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The same processes should be used as was done previously. Support structures should be put into place to assist users experiencing technical challenges.
Q:The department wants to register as a supplier. Who should register on behalf of the department?
It is up to the accounting officer to nominate someone. The Accounting Officer or delegated representative of the organ of state must submit their request to business.support@csd.gov.za.
B-BBEE status
Q: Does the CSD verify B-BBEE status?
B-BBEE will only be verified from 1 October 2016. The CSD currently does not verify the B-BBEE status, due to the data not being in one source. Suppliers are requested to enter the B-BBEE information as recorded on their certificate. When evaluating proposals, practitioners must check the B-BBEE status of the supplier or request that the supplier provides proof.
Q: How do we verify a BBBEE affidavit?
Although suppliers must capture their B-BBEE information on the CSD, departments must still request a copy of the affidavit and manually verify it.
Q: Will suppliers be notified when their B-BBEE status expires?
No. At the moment, the CSD does not verify B-BBEE certificates as there is no single source for the data.
Q: How do I verify it on the CSD if a supplier says he can provide services in other areas?
The registration summary of a supplier contains a list of all commodities that a supplier is able to provide as well as where.
Q:We can’t always find suppliers who have registered on the CSD; therefore we suggest that we still keep our own databases.
You are only allowed to use suppliers registered on the CSD. Please read Instruction 4A of 2016/2017.
Commodities list
Q:Challenge: When searching for suppliers according to commodities and we then call those suppliers for quotations, they say that they do not provide those commodities. How does this happen?
The suppliers choose their own commodities when registering. Please ask those suppliers to go and correct their commodities on the CSD so that they won’t be contacted about irrelevant commodities in future.
Q:The commodities list on the CSD does not cater for all sectors. How do we register suppliers from other entities like the Space sector?
A Codification board has been established. The CSD uses the UNSPSC structure. Any additional requests can be forwarded to business.support@csd.gov.za for consideration.
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.