89.55 Namibia 63.68 26.34 58.48 53.77 40.28
United Kingdom 103.14 45.30 97.12 101.87 90.04 Russia 61.75 30.63 51.07 67.40 36.08
Finland 101.95 34.58 97.82 101.61 96.56 Saudi Arabia 61.37 15.99 68.52 33.76 98.93
France 101.95 37.62 101.30 99.69 86.87 Taiwan 59.37 19.34 71.56 29.07 65.72
Belgium 101.13 36.10 96.05 105.55 82.38 Mauritius 57.90 24.20 53.69 49.55 63.36
Singapore 100.98 95.86 90.42 60.72 65.17 Oman 55.08 30.56 50.19 39.35 99.91
Netherlands 98.70 41.78 78.92 112.44 91.81 Kenya 53.78 20.08 56.83 35.21 27.26
Sweden 98.53 33.16 95.60 97.37 101.91 Turkey 53.64 13.40 43.69 39.76 49.61
Japan 96.69 38.44 101.71 58.20 90.86 Poland 53.36 18.85 44.63 43.54 56.42
Italy 95.76 31.49 84.75 102.47 72.47 Ethiopia 53.23 20.61 54.81 26.91 14.72
Israel 91.55 36.28 81.22 94.35 76.71 Tanzania 52.82 25.71 55.99 28.76 35.28
South Korea 91.41 38.62 110.90 52.87 78.08 Uganda 52.72 10.15 49.09 24.98 23.76
Canada 89.61 36.99 97.25 78.56 101.88 China 52.64 24.51 55.82 37.53 40.17
Austria 87.66 33.89 85.74 77.13 89.05 Iraq 51.89 19.12 44.47 44.96 37.25
Germany 86.82 31.60 77.41 75.96 105.80 Libya 51.89 18.82 60.68 41.17 40.86
Greece 80.79 14.44 68.80 79.19 44.56 South Africa 49.55 18.59 44.44 44.07 94.77
United States 76.97 37.82 83.66 66.12 125.63 Morocco 45.35 12.72 40.53 35.75 30.52
Hong Kong 75.86 86.04 80.56 54.82 68.02 Egypt 36.22 9.00 35.06 30.95 24.68
Qatar 72.38 76.88 66.87 76.23 118.87 India 27.72 7.48 30.46 16.18 59.26

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11.5. Addendum 5: Education costs The American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ)i6

South Africa has a single national education system, organised and managed by Tuition fees for 2014/15
the National Department of Education. South Africa also has numerous private Due to incurring both US$ and South African Rand(R) expenses, AISJ charges
schools. The table below provides an indicative cost of private schooling in tuition fees in dual currencies. Students joining prior to 26 November 2014,
South Africa. have two options for payment: Plan A or Plan B. The Plan B schedule is payable
in two instalments and carries a 5% surcharge.
Note:
Plan A: Payable in full prior to 1 August 2014 or prior to starting school
• By law, in South Africa no child can be excluded from a state school if his/
US$ portion R portion
her parents can’t afford to pay the fees. If both parents’ annual earnings
(before tax) are less than 10 times the annual school fees, the child Pre-kindergarten $6 845 Plus R88 610
qualifies for a full-fee exemption. Partial exemptions can also be made Elementary school kindergarten to grade 5 $9 130 Plus R118 150
for parents with financial problems. You should apply to your school
Middle school grades 6 to 8 $10 665 Plus R138 100
governing body for fee exemption. If your application is rejected, you can
lodge an appeal with your provincial education department. High school grades 9 to 12 $11 850 Plus R153 435

For further information regarding schools (private, public and boarding schools)
and schooling fees, contact: Plan B: Payable in two instalments and carries a 5% surcharge

• The National Department of Education: 0800 202 933 Total amount payable 60% Due prior to 40% due prior to
Tel: +27 12 357 3000 or www.education.gov.za 1 August 2014 1 January 2015
US$ Plus R portion US$ Plus R US$ Plus R
• The South African Schools Network: www.southafricanschools.net/282 283
portion portion portion portion portion
Pre-kindergarten $7 187 Plus R 93 040 $4 312 Plus R55 824 $2 875 Plus R37 216
Elementary school
kindergarten to $9 587 Plus R124 058 $5 752 Plus R74 435 $3 835 Plus R49 623
grade 5
Middle school
$11 198 Plus R145 005 $6 719 Plus R87 003 $4 479 Plus R58 002
grades 6 to 8
High school grades
$12 443 Plus R161 107 $7 466 Plus R96 664 $4 977 Plus R64 443
9 to 12

i6
www.aisj-jhb.com

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Unisai7 Description Semester Total Minimum Due by Due by Due by

Prescribed student fees (undergraduate studies) amount 15 March 15 May 15 Aug
payable on 2014 2014 2014
The following table provides the prescribed fees for the various undergraduate registration
modules and degrees, together with the payment dates and minimum fees due
by those dates: Subjects in Architecture and the Built Environment; Engineering; Family Ecology and Consumer
Sciences; and Mathematics and Statistics
Master’s & doctoral studies
Half module S1 R615.00 R305.00 R310.00
Prescribed student fees (master’s degrees)
S2 R615.00 R305.00 R310.00
Description Semester Total Minimum Due by Due by Due by
amount 15 March 15 May 15 Aug YEAR R615.00 R305.00 R310.00
payable on 2014 2014 2014 Module/paper S1 R1 230.00 R610.00 R620.00
registration
S2 R1 230.00 R610.00 R620.00
Subjects in Education; Law; Psychology; and Public Management and Services YEAR R1 230.00 R610.00 R620.00
Half module S1 R650.00 R305.00 R345.00 Full-year module YEAR R2 460.00 R1 220.00 R620.00 R620.00
S2 R650.00 R305.00 R345.00 Subjects in Agriculture, Agricultural Operations and related Sciences; Visual and Performing
Arts; Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences; Life Sciences; and Physical Sciences
YEAR R650.00 R305.00 R345.00
Half module S1 R560.00 R305.00 R255.00
Module/paper S1 R1 300.00 R610.00 R690.00
S2 R560.00 R305.00 R255.00
S2 R1 300.00 R610.00 R690.00
YEAR R560.00 R305.00 R255.00
YEAR R1 300.00 R610.00 R690.00
Module/paper S1 R1 120.00 R610.00 R510.00
Full-year module YEAR R2 600.00 R1 220.00 R690.00 R690.00
S2 R1 120.00 R610.00 R510.00
Subjects in Business, Economics and Management Studies; Communication, Journalism and
Related Studies; Computer and Information Sciences; Languages, Linguistics and Literature; YEAR R1 120.00 R610.00 R510.00
Philosophy, Religion and Theology; and Social Sciences
Full-year module YEAR R2 240.00 R1 220.00 R510.00 R510.00
Half module S1 R635.00 R305.00 R330.00
S2 R635.00 R305.00 R330.00
YEAR R635.00 R305.00 R330.00
Module/paper S1 R1 270.00 R610.00 R660.00
S2 R1 270.00 R610.00 R660.00
YEAR R1 270.00 R610.00 R660.00
Full-year module YEAR R2 540.00 R1 220.00 R660.00 R660.00

i7
www.unisa.co.za

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Description Semester Total Minimum amount Description Semester Total Minimum amount
payable on payable on
registration registration
Subjects in Education; Law; Psychology; and Public Management and Services Half module YEAR R 755.00 R400.00
Half module YEAR R915.00 R400.00 Module S1 R1 510.00 R800.00
Module S1 R1 830.00 R800.00 S2 R1 510.00 R800.00
S2 R1 830.00 R800.00 YEAR R1 510.00 R800.00
YEAR R1 830.00 R800.00 Full-year module/paper YEAR R3 020.00 R1 600.00
Full-year module/paper YEAR R3 660.00 R1 600.00 Full-year module/paper 36 credits YEAR R4 530.00 R2 440.00
Full-year module/paper 36 credits YEAR R5 490.00 R2 440.00
Miscellaneous fees
Subjects in Business, Economics and Management Studies; Communication, Journalism and
Related Studies; Computer and Information Sciences; Languages, Linguistics and Literature; Apart from your general fees, there are various miscellaneous fees that you will
Philosophy, Religion and Theology; and Social Sciences encounter in the course of your studies, such as supplementary exams, remarks,
Half module YEAR R860.00 R400.00 exemption certificates and library cards. All miscellaneous fees are payable to Unisa and
Module S1 R1 720.00 R800.00
may be included with your student fees.

S2 R1 720.00 R800.00 The following table details all these fees and indicates who they apply to:
YEAR R1 720.00 R800.00 Supplementary, special and aegrotat examinations R195.00
Full-year module/paper YEAR R3 440.00 R1 600.00 Remarking of examinations scripts R340.00
Full-year module/paper 36 credits YEAR R5 160.00 R2 440.00 Issuing of complete or conditional exemption R410.00
Subjects in Architecture and the Built Environment; Engineering; Family Ecology and Consumer certificates by the Matriculation Board (payable
Sciences; and Mathematics and Statistics before or on registration)
Half module YEAR R 820.00 R400.00 Dishonored payments R500.00
Module S1 R1 640.00 R800.00 Levy on students in foreign countries Category Levy per Levy per
S2 R1 640.00 R800.00 course module
YEAR R1 640.00 R800.00 A R970.00 R485.00
Full-year module/paper YEAR R3 280.00 R1 600.00 B R1 940.00 R970.00
Full-year module/paper 36 credits YEAR R4 920.00 R2 440.00 Library card (smart card) R45.00
Subjects in Agriculture, Agricultural Operations and related Sciences; Visual and Performing Arts; Amount forfeited in case of death prior to the R1 220.00
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences; Life Sciences; and Physical Sciences examination period
Visual art studio fee R120.00

