South Africa

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

No Separate Goods-Transport Operating Licence Exists

Correct. The National Land Transport Act 5 of 2009 (NLTA), which requires a formal, gazetted operating licence, governs public passenger transport for reward (minibus taxis, buses, contract services, tourism transport). The Act explicitly does not apply to the transportation of goods.

Company Registration Required

Yes. Standard business registration through the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is required, alongside SARS tax registration.

Vehicle Registration and Operator Card Required

Yes, where the mover operates its own vehicles. Goods vehicles with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3,500kg are registered under Category “G” of the National Road Traffic Act. The registered owner is automatically deemed the vehicle’s “operator” and issued an Operator Card as part of the standard vehicle registration and licensing process, not through a separate business-licence application. Where a mover subcontracts the transport, the carrier’s own registrations, Operator Cards and driver permits cover the transport it performs, and the mover should use carriers that hold them.

Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) Required for Drivers

Yes, where the mover operates its own vehicles. Any driver operating a vehicle for reward must hold a valid PrDP in addition to a standard driver’s licence, which requires a medical fitness certificate and a criminal clearance check and is renewed every 2 years.

Roadworthy and Registration Certificates Required

Yes, where the mover operates its own vehicles. Vehicles need a current Certificate of Roadworthiness and vehicle registration certificate, maintained through the standard local licensing authority.

Consumer Protection

Yes. The Consumer Protection Act establishes the National Consumer Commission (NCC), tasked with investigating consumer complaints, and the National Consumer Tribunal, which adjudicates violations.

Consumer Complaint Resources (For Movers Not Vetted as ITMs)

Yes, through a multi-step process. Consumers are first encouraged to resolve disputes directly with the supplier. If unresolved, the matter can go to a Dispute Resolution Agent for alternative dispute resolution, then to a Provincial Consumer Court, and finally to the National Consumer Commission or Tribunal, which can declare a contravention, order changes in business practice, impose administrative fines, and interdict future prohibited practices.

Industry Association

Yes, several exist. The Professional Movers’ Association (PMA), founded in 1959 (originally as SAFWA, the South African Furniture Removers and Warehousemen’s Association), runs its own quality certification program, AMOSA (Accredited Movers of South Africa). The South African International Movers’ Association (SAIMA) was founded in 1975 by the PMA to support members with cross-border and international moves. The South African Furniture Removals Alliance (SAFRA) is a further, distinct industry alliance. Membership or accreditation from these bodies is voluntary and is not a government licence.

OverviewOverview & Scope

South Africa’s domestic licensing structure for goods transport is lighter-touch than most other countries in this project: the National Land Transport Act’s formal operating-licence requirement applies only to passenger transport, explicitly excluding goods. A moving company instead needs standard company registration. Where it operates its own vehicles, those vehicles (over 3,500kg) are registered under the National Road Traffic Act, with an Operator Card issued automatically to the registered owner as part of that registration rather than through a separate licensing process, and drivers need a Professional Driving Permit in addition to a standard licence. Where a mover subcontracts the transport, the carrier’s own registrations and permits cover the transport it performs, and the mover uses carriers that hold them. On the consumer side, the National Consumer Commission administers a multi-step escalation process with enforcement powers.

RegistrationRegistration & Compliance Essentials

Company registration

1. Register the company with CIPC and complete SARS tax registration.

Vehicles and drivers (where the mover operates its own vehicles)

2. Register each goods vehicle exceeding 3,500kg under the National Road Traffic Act, receiving the Operator Card automatically as the registered owner.
3. Ensure drivers hold a valid Professional Driving Permit (PrDP), renewed every 2 years.
4. Maintain current Certificates of Roadworthiness and vehicle registration for each vehicle.

Subcontracted transport

5. Where transport is subcontracted, use carriers that hold the licences required for the transport they perform.

Customer practices

6. Ensure consumer-facing practices comply with the Consumer Protection Act.

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• CIPC company registrationVerified by DocumentRequired
• SARS tax registrationVerified by DocumentRequired

Subcontracted transport

• Where transport is subcontracted, the mover uses carriers that hold the licences required for the transport they performWhere applicableVerified by AffirmationRequired

Vehicles and drivers (where the mover operates its own vehicles)

• Each goods vehicle over 3,500kg registered under the National Road Traffic Act, with a current Operator CardWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Certificate of Roadworthiness and vehicle registration certificate current for each vehicleWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Each driver holds a valid Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) and driver’s licenceWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired

Customer practices

• Consumer-facing practices comply with the Consumer Protection ActVerified by AffirmationRequired