COIDA Registration & Letter of Good Standing

If you employ staff in South Africa, COIDA registration isn't optional — here's what it covers, and how to get your Letter of Good Standing without the back-and-forth.

By Innocent Muchererwa Mutara, Founder & Director, Maltech-Africa · Published October 2026

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What is COIDA?

COIDA (Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act) is the law requiring employers to register with the Compensation Fund, which covers employees if they're injured or fall ill because of their work. It replaces what used to be called Workman's Compensation.

What is a Letter of Good Standing?

A Letter of Good Standing (LOGS) proves your COIDA contributions are up to date. Many clients and tenders require it before they'll work with you — it's one of the most commonly requested compliance documents in South Africa.

What you need before you can get a Letter of Good Standing

  1. An active COIDA registration number
  2. An up-to-date COIDA Return of Earnings submission

If either of those isn't in place yet, they need to happen first — which is why LOGS often gets bundled with registration and Return of Earnings submission rather than sold alone.

Get COIDA sorted with Maltech-Africa

Every COIDA package includes free BEE Affidavit, Tender Assistance, and Start-up Training.

Related guides: UIF, PAYE & SDL Registration · CIPC Annual Returns

Frequently asked questions

Last updated: 9 October 2026

Do I need COIDA if I only have one or two employees?

Yes — COIDA registration is required for any employer with employees, regardless of how many.

How long is a Letter of Good Standing valid for?

Typically it needs to be renewed annually, or whenever a client/tender specifically requests a current one.

What happens if I've fallen behind on my Return of Earnings?

This is common and fixable — it just needs to be brought up to date before a Letter of Good Standing can be issued, which is why our COIDA Package handles both in one process.

Is a Letter of Good Standing the same as a tax clearance certificate?

No. A Letter of Good Standing is issued by the Compensation Fund and confirms your COIDA contributions are current, while a tax clearance certificate relates to your SARS compliance.

Ready to get COIDA compliant?

Browse our COIDA and compliance services, or chat with us on WhatsApp and we'll get your Letter of Good Standing sorted.