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11.6. Addendum 6: Cost of office space and industrial land Market rental rates for office buildings
Quarter 2014:1
The Rode Report analyses most property transactions and reports on most sectors
Rands per rentable m2, gross leases (excl. VAT)
of the property market in the major, and some secondary cities in South Africa.
It covers, inter alia, trends and levels of rentals and standard capitalisation rates Location Grade A+ Grade A mean Grade B mean Grade C mean
by property type, grade, node/ township, the listed real estate market, building Pretoria 115.00 80.00 70.00 62.50
construction costs and building activity. The following excerpts from the 2014
Lynnwood 138.50 98.50 85.50 77.00
Rode Report provide an indication of the cost of office space and industrial land
in South Africa: Menlyn 159.33 127.50 110.00 -
Hatfield 147.50 123.33 105.00 -
Addendum 6.1: Market rental rates for office buildingsi8
Centurion 149.50 123.67 105.00 -
Market rental rates for office buildings Highveld Technopark 112.50 114.50 83.67 -
Quarter 2014:1
Sunnyside 145.00 95.00 80.00 70.00
Rands per rentable m2, gross leases (excl. VAT)
Arcadia - 95.00 85.00 -
Location Grade A+ Grade A mean Grade B mean Grade C mean
Nelspruit 142.50 122.50 95.00 75.00
Johannesburg CBD 108.00 79.17 70.00 35.00
Bloemfontein CBD 117.50 106.50 82.50 63.33
Braamfontein 95.00 82.50 75.50 45.00
Durban CBD 85.00 72.50 52.50 45.00
Sandton CBD 193.50 150.83 117.00 98.33
Westville 125.00 103.33 90.00 80.00
Randburg Ferndale 86.38 76.70 69.50 63.50
Pinetown 92.50 82.50 72.50 50.00
Rivonia 107.50 92.67 85.75 76.67
Port Elizabeth - - - 55.00
Rosebank 171.67 127.50 105.00 88.00
Cape Town CBD 148.33 105.00 82.50 63.33
Ilovo 162.50 145.00 98.33 86.50
Sea Point 125.00 95.00 75.00 60.00
Parktown 115.67 95.83 83.33 80.67
V&A Portswood Ridge - 142.50 - -
Richmond/Millpark - 85.00 72.50 65.25
Granger Bay - 142.50 - -
Bedfordview 160.00 107.50 100.00 86.00
Salt River 60.00 55.00 50.00 45.00
Bruma 140.00 103.12 83.75 73.33
Woodstock 85.00 72.50 60.00 52.50
Woodmead 121.50 107.50 84.60 77.50
Observatory 115.00 100.00 85.00 55.00
Sunninghill 102.50 92.33 85.00 77.00
Kenilworth 106.67 88.33 - -
Bryanston/ Epsom 142.75 119.75 96.50 83.00
Rondebosch/Newlands 120.00 98.33 65.00 -
Fourways 134.64 113.00 92.96 80.88
Wynberg - - 82.50 -
Houghton 110.62 104.70 88.92 83.92
Westlake 111.67 91.67 - -
Hydepark 129.43 117.33 91.95 81.11
Claremont Upper 131.67 108.33 95.00
Ormonde - 78.50 67.25 64.67
Hout Bay - 95.00 70.00 55.00
Midrand 119.17 93.38 84.62 70.35

i8
Rode’s Report 2014(pp.28-29). www.rode.co.za

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Market rental rates for office buildings

Quarter 2014:1
Rands per rentable m2, gross leases (excl. VAT)
Location Grade A+ Grade A mean Grade B mean Grade C mean
Pinelands 100.00 - - -
Milnerton - 85.00 70.00 -
Century City 151.67 132.50.00 102.50 -
Maitland - - 40.00 35.00
Goodwood (N1 City) 100.00 95.00 80.00 75.00
Bellville CBD - 100.00 75.00 59.00
Tyger Valley area 117.50 105.00 87.50 75.00
Durbanville 120.00 95.00 - -

Addendum 6.2: Mean market values for serviced and level industrial stands

Mean market values for serviced and level industrial stands

Quarter 2014:1 (R/m2 excl. VAT)
Location Area: in m2
Addendum 6.3: Indicative operating expenses for industrial buildingsi9

1 000 2 000 5 000 10 000 Vacancy Typical gross outgoings for prime office buildings
Central 820 805 747 722 1.5 Quarter 2014:1
Witwatersrand Rands/m2 per month
West Rand 698 698 669 658 2.2 Stand-alone Park
East Rand 846 833 789 791 1.4 R/m 2
SD R/m 2
SD
Durban 1 566 1 497 1 254 1 135 2.1 Central Witwatersrand 8.80 0.98 9.92 1.88
Cape Peninsula 1 276 1 218 1 088 1 038 1.8 West Rand 5.30 1.33 8.31 1.08
George 293 286 310 283 5.3 East Rand 7.00 1.58 11.00 0.41
Port Elizabeth 740 577 413 400 4.2 Far East Rand 6.33 0.47 8.00 1.63
Bloemfontein 313 288 257 168 1.5 Pretoria 7.00 - 12.00 -
Polokwane 17.50 10.00 20.25 11.75
Nelspruit 8.00 0.00 14.00 1.00
Durban 10.17 1.47 13.00 1.00
Cape Peninsula 5.50 1.47 13.50 1.50
Bloemfontein 6.50 - 6.50 -

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Rode’s Report 2014 (pp. 81 - 82). www.rode.co.za.

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Addendum 6.4: Flat rentals for standard unitsi10 11.7. Addendum 7: Ease of Doing Business (DB) in South Africai12

Flat Rentals: Standard units

Quarter 2014:1 Note:
Average Rands per month • This addendum summarises the World Bank “Doing Business 2014” data
Location Bachelor 1-Bed 2-Bed 3-Bed for South Africa. The first table lists the overall “Ease of Doing Business”
rank (out of 189 economies) and the rankings by each topic. The rest of the
Mean Mean Mean Mean
tables summarise the key indicators for each topic and benchmark against
Johannesburg average R2 532 R3 331 R4 131 R5 057 regional and high-income economy (OECD) averages.
Germiston average - - - -
Pretoria average R2 563 R2 913 R3 546 R4 123 Ease of doing business
Durban average R2 771 R3 355 R4 102 R5 050
Doing business 2014 Doing business 2013 rank Change in rank
Cape Town average R2 864 R3 487 R4 378 R5 581
rank
Port Elizabeth average R2 311 R2 785 R3 515 R4 354 41 41 0
East London average R2 510 R2 783 R3 261 R3 692
Bloemfontein average R2 228 R2 650 R3 526 R3 995 Topic DB 2014 DB 2013 Change in rank
rank rank
Addendum 6.5: Flat rentals for upmarket unitsi11 Starting a business 64 56 -8
Dealing with construction 26 25 -1
Flat rentals: Upmarket units
permits
Quarter 2014:1
Average Rands per month Getting electricity 150 151 +1

Location Bachelor 1-Bed 2-Bed 3-Bed Registering property 99 95 -4

Mean Mean Mean Mean Getting credit 28 24 -4

Johannesburg average R3 142 R4 406 R5 474 R6 045 Protecting investors 10 10 No change

Centurion average R3 588 R4 133 R4 986 R6 264 Paying taxes 24 26 +2

Durban average R3 214 R4 079 R5 052 R6 644 Trading across borders 106 110 +4

Cape Town average R3 620 R4 422 R5 896 R7 703 Enforcing contracts 80 80 No change
Port Elizabeth average R2 610 R3 066 R3 563 R4 320 Resolving insolvency 82 82 No change
East London average R2 867 R3 060 R3 493 R3 945

i10
Rode’s Report 2014 (pp.107 - 112). www.rode.co.za. i12
www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/south-africa
i11
Rode’s Report 2014 (pp.113 - 118). www.rode.co.za

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Starting a business Key world rankings

DB 2014 rank DB 2013 rank Change in rank Note:

64 56 -8 • Economies are ranked on their “Ease of Doing Business”, from 1 – 189. A high ranking on
the Ease of Doing Business Index means the regulatory environment is more conducive to the
Indicator South Africa Sub-Saharan OECD starting and operation of a local firm. This index averages the country’s percentile rankings on
Africa 10 topics, made up of a variety of indicators, giving equal weight to each topic.
Procedures (number) 5 8 5
Time (days) 19 29.7 11.1

Ease of Doing Business

Trading across borders

Cost (% of income per capita) 0.3 67.4 3.6

construction permits

Resolving insolvency
Registering property

Protecting investors

Enforcing contracts
Starting a business
Paid-in min. capital (% of income per capita) 0.00 125.7 10.4

Getting electricity

Getting credit
Dealing with

Paying taxes
Procedure Time to complete Associated costs

Economy
Lodge formation documentation with the CIPC 5 -7 days R175

rank
Open a bank account 1-2 days no charge
Register with the office of the local receiver of 12 days no charge United States 4 20 34 13 25 3 6 64 22 11 17
revenue (SARS) for income tax, VAT, PAYE and SITE
United Kingdom 10 28 27 74 68 1 10 14 16 56 7
Register with the Department of Labour for UIF 4 days (simultaneous no charge
Australia 11 4 10 34 40 3 68 44 46 14 18
with procedure 4)
Mauritius 20 19 123 48 65 42 12 13 12 54 61
Register with the Commissioner according to About 10 days, no charge
the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and simultaneous with Germany 21 111 12 3 81 28 98 89 14 5 13
Diseases Act Procedure 4 Japan 27 120 91 26 66 28 16 140 23 36 1
United Arab 23 37 5 4 4 86 98 1 4 100 101
Emirates
South Africa 41 64 26 150 99 28 10 24 106 80 82
Botswana 56 96 69 107 41 73 52 47 145 86 34
Namibia 98 132 31 72 178 55 80 114 141 69 85
China 96 158 185 119 48 73 98 120 74 19 78
Zambia 83 45 57 152 102 13 80 68 163 120 73
Brazil 116 123 130 14 107 109 80 159 124 121 135
India 134 179 182 111 92 28 34 158 132 186 121
Lesotho 136 89 145 136 88 159 98 101 144 144 104
Malawi 171 149 173 183 85 130 80 81 176 145 150
Angola 179 178 65 170 132 130 80 155 169 187 189
Zimbabwe 170 150 170 157 93 109 128 142 167 118 156

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11.8. Addendum 8: National remuneration datai13 Regional differences in remuneration

