NPOs engaged in cross-border activities must register with Department of Social Development

The General Laws (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing) Amendment Act, 2022 effected changes to the Non-profit Organisations Act.

Previously, registration by a non-profit with the NPO Directorate within the Department of Social Development was voluntary.

With effect from 1 April 2023, non-profit organisations that make donations to individuals or organisations outside South Africa or provide humanitarian, charitable, religious, educational or cultural services outside South Africa, and which are not already registered with the Department, will be required to do so. If, as at 1 April 2023, such a non-profit is not registered, it will be afforded a limited amount of time (still to be advised in a Gazette) within which to register. Applications can however be made immediately. Failure to register by the end of the gazetted period will amount to a contravention of the Act and will be subject to administrative sanction.