Harambee Youth Employment Accelerators is a free service that helps young South Africans overcome many of the difficulties they face in finding and keeping their first job.
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Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator
Do you know any youth or are you currently a youth between the ages of 18 and 34 who have a matric certificate and are unemployed?
Our assessments and training help you get and keep a real job at a real company.
We help young people with a matric or equivalent qualification who have been looking for a permanent full-time job, but haven’t been able to find one.
We also help young people who have a university degree or other tertiary qualifications but haven’t been able to find a job.
Most people find their jobs through a social network – school or university, friends, family or previous work experience.
For people who don’t have these social networks, networks that link to jobs, finding a job is difficult.
Harambee works to create this kind of social network for young work-seekers.
Research by the Development Bank of South Africa shows that a young South African who can get and keep a first job for at least 12 months has an 85% chance of being employed for the rest of their lives.
Harambee is calling upon all unemployed young people!!!!
To qualify you need to:
• 18 to 34 years (opportunities available for those over 29 are limited)
• Have a valid South African ID
• Have at least a Grade 11 completed 1 year before application
• Persons with a disability require a minimum of a Grade 9
• Are currently unemployed
• Educated at a previously disadvantaged school
• Not employed in one job for longer than one year
• Are hungry for an opportunity
• Have never been blacklisted
• Have no criminal record
• Have not been permanently employed for more than 12 months
• Have been actively looking for work for more than six months
HOW TO APPLY
Click Here to HARAMBEE WEBSITE
Apply on website www.harambee.mobi
If we don’t have a job for you, we’ll help you find other opportunities and prepare you to find a job yourself
This is a 100% free opportunity for young people who are unemployed and have been looking for work
We can’t guarantee that every applicant will get a job – success is ultimately up to you
Harambee has placed over 40,000 young people with over 400 of South Africa’s top companies.
CAREERS
Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator is a not-for-profit social enterprise building African solutions for the global challenge of youth unemployment. We work in South Africa and Rwanda with many partners who are committed to results that can work at scale – including government, the private sector, civil society, and over 1.5 million youth.
Harambee is an anchor partner in a breakthrough platform called
SA Youth. It is part of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention – a co-ordinated strategic national plan that sets out priority actions to address the youth unemployment challenge in South Africa. sayouth.mobi was launched by President Ramaphosa on Youth Day 2021 and it connects young people to opportunities at scale.
SA Youth brings together many partners to create a single national network to allow young people to access a wide selection of earning and learning opportunities, and for opportunity holders to access young engaged work-seekers – for free!
Our staff complement of almost 500 motivated people continue to work both on-site and remotely in a fluid and vibrant environment to tackle the challenges of a country where over 50% of young people are unemployed.
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.