Matric exams determine if Grade 12 students can apply for scholarships and if they are eligible to further their education into higher institutions. Students in their final year of high school write them at the end of the year, and successful students receive a school-leaving certificate to show their academic qualifications. This is called the National Senior Certificate, and it is the minimum entry requirement into universities. The Department of Basic Education is in charge of matric exams. Schools in South Africa can offer subjects that are specific to the school’s academic orientation instead of offering general subjects.

Students have to undertake a minimum of 7 subjects, and 4 subjects are compulsory while 3 are optional. Students have to study 2 of South Africa’s official languages, Life Orientation and Mathematics, Technical Mathematics, or Mathematics Literacy.

There are 3 types of subjects in exam assessment with different parts.

• General subjects
• Language subjects
• Practical Subjects

Students are graded in levels according to percentages. Students with higher grades stand better chances of getting scholarships and admission into outstanding universities in South Africa and other countries. Here is how the grading is done.

• Level 1: 0 to 29% (Fail)
• Level 2: 30 to 39% (Elementary Achievement)
• Level 3: 40 to 49% (Adequate Achievement)
• Level 4: 50 to 59% (Moderate Achievement)
• Level 5: 60 to 69% (Substantial Achievement)
• Level 6: 70 to 79% (Meritorious Achievement)
• Level 7: 80 to 100% (Outstanding Achievement)

The dates in this article can be changed at any time. However, the Education Department of each school will communicate changes.

2025 Matric Preliminary Exam Dates

The matric preliminary exam prepares Grade 12 learners for the final matric exam at the end of the year. It is a mock setting of the final exam with students writing in a similar setting. It helps put students on track as they can focus on their weaknesses and improve their grades at the matric exam.

Each school has a different matric preliminary exam date. However, the exams will be held from August to September all over the country. Check your school for the specific timetable.

2025 National Matric Exam Dates

Here are the dates for the national matric exams and the subjects.

This timetable shows the weeks, times, duration, and subjects of the 2022 timetable. The exams run for 6 weeks.

Week 1 

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Also Read: Matric Results – How to Check Matric Results

2025 IEB Matric Exam Dates

IEB matric exams will run from October 18th to November 30th, 2024. Students can contact the Independent Schools Association of South Africa at 011 648 1331 or their school for the complete timetable.

Here is a table that shows the date and the subjects that students will write the IEB matric exams

South Africa has some of the best schools on the continent. The country is renowned for diversity, inclusion, and quality education for both national and international students. Some schools allow prospective students to apply throughout the year for different programs, while others have a specific closing date per program.

Application dates differ from one school to another and from one program to another in different schools. Prospective students are urged to apply before the closing date because these institutions have the right to change the closing date without prior notice. Applying early also increases your chance of acceptance, especially for schools that accept a specific number of students. Such schools admit qualified students on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, some schools offer scholarship opportunities, grants, and NSFAS aid. Go through the school website to which you want to apply to find out more information on financial assistance.

The government of South Africa has closed down schools that were not properly registered. The schools discussed in this article are currently functional and provide accredited certification and degree programs into the available departments.

This article shows the closing date for ongoing applications to universities, colleges, and schools of technology in South Africa and their closing date.

2025 University Application Dates

2025 University Of Technology University Application Dates

2024 Private College Application Dates

2024 TVET College Application Dates

If you are searching for a job, a compelling CV is essential. There are times when your CV may not be enough. South Africa has a very high unemployment rate putting pressure on available positions and leading to hundreds of extremely qualified candidates applying for one job. Therefore, if you want your application to stand out, you must know how to write the best cover letter for a job application.

Because it’s through your cover letter that employers get to see the kind of employee you will be if they decide to hire you.

What is a Cover Letter for a CV?

A cover letter allows you to endorse yourself for the position you’re applying for by supporting elements in your CV and giving your application more personality. It is attached ahead of the CV. But since most people email or upload their CVs and cover letters, it is a separate document that is ancillary to the CV.

Usually, employers will ask you to add a cover letter to support your reason for applying for the job, especially if they presume there’ll be many candidates.

It’s important to note that your cover letter should be a separate document from your CV. If you’re uploading it

What Do I Write in Cover Letter?

The first time you write a cover letter for a CV, don’t expect it to be perfect. Being concise but detailed about why you want the job can be challenging, especially if you really hope to get it. But, if you write methodically, your cover letter will be easy to read and understand, ensuring you get that coveted follow-up.

Your cover letter should include:

Statements Supporting Why You Think You’ll Be Good at the Job

The cover letter precedes the CV, so it is an excellent way to promote the contents of your CV.

As a result, you want your cover letter to show why you are the ideal fit for the job before the HR manager takes a look at your CV.

