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Understanding Business

Directors Don't Automatically Own the Company

Shareholders own a company's shares while directors are responsible for managing it within the legal framework — a person can be a director without owning shares, and a shareholder doesn't necessarily manage day to day.

People often use "owner," "director" and "manager" as though they mean the same thing. They don't. Understanding the difference becomes particularly important when companies have multiple owners, investors or professional managers.

Source: Companies Act 71 of 2008

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a director own shares?

Yes — a director can also be a shareholder.

Can a shareholder be different from the directors?

Yes — ownership and management can be separated.

Who makes the day-to-day business decisions?

That depends on the company's structure and delegations, but directors generally have responsibility for managing the company's business and affairs.

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