Regional variances from the national norm*
National remuneration guide
Region Mid- Specialised/ General Lower skilled/ Overall
Job category National salary range
managerial/ skilled senior staff/clerical hourly rated average
(per annum)*
high level supervisory supervisory
Cleaner R85 663 – R105 832 specialist
Messenger/Driver R130 169 – R160 853 National 100 100 100 100 100
Telephonist - Level 1 R138 987 – R171 723
Cape Town and 102 101 100 100 101
Telephonist - Level 3 R182 804 – R226 841 Environs
Receptionist - Level 1 R136 446 – R168 382 Durban and Environs 98 97 97 97 97
Receptionist - Level 2 R157 869 – R196 168 East Rand 105 104 105 105 105
Secretary - Level 1 R196 166 – R242 248 Eastern Cape 90 92 92 91 91
Secretary - Level 3 R259 018 – R319 832
Free State 91 90 90 89 90
Personal Assistant - Level 1 R263 115 – R322 306
Johannesburg 106 106 104 106 106
Personal Assistant - To CEO R423 051 – R522 181
Limpopo Province 93 95 93 90 93
Human Resources (HR) Manager - Level 1 R703 577 – R868 953
Midrand 103 103 103 104 103
Human Resources (HR) Manager - Level 2 R897 144 – R1108 135
Mpumalanga 96 96 95 98 96
Graphic Artist / Designer - Junior R294 483 – R363 580
Northern Cape 92 91 91 92 92
Graphic Artist / Designer - Senior R491 123 – R606 697
North West Province 94 93 94 93 94
Clerk (General) - Level 1 R127 921 – R158 082
Other KwaZulu-Natal 100 98 99 99 99
Clerk (General) - Level 3 R200 557 – R247 650
Pretoria 104 102 101 101 102
Chartered Accountant (Qualified) - Level 3 R649 701 – R802 367
Chartered Accountant (Qualified) - Level 5 R872 086 – R1079 219 Vaal Triangle 101 100 97 103 100
West Rand 95 94 96 95 95
*Guaranteed salary package - Total basic and benefits.
Western Cape 97 99 98 96 98

*Regional variances from the national norm (indexed at 100).

i13
Based on data provided by Deloitte Human Capital (February 2014), projected to (August 2014).

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Regional differences in remuneration (comparative ratios)* 11.9. Addendum 9: Transportation costs for goods
Region National (100) Addendum 9.1: Raili14
Cape Town and Environs 101
Transnet freight rail, rail charge levy
Durban and Environs 99
East Rand 105 Transnet freight rail, rail charge levy (%)
Eastern Cape 94
Free State 90 Levy components Effective date Effective date Effective date
Johannesburg 106 2014-04-01 2014-08-13 2014-09-10
Limpopo Province 91 Diesel Diesel fuel price 0.000% 0.000% 0.000%
Midrand 103 adjustments

Mpumalanga 96 Electricity Electrical energy price 0.000% 0.000% 0.000%

adjustments
Northern Cape 92
Exchange Foreign currency 0.000% 0.000% 0.000%
North West Province 93 exchange rate
Other KwaZulu-Natal 97 adjustments

Pretoria 102 Steel Steel price 0.000% 0.099% 0.054%

adjustments
Vaal Triangle 104
Total levy applicable 2nd Wednesday 0.000% 0.099% 0.054%
West Rand 95 of month.
Western Cape 98
*Regional variances from the national norm (indexed at 100).

i14
Source: http://www.transnetfreightrail.co.za/Website/charge_levy.htmlRetrieved August 2014

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Detail for levy components Constants Foreign currency exchange rate Effective date Effective date Effective date
adjustment examples
Constants Diesel price examples Effective date Effective date Effective date 2014-04-01 2014-08-13 2014-09-10
2014-04-01 2014-08-13 2014-09-10 R Currency component of rail price 0.500% 0.500% 0.500%
(P1 to P3)
R Energy (Diesel) Component of Rail 9.600% 9.600% 9.600%
price (P1 to P3) S Cumulative currency increase/ 0.80 0.80 0.80
decrease margin
NP New Diesel price Diesel Levy R1 329.75 R1 284.77 R1 259.39
NR New USD RAND (USD ZAR) 10.7384 10.6490 10.6553
BPx Diesel Basis price adjusted yearly as R1 329.75 R1 329.75 R1 329.75 currency exchange Energy levy
on 1 April YYYY
Energy levy
Ix Diesel Levy Applicable 2nd 0.0000% 0.0000% 0.0000%
Wednesday of month
BRx Base currency rate adjusted yearly 10.7384 10.7384 10.7384
Constants Electricity % examples Effective date Effective date Effective date as end March YYYY
2014-04-01 2014-08-13 2014-09-10 C Monthly Effective currency 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000
adjustment
RP Energy (Electricity) component of 8.4000% 8.4000% 8.4000%
rail price Ix Currency levy applicable 2nd 0.000% 0.000% 0.000%
Wednesday of month
S Cumulative electricity increase/ 0.000% 0.000% 0.000%
decrease margin Constants Steel price examples Effective date Effective date Effective date

Sbe Electricity price increase 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 2014-04-01 2014-08-13 2014-09-10
Electricity levy R Steel component of rail price 3.500% 3.500% 3.500%
(P1 to P3)
Ax Electricity basis adjusted yearly as 0.000% 0.000% 0.000%
on 1 April YYYY NP Basic metals (Unit: Index: 116.4000 119.7000 118.2000
2000=100; Source: P0142.1 -
Ix Electricity levy applicable 2nd 0.000% 0.000% 0.000%
Table 8) Energy Levy
Wednesday of month
Energy levy

BSx Basis metals price index adjusted 116.4000 116.4000 116.4000

yearly as in Feb YYYY
lx Steel Levy applicable 2nd 0.000% 0.099% 0.054%
Wednesday of month
Total levy applicable 2nd Wednesday of month 0.000% 0.099% 0.054%

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Addendum 9.2: Roadi15 PLAZA CLASS 1 CLASS 2 CLASS 3 CLASS 4

All amounts in Rands Light 2 axle 3 & 4 axle 5 & more
Toll tariffs 2014/15*
vehicles heavy heavy axle
PLAZA CLASS 1 CLASS 2 CLASS 3 CLASS 4 vehicles vehicles heavy
All amounts in Rands Light 2 axle 3 & 4 axle 5 & more vehicles
vehicles heavy heavy axle
vehicles vehicles heavy R30
vehicles
Brandfort Mainline 34.50 69.00 105.00 147.00
N1 N2
Huguenot Mainline 30.00 79.00 124.00 201.00 Mainline 40.00 102.00 243.00 343.00
Tsitsikamma
Verkeerdevlei Mainline 43.00 82.00 124.00 174.00 Ramp 40.00 102.00 243.00 343.00

Vaal Mainline 50.50 90.00 109.00 145.00 Izotsha Ramp 7.00 13.00 17.00 30.00

Mainline 15.00 43.00 50.00 66.00 Mainline 22.00 40.00 56.00 90.00
Grasmere Ramp (S) 7.50 21.50 25.00 33.00 Oribi Ramp (S) 10.00 19.00 26.00 41.00
Ramp (N) 7.50 21.50 25.00 33.00 Ramp (N) 12.00 21.00 30.00 56.00

Stormvoël Ramp 7.00 16.50 19.50 23.50 Umtentweni Ramp 9.50 17.00 24.00 34.00

Zambesi Ramp 8.50 20.00 23.50 28.00 King Shaka Airport Ramp 4.50 9.00 15.00 19.00

Pumulani Mainline 9.00 22.00 25.00 31.00 Mainline 8.50 18.00 234.00 34.00
Thongathi Ramp (S) 4.50 9.50 12.00 17.00
Wallmansthal Ramp 4.20 10.00 12.00 14.00
Ramp (N) 4.50 9.50 12.00 17.00
Murrayhill Ramp 8.50 20.00 24.00 28.00
Mvoti Mainline 10.00 29.00 39.00 58.00
Hammanskraal Ramp 20.00 64.00 70.00 80.00
Mandini Ramp 5.50 11.00 13.00 17.00
Carousel Mainline 42.00 108.00 119.00 138.00
Dokodweni Ramp 14.50 30.00 34.00 47.00
Maubane Ramp 18.50 47.00 52.00 60.00
N3
Mainline 33.50 82.00 110.00 135.00
Kranskop Mariannhill Mainline 9.00 17.00 21.00 32.00
Ramp 9.50 24.00 29.00 43.00
Mainline 39.00 96.00 134.00 182.00
Nyl Mainline 44.00 83.00 100.00 134.00
Mooi Ramp (S) 27.00 67.00 94.00 127.00
Sebetiela Ramp 13.50 25.00 32.00 43.00
Ramp (N) 12.00 29.00 40.00 54.00
Capricorn Mainline 34.50 97.00 114.00 142.00 Treverton Ramp 12.00 29.00 40.00 54.00
Baobab Mainline 33.50 93.00 128.00 154.00 Bergville Ramp 17.00 20.00 36.00 56.00
*Effective May 2014. Tugela Mainline 56.00 92.00 145.00 201.00
Tugela East Ramp 35.00 57.00 85.00 118.00
Wilge Mainline 52.00 90.00 120.00 170.00
De Hoek Mainline 38.00 59.00 89.00 129.00

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PLAZA CLASS 1 CLASS 2 CLASS 3 CLASS 4 Addendum 9.4: Airi16

