Two systems, compared honestly.
Both platforms run South African payroll. One is cloud-native, updates compliance automatically, and runs across 45+ countries from a single platform. Here’s how they differ.
Trusted by 19,000+ customers · 45+ countries · Support NPS 97 · Backed by Deel
The full comparison
| Capability | Deel Local Payroll | Sage 300 People |
|---|---|---|
| Platform & access | ||
| Access model | Browser-native | Azure Virtual Desktop |
| Single integrated database | SQL database | |
| Modern REST API | Fully documented | COM API (legacy) |
| Sandbox environment | One-click | Separate test database |
| E-Onboarding | ||
| AI & employee self-service | ||
| AI Assist | ||
| WhatsApp ESS | Add-on | Portal & mobile app |
| Employee self-service portal | ||
| Compliance & country coverage | ||
| South Africa - PAYE, UIF, SDL, EMP501 | ||
| EEA2 & EEA4 reports (SA) | Premier & Master | Add-on module |
| Multi-country payroll | 45+ countries, one platform | 20+ via regional products |
| Legislation & tax updates | Automatic | Manual download & install |
| Custom report writer | ||
| ISO 27001 / SOC 1 & 2 | All three | ISO 27001 |
| Pricing & support | ||
| Pricing model | Pay per employee, no annual licence | Annual licence + employee tiers |
| Support | In-house team | Channel partners |
For developers: the Deel Local Payroll REST API is fully documented and public at developer.payspace.com.
This compares Deel Local Payroll (powered by PaySpace) with Sage 300 People - a SQL-based HR and payroll platform for medium-to-large South African businesses. Sage 300 People is separate from Sage VIP (Premier/Classic); if you’re on Sage VIP, talk to our team, as the comparison differs.
What else you get
Beyond the day-to-day payroll feature set, here’s what comes with the platform.
- AI Assist - instant payroll and payslip answers in plain language, on desktop or mobile.
- 97 support NPS - real humans from an in-house team that knows the product and the legislation.
- Structured implementation - for complex organisations, a dedicated project manager runs your rollout with proven PM methodology, structured change management, and phased go-live. Available as a separate paid engagement.
- WhatsApp ESS - employees check payslips and request leave on WhatsApp. Available as an add-on.
Payroll software that flexes as you grow
No annual licence or software fees. You pay per employee, and pricing scales down as your headcount grows.
Example rates: Lite at 25 employees R21.49, Premier at 300 employees R23.80, Master at 900 employees R26.45. Per-employee pricing scales with headcount; all plans include unlimited users, unlimited runs, and no annual licence fees. Structured implementation for complex organisations is a separate paid engagement.
What our customers say
Trusted by teamswho made the switch.
Our payroll now runs in half a day instead of four, there’s no downtime, and even our store staff can access everything on mobile.
Brendan Keogh, System Analyst
Cape Union Mart
There are no headaches for our IT team. We don’t have to schedule manual updates or worry about compliance changes being missed. It all happens automatically - in real time.
Alison Boruchowitz, Head of People & Organisation
PUMA South Africa
The employee self-service, together with WhatsApp, is outstanding. Very easy to use, accessible anytime, anywhere in the world. Deel Local Payroll makes payroll a breeze with reports for every need.
Leana Pretorius, Payroll Manager
Mukuru
Deel Local Payroll helps us stay resilient in a fast-changing industry. With scalable operations, we can focus on what we do best - serving customers and growing the business.
Chantal Lombaard, HR Executive
BSI Steel
I switched to Deel Local Payroll and it’s now my payroll software of choice. The system is intuitive and easy to learn, both for me as an accountant and for my clients as end users. Support is fast and helpful.
Ruan Fourie, Director - Professional Tax Practitioner
Summit Professional Accounting
Ready to make the switch?
Let’s show you how Deel Local Payroll works. No pressure, no marathon demo.