Payroll software · South Africa
SimplePay
South African cloud payroll priced per active employee, with leave and self-service included
Market position
SimplePay is South African cloud payroll software; its terms name Orange Thunder Technologies Proprietary Limited, trading as SimplePay, in Roodepoort, Gauteng. It calculates PAYE, UIF and SDL, generates the EMP201 for submission on eFiling, submits UIF declarations to the Department of Labour and exports the bi-annual tax certificate file for eFiling or e@syFile. One plan includes leave management, an employee self-service app and sync with Xero and QuickBooks.
South Africa-specific note
SARS requires PAYE declared on the EMP201 to be paid within seven days after the end of the month, and the interim EMP501 reconciliation runs from 21 September to 31 October. SimplePay generates the EMP201, the bi-annual tax certificate export and the Return of Earnings report for the Compensation Fund (COIDA).
Pros
- + One plan with every feature; SimplePay says there are no extra fees for features
- + Generates the EMP201, UIF declarations and bi-annual tax certificate exports
- + Leave management and employee self-service app included
- + Syncs with Xero and QuickBooks
- + Free 30-day onboarding period with full support
Cons
- − Prices appear only through the calculator on the pricing page
- − The EMP201 is generated for you but still submitted on SARS eFiling
- − Businesses with more than 500 employees must contact SimplePay
- − Terms allow fee increases on one month's written notice
Typical South Africa pricing
Per active employee per month, from the calculator on SimplePay's pricing page (excluding VAT); one plan with all features; billed in advance; free 30-day onboarding period
Why this matters for South Africa trades
Under the Electrical Installation Regulations, 2009, electrical contractors must register with the Department of Employment and Labour, and only registered persons may issue the electrical Certificate of Compliance. Regulation 17 of the Pressure Equipment Regulations bars anyone who is not a registered authorised person (registered through SAQCC Gas) from installing or removing gas appliances and systems. Under PIRB’s rules, only PIRB Licensed Plumbers can issue its plumbing CoC, which is needed for most plumbing work above R1,500 and for electric, solar and heat pump water heating at any cost. Contractors must be cidb-registered to carry out public sector contracts awarded by tender or quotation, and each grade sets a maximum contract value; the NHBRC says anyone in the business of building homes must be registered with it; and under the Construction Regulations, 2014, clients and principal contractors must confirm COIDA good standing before work starts.
South African trades vendor selection is shaped by certificates issued on each job (electrical Certificates of Compliance from registered persons under the Department of Employment and Labour, SAQCC Gas certificates of conformity, PIRB plumbing CoCs), cidb registration and grading (1-9) for public sector contracts, NHBRC registration for home builders, SARS payroll and VAT obligations (15% VAT, the monthly EMP201 and EMP501 reconciliations, with mandatory e-invoicing proposed from 2030 in a SARS consultation paper of August 2026), and the COIDA Letter of Good Standing checked before site work.
Frequently asked
Is SimplePay a good fit for South Africa trades?
SimplePay is South African cloud payroll software; its terms name Orange Thunder Technologies Proprietary Limited, trading as SimplePay, in Roodepoort, Gauteng. It calculates PAYE, UIF and SDL, generates the EMP201 for submission on eFiling, submits UIF declarations to the Department of Labour and exports the bi-annual tax certificate file for eFiling or e@syFile. One plan includes leave management, an employee self-service app and sync with Xero and QuickBooks. SARS requires PAYE declared on the EMP201 to be paid within seven days after the end of the month, and the interim EMP501 reconciliation runs from 21 September to 31 October. SimplePay generates the EMP201, the bi-annual tax certificate export and the Return of Earnings report for the Compensation Fund (COIDA).
What does SimplePay cost in South Africa?
Per active employee per month, from the calculator on SimplePay's pricing page (excluding VAT); one plan with all features; billed in advance; free 30-day onboarding period. Pricing and availability can change by region; confirm current South Africa pricing on the vendor's site before committing.