All amounts in Rands Light 2 axle 3 & 4 axle 5 & more
Domestic and International airfreight costs can be obtained directly from South African Airways, SAA
vehicles heavy heavy axle
Cargo Services.
vehicles vehicles heavy
vehicles Contact SAA Cargo Services at:
N4 Tel: +27 11 978 1119
Pelindabae Mainline 4.50 8.50 12.00 15.00
Toll Free: +27 800 002 869
Quagga Mainline 3.50 6.50 9.00 12.00
Swartruggens Mainline 75.00 187.00 227.00 267.00 Domestic Airfreight Tariffs*
Kroondal Ramp 11.50 27.00 30.00 36.00 *Effective 1 April 2014 until 31 March 2015.
Marikana Mainline 17.00 41.00 46.00 54.00 Passenger flights SAA/Mango**
Buffelspoort Ramp 11.50 27.00 30.00 36.00 • General freight: R79.06 - min charge: common rated R6.22 (excl.JNB-DUR-JNB R4.04 per kg
Brits Mainline 11.50 40.00 43.00 51.00 under 100kg, Common rated R6.12 excl JNB- DUR-JNB, R3.47 per kg over 100kg);
Doornpoort Mainline 11.50 28.00 33.00 40.00 • Express freight: R112.78 – min charge: common rated R21.92 (excl JNB-DUR-JNB R11.92 per kg
Donkerhoek Ramp 9.50 14.00 20.00 38.00 under 100Kg, Common rated R21.44 excl JNB-DUR-JNB R11.65 per kg over 100kg);
Cullinan Ramp 12.00 20.00 29.00 48.00
• Valuable cargo: R361.23 - min charge: 200% of Express Rate (express rates X2);
Diamond Hill Mainline 29.00 40.00 75.00 124.00
Valtaki Ramp 22.00 31.00 46.00 103.00 • Motor vehicles: on request: DGR fees apply; and
Ekandustria Ramp 17.00 26.00 35.00 71.00
• Motorbikes: on request: DGR fees apply.
Middelburg Mainline 47.00 102.00 155.00 204.00
Machadodorp Mainline 71.00 196.00 286.00 408.00 ** Minimum charges will not be included in the calculation of discounts.
Nkomazi Mainline 54.00 109.00 157.00 227.00 Passenger flights SA Express
N17 • General freight: R79.06 min charge: common rated R8.78 (excl George R6.22 per kg
Mainline 9.50 25.00 28.00 39.00 under 100Kg, Common rated R8.62 excl George R6.06 per kg over 100kg); and
Gosforth Ramp (W) 5.00 11.00 14.00 18.00
Ramp (E) 4.50 16.00 17.00 24.00 • Express freight: R112.78 – min charge: common rated R21.92 (excl per kg under 100kg,
Dalpark Mainline 8.50 18.00 24.00 32.00 Common rated R21.44 excl per kg over 100kg)
Denne Ramp 7.50 15.00 20.00 26.00 Starlight Express rates
Mainline 28.00 70.00 106.00 140.00 • Min: R112.78, and
Leandra
Ramp 17.00 43.00 63.00 84.00
• BFN/GRJ road feeder available: R4.37PLZ-GRJ and R11.25 JNB -BFN

Addendum 9.3: Sea CPT DUR ELS JNB PLZ

For international and domestic shipment costs refer to: Transnet - National Port CPT R 31.55 R 30.07 R 26.25 R 15.05
Authority Tariffs (effective 1 April 2014), www.transnetnationalportsauthority.net DUR R 31.55 R 15.05 R14.74 R32.13
ELS R 30.07 R 15.05 R 30.07 R 15.05
JNB R 26.25 R 14.74 R 30.07 R 27.49
PLZ R 15.05 R 32.13 R 15.05 R 27.49

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Class commodities 11.10. Addendum 10: Cost of electricity in major centres

Human remains 200% of express rates
Cape Towni17
Livestock 100% of express rates
Day old poultry 150% of express rates Proposed schedule of electricity tariffs for 2014/15 *
* All tariffs below are exclusive of VAT and effective from 1 July 2014.
Dangerous goods 200% of express rates
Valuable cargo 200% of express rates Residential consumers

Vulnerable cargo Express rate plus R340.95 Consumers receiving less than 250 kWh/month on average and charged at the Lifeline Tariff and will receive a
handling fee free basic supply of up to 60 kWh per month. Consumers receiving between 250 kWh and 450 kWh per month
on average will receive a free basic supply of 25 kWh per month NOTE: Qualifying residential consumers using
pre-payment meters
Additional charges
• AWB amendment fee (after acceptance): R206.42; will not receive the free basic service of electricity for months in which no energy is purchased unless this is
specifically claimed at a vending outlet in each such month.
• Airline security charge per kg: R0.15 (all customers, all cargo, non-commissionable);
The free 60 or 25 kWh forms part of the first block of 350 kWh for Lifeline consumers (e.g. first 60 kWh are
• Part 108 Screening: R0.22 per kg, min R17.00 (this charge includes VAT); free, the next 190 kWh are at the appropriate rate, or the first 25 are free, with the next 325 at the appropriate
rate.)
• AWB Fee – All Services: R48.52 per AWB – Applicable to all customers requiring manual capture
Qualifying residential consumers using credit meters will be credited with as much of the free basic service of
of AWB*; and electricity as is used during the metering period.
• AWB Fee- Starlight express: R141.09 per AWB – Applicable to all customers requiring manual New residential consumers (supplies <= 100 Amps) will be charged at the domestic rate unless they are
capture of AWB*. subsidised connections in which case they will be charged the Lifeline tariff.
Domestic (> 450 kWh received/month)
* Customers with over R550k spend negotiable.
<No free basic service
Discount structure* Services Unit Remarks 2014/15 2014/15
rendered R excl. VAT R incl. VAT
• Between R22.5K and R55K per month: 5%;
Energy Block 1 c/kWh 0-600kWh 134.76 153.63
• Between R55K and R165K per month: 10%; charge
Block 2 c/kWh 600.1+kWh 163.87 186.81
• Between R165K and R275K per month: 15%; Lifeline (for qualifying customers only)
Free basic service
• Between R275K and R550K per month: 20%; and
Services Unit Remarks 2014/15 2014/15
• Over R550K per month: Negotiable. rendered R incl. VAT R incl. VAT

* Discounts are based on domestic spend only and exclude minimum shipments and surcharges, per company per month Energy Block 1 c/kWh 0-350kWh 84.31 96.12
provided that the account is settle within term. charge
Block 2 c/kWh 350.1+kWh 204.65 233.30

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Residential small-scale embedded generation Large power users

This tariff is available only for approved residential SSEG Connections, where the Consumers offset their small Consumers with installed capacity between 500kVA and 1 MVA must be charged at either the Low or Medium
scale generation against their purchases from the Municipality, provided that their purchases exceed their Voltage Large Power User tariff.
generation. An additional meter reading fee may also be applicable. Services rendered Unit 2014/15 2014/15
Services rendered Unit 2014/15 2014/15 R excl. VAT R incl. VAT
R excl. VAT R incl. VAT Service charge R/day 37.05 42.24
Service charge R/day 11.43 13.03 Energy charge c/kWh 62.93 71.74
Energy charge - consumption c/kWh 95.76 109.57 Demand charge R/kVA 187.27 213.49
Energy charge - generation c/kWh 49.72 56.68 This tariff is compulsory for consumers with installed capacity above 1 MVA unless they elect to be supplied at
Commercial consumers a Time of Use tariff.

Commercial consumers with installed capacity up to 500kVA may elect to take their supply at the Small or Large Services rendered Unit 2014/15 2014/15
Power User LV tariffs. R excl. VAT R incl. VAT
Service charge R/day 37.05 42.24
Residential establishments where a business license exists (such as hotels, bed and breakfast premises, hostels,
retirement homes etc), or where the supply to a single residential consumer exceeds 100 Amps, will be Energy charge c/kWh 58.50 66.69
regarded as commercial consumers.
Demand charge R/kVA 174.17 198.55
Small power users (For supply up to a maximum of 500 kVA)
This tariff is only available at medium voltage.
Small power users 1 (High consumption - >1000 kWh /month)
Services rendered Unit 2014/15 2014/15
Services rendered Unit 2014/15 2014/15 R excl. VAT R incl. VAT
R excl. VAT R incl. VAT
Service charge R/day 6 050.00 6 897.00
Service charge R/day 22.25 25.37
Energy charge: High demand (June to August)
Energy charge c/kWh 120.03 136.83
Peak c/kWh 270.79 308.70
Small power users 2 (Low consumption - <1000 kWh /month)
Standard c/kWh 78.42 89.40
Services rendered Unit 2014/15 2014/15
Off-peak c/kWh 42.89 48.89
R excl. VAT R incl. VAT
Energy charge: Low demand (September to May)
Energy charge c/kWh 187.69 213.97
Peak c/kWh 84.20 95.99
Off-peak
Standard c/kWh 56.37 64.26
This tariff is reserved for existing consumers only as of 1 July 2012.
Off-peak c/kWh 37.93 43.24
Services rendered Unit 2014/15 2014/15
R excl. VAT R incl. VAT Demand charge R/kVA 92.63 105.60
Minimum charge R/day 83.04 86.40
Energy charge c/kWh 75.79 94.67

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This tariff is only available at medium voltage and in Atlantis. Wheeling tariff
Services rendered Unit 2014/15 2014/15 Services rendered Unit 2014/15 2014/15
R excl. VAT R incl. VAT R excl. VAT R incl. VAT
Service charge R/day 5 5000.00 6 270.00 Energy surcharge Firm c/kWh 16.34 18.63
Energy charge: High demand (June to August) Non-firm c/kWh 10.03 11.43
Peak c/kWh 246.17 280.63 Non-residential small scale embedded generation
Standard c/kWh 71.29 81.27 This tariff is available only for approved non-residential SSEG Connections, where the Consumers offset their
Off-peak c/kWh 38.99 44.45 small scale generation against their purchases from the Municipality, provided that their purchases exceed their
generation. An additional meter reading fee may also be applicable. This is not applicable to consumers on the
Energy charge: High demand (June to August) SPU2 tariff.
Peak c/kWh 76.55 87.27 Services rendered Unit 2014/15 2014/15
Standard c/kWh 51.25 58.43 R excl. VAT R incl. VAT

Off-peak c/kWh 34.48 39.31 Energy charge generation c/kWh 49.72 56.68

Demand charge R/kVA 84.21 96.00 Lighting tariffs

High voltage time of use tariff Street lighting and traffic signals
Services rendered Unit 2014/15 2014/15
This tariff is only available at 66kV or 132kV depending on the available network.
R excl. VAT R incl. VAT
Services rendered Unit 2014/15 2014/15
Energy charge R /100 W per burning hour 0.1316 0.1500
R excl. VAT R incl. VAT
Floodlighting of private buildings
Service charge R/day 6 050.00 6 897.00
Energy charge: High demand (June to August) 1. Subject to prior approval of the Director: Planning & Economic Development and the Director: Electricity
Services.
Peak c/kWh 262.67 299.44 2. Applicant to bear cost of equipment installation and removal.
Standard c/kWh 76.07 86.72 3. Ownership of all material shall vest in the Council.

