Removing a director from your company in South Africa — whether they are resigning voluntarily or being removed by the shareholders — must be reported to the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) within 10 business days. If you don’t, the outgoing director stays on record and can remain personally liable for the company. This guide explains how to remove a director from your company at CIPC, the documents you need, and the difference between a resignation and a removal by resolution.
📋 In this guide
→ Two ways to remove a director
→ Documents you need
→ Step-by-step process
→ Risks of not updating CIPC
→ Cost and turnaround time
→ Frequently asked questions
Two Ways to Remove a Director From Your Company
A director can leave a company in one of two ways, and the paperwork differs depending on which applies.
1. Resignation (the director steps down voluntarily)
The director chooses to leave and provides a signed resignation letter stating the effective date. This is the simplest and most common route. Once the resignation is received, the company files the CoR39 to update CIPC.
2. Removal by resolution (the shareholders vote them out)
Under Section 71 of the Companies Act, shareholders can remove a director by ordinary resolution (more than 50% of votes). This is more involved: the director must be given reasonable notice of the meeting and a fair opportunity to make representations before the vote. If the correct procedure isn’t followed, the removal can be challenged.
Documents You Need to Remove a Director
| Situation | Document Required |
|---|---|
| Resignation | Signed resignation letter with the effective date |
| Removal by shareholders | Shareholders’ resolution recording the vote |
| Both | Company registration number and the outgoing director’s ID number |
| Both | Completed CoR39 (Notice of Change of Directors) |
How to Remove a Director: Step by Step
Step 1 — Confirm the reason and effective date
Establish whether this is a resignation or a removal by resolution, and pin down the exact date the director leaves. This date goes on the CoR39 and determines when your 10-business-day filing window starts.
Step 2 — Obtain the supporting document
For a resignation, get the signed resignation letter. For a removal, hold the shareholders’ meeting (with proper notice to the director) and record the resolution. This document is your proof that the removal is lawful.
Step 3 — Complete and submit the CoR39
The CoR39 form records the removal at CIPC. It must reflect the outgoing director’s details and the effective date exactly. The form is submitted through the CIPC e-Services portal.
Step 4 — Receive updated records
Once CIPC processes the change, you receive an updated company disclosure certificate showing the remaining directors. Keep this — it’s your proof that the director is no longer associated with the company.
Need a director removed quickly and correctly?
We prepare the CoR39, submit it to CIPC, and send you the updated disclosure — from R590, in 3–7 business days.
Remove a Director — R590 →What Happens If You Don’t Remove a Director From CIPC
Leaving an outgoing director on the CIPC record is a real risk — for both the company and the departing person:
- The former director stays on record as active and can remain personally liable for company decisions and debts
- They may still be able to act on behalf of the company at banks or with third parties
- Outdated records can block bank account changes, loan applications, and tax clearance at SARS
- Tender and CSD registration applications can be disqualified for inaccurate director information
- The departing director may face problems with their own credit record or future directorships
Cost and Turnaround Time
Through Bekin Consulting, removing a director costs R590 per director change, including CoR39 preparation, CIPC submission, and the updated company disclosure certificate. Turnaround is typically 3–7 business days. If you’re replacing a director, we can remove the outgoing one and add the new one in a single submission.
Related Services
- CIPC Director Amendment — add or remove directors (R590)
- Company Registration — register a new Pty Ltd
- Activate Deregistered Company — restore a deregistered company
Frequently Asked Questions
You need the director’s signed resignation letter stating the effective date, then file a CoR39 form with CIPC within 10 business days. CIPC updates the records and issues an updated disclosure certificate.
Yes. Under Section 71 of the Companies Act, shareholders can remove a director by ordinary resolution (over 50% of votes). The director must be given reasonable notice and a chance to make representations before the vote.
The former director stays on record as active and may remain personally liable for company decisions. Outdated records can also block bank account changes, SARS tax clearance, and tender applications.
Bekin Consulting charges R590 per director change, which includes CoR39 preparation, CIPC submission, and an updated company disclosure certificate.
Yes. We can process the removal and the appointment together in a single CoR39 submission, which saves time when you are replacing a director.
