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CONNECTING EMPLOYERS TO ENGAGED
AND TALENTED WORK-SEEKERS
SA Youth is a free national network of partners that links business to a pool of young entry level talent – at scale
POWERED BY PARTNERSHIPS
SA Youth is a collaboration between government, business and civil society. It is part of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention – a co-ordinated national plan of action to tackle youth unemployment.
SA Youth is enabled by an innovative zero rated multi-channel platform which allows employers to load opportunities and engage with applicants.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Harambee is a key SA Youth partner with 10 years experience in developing solutions to tackle youth unemployment. They have a track record of working with over 600 private sector organisations, government, civil society and research & technology partners. They have helped youth find over 240 000 jobs and work experiences, while supporting a growing network of 1.5 million young people.
REGISTER ON PARTNERS.SAYOUTH.ORG.ZA
Below are some of the Companies working with Harambee.
1.Transnet,
2.Burger King,
3.Hollard,
4.Woolworths
5.Nando’s.
6.Pick n Pay or Shoprite
7. Direct Axis,
8.Ster Kinekor,
9.Burger King
Harambe partners with large South African organizations to secure entry level jobs for young people who match our criteria.
Apply now if you:
- Are 18 to 28 yeras old
- Are a South African citizen
- Have a matric certificate
- Have never been blacklisted
- Attended a township or rural school
- Are currently unemployed
- Have not been permanelty employed for more than 12 months
- Have been actively looking for employment for more than six months
- Are hungry for opportunity
How to apply
To apply for Harambee opportunitie,s follow these instructions:
It’s easy to apply, choose on of the following:
- E-mail your name, ID number, contact number and township where your live to info@harambee.co.za OR
- Apply on you phone at www.harambe.mobi
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.