Off-peak c/kWh 41.60 47.42 Services rendered Unit 2014/15 2014/15

R excl. VAT R incl. VAT
Energy charge: High demand (June to August)
Energy charge R /100 W per burning hour 0.1437 0.1638
Peak c/kWh 81.67 93.10
Standard c/kWh 54.68 62.34
Off-peak c/kWh 36.79 41.94
Demand charge R/kVA 92.63 105.60
Time of use tariffs: Hours of operation
Peak: Weekdays 07:00 to 10:00; 18:00 to 20:00
Standard : Weekdays 06:00 to 07:00; 10:00 to 18:00; 20:00 to 22:00
Off peak: All other times

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Johannesburgi18 Description 2014/15

Proposed schedule of electricity tariffs for 2014/15* Domestic single phase (seasonal) - service charge (R/m) 60A & 80A 93.85
*All tariffs below are exclusive of VAT and effective from 1 July 2014. Domestic single phase (seasonal) - capacity charge (R/m) 60A 276.47
Domestic single phase (seasonal) - capacity charge (R/m) 80A 304.00
Description 2014/15
Domestic single phase (seasonal) - energy (c/kWh) Summer
Domestic (prepaid) – energy charge (c/kWh) Summer & Winter
0 < 500 kWh 86.20
0 < 500 kWh 94.26
501 < 1 000 kWh 99.58
501<1000 kWh 107.09
1001 < 2000 kWh 107.25
1001 < 2000 kWh 114.99
2001 < 3000 kWh 113.40
2001 < 3000 kWh 129.90
> 3001 kWh 119.18
> 3001 kWh 140.77
Domestic single phase (seasonal) - energy(c/kWh) Winter
Domestic single phase – service charge (R/m) 60A & 80A 93.85
0 < 500 kWh 103.92
Domestic single phase – capacity charge (R/m) 60A 276.47
501 < 1 000 kWh 117.30
Domestic single phase – capacity charge (R/m) 80A 304.00
1001 < 2000 kWh 124.97
Domestic single phase – energy (c/kWh) Summer & Winter
2001 < 3000 kWh 131.12
0 < 500 kWh 90.63
> 3001 kWh 136.90
501<1000 kWh 104.01
Domestic three phase (seasonal) - service charge(R/m) 60A & 80A 93.85
1001 < 2000 kWh 111.68
Domestic three phase (seasonal) – capacity charge (R/m) 60A 344.40
2001 < 3000 kWh 117.83
Domestic three phase (seasonal) – capacity charge (R/m) 80A 378.70
> 3001 kWh 123.61
Domestic three phase (seasonal) - energy(c/kWh) Summer
Domestic three phase – capacity charge (R/m) 60A 344.40
Domestic three phase – capacity charge (R/m) 80A 378.70 0 < 500 kWh 86.20

Domestic three phase – energy (c/kWh) Summer & Winter 501 < 1 000 kWh 99.58

0 < 500 kWh 90.63 1001 < 2000 kWh 107.25

501 < 1 000 kWh 104.01 2001 < 3000 kWh 113.40
1001 < 2000 kWh 111.68 > 3001 kWh 119.18
2001 < 3000 kWh 117.83 Domestic three phase (seasonal) - energy(c/kWh) Winter
> 3001 kWh 123.61 0 < 500 kWh 103.92

501 < 1 000 kWh 117.30

1001 < 2000 kWh 124.97

2001 < 3000 kWh 131.12

> 3001 kWh 136.90

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Description 2014/15 Description 2014/15

Winter Business – energy charge (c/kWh) Winter
0 < 500 kWh 101.72 0 < 500 kWh 152.15
501 < 1 000 kWh 103.90 501 < 1 000 kWh 165.56
1001 < 2000 kWh 110.62 1001 < 2000 kWh 172.90
2001 < 3000 kWh 122.37 2001 < 3000 kWh 178.67
> 3001 kWh 131.21 > 3001 kWh 183.99
Agricultural - service charge (R/m) <50 kVA 281.54 Business (prepaid) – energy charge (c/kWh) Summer
>50 kVA 281.54 0 < 500 kWh 141.09
Agricultural - capacity charge (R/m) <50 kVA 378.70 501 < 1 000 kWh 154.50
>50 kVA 378.70 1001 < 2000 kWh 161.84
Agricultural - energy (c/kWh) Summer 105.41 2001 < 3000 kWh 167.61
Winter 123.14 > 3001 kWh 172.93
Robot intersections - energy (c/kWh) 175.85 Business (prepaid) – energy charge (c/kWh) Winter
Streetlight and billboard per luminaire - energy (c/kWh) 197.13 0 < 500 kWh 141.09
Business – service charge (R/m) 501 < 1 000 kWh 154.50
<50 281.54 1001 < 2000 kWh 161.84
Business – capacity charge (R/m) <50 269.94 2001 < 3000 kWh 167.61
Business – service charge (R/m) > 3001 kWh 172.93
<100 281.54 Reseller business (conventional) - service charge (R/m) <50 kVA 281.54
Business – capacity charge (R/m) <100 385.75 Reseller business (conventional) – capacity charge (R/m) <50 kVA 269.94
Reseller business (conventional) – energy charge (c/kWh) Summer
Business – service charge (R/m) 0 < 500 kWh 133.40
<500 281.54 501 < 1 000 kWh 146.81
Business – capacity charge (R/m) <500 612.86 1001 < 2000 kWh 154.15
Business – service charge (R/m) 2001 < 3000 kWh 159.92
>500 281.54 > 3001 kWh 165.24
Business – capacity charge (R/m) >500 1 039.23 Reseller business (conventional) – energy charge (c/kWh) Winter
Business – energy charge (c/kWh)) Summer 0 < 500 kWh 148.15
0 < 500 kWh 137.40 501 < 1 000 kWh 161.90
501 < 1 000 kWh 150.81 1001 < 2000 kWh 168.90
1001 < 2000 kWh 158.15 2001 < 3000 kWh 174.67
2001 < 3000 kWh 163.92 > 3001 kWh 179.99
> 3001 kWh 169.24

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Description 2014/15 Durbani19

Reseller business (prepaid) – energy charge (c/kWh) Summer Proposed schedule of electricity tariffs for 2014/15*
0 < 500 kWh 137.09 * All tariffs below are exclusive of VAT and effective from 1 July 2014.
501 < 1 000 kWh 150.50 Business tariffs
1001 < 2000 kWh 157.84 Commercial Time Of Use (CTOU)*
2001 < 3000 kWh 163.61 * This tariff is designed for business and industrial customers with a notified maximum demand
> 3001 kWh 168.93
of 100 kVA and below. (Prices are effective 1 July 2012 and exclude VAT).

Reseller business (prepaid) – energy charge (c/kWh) Winter

Commercial Time of High season (c/kWh) Service charge
Use (CTOU) Peak Std Off-peak (Rands)
0 < 500 kWh 137.09
501 < 1 000 kWh 150.50 For customers with 229.57 114.86 55.95 243.10
notified max demand Low season (c/kWh) Service charge
1001 < 2000 kWh 157.84
less than 100kVA only (Rands)
2001 < 3000 kWh 163.61 Peak Std Off-peak
> 3001 kWh 168.93 113.26 91.11 53.00 243.10
Reactive energy for LPU (c/kVArh) 14.91
Non-profit organisations – service charge (R/m) 60A 93.85 Business and general credit tariffs (Scale 1)
80A 93.85 Typical customer Commercial and industrial
Non-profit organisations – energy charge (c/kWh) 0 < 500 kWh 90.63 Service charge The service charge is fixed and is payable per month to recover
501 < 1 000 kWh 104.01 related costs.
1001 < 2000 kWh 111.68 Service charge Energy costs
2001 < 3000 kWh 117.83 Service charge (R) 170.41 Energy charge (c/kWh) 130.23
> 3001 kWh 123.61 VAT 23.86 VAT 18.23
Total 194.27 Total 148.46

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Business and general prepayment - Scale 10 & 11 Residential tariffs

Typical customer Commercial and industrial Residential Time of Use (RTOU)* (Prices are effective 1 July 2014 and
exclude VAT).
Service charge The service charge is fixed
Energy charge This energy charge is a flat rate charge Residential Non-seasonal (c/kWh) Service charge
Energy charge (R) 144.60 Time of Use Peak Std Off-peak (Rands)
(RTOU)
VAT 20.24 169.01 84.43 62.54 91.03
Total 164.84
*This tariff allows residential customers; typically with consumption greater
than 1 000 kWh per month, to benefit from lower energy costs should they
Large power user tariffs
be able to shift their loads away from peak periods and towards standard/
Industrial Time of Use (ITOU)
off-peak periods.
Note: This tariff is designed for customers with an notified maximum demand greater than 100kVA.
Customers opting for this tariff benefit if they can shift their energy usage away from peak periods Free Basic Electricity (FBE)* Energy Costs
and towards standard/off-peak periods.
Energy charge (c/kWh) 82.58
(Prices are effective 1 July 2014 and exclude VAT). VAT 11.56

Industrial Time of Use (ITOU) Amount Total 94.14

Peak High demand season 211.15(c/kWh) 65 kWh free per month

Standard (June - August) 68.44 (c/kWh) * This tariff is currently available to indigent customers who consume less than
Off-peak 39.61 (c/kWh) 150 kWh per month. All customers on this tariff will be eligible to 65 kWh of
Peak Low demand season 72.80 ((c/kWh)
free electricity on a monthly basis. An online monitoring system is currently
(September - May)
in place that identifies customers who qualify for FBE based on their average
Standard 51.94 (c/kWh)
electricity usage. Customers who consume more than an average of 150 kWh
Off-peak 35.62 (c/kWh) per month will not be eligible for FBE. FBE tokens must be collected on a
Network demand charge (R/kVA) 70.50 (based on actual demand) monthly basis.
Network access charge (R/kVA) 22.25 (based on notified max demand)
Service charge R2 659.05
Voltage surcharge Voltage % Surcharge
275 kV 0.00
132 kV 2.25
33 kV 3.00
11 kV 10.50
6.6 kV 12.75
400 V 22.50

