Driving licence renewals can be a painful experience for most South Africans, but it’s also a breeze for others and a pretty pleasant occasion.
Earlier in September this year, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula proudly announced that the waiting period for new driving licence cards had been cut down from 58 days to only ten working days. Since then, IOL has reported the country’s only driving licence card machine had broken down about two weeks earlier in October. Mbalula has thus said the Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA) organisation is running 24-hour shifts to speed up the new backlog.
Despite the new 10-day waiting period, many of our News24 Motoring readers have written to us and said they have been waiting for their new licence cards for months (some even years), and it’s still not ready.
In August, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) urged motorists to collect their new driving licence cards. They also reminded the public that regulation 108 of the National Road Traffic Act empowers licensing centres to “deface an unclaimed driving license card 120 days” after they were notified to collect the cards.
“Once an unclaimed driving license has been defaced, the applicant will be compelled to re-apply and pay the costs again. Motorists are advised to avoid this scenario and collect their cards while there is sufficient time”, the RTMC stated in a press release.
If you’ve recently applied for a new driving licence card, go back in six to eight weeks and check if your card is already there. Several driving licence centre centres don’t send collection notifications, so it’s best to be proactive.
If you have been waiting for notification and have not yet received any, the RTMC says you can check your licence card status before you head out for collection.
SMS your ID number to 33214 and expect one of the following outcomes:
1. Application Received – meaning the application has been received
from the DLTC and not yet processed.
2. Production Queue – meaning the processing and manufacturing of your
card is in process.
3. Produced and Ready for Collection – meaning that, the card has been
produced and the card will be ready for collection in 14 days.
4. Problem Card – There is a problem with the production of your card,
and you must return to the testing centre.
Log on to online.natis.gov.za and
1. Create a profile using your telephone, email, or cellophane number –
together with your ID number. Choose a username you will remember
and password.
2. After creating your profile, log on using your username and password
3. Click on the dashboard and check the status of your application. This
service is free.
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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.