On average, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) in South Africa aims to issue a Smart ID card within 2-3 weeks after the application is submitted.1 However, this is an average and processing times can vary significantly due to various factors, including the specific Home Affairs office, the volume of applications, and whether there are any issues with your application.2
If 4 months have passed since you applied for your South African national ID and you haven’t heard anything from the Department of Home Affairs, you should take the following steps:
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1. Check Your Application Status
Before you do anything else, you should try to track your application. The DHA provides several ways to do this:
- SMS Service: You can send an SMS with the word “ID” followed by your ID number to 32551.3 You will receive an SMS back with the status of your application.4 Note that there is a small fee for this service.
- eHomeAffairs Website: If you applied online through the eHomeAffairs portal, you can log in to your profile and check the status of your application there.
- DHA Call Centre: You can call the DHA’s official call center to inquire about your application status. The number is 0800 60 11 90.5 Be prepared to provide your ID number and any reference numbers you received during your application.
2. Visit the Home Affairs Office
If the online or SMS tracking methods don’t provide a clear answer, or if they indicate that your ID is ready for collection, the next step is to physically visit the Home Affairs office where you applied.
- Go in person: This is often the most effective way to resolve a delayed application.
- Bring your documents: Take all the documents you used for your application, including your temporary ID (if you received one), your proof of payment, and any receipts or reference numbers.
- Speak to a supervisor: If the general counter staff cannot assist you, ask to speak to a supervisor or the office manager. Explain your situation calmly and provide them with all the necessary details.
3. Escalate the Matter
If visiting the office is unsuccessful, or if you continue to face delays, you may need to escalate the matter to a higher authority within the Department of Home Affairs.
- Contact a regional or provincial office: You can try to get contact details for the regional or provincial Home Affairs office and send them an email or call them to report your issue.
- Contact the DHA’s head office: In more extreme cases, you may need to reach out to the DHA’s head office in Pretoria.
- Consider a formal complaint: If all else fails, you can lodge a formal complaint with the Department of Home Affairs or the Public Protector’s office. This should be a last resort.
Important Things to Remember
- Temporary ID: If you require an ID for urgent matters (like writing exams or banking), you can apply for a Temporary Identification Certificate at any Home Affairs office.6 This is a temporary document that proves your identity while you wait for your Smart ID card.
- Errors in Application: The most common reasons for significant delays are errors in the application, such as mismatched information, unclear photos, or missing documents. The DHA may have tried to contact you but was unsuccessful. It is crucial to ensure all your information is correct before submitting your application.
- Online vs. In-person: While the eHomeAffairs system is designed to be more efficient, the processing still involves the same backend systems. Delays can occur regardless of whether you applied online or in person.
Related Resources
Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect
For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.
Types of Student Loans in South Africa
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
- Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
- Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.
Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan
Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
- Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)
How to Apply for a Student Loan
To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
- Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
Loan Amounts and Repayment
The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:
- NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
- Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.
Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.
FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa
1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?
For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.
2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?
NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.
3. What is the interest rate on student loans?
Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.
4. What happens if I fail my courses?
If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.
5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?
Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.
Final Thoughts
Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.