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11.11. Addendum 11: Immigration – All applicants must: 3. Forms

Permits and visasi20
• Have a valid passport. The passport must BI-84 – Visa application
1. Where to apply for a residence permit have two unused pages and be valid for a
BI-1738 – Temporary residence application
minimum of 30 days after the intended date
Any foreigner who wants to enter South Africa of departure; and BI-947 – Direct residency permits, residency-on-other-grounds permits
must apply for the appropriate residence visa at: BI-1590 – Applying for refugee/asylum-seeker status
• Ensure the temporary residence visa is valid at
• The South African diplomatic representative all times. Other categories – Contact the Department of Home of Affairs for the required form(s)
in his/her country of normal residence; or
2. Price list
• At a South African diplomatic representative
in an adjoining or nearby foreign country Temporary residence
if there is no South African diplomatic Visitor’s visa R425
representation in the applicant’s country of Business visa R1 520
normal residence.
Work visas R1 520
Applications for residence visas are processed Corporate visa R1 520
and finalised at the foreign offices of the
Study visa R425
Department of Home Affairs. Arrangements to
travel to South Africa must only be made once Exchange visa R425
the temporary residence visa has been issued. Retired persons’ visas R425
The Immigration Act makes provision for a Relatives’ visa R425
foreigner to apply to the Director-General in Medical treatment visa R425
the prescribed manner and on the prescribed
form to change his/her status or the conditions Permanent residence
attached to his/her temporary residence visa, Permanent residence permit R1 520
or both such status and conditions, as the case
may be, while in the Republic.
Note:
Applications for permanent residence may be
lodged at South African Mission abroad or • Applications for spouses of South African
through the VFS Global website (http://www. citizens, dependent children, and recognised
vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica) inside the refugees, do not require payment of the
country provided that such an applicant is in processing fee.
possession of a valid temporary residence visa.

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4. Passport holders who are exempt from visas for South Africa • The citizen who is a holder of a national passport (diplomatic, official and ordinary) of the
following countries /territories /international organisations is not required to hold a visa in respect
(Subject to change without notice)
of purposes for which a visitor’s permit may be issued or by virtue of being a person contemplated
in section 31(3)(b) (accredited in SA) for an intended stay of 30 days or less and when in transit:
The citizen who is a holder of a national passport (diplomatic, official and ordinary) of the foreign
countries / territories / international organisations listed below are not required to hold a visa when Antigua and Barbuda Hong Kong (only with regard to holders Maldives
reporting to an immigration officer for an examination at a South African port of entry, subject Bahamas (only ordinary of Hong Kong British National Overseas Mauritius
to the terms and conditions set out in this list, including inter alia the intended period of stay in passport holders) passports and Hong Kong Special Mozambique
the Republic. Barbados Administrative Region passports) Namibia
• The holder of a national South African passport, travel document and document for travel purposes. Belize Hungary Peru
Benin Jordan Poland
• The citizen who is a holder of a national passport (diplomatic, official or ordinary) of the following Bolivia Lesotho Seychelles
countries / territories / international organisations is not required to hold a visa in respect of purposes Cape Verde Macau (only with regard to holders of Slovak Republic
for which a visitor’s visa may be issued or by virtue of being a person contemplated in section Costa Rica Macau Special Administrative Region South Korea
31(3) (b) (accredited in SA) for an intended stay of 90 days or less and when in transit: Cyprus passports [MSAR]) Swaziland
Gabon Malaysia Thailand
African Union Laissez Passer Italy United Kingdom of Great Britain
Guyana Malawi Turkey
Andorra Jamaica and Northern Ireland
Argentina Japan British Islands Bailiwick of Guernsey • Agreements have also been concluded with the following countries for holders of diplomatic and
Australia Liechtenstein and Jersey, Isle of Man. British official passport holders.
Austria Luxemburg Oversees Territories namely:
Citizens who are holders of diplomatic, official and service passports of the following countries
Belgium Malta Anguilla, Bermuda, British Antarctic
do not require visas in respect of purposes for which a visitor’s permit may be issued or by virtue
Botswana Monaco Territory, British Indian Ocean
of being a person contemplated in section 31(3)(b) (accredited in SA) for the period indicated
Brazil Namibia (only ordinary Territory, British Virgin Islands,
and transit:
Canada passport holders) Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands,
Chile Netherlands Gibraltar, Montserrat, St Helena Albania (120 days) Egypt (30 days) Paraguay (120 days)
Czech Republic New Zealand and Dependencies (Ascension Ghana (90 days)
Algeria (30 days) Poland (90 days)
Denmark Norway Island, Gough Island and Tristan da Guinea (90 days)
Ecuador Paraguay Cunha), Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie Angola (90 days) Romania (90 days)
Hungary (120 days)
Finland Portugal and Oeno Islands, the Sovereign Belarus (90 days) India (90 days) Russian Federation (90 days)
France San Marino Base Areas of Cyprus South Georgia Bulgaria (90 days) Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire) (30 days) Rwanda (30 days)
Germany (except in Singapore and South Sandwich Islands and Kenya (30 days)
diplomatic staff due to Spain the Turks and Caicos Island. China (PROC) (30 days) (only Slovak (90 days)
diplomatic passport holders) Mexico (90 days)
assume duty at the Embassy St Vincent & the Grenadines Uruguay Slovenia (120 days)
Madagascar (30 days)
and Consulates of Germany Sweden Venezuela Cyprus (90 days) Thailand (90 days)
Morocco (30 days)
in SA) Switzerland United States of America (except in Comoros (90 days) Mozambique (90 days) Tunisia (90 days)
Greece Tanzania (90 days per year) diplomatic staff due to assume duty Namibia (30 days)
Croatia (90 days) Vietnam (90 days)
Iceland Trinidad & Tobago (only at the Embassy and Consulates of
Ireland ordinary passport holders) the USA in SA) Cuba (90 days) (diplomatic,
Israel Zambia (90 days per annum) Zimbabwe official & service)

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• Notwithstanding this Schedule, a foreigner • The following categories of the UN, as well 5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
whose visa exemption has been withdrawn as their spouses, dependent relatives and
shall comply with the visa requirements other members of the households are exempt Questions Answers
until notified by the Department that his/her from visa requirements when visiting the Can the capital The capital requirements above may be reduced or waived in respect of
visa exemption has been re-instated by the Republic for periods not exceeding 90 days requirements for the following types of industries/businesses:
Department on petition or of its own accord. for purposes for which a visitor’s visa may be a business visa be
issued, and for official business purposes and • Information and communication technology
reduced or waived?
• Visas are not required by passport holders
transits and when accredited for placement • Clothing and textile manufacturing
of Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia,
at a UN mission in the Republic for the
Zambia and Malawi who are entering the • Chemicals and bio-technology
duration of their accreditation, provided
Republic as commercial heavy-duty vehicle
they are in possession of the relevant letters • Agro-processing
drivers provide their visits do not exceed
or identification documents to identify
15 days and on condition that they can • Metals and minerals refinement
themselves at ports of entry as personnel of
produce a letter confirming their employment
an UN agency: • Automotive manufacturing
with a transport company on entry.
- Holders of UN Laissez-passers • Tourism
The same principle applies to Zimbabwean
commercial heavy-duty vehicle drivers, except - Volunteers attached to the UN • Crafts
that their sojourn may not exceed 30 days at
- Persons involved in any UN agency What must I do if my If the qualifications are in a foreign language, you must have the
a time. The aforementioned does not apply
qualifications are in a documents translated into one of the official languages by a sworn
to commercial heavy-duty vehicle drivers who - Persons performing services on behalf of
foreign language? translator (and provide proof of registration of the translator).
transport goods for a South African transport the UN
company. Such drivers must be in possession What are the The original advertisement of the post/position as it appeared in
• Members of military forces attending any specifications for an the national printed media. The advertisement must comply with
of a valid work visa.
military related matters with the South advertisement? regulation 16(5) as follows:
• Staff members of the Southern African African National Defence Force (SANDF)
Development Community (SADC) who travel are exempt from visa and study visa • Reflect the full particulars of the relevant newspaper or magazine as
on SADC laissez-passers are exempt from visa requirements; irrespective of their duration well as date on which the advertisement was published;
requirements for bona fide official business of stay provided they are in possession of • Stipulate the minimum qualifications and experience required to fill the
visits up to 90 days and transit. letters of invitation from the SANDF, as well position;
as letters of consent from the military force of
which they are members. • Clearly define the position and the duties to be performed;
• Measure at least 60mm by 60mm;
• State the closing date for applications; and
• Should not be older than three months at the time of application for a
work visa. This period is calculated from the closing date of advert.

