12
Q:How will the IT units in departments know what to do to integrate/interface with the CSD?Every department that has a supplier database must consider integration to the CSD. Treasury has published a job aide to assist with this process. You can find these documents on the OCPO website: Buyers Area>Supplier>Documents List. We also have scheduled technical forums to discuss these issues at Sita in Centurion, every Thursday from 10:00 – 12:00. To attend, please contact Lani Coetzee: Lani.Coetzee@accenture.com.
Q:In other departments, LOGIS implementation is currently underway. Must that process be stopped?
No. LOGIS, just like every other service provider, has been given notice to integrate to the CSD. The technical team is in the process of integrating with LOGIS.
Q: LOGIS has LSDB – do we still use the CSD?
Yes, the CSD should be used for all supplier compliance verification.
Q:Double capturing: require Corporate Reference Data on ISS. Must we still capture this in spite of having CSD?
a)If we refer to legislative information:
From an eTender perspective, it is still a requirement to submit all information. This is catered for in the eTender Publication Portal.
A supplier will, however, not be able to submit his information if he does not exist on the CSD database.
b)If we refer to bid pricing information:
The CSD is not responsible for any pricing related matters – just for supplier information.
c)All pricing-related information will be obtained from the eTender Publication Portal.
Q:If the migrating of data is still in progress – how do we manage the issue of potentially missing restricted suppliers?
As soon as a supplier is registered on the CSD, verification against the restricted suppliers will be done. It is therefore important that no supplier be used unless they are registered and compliant on the CSD.
Q:Many fields on existing procurement systems have not been captured for suppliers. Will IT be able to migrate this data?
Yes, as long as the minimum mandatory information is available.
Q:What is the deadline/cut-off date from NT to get LOGIS to link with CSD? Are we still required to double-capture until that time?
Until such time that LOGIS fully integrates with the CSD, supplier records must still be manually captured on LOGIS. Supplier information should be extracted from the CSD. Suppliers should not be required to complete additional forms and provide verification documents.
Q: What will happen with the existing supplier numbers?
The CSD number should be used across government. The internal number can be kept as an additional field for historical purposes.
Q: How current is the data on the CSD?
The CSD has daily system updates, so the data is always less than 24 hours old.
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.