Payroll software · South Africa
SimplePay
SA-native cloud payroll — EMP201, UIF & e@syFile built in
Market position
The default cloud payroll for SA small businesses — built locally around SARS compliance: automatic EMP201 monthly returns, UIF declarations, e@syFile integration and PAYE/UIF/SDL handling, with Xero and QuickBooks integrations.
South Africa-specific note
The EMP201-within-7-days monthly rhythm is the SA payroll reality — SimplePay automates exactly that. The natural payroll layer under any of the job-management tools here.
Pros
- + SA-native, SARS-compliance-first design
- + Auto EMP201 + UIF declarations, e@syFile integration
- + Per-employee pricing with on-site calculator
- + Xero/QuickBooks integrations
Cons
- − Payroll only — no broader HR suite
- − Exact pricing via calculator (not a flat list)
- − Less suited to very large workforces
- − No field-service features (pairs with job software)
Typical South Africa pricing
Per-employee/month (calculator on site); 30-day free trial.
Why this matters for South Africa trades
Electrical work legally requires Department of Employment & Labour registration (registered persons issue the mandatory Certificate of Compliance); gas work requires SAQCC Gas registration (unregistered work voids home insurance); PIRB plumbing CoCs are required for geysers and solar water heaters; CIDB grading gates public construction; NHBRC registration is mandatory for home builders; and employers need a current COIDA Letter of Good Standing for site access.
South African trades vendor selection is shaped by Certificate-of-Compliance culture (electrical CoCs via DoEL-registered persons, SAQCC Gas, PIRB plumbing CoCs), CIDB contractor grading (1–9) gating public work, NHBRC registration for home builders, SARS compliance (15% VAT, monthly EMP201, e-invoicing phasing in ~2026–28), the COIDA Letter of Good Standing — and the solar-installation boom the load-shedding era created.
Frequently asked
Is SimplePay a good fit for South Africa trades?
The default cloud payroll for SA small businesses — built locally around SARS compliance: automatic EMP201 monthly returns, UIF declarations, e@syFile integration and PAYE/UIF/SDL handling, with Xero and QuickBooks integrations. The EMP201-within-7-days monthly rhythm is the SA payroll reality — SimplePay automates exactly that. The natural payroll layer under any of the job-management tools here.
What does SimplePay cost in South Africa?
Per-employee/month (calculator on site); 30-day free trial.. Pricing and availability can change by region — confirm current South Africa pricing on the vendor's site before committing.
Is SimplePay recommended?
Yes — it is a Tier S (Recommended) pick in our South Africa directory for payroll software, based on market fit and reputation. Still compare it against the alternatives for your specific trade and region.