DSD TO INTRODUCE A NEW ONLINE NPO REGISTRATION AND COMPLIANCE MONITORING SYSTEM

• ⁠A new and improved digital system automating all business processes for non-profit organisations comes into effect on Monday, 1 September 2025.
• ⁠This will allow the Department of Social Development to manage a limited number of records.
• ⁠The department believes that the system will significantly improve service delivery by reducing the current waiting period of two months.

The Department of Social Development is introducing a new online registration and compliance monitoring system for non-profit organisations (NPOs).

This is in line with the department’s strategy to digitise its service for better service delivery, accessibility, and accountability.

The deployment of the system follows a series of targeted workshops and outreach programmes conducted across South Africa.

These initiatives aimed to engage NPOs and provide them with the necessary opportunities and support, including capacity building and guidance on corrective steps to address compliance issues.

The new system will be introduced in three phases, with Phase 1 taking effect from Monday, 1 September 2025. This will be for the application of new NPO registrations only.

A link will be available on the current system to guide NPOs to the new platform, where NPOs will be able to create their organisation’s profile and register as a new NPO.

Phase 2 will be introduced on 1 October 2025, with the third phase coming into effect from 19 October 2025.

Phase 2 will allow for the submission of annual reports, changes to the constitution, updates to organisational details, printing compliance letters, and accessing the education and awareness library.

Phase 3 will include the launch of a mobile App that will enable NPOs to access registration and compliance services from the comfort of their homes, eliminating transportation costs to visit departmental offices.

NPOs will receive guidance on how to access and use the App.

The three-phase deployment approach has been designed to prevent the collapse of services provided by NPOs.

This strategy will enable the department to manage a limited number of records, ensuring the system functions effectively and provides an opportunity for successful data migration.

For additional assistance, a training tutorial will be provided on the system, demonstrating how to create a profile.

NPOs can also visit the provincial Department of Social Development offices in Pretoria for help in creating their organisational profiles in the system.

The submission of reports, changes to the constitution, and updates to organisational details will continue to be managed through the current system.

The department believes that the introduction of the new system will significantly improve service delivery by reducing the current two-month waiting period.

This improvement will be achieved through the automation of all business processes.

NPOs will benefit from the system’s integration with other regulatory bodies, such as the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, the South African Revenue Service, and the Department of Home Affairs.

The department encourages NPOs to fully use the new system by creating their own accounts, which will save time when applying for funding.

This approach is based on the belief that a strong and capable civil society can play a collaborative and developmental role in a democratic society.