Company Registration

What Are a Company Director's Responsibilities?

The legal duties of a director in South Africa, in plain language.

On this page

Quick answer: Directors must act in the company's best interests, avoid conflicts of interest, act with reasonable care and skill, and keep the company compliant.

The core duties

  • Good faith. Act in the best interests of the company.
  • No conflicts. Declare personal interests in company deals.
  • Care and skill. Make informed, reasonable decisions.
  • Compliance. Keep records and file returns on time.

Practical responsibilities

  • Filing annual returns with CIPC
  • Keeping beneficial ownership information current
  • Keeping proper financial records
  • Making sure tax obligations are met

Who can be a director

A private company needs at least one director. Some people are disqualified, for example unrehabilitated insolvents.

Need to change a director? See how to add or remove a director.