DMly
WhatsApp API setup guide

How to get the WhatsApp Business API in South Africa

The official WhatsApp Business API is not an app you download. It is a connection Meta approves for your business number. This guide covers the steps in the order they happen, what to have ready, and the mistakes that slow South African businesses down.

Steps in the right order CIPC and verification Display name rules Templates and go live
Business owner connecting WhatsApp on a laptop
Before you start

What the WhatsApp Business API in South Africa actually is

Knowing what you are applying for makes every step after it simpler.

A connection between your number and Meta The API links your business number to Meta's systems so software like DMly can send and receive messages on it. Your customers see the same number they always have.
It is approved by Meta, through a partner Businesses connect through a Meta business partner. With DMly, that happens in a guided signup on a video call with our team.
You can keep the app on your phone With co-existence, the WhatsApp Business app keeps working on your phone while the same number runs on the API.
Have these ready

What you need before you connect

Gather these first and the call goes quickly.

NUMBER The number your customers use A business number you can receive a code on during signup. Most businesses use the number already on their signage and Google profile.
FACEBOOK A personal Facebook login Meta's signup starts with a Facebook login, which is used to create or choose your Meta business. It does not post anything.
CIPC Your CIPC registration documents For business verification, your company registration documents show Meta that the business exists. The legal name should match what you enter.
DETAILS Matching business details The business name, address and website you give Meta should match your CIPC documents and each other.
The steps

The steps, in the order they happen

Connect first, verify after. Doing it the other way round only adds waiting.

01 Connect your number through Meta's signup Log in with Facebook, create or choose your Meta business, enter your number and confirm it with the code Meta sends. Your number is now on the API.
02 Set your display name Choose the name customers see on your chats. It should clearly relate to your business name or brand. Meta reviews it before it shows.
03 Verify your business, as recommended In Meta's Business Manager, submit business verification with your CIPC registration documents. Before verification you can message up to 250 customers a day first. Verification lifts that limit.
04 Create your templates Any message you send first, outside the 24 hours after a customer writes to you, must be an approved template. Start with a booking confirmation, a reminder and one promotion.
05 Go live Switch on the AI agent, your booking flow and payment links, invite your team to the shared inbox, and start answering on the API.
At a glance

Each step, what it needs, and who does it

Step What you need Who does it
Connect the number Facebook login, the number, the code You, with our team on a video call
Display name Your business name or brand You choose, Meta reviews
Business verification CIPC registration documents You submit, we check them with you first
Templates The messages you want to send first We write them with you, Meta reviews
Go live Services, prices, hours and team logins Set up in DMly with our team
Common mistakes

The mistakes that slow South African businesses down

Each of these is easy to avoid once you know about it.

ORDER Waiting for verification before connecting Verification is recommended, but it does not come first. Connect your number, then verify, so you can start answering in the meantime.
NAME A display name that does not match A name like Best Braids JHB for a company registered as Lumo Hair Lounge (Pty) Ltd is likely to be questioned. Keep the name clearly tied to the business.
DOCUMENTS Details that disagree A trading name on your website, a different name on your CIPC documents and a third on Facebook make verification harder. Line them up before you submit.
TEMPLATES Promotions dressed up as updates A booking confirmation with a sale tacked on the end can be classed as marketing, which costs more per message. Keep updates and promotions in separate templates.
OPT-IN Broadcasting to a list nobody agreed to POPIA section 69 requires consent for direct marketing. Only broadcast to people who opted in, and keep a record of where they did.
Why DMly

Why businesses in South Africa choose DMly

The chats your customers already start on WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, answered, booked and paid for in one place.

01The official WhatsApp APIRuns on Meta's official WhatsApp Business API on your own number, and the WhatsApp Business app keeps working on your phone.
02Every channel, one inboxWhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Telegram, SMS, Google Business Profile and website chat, answered by one team.
03Card and EFT in the chatSend Paystack payment links and invoices for card or EFT, or card through Flutterwave. DMly adds no fee.
04An AI agent on every planTrained on your services, prices and hours. It answers day and night, books, and hands over to your team with the chat attached.
05Meta's costs, nothing addedA marketing message costs about R0.63 and a utility message about R0.16 at Meta's South Africa rate. Incoming messages are free.
06Set up with you, freeOur team helps with Meta business verification and builds your setup with you on a video call, at no cost.
Try DMly free for 7 daysBook a demoSeven days on us, no card. Setup help costs nothing.
Questions

WhatsApp Business API setup questions in South Africa

How long does it take to get the WhatsApp Business API in South Africa?
Connecting the number can be done on a single video call. Display name review and business verification are done by Meta and take as long as Meta takes, but you can answer customers on the API while you wait.
Do I need a registered company to use the WhatsApp Business API?
Business verification is recommended, and Meta needs proof the business exists. CIPC registration documents are the clearest proof. Verification also lifts the limit of 250 customers a day you can message first.
Can I keep my existing WhatsApp Business number?
Yes. The number your customers already know moves onto the API. With co-existence, the WhatsApp Business app keeps working on your phone as well.
What is the 250 limit?
Before your business is verified, you can start conversations with up to 250 customers a day. Replies to customers who message you first are not held back by it. Verification lifts the limit.
Does DMly charge for setup?
No. Setup and help with Meta business verification are free, on a video call with our team. You can start with a seven day free trial, no card needed.

Get your number onto the API this week

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