Nonprofit Organisations Directorate, Department of Social Development (NPO Directorate)

The Directorate administers South Africa's Register of Nonprofit Organisations. Registration is voluntary, and the register is public, supporting transparency, accountability and public confidence in the sector.

An organisation applies through the NPO Online Registration system with its founding document: a constitution for a voluntary association, memorandum and articles plus registration letter for a non-profit company, or a deed of trust plus the trustees' authorisation for a trust. Registered NPOs must submit a narrative report, annual financial statements and an accounting officer's report within nine months of their financial year-end, and report changes to their constitution, address or office bearers. Non-compliant NPOs receive a 30-day notice and are then deregistered. Claiming registration falsely is a criminal offence. Most donors require NPO registration.