Founding Statement andCompany Registration
When registering a business with BIPA, it’s essential to submit the correct forms according to your structure. Below are worked examples for each category—with the exact form names—followed by a “Find the documents below” section for downloads.
All documents must be submitted to your nearest BIPA office, via courier, or through the nearest line ministry.
Close Corporations
Worked Example
John and Mary are registering ABC Tailoring CC:
- They submit a Name Reservation Form (CC8) and receive approval.
- They complete the CC1 Founding Statement in triplicate.
- They attach the Accountant’s Consent Letter (the accountant signs, as they are being appointed).
- They include certified ID copies of members and witness (certified within the past 6 months).
- They each fill in and sign a Beneficial Ownership Declaration Form.
Required Forms & Documents
- CC8 – Approved Application for a Name Reservation (BIPA)
- CC1 – Founding Statement (completed in triplicate, signed by members & witness)
- Certified ID copies (members & witness; certification ≤6 months old)
- Accountant’s Consent Letter (signed by your appointed accounting officer)
- Beneficial Ownership Declaration Form (from each member)
Find the forms below
Section 21 / NGO Registration (Non‑Profit Company)
Worked Example
Youth for Growth Association wants to register a Section 21 company:
- They reserve their NGO name using the CM5 and receive approval.
- There are seven founding members, each submitting a certified ID.
- They complete all statutory forms below.
- Each member signs a Beneficial Ownership Declaration Form.
Required Forms & Documents
- CM5 – Name Reservation Approved Application
- At least 7 certified ID copies of the founding members
- CM3 – Certificate of Incorporation of a company not having a share capital
- CM4 – Memorandum of Association of a company not having a share capital (Parts A, B & C)
- CM22 – Notice of Registered and Postal Addresses
- CM27 – Consent to act as director or officer
- CM29 – Contents of register of directors
- CM31 – Notice of, Consent to Appointment, Change of name, or resignation by auditor or removal of auditor
- CM46 – Certificate to Commence Business
- CM44B and C – Articles of Association of a Company not having a share capital not adopting schedule 1, Signatories to Articles of Association
- Beneficial Ownership Declaration Form (from all members)
Find the forms below
- CM5 – Name Reservation Application
- CM 3 Certificate of Incorporation of a company not having a share capital
- CM 4 Memorandum of Association of a Company not having a Share Capital
- CM 22 Notice of Registered office and postal Address of Company
- CM 27 Consent to Act as Director or Officer
- CM 29 Contents of Register of Directors, Auditors and Officers
- CM 31 Notice of, Consent to Appointment , Change of Name, or Resignation by Auditor or removal of Auditor
- CM 46 Certificate to Commence Business
- CM 44B Articles of Association of a company not having share capital not adopting Schedule 1
- CM 44C Signatories to Articles of Association
- BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP DECLARATION FORM- BO1_FINAL – AMENDED
- 2023 Section 21 Checklist
Private Company (Pty) Ltd Registration
Worked Example
Paul and Anita are forming Velocity Transport (Pty) Ltd:
- They reserve their business name using CM5.
- Attach certified IDs of members.
- Complete all required statutory company incorporation forms.
- Submit the Beneficial Ownership Declaration Form for all shareholders.
Required Forms & Documents
- CM5 – Name Reservation Approved Application
- Certified ID copies of all members / directors
- CM1 – Certificate of Incorporation
- CM2, A, B and C – Memorandum of Association of company having share capital
- CM22 – Notice of postal and registered addresses
- CM27 – Consent to act as director or officer
- CM29 – Contents of register of directors, auditors & public officer
- CM31 – Notice of, Consent to Appointment, Change of name, or resignation by auditor or removal of auditor
- CM44 – Articles of Association of a company having a share capital adopting Schedule 1
- CM44A – Articles of Association of a company having a share capital not adopting Schedule 1
- CM44C – Signatories to Articles of Association
- CM47 – Statement by each director regarding adequacy of capital of company
- CM46 – Application for Certificate to Commence Business
- CM51 – Certification of additional Copies of documents lodged for registration
- Beneficial Ownership Declaration Form (for each member)
Find the forms below
- CM5 – Name Reservation Application
- CM 1 Certificate of Incorporation of a company having a share capital
- CM 2 Memorandum of Association of a company having a share capital
- CM 22 Notice of Registered office and postal Adress of Company
- CM 27 Consent to Act as Director or Officer
- CM 29 Contents of Register of Directors, Auditors and Officers
- CM 31 Notice of, Consent to Appointment , Change of Name, or Resignation by Auditor or removal of Auditor
- CM 44 Article of Association of a Company Having a Share Capital Adopting Schedule 1
- CM 44A Adopting Schedule 1 Articles of association of a company having a share capital
- CM 44C Signatories to Articles of Association
- CM 47 Statement by each Director regarding Adequacy of capital of Company
- CM 46 Certificate to Commence Business
- CM51 – Certification of additional Copies of documents lodged for registration
- BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP DECLARATION FORM- BO1_FINAL – AMENDED
Common Compliance Notes
- All forms must be completed in black permanent ink or printed in block capitals or typed legibly.
- IDs for members and witnesses must be certified copies not older than 6 months.
- Named accountant must provide a signed consent letter for Close Corporations.
- Each company type requires a Beneficial Ownership Declaration Form from each member/director.