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Q:Does the CSD have space for “trading as?”
Yes. However, please note that the CIPC verification is done against the company’s registered name. Therefore, it will be better to use the registered name.
Q:How should departments deal with companies that have expired contracts and are struggling to register on the CSD?
Departments must assist the suppliers and contact the Treasury CSD support team for further assistance.
Q: Are associations captured or not?
Suppliers who want to form associations must first register on the CSD as individual companies. The system allows for the suppliers to then form associations by linking them under the associations function.
Q: Are accreditations captured?
The system caters for accreditations to be captured, but at this stage the CSD does not verify any accreditations. It is optional.
Q: Does the CSD cater for the defaulter list?
The CSD has integrated with both the tender defaulters list and the database of restricted suppliers. Suppliers can’t register if they are on one of the defaulter lists. If they have previously registered and were added to the defaulter lists, the supplier’s status will change to “restricted supplier.”
Q:Does the Restriction List on CSD also include those companies delisted on CIPC? The CSD will just reflect the updated status received from CIPC.
Q: What do you do if the supplier has been deregistered?
Organs of State are prohibited from dealing with suppliers who are deregistered.
Q:System option – you request a quotation from a supplier, but the supplier refuses to provide a quote. Can you indicate on the CSD that the supplier is not complying?
No. There may be many reasons why a supplier is not able to quote at a given time. There isn’t a requirement on a CSD-registered supplier to quote when asked to.
Tax
Q:When suppliers register on the CSD and have tax issues, does the system stop them from registering?
No. Suppliers can register on the CSD, but they will not be compliant. Please note that tax compliance is not necessary for supplier procurement under R30 000.
Q:International suppliers do not necessarily need tax clearance certificates. How will the CSD address this?
International companies must still register on the CSD – without the tax clearance certificate.
Q: Treasury must consider enhancing CSD to flag suppliers who are not VAT registered.
If the supplier report shows that the supplier has income tax number, then s/he is VAT compliant. Use SCM principles to manage this issue.
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.