It is important that firearm owners should be aware of recent developments in respect of the continued validity of licences that had been issued in terms of the previous Arms and Ammuntion Act (Act 75 of 1969), commonly referred to “old green licences.”
Old green licences didn’t have an expiry date and were therefore valid until the owner died or sold the firearm. When the new act, the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000) came into existence on 1 July 2004 it prescribed that old green licences had to be renewed.https://firearms.co.za/legal/different-types-of-firearm-safes/embed/#?secret=9pgEGGlJvM
The New Act further provided that all old green licences that were not renewed, would expire on 30 June 2009 where after the possession of such firearms would become illegal.
In 2009 the SA Hunters and Conservation Association however challenged the constitutionality of the transitional provisions of the New Act in the High Court and brought an urgent application for an interim order to govern the legality of the green licences pending the outcome of the main application.
In June 2009 an order was issued that all licences issued in terms of the previous act would remain valid pending the outcome of the main application, and the police regarded all old green licences to remain valid.
In February 2016 however a directive was issued that the interim order was only valid in respect of firearms that had never migrated to the new system and that once a white licence card had been issued for a firearm, the old green license was no longer valid.
The effect is that if a firearm owner had an old green licence, and renewed the licence to get a white licence, but allowed that new white licence to expire (for whatever reason) the owner is in illegal possession of such firearm.
This resulted in the only firearm owners presently being regarded as being in legal possession of a firearm by the Police, are those who have old green licenses in respect of a firearm that was never relicensed in terms of the new act and if a firearm has a valid white license.
If any white licence mentioned above had lapsed, you could participate in an amnesty which ran to 31 January 2024. It was the only manner of getting that firearm licenced on your name again.
In effect that meant that legal firearm owners were once again at the shortest end, since no criminals did hand in illegal firearms under any amnesty.
Members with lapsed white licences could apply for a new licence for such a firearm as well as for renewal of a lapsed competency certificate for that type of firearm while being protected from prosecution for being in possession of a firearm with a lapsed white licence, but only for the period up to 31 January 2024.
People with lapsed white licences are also no longer protected under the interim court order obtained by Gun Owners of South Africa (GOSA) on 27 July 2024 in the Gauteng High Court since the SAPS Appeal against that, was upheld by the Supreme Court of Appeals.
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What now?
People with lapsed white licences, are thus now once again obliged by law to hand in firearms for destruction if the white licence for such a firearm has lapsed.
The legality of lapsed white licences for which there was a green licence is still interpreted by SAPS as per the National Commissioner’s directive of 3 February 2016, thus white licences which have lapsed will be interpreted as having expired, despite there being a green licence for that firearm, and that such firearms must be handed in with SAPS for destruction.https://firearms.co.za/maintenance/cleaning-your-firearm-safely/embed/#?secret=BKTWhrIwqJ
Until the prolongation of the legal validity of all green licences has been confirmed by a court and following the Constitutional Court’s 2024 order and the Supreme Court of Appeals’ order of 2024, a person who is in possession of a firearm of which the white licence has expired, had only two options:
The first is to surrender such firearm with SAPS for destruction, or secondly, to participate in the new amnesty to again get such firearm licenced under their name.
Related Resources
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.