Media Statement

Companies and Intellectual Property Registration Office
(CIPRO)

CIPRO reaching out to the business community

Pretoria, Tuesday, 25 May 2010 CIPRO Acting Chief Executive Officer, Lungile Dukwana today said that CIPRO wants to assist the business community to submit annual returns for their companies and close corporations.

“CIPRO appreciates the impact deregistration of companies and close corporations will have on the economy of South Africa, and therefore has decided to give further extension to business entities in submitting annual returns until 15 July 2010. Deregistration processes will commence immediately thereafter”, said Dukwana.

Annual returns are not a new requirement for CIPRO, for public companies and external companies they were implemented in August 2003, whilst in September 2008 they were implemented for private companies and close corporations. Provision for submitting annual returns was made in terms of Section 173 of the Companies Act, Act 61 of 1973 as amended and Section 15A of the Close Corporations Act, Act 69 of 1984 as amended, as well as Section 16A of the Close Corporations Administrative Regulations.

Annual returns are therefore a statutory duty that is contained within the above Acts. The purpose of annual returns is also to confirm that the business entity’s information is up to date with CIPRO; and that the entity is still doing business. Annual returns are used in most countries across the globe to update information kept by an Office of the Registrar.

Annual returns must be lodged electronically on the CIPRO website within the anniversary month of the business entity’s incorporation. Penalty fees will be incurred within a month of non-compliance. Information about any possible outstanding annual return fees can be viewed on the CIPRO website. It is important that payment has to be made to CIPRO before the annual return lodgement process can be completed.

In addition to the extension of submitting annual returns, CIPRO is furthermore embarking on a roadshow during June and July 2010 to assist customers in submitting annual returns. All provinces will be visited and towns to be visited will be broadcasted on community radio stations and put on CIPRO website throughout June and July 2010.

Dukwana emphasised, “CIPRO will continue improving its services to our customers and businesses in South Africa as we realise the importance of the role CIPRO is playing in contributing to the economy of our country”.

Customers who require further information should visit the CIPRO website, www.cipro.gov.za or could email tshingange@cipro.gov.za, bmodise@cipro.gov.za or jmphahlele@cipro.gov.za

Ends

Issued by    :    CIPRO
Contact    :    Dr Elsabé Conradie
Telephone    :    (012) 394 5467
Email        :    econradie@cipro.gov.za