Contracts · 8 October 2026 · 5 min read · By Rand & Rule
What to put in a client contract: a South African freelancer's checklist
Scope, deposit, payment terms, IP, revisions, POPIA and cancellation — the clauses that protect South African freelancers.
The clauses that matter most
- Scope and deliverables — and what's not included
- Price, deposit and payment dates
- Late-payment interest and the right to pause work
- Revision rounds
- IP transfer on full payment
- Confidentiality and POPIA
- Cancellation and notice
- South African law and the court that applies
Keep it readable
A two-page agreement a client actually reads beats a 20-page one they ignore. Be clear, not clever.
Sign it properly
E-signatures are generally valid for ordinary service agreements. Keep the signed, dated copy.
General information only, not tax or legal advice. Confirm your situation with a registered tax practitioner or attorney.