CIPRO Report Update

The following is a short summary of the main items discussed at the meeting between representatives from various bodies, including CSIG and the Acting Registrars of Companies and of Close Corporations and their senior staff on 21 April 2005. Please note that the information disclosed could have changed since the meeting held on 21 April 2005 and that if there is a specific item which you require clarity on you would need to contact CIPRO.


Annual Returns – private companies:

A discussion took place whereby CIPRO had indicated that they will consider the possibility for firms to submit annual returns in batches via a disk. A task team will be formed to discuss whether this will be possible from both an information technology systems and legislative point of view.

The CIPRO senior staff responded on the comment made that insufficient notice was given regarding the implementation of the annual returns for private companies by noting that three months notice was given and that although the effective date was May 2005, companies had to submit the annual return by end of June 2005.

Close corporations will also be requested to lodge annual returns and CIPRO will publish a notice once a decision regarding the fees payable has been made.

CIPRO representatives confirmed that the annual return form fees should be based on the latest audited financial statements' (of the company which return was due) revenue.

A discussion took place on whether CIPRO will consider keeping the information of the revenue which had to be disclosed in the annual return form as “private and confidential” and the CIPRO representatives noted that this will be considered.


According to CIPRO the processing times are:

(overtime was expected to commence on 22 April 2005 to help with back logs which were huge mainly as a result of the low productivity and the public holidays during March and April)

E-lodgement of amendment forms (CM22, CM29 and CM31) was expected to be launched May/June 2005. However, CIPRO will publish a notice on their website to announce this when they are ready to do so.

(over time had been worked to correct the back log)


Disclosures department:

If substantial delays were experienced to obtain files or copies of documents the public could e-mail the following person at CIPRO with detail of the query at:strollip@cipro.gov.za.

The offices at Proes Street will move to 202 Esselen street at the end of April 2005.


Next meeting

The next meeting will be held on 21 July 2005.