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eTender Publication Portal
Q:When will the eTender Publication Portal be live?The eTender Publication Portal went live on 1 April 2015.
Q: How do you get access to the eTender Publication Portal?
Request access by filling in the online access form. You can get it on the OCPO website under “Buyer’s Area.”
Q:When we want to publish tenders on the portal – do we have to travel to National Treasury from the departments to do so?
The eTender Publication Portal is a web-based solution that can be accessed from any internet browser. SCM practitioners can request access to publish their organisations’ bids by filling in the system access application form located on the OCPO’s website under the buyer’s area.
Q:We have to email all documents for the publishing of tenders – sometimes the document pack is too large for this.
Departments must request access to the eTender Publication Portal to load the tender documents themselves. The eTender Publication Portal have a file size limit of 50Mb.
Q:“How can a published document be removed from or amended on the eTender Publication
Portal?
Once a document is published on the eTender Publication Portal it can’t be removed. Any amendments on any document can be uploaded under the amendment section.
Q: Is there a set minimum threshold for advertising on the eTender Publication Portal?
All competitively advertised requirements over the threshold value set for the relevant organ of state must be published on the eTender Publication Portal. National and provincial departments and public entities are required to publish bids above R500 000 and municipalities must publish all competitive bids above R200 000.
Q: What are the requirements for a R100 000 contract?
The OCPO is currently working on legislative alignment between the planning and contracting thresholds. This would result in the phasing out of the CRA and introduction of an online procurement planning platform for all procurement over the threshold value for the relevant OoS.
Q:Categorisation of tender cancellations according to departments would be more useful to users. We can currently view tenders easily, but not cancellations.
Noted. The OCPO is currently improving functionality that will allow for better filtering and include subscription services.
Q:Do we get an email confirmation from NT when our request for tender publishing has been completed?
Not at the moment, because the Treasury is not the only organisation that publishes tenders. Organs of state are required to request access to the eTender Publication Portal to publish their own tenders on the platform.
Q:How do you capture tenders awarded? In the instance of single source suppliers, how do you capture these?
Limited bids can only be loaded after award by publishing the advert and award information together.
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.