Every estate agent in South Africa knows the struggle: you’ve submitted your Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC) application to the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA), paid your fees, and… nothing happens. Weeks or even months go by without a certificate being issued.

But here’s the catch: without a valid FFC, you cannot legally earn commission. This leaves thousands of agents in limbo every year. At VDM Attorneys, we’ve assisted agents facing this exact issue. Here’s what you need to know - and what you can do when the PPRA drops the ball.

Why an FFC Matters

• Required under the Property Practitioners Act 22 of 2019.
• Must be renewed every 3 years (typically by October).
• Proof that you’re compliant, trustworthy, and entitled to handle client funds.
• Without it: no legal claim to commission, and you risk sanctions.

Common Problems with the PPRA

• Administrative delays – applications “lost” or stuck in processing.
• IT system failures – FFCs not generated or not emailed.
• Lack of communication – agents left in the dark with no updates.
• Backlogs – renewals not issued before year-end, even when agents applied on time.

What You Can Do if the PPRA Fails You

1. Keep Proof of Application
    
   • Retain your payment receipts, emails, and proof of submission.
   • If you’ve applied and paid on time, you have evidence of compliance.
2. Escalate Internally
   • Contact the PPRA call centre, regional office, or escalate to a supervisor.
   • Always log your queries in writing.
3. Engage VDM Attorneys to Assist
    
   • If delays continue, VDM Attorneys can intervene on your behalf.
   • We correspond directly with the PPRA to demand progress, and where necessary, we escalate through formal legal channels.
4. Mandamus Applications to Compel Action
    
   • A mandamus application is a High Court remedy used to compel a public authority to fulfil its legal duties.
   • Since the PPRA has a statutory obligation to issue valid FFCs to compliant applicants, agents can apply to court for an order forcing the PPRA to issue the certificate.
   • Courts are generally sympathetic where agents can show they:
      
     • Applied correctly and timeously
     • Paid all fees
     • Supplied all required documents
   • A successful mandamus means the PPRA is legally compelled to finalise your application and issue the FFC without further delay.
5. Inform Your Clients
    
   • Be transparent: show proof that you’ve applied and are awaiting issue.
   • This helps preserve trust while you resolve the compliance gap.

Risks If You Trade Without the Certificate

• Commission forfeiture – your legal claim collapses if a dispute arises.
• Reputational harm – sellers may see you as “unregistered.”
• Regulatory sanctions – the PPRA can discipline agents trading without an FFC.

Conclusion: Don’t Let the PPRA Put Your Career on Hold

The PPRA may be inefficient, but you don’t have to accept endless delays. By keeping records, escalating effectively, and using legal remedies like mandamus applications, you can protect your right to trade and to earn commission.

At VDM Attorneys, we specialise in protecting estate agents’ rights. Whether it’s writing to the PPRA on your behalf, or bringing urgent court applications, we make sure you aren’t left powerless.

👉 If you’re struggling to get your FFC from the PPRA, contact VDM Attorneys today. Don’t let bureaucracy put your commission at risk.