News / Legislation and compliance
Company director changes now need majority-board confirmation by OTP
CIPC's first phase requires a majority of the board to confirm each new director by one-time password, or the application is terminated.
Now in effect
- Who it affects
- Small companies whose directors and shareholders are the same people
- Effective
- 16 October 2026
- Action
- Arrange majority-board confirmation when appointing a director and follow the timeframe shown by CIPC
- Official source
- CIPC: Director amendment process
- Last checked
- 24 October 2026
What changed
Appointing a company director now comes with a board-confirmation step in the first phase of the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission’s (CIPC’s) revised process.
CIPC announced release on 16 October 2026. A majority of the board must confirm each newly appointed director using a one-time password (OTP). If confirmation does not happen within the required timeframe, the application is terminated. The notice does not say how many hours or days that allows.
Who it affects
The first phase applies to small companies where the directors and shareholders are the same people. CIPC says implementation will happen in phases. Do not assume that this first phase covers every company.
What to do
Before starting an appointment, arrange for the directors needed for majority confirmation to be available. Follow the instructions and timeframe presented by CIPC for your application.
If the deadline is unclear, ask CIPC to clarify it rather than relying on a guessed period. The notice announces the process; Digitise SA has not tested a director appointment in the portal.
Where to find out more
This update is general information, checked against the official source on the date shown. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and dates can change, so confirm with the official source or a qualified adviser before you act.