Table of Contents
Frequently asked questions on csd
Introduction
The SCM ICT team in the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer (OCPO), visited national and provincial departments during April and May 2016 to find out which challenges they faced and to offer help. This team listed the frequently asked questions. The answers are below.
For practical reasons, we have grouped questions together in themes. Therefore, if you do not see your specific question here, please look for the answer to a similar question.
Please note that quite a number of the questions directed at the team are answered in various documents on the CSD website.
Procurement reform and modernisation is a highly dynamic process. This means that things do change regularly, as we are constantly working on improvements to the systems. We also take into account the helpful suggestions made by departments. Hopefully you will soon see a change that you asked for!
Important notice: Please read SCM Instruction 4A of 2016/2017, Central Supplier Database,
issued on 25 May 2016, which takes effect from 1 July 2016. You can find it here: Instruction 4A of 2016/2017.
Central Supplier Database (CSD) Support
Q:What support can I, as a SCM practitioner, get from the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer (OCPO) and Supply Chain Management ICT?
Website: As a first stop, we strongly suggest that you look at the resources available on the website, at www.csd.gov.za and www.etender.gov.za.
User guide: The User Guide, as well as other useful documents, is available at http://ocpo.treasury.gov.za/Buyers_Area/Pages/Supplier-Management.aspx.Scroll down to the heading: “Documents” and look for the document that suits your needs.
Provincial Treasuries: Each Provincial Treasury also has a call centre to help you. You can get
their contact details here: https://secure.csd.gov.za/Feedback/FeedbackAdd. Go to this page and scroll down to the contacts. The Provincial Treasury contact details are also on the last page of this document. We recommend that you ask your provincial treasury for help before you call the National Treasury. The National Treasury call centre number is 012 406 9222.
The National Treasury walk-in centre is situated at 240 Madiba Street, Pretoria.
The resources indicated above are for all users. There is no specific allocation of CSD staff to deal with specific departments or organs of state. Please send business supportqueries to business.support@CSD.gov.za
The National Treasury provides training for users in organs of state. Please send training requests to pollet.seerane@treasury.gov.za.
For technical training, please contact Lani Coetzee: Lani.Coetzee@accenture.com.
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.