Which Employers Must Register for COIDA?

COIDA registration is mandatory for a wide range of employer categories. If you employ one or more workers in South Africa, you fall under the scope of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 130 of 1993. The following employer types must all register:

• Commercial companies — private companies, public companies, and close corporations with employees
• Sole traders and self-employed — individuals who employ staff, including gardeners, assistants, or shop helpers
• Partnerships — any partnership arrangement where one or more persons are employed
• Trusts — trusts that employ domestic or commercial staff
• Co-operatives — co-operative businesses with employed members or staff
• Non-profit organisations (NPOs) — charities and NGOs that employ workers
• Government departments — national and provincial government employers
• Municipalities — local government entities with employees

Registration is not optional. The Department of Employment and Labour enforces compliance through workplace inspections, and the 2026 amendments introduced administrative penalties for non-registered employers.

Domestic Employers and COIDA Registration

Many South African employers are surprised to learn that domestic employers must also register for COIDA. If you employ a domestic worker — including housekeepers, gardeners, nannies, childminders, or drivers — you are required to register with the Compensation Fund.

Domestic employer registration follows a simplified process with a fixed minimum assessment fee. The Compensation Fund covers domestic workers for injuries that occur during work hours or during direct transport to and from work. Failure to register your domestic worker can result in personal liability for medical costs and compensation if an injury occurs.

Contractors and Subcontractors Under COIDA

Under Section 56 of COIDA, the principal employer is responsible for ensuring that contractors and subcontractors are registered with the Compensation Fund. If a subcontractor is not registered and a worker is injured, the principal employer may be held liable for compensation.

This provision protects workers in complex employment arrangements such as construction, mining, and manufacturing where subcontracting is common. Principal employers should verify the registration status of all contractors before work begins and maintain records of compliance.

Employers Exempt from COIDA Registration

While COIDA covers the vast majority of employers, there are limited exemptions:

• Employers in the mining industry are covered by separate legislation
• Members of the South African National Defence Force and South African Police Service
• Certain casual workers in specific circumstances may fall outside the definition of ’employee’ under the Act

However, these exemptions are narrow. If you are uncertain whether your business is exempt, it is safer to register. The Compensation Fund provides clarity on exemption queries through their provincial offices.