Business Model & Legal Setup Guide

Starting a business in South Africa? Before you sell your first product or pitch your first client, get the legal stuff right.

This guide breaks down the most important setup steps in plain English — from choosing the right business model for today’s economy to registering with CIPC, handling SARS, understanding BEE, and setting up payment systems like Yoco and PayFast.

You'll also find a practical checklist and a real-life case study of a South African entrepreneur who built their business the smart way — so you can, too.

Whether you're side-hustling or launching full-time, this no-fluff guide gives you the clarity and confidence to start strong:

1. Introduction

2. Choosing the Right Business Model (SA Trends)

3. Sole Prop vs. Pty Ltd – Tax & Legal Differences

4. Registering with CIPC & SARS Compliance

5. BEE Compliance – What You Need to Know

6. Setting Up Banking & Payment Solutions (Yoco, PayFast)

7. Checklist – Launch-Ready Business Setup

8. Case Study – A Local SME’s Legal Journey

9. Conclusion