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11.12. Addendum 12: Customs and Medicines 2. Once over duty-free limit 3. Goods that have to be declared
excise regulations – Guidelines for You are allowed to bring in one month’s supply
Once the above limits are exceeded, all goods Certain goods are restricted, and may only
immigrants and travellersi21 of pharmaceutical drugs or medicines for
brought into South Africa are subject to the be brought into South Africa if you have
your personal use. Any other pharmaceutical
payment of customs duty and VAT (including the necessary authority or permit, and these
Note: drugs or medicines must be accompanied by a
goods bought duty-free on aircraft or ships or in must be declared on arrival. They include any
letter or certified prescription from a registered
• Whether arriving in South Africa by air, sea duty-free shops): firearms, as well as:
physician, and have to be declared.
or land, all travellers (including immigrants) • For goods of up to R12 000 in value, you will • Currency - South African bank notes in
will have to pass through customs control. Personal effects, sport and recreational
have the option of paying customs duty at excess of R5 000, gold coins, coin and stamp
If found with undeclared, restricted or equipment
a flat rate of 20%. Flat-rated goods are also collections, and unprocessed gold;
prohibited goods; you could be fined or You can bring in personal effects, sport and
exempt from payment of VAT. This is valid
even face prosecution. Below is a guide to recreational equipment, either as accompanied • Endangered plants and animals - Species
only once per person per 30-day period;
bringing goods in and out of the country. or unaccompanied baggage, for your own use of plants or animals that are listed as
during your visit. In the case of very expensive • People under 18 can opt for the flat rate endangered, whether they are alive or dead,
articles, you may be required to lodge a cash assessment, provided the goods are for their as well as any parts of or articles made
1. Duty-free goods deposit to cover the potential duty/ tax on personal use; from them;
their re-export. The deposit will be refunded on
You can bring the following goods into South • Once you’re over the additional R12 000 • Food, plants, animals and biological goods -
departure after a customs officer has inspected
Africa without paying customs duty or VAT: limit - or if you waive the flat rate option All plants and plant products, such as seeds,
the items and verified that they are being
- then duty will be assessed and paid on flowers, fruit, honey, margarine and vegetable
Consumable goods in accompanied re-exported. You should notify the customs
each individual item you’re carrying, and an oils. Also animals, birds, poultry and products
baggage office at which the deposit was lodged at least
additional 14% VAT will be charged; and thereof, such as dairy products, butter
• Cigarettes - up to 200 per person two days before departure to ensure that the
and eggs; and
refund is ready. • Goods that do not qualify for the flat rate
• Cigars - up to 20 per person assessment include:* • Medicines - You are allowed to bring in one
If you are departing from a different port, the
• Cigarette or pipe tobacco - up to 250g per month’s supply of pharmaceutical drugs
inspection report will be forwarded to the office - Firearms
person or medicines for your personal use. Any
where the deposit was lodged, and a cheque
- Goods for commercial purposes other pharmaceutical drugs or medicines
• Perfume - up to 50ml per person will be posted to the address you provided.
must be accompanied by a letter or certified
- Consumable goods in excess of the
• Eau de toilette (scented liquid lighter than Additional goods prescription from a registered physician, and
quantities detailed above
cologne) - up to 250ml per person In addition to the personal effects and have to be declared.
consumables duty-free allowances, you are - Goods or gifts carried on behalf of
• Wine - up to 2 litres per person allowed to bring in new or used goods in other people
• Spirits and other alcoholic beverages - up to accompanied baggage to the value of R3 000.
* Not only are these are subject to duties and taxes, but
1 litre in total per person (This is valid only once per person per 30-day they may also require an import permit.
period.)
People under 18, can claim this duty-free
allowance on consumable goods (with the
exception of alcohol and tobacco products)
provided the goods are for their personal use.

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4. Goods prohibited 5. Which channel to choose through South 6. To be on the safe side
Note:
African customs control: red or green
It is illegal to bring the following goods into • Always declare all goods in your possession.
• Customs officials may still search travellers
South Africa: Green channel
• Produce receipts for goods purchased abroad in transit and their baggage for any illegal
Choose the green channel if:
• Narcotics - Any narcotic or psychotropic (including goods bought duty-free on aircraft drugs or counterfeit goods. Anyone found
substances, including drugs such as cannabis, • You have nothing to declare; or ships or in duty-free shops). with such goods will be detained and
heroin, cocaine, mandrax or ecstasy; or any handed over to the SAPS for prosecution.
• Your goods qualify for the duty-free • If you are unsure of the value of goods,
paraphernalia relating to their use;
allowances detailed above; which you should declare, ask for assistance
• Any fully automatic, military or unnumbered from the customs officer on duty. 8. VAT refunds for tourists
• You are not carrying goods or gifts on behalf
weapons, as well as explosives, fireworks or
of others; • VAT at a rate of 14% is levied on the purchase
weapons of mass destruction; Note:
of most goods in South Africa. However, as
• You are not carrying restricted or prohibited • If in any doubt as to whether the goods a foreign visitor you may apply for a refund
• Any poison and other toxic substance;
goods; and you intend to bring into South Africa are of the VAT you pay while in the country –
• Cigarettes with a mass of more than 2kg per restricted, contact your nearest South provided you apply before you depart.
• You are not carrying commercial goods
1 000; African embassy or High Commission
(goods brought in for trade purposes). • To apply, make sure you get tax invoices for
• Any goods to which a trade description or abroad.
Red channel your purchases, which you can present to
trade mark is applied in contravention of any VAT Refund Administrators at your point of
If you can’t tick all the above, then choose the
law (e.g. counterfeit goods); departure. If he/she is not available, present
red channel. If you are in any doubt, still choose 7. Travellers in transit
• Unlawful reproductions of any works subject the red channel and ask the customs officer for your goods to a customs officer, who will
• Travellers in transit to countries outside the
to copyright; and assistance. inspect the goods, stamp your invoices and
SACU do not have to comply with customs
deliver them to the VAT Refund Administrator,
• Any prison or penitentiary made goods. formalities in South Africa. This applies only
Note: who will correspond with you on the matter.
if you have been booked from an airport
• Where the red/green channel system is not outside the SACU, and you are not travelling For full information on how and where to apply
in operation, report directly to a customs to your final destination by road. for VAT refunds, visit: www.taxrefunds.co.za.
officer and declare all the goods in your
• These passengers may not leave the transit
possession.
area of the airport between flights. Their
baggage will automatically be transferred
from their international flight.

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9. How much money can be brought in/ 10. Duty-free temporary imports 11.13. Addendum 13: How to apply for an energy connectioni22
taken out?
• South Africa acceded to the ATA Convention
Procedure Agency Time to Associated
• As a foreign visitor, you can bring in up to in 1975. Foreign visitors (companies and
complete costs
R5 000 in South African currency (Rands), individuals) can therefore approach their
plus an unlimited amount in foreign local chambers of commerce for advice 1. Submit an application for electricity Eskom 60 days No charge
currencies and traveller’s cheques, provided regarding the issuing of an ATA Carnet for connection to Eskom and await an
you declare this on arrival. the temporary import of certain goods in a estimate of connection fees.
simplified method, for example, in the case Applications can be done online
• On departure, you can also take out R5 000
of broadcasters or sponsors of international through Customer Service Online
in South African currency (Rands), and up
sporting events taking place. system or by fax. Certified copies of
to the amount in foreign currencies and
traveller’s cheques that you declared when an ID, as well as guarantee payment
you arrived (provided you didn’t stay more are submitted to the servicing Walk-
than 12 months). In-Centre on signing of the original
contract by the customer. Budget
quotes are issued, based on actual
costs, whereby the applicant can
respond.

When the customer accepts the budget

quote, the customer submits the
acceptance letter (usually attached to
the quote) together with the necessary
payment or proof thereof to the
Customer Executive dealing with the
application.

2. Receive external inspection by Eskom.* Eskom 1 day No charge

An external site inspection is carried

out by Eskom to confirm the site layout
and to compare it with the drawing for
costing purposes.

3. Await completion of the external Eskom 165 days R456 625

connection works by Eskom.

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Procedure Agency Time to Associated 11.14. Addendum 14: How to apply • Submit Certificate of Compliance of e.g.
complete costs for a water connectioni23 plumbing and sewerage. (This must be
provided by the municipality, as well as a a
4. The client obtains and submits Eskom 1 day No charge Applications for a water (and wastewater) registered plumber. A registered plumber
a Certificate of Internal Wiring connection must be made through local must confirm that the plumbing work has
Compliance to Eskom.* government suppliers/departments/ been completed according to the applicable
An electrician issues a Compliance municipalities (e.g. Cape Town - City-of Cape legislation and standards. This is separate
Certificate regarding the internal wiring Town, Durban - eThekwini Municipality from the inspection done by the municipality);
to Eskom. The internal wiring is not and Johannesburg - Johannesburg Water /
Department of Water Affairs). Each applicant • Pay the applicable meter cost and deposit
Eskom’s responsibility. An electrician
will need to complete a New Water Connection after investigation has been completed; and
does the inspection, issue Compliance
Certificate and submit it to Eskom. Application Form and sign a Service Agreement • Receive water connection. (This usually takes
with the relevant supplier/department/ seven working days after all the necessary
Eskom will require a Certificate of municipality. documentations have been submitted,
Compliance signed by a registered
The procedure for obtaining a water connection Service Agreement signed, investigation
Electrical Contractor. The applicant’s
is typically as follows: completed and the necessary fees have been
electrician has to be licensed/accredited
paid. If a bulk meter is required, it could take
by the Electrician Contractors • Contact your local water supplier/department/ 14 working days).
Association of South Africa (ECASA). municipality;
All electricians doing work with Eskom Useful contacts include:
have to be accredited by ECASA. • Fill in and submit a New Water Connection
Application Form. (Supporting documents • City of Cape Town (Water & Sanitation)
5. Sign a supply contract with Eskom and Eskom 1 day No charge Telephone: 0860 103 089/SMS: 31373
required may include e.g. ID, deed of sale,
obtain a final connection. Fax: +27 (021) 957 4726
offer to purchase, company documents, VAT
The supply contract can be signed just registration number, LG map/ stand map, E-mail: watertoc@capetown.gov.za
before the external connection works proxy if owner cannot come in to sign the Website: www.capetown.gov.za/en/water;
are ready so the power is turned on the Service Agreement, etc.); and
next day after the external connection • eThekwini Municipality
• Sign a Service Agreement with the supplier/
works are over. Eskom only provides Website: www.ethekwini.co.za
department/municipality;
final connection after Compliance Johannesburg Water
Certificate was received. • Lodge an inspection. (An investigation must Telephone: +27 (011) 688 1400 \
* This procedure can be done simultaneously with previous ones. be lodged before the meter can be installed); SMS:082 653 2143
• Receive an inspection of water drainage
systems from the municipality. (There is no
charge for this and it usually takes one day);

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http://www.durban.gov.za/Pages/default.aspx; http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/south-africa/dealing-with-
construction-permits, www.capetown.gov.za/en/Services/Pages/default.aspx.

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11.15. Addendum 15: How to apply for an environmental impact assessment What are the roles and • Must make decisions on Applications for Environmental Authorisations in
(EIA)i24 responsibilities of the accordance with the Regulations;
Competent Authority? • Notify Applicant/Developer of decision, conditions and Appeal provisions;
Questions Answers
What activities Activities that are listed either in Listing 1 or in Listing 2 (www.eiatoolkit.ewt.org.za) • Must comply with the specified timeframes;
require Environmental require Environmental Authorisation before commencement. • Must give access to information that may be relevant to the Application;
Authorisation?
• Must give written reasons for decisions;
How and where is Application for authorisation to commence with a listed activity must be made
an Environmental to the Competent Authority, which decides whether to grant authorisation or to • Must enter into written agreements with organs of state with jurisdiction;
Authorisation obtained? refuse it. Depending on the type of activity, the Application for authorisation must • Must, if applicable, consider and respond to Appeals;
either be subjected to a Basic Assessment or the more thorough Scoping and EIA.
• May pass national and/or provincial guidelines;
Provision is also made for an Applicant to apply to the Competent Authority and
request to be exempted fom any provision of the Environmental Impact Assessment • May adopt an Environmental Management Framework;
Regulations.
• May withdraw, amend or suspend an Environmental Authorisation;
Who is involved The Applicant/Developer; the Competent Authority; the Environmental Assessment
in an Application Practitioner/Consultant and Interested and Affected Parties. • Must make decisions in an open and transparent manner;
for Environmental • Must request additional information or that further studies be conducted if
Authorisation? necessary;
What are the roles and • Must appoint an Environmental Assessment Practitioner to manage the • Must give reasons for the decision to the Applicant; and
responsibilities of the Application;
• Must give reasonable assistance to a person who is unable to participate as a
Applicant/Developer? • Must provide the Environmental Assessment Practitioner and Competent result of illiteracy, disability or any other disadvantage.
Authority with access to all available information relevant to the Application;
The Applicant/Developer No. The Applicant/Developer can submit a single Application on one Application
• Must provide the Environmental Assessment Practitioner and Competent is undertaking two or form that contains information about all activities.
Authority with access to all the relevant information; more activities as part of
• Must provide the Environmental Assessment Practitioner with truthful information the same development.
relevant to the proposed identified activity; and Does he need two or
more Applications?
• Must pay any costs or fees applicable to the Application.
The Applicant/Developer In general separate Applications must be submitted for each location even if they
intends to build the are to be undertaken in the same province. However, the Competent Authority may,
same development at written request of the Applicant/Developer, grant permission for the submission
at several locations. of a single Application on one Application form. If this permission is granted, the
Can she submit one process may be consolidated but the potential of the environmental impacts of each
Application for all the activity must be considered in terms of each separate location.
projects?

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Last year an Applicant/ Maybe. An Applicant/Developer is not permitted to submit an Application that is What information has to The Basic Assessment Report must contain all the information necessary for the
Developer was denied substantially similar to a previous Application by the Applicant/Developer, which be contained in a Basic Competent Authority to consider the Application and make a decision. The Basic
permission to build has been refused, unless the Application contains new or material information Assessment Report? Assessment Report must include:
a project and now not previously submitted. The Applicant/Developer can however submit the same
• Details of -
he is resubmitting Application after a period of three years has elapsed.
the essentially same 1. The Environmental Assessment Practitioner/Consultant who prepared the
proposal. Can he do report; and
that? 2. The expertise of the Environmental Assessment Practitioner/Consultant to
When should an If an activity is listed in Listing 1. In addition, the Minister may also identify further carry out Basic Assessment procedures;
activity be subjected to activities for which Environmental Authorisation is required in terms of Section 24 D • A description of the proposed activity;
the Basic Assessment of the National Environmental Management Act, 107 of 1998, by issuing a notice.
process? The notice will specify which process (Basic Assessment or Scoping and EIA) must be • A description of the property on which the activity is to be undertaken and the
location of the activity on the property, or if it is -
applied in order to obtain the Environmental Authorisation for a specific activity.
What is the first thing Before submitting an Application to the Competent Authority the Environmental 1. A linear activity, a description of the route of the activity; or
the Applicant/Developer Assessment Practitioner/Consultant managing the Application must: 2. An ocean-based activity, the coordinates within which the activity is to be
must do when undertaken;
• Conduct at least a public participation process;
conducting a Basic
• Give notice, in writing, of the proposed Application to - • A description of the environment that may be affected by the proposed activity
Assessment?
and the manner in which the geographical, physical, biological, social, economic
1. The Competent Authority; and and cultural aspects of the environment may be affected by the proposed
activity;
2. Any organ of state, which has jurisdiction in respect of any aspect of the
activity; • An identification of all legislation and guidelines that have been considered in the
preparation of the Basic Assessment Report;
• Open and maintain a register of all Interested and Affected Parties in;
• Details of the public participation process conducted in connection with the
• Consider all objections and representations received from Interested and Affected
Application, including -
Parties following the public participation process conducted, and subject the
proposed Application to Basic Assessment by assessing - 1. The steps that were taken to notify potentially Interested and Affected Parties
of the proposed Application;
1. The potential impacts of the activity on the environment;
2. Proof that notice boards, advertisements and notices notifying potentially
2. Whether and to what extent those impacts can be mitigated; and
Interested and Affected Parties of the proposed Application have been
3. Whether there are any significant issues and impacts that require further displayed, placed or given;
investigation;
• A list of all persons, organisations and organs of state that were registered as
• Prepare a Basic Assessment Report; and Interested and Affected Parties in relation to the Application; and

• Give all registered Interested and Affected Parties an opportunity to comment on • A summary of the issues raised by Interested and Affected Parties, the date
the Basic Assessment Report. of receipt of and the response of the Environmental Assessment Practitioner/
Consultant to those issues;

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• A description of the need and desirability of the proposed activity and any What criteria does the When considering an Application, the Competent Authority must:
identified alternatives to the proposed activity that are feasible and reasonable, Competent Authority
1. Ensure that it complies with the Act, Regulations, and all applicable legislation;
including the advantages and disadvantages that the proposed activity or take into account
alternatives will have on the environment and on the community that may be when deciding 2. Take into account relevant factors, including:
affected by the activity;
whether to approve or i. Any pollution, environmental impacts or environmental degradation likely to
• A description and assessment of the significance of any environmental impacts, deny an Application be caused if the Application is approved or refused;
including cumulative impacts, that may occur as a result of the undertaking of for Environmental
the activity or identified alternatives or as a result of any construction, erection or ii. The impact of the environment of the activity and associated operations;
Authorisation (whether
decommissioning associated with the undertaking of the activity; it is for an Application iii. Measures that can be taken to protect the environment from harm and to
• Any environmental management and mitigation measures proposed by the to authorise an activity prevent or mitigate any pollution or other environmental impacts;
Environmental Assessment Practitioner/Consultant; listed in listing 1 or 2)?
iv. The ability of the Applicant/Developer to implement mitigation measures
• Any inputs made by specialists to the extent that may be necessary; and and to comply with any conditions imposed on the project;

• Any specific information required by the Competent Authority. v. Any feasible and reasonable modifications to the activity that may minimise
environmental harm;
Please consult the DEAT Basic Assessment document for further information.
vi. Any information or maps compiled pursuant to NEMA, including any
What documents The completed Application form has to be submitted together with: environmental management frameworks relevant to the Application;
must be submitted
• Ahe Basic Assessment Report; vii. Information contained in the Application form, reports, comments, and
with the Application
form requesting • Copies of any representations, objections and comments received in connection other documents submitted to the Competent Authority;
Environmental with the Application or the basic; viii. Any comments from state organs with jurisdiction over any aspect of the
Authorisation for an • Assessment report; activity; and
activity listed in Listing 1
• Copies of the minutes of any meetings held by the Environmental Assessment ix. Any guidelines that are relevant to the Application.
and therefore has to be
Practitioner/Consultant with Interested and Affected Parties and other role players Will I get a copy of Once a final decision is made and the Competent Authority has informed the
subjected to the Basic
which record the views of the participants; the Environmental Applicant/Developer of that decision, the Applicant/Developer must provide written
Assessment process?
• Any responses by the Environmental Assessment Practitioner/Consultant to those Authorisation? How and notification of the outcome, the reasons for the decision, as well as the fact that
representations, objections, comments and views; when? an Appeal may be lodged to the decision, to Interested and Affected Parties. The
timeframe within which the Applicant/Developer has to provide Interested and
• A declaration of interest by the Environmental Assessment Practitioner/Consultant
Affected Parties with this information will be specified by the Competent Authority
on a form provided by the Competent Authority; and
in the Environmental Authorisation.
• The prescribed Application fee, if any, and the written permission of the
landowner (if the Applicant/Developer is not the owner of the property), or proof
of notification to relevant landowners if Application is for a linear activity.

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Contents Foreign trade
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11.16. Addendum 16: How to obtain • If the system accepts the application, you
a mining permit/righti25/26 will be notified to submit an environmental
management programme for approval; and
Basic requirements
• Notify and consult all interested and affected
If you want a mining permit/right, you need parties within 180 days from the date of the
permission from the Department of Mineral notice.
Resources to mine minerals within a certain
area. How long does it take?

A mining permit/right may not exceed a period If your application meets all the requirements,
of 30 years. the regional manager will notify you in writing
within 14 days of receipt of the application if
A mining permit/right is granted if: it has been accepted. The regional manager
• The mineral can be mined optimally; will instruct you to consult with the landowner,
the occupier of the land and all other affected
• You have the funds and expertise to conduct parties.
the proposed mining operation optimally;
If the application is not successful, the regional
• The financing plan is compatible with the manager will return the application to you
intended mining operation and for the within 14 days.
duration thereof;
If the Minister refuses to grant a mining right,
• No unacceptable pollution or damage to you will be informed in writing, within 30 days,
the environment will occur as a result of the stating the reasons for the refusal.
mining operation;
How much does it cost?
• You have made financial and other provisions
for the prescribed social and labour plan; Contact the Department of Mineral Resources
for the costs.
• You are not contravening the Mineral and
Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 Forms to complete
(Act 28 of 2002) (MPRDA); and Applications should be submitted online at:
• The operation is in line with the www.portal.samradonline.co.za
Mining Charter. Who to contact
What you should do Department of Mineral Resources at:
• Apply online at: www.dmr.gov.za
www.portal.samradonline.co.za.;
• Pay the non-refundable application fee
online;

i25
http://www.gov.za/services/mining-and-water/application-mining-right
i26
http://www.dmr.gov.za/contact-us.html

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