Discuss how your qualifications, work experience, and core competencies ensure you’ll excel at the job. Then, when the HR manager sees your qualifications and works history, they can apply them to the advertised position.

Notes on Why You Want to Work For The Company

The cover letter should also include flattering text about the company, especially if it’s a smaller or newer business with fewer than 100 employees. These smaller companies will usually have hiring processes that require you to meet with a senior executive or the CEO before you are hired. If your cover letter includes details about what you enjoy or look forward to about working for the company, it shows that you have spent time researching the company.

Concise and Compelling Opening and Closing Statements

Be sure you instantly get to the important information about your “why hire me” qualities. Formal greetings and introductions are good but should be under 30 words.

The same applies to closing statements, as you should mention that you look forward to hearing from them before mentioning your availability.

Contact Information and Full Name and Surname

Always include your email and cell phone number on the cover letter. You can include this information in the header, footer, or beneath your signature.

You should also sign your letter with your full name and surname as this is professional.

How Do I Write a Good Cover Letter?

Now that you know what to include in your cover letter, it’s time to compile one that will ensure you get a call back from employers.

Step 1: Create an Outline

Don’t just start writing. Create an outline that includes everything you want to mention about yourself within the cover letter. Keep it to five points.

This way, when you write the cover letter, you can tick off each point after you’ve included it.

Step 2: Include Key Phrases

If you aren’t aware of how the hiring process works internally, know this: those who create the job advertisement include the specific elements the company wants in a candidate. So, if they say “a dynamic candidate who can work in high-pressure situations,” they are looking for someone with those exact characteristics. It’s your job to read through the job ad carefully and pick up on the key phrases they’ve used so you can modify them slightly and include them in your cover letter. Only include up to three key phrases or words so it doesn’t seem like you are parroting their statements.

The more jobs you apply for, the more you’ll see key phrases repeated and can insert that into your letter to avoid having to rewrite the entire letter for every job.

Step 3: Create a Draft Letter

Now that you have created an outline and have your keywords create a draft. The draft should include a formal greeting,

an opening paragraph of no more than thirty words.

A two-paragraph body. The first paragraph should detail what you bring to the job, and the second paragraph should be open to customization. In this second paragraph, you’ll write about the company and include one or two key phrases.

Then write a closing paragraph, mentioning that you look forward to hearing from them.

Step 4: Customize it to the Job You’re Applying for

Once you have a draft of your cover letter, you should customize the dynamic elements in the letter for each job you apply to.

The dynamic elements include information about the company and key phrases in the company’s advertisement.

Step 5: Summarize Your Letter

Your cover should be no longer than 250 words. It can be as short as 150 words if you can write a convincing and compelling letter within those constraints.

Remember, the person reading your cover letter could be spending a considerable amount of time reading other cover letters. Therefore, you only want the most pertinent information present as this makes it easy to read.

Also, you should remember that not everything that you feel is a stand-out feature is relevant to your cover letter. As such, cut out:

• Filler content that doesn’t relate to the job, company, or relevant accomplishments.
• Mention of accomplishments that took place more than five years ago.
• Lengthy sentences of more than twenty words (you don’t have to remove the entire sentence, only cut down on words).

Step 6: Check for Spelling and Grammatical Errors

If the role you are applying to requires you to communicate with clients, colleagues, or the public, your employer will take special note of your competency in this area.

Step 7: Send in the Correct Format

Before you send your cover letter, be sure it is in the correct format: Docx or PDF. Sending it in the incorrect format shows that you weren’t attentive to the brief and can lead to the employer questioning your commitment and diligence, as it’s a simple phone call or email to find out what the correct format is.

Alternatively, if the job’s ad does not include that information, you can send it in both formats.

Good Cover Letter Examples

A good cover letter can make a big difference in your job search. It can help you stand out from the crowd and get the attention of hiring managers.

When writing a cover letter, be sure to include a clear and concise introduction, body, and conclusion. You should also be sure to tailor your letter to the specific position you are applying for.

Here are a few good cover letter examples to help you get started:

Example 1:

Dear [Employer],

I am interested in applying for the [position] position at your company. I have the skills and experience that would make me the perfect candidate for the job.

I have worked in a [position] position for the past [amount of time] years, and I have learned a lot about the industry. I am confident that I have the skills and knowledge to be successful in this role.

I am excited to learn more about this opportunity and I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for your time,
[Your name]

Example 2:

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am interested in the Accounting Manager position that you have posted on your website.

I have five years of experience as an accountant, and I am confident that I would be a valuable addition to your team. I am a hard worker and I am motivated to succeed.

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this position with you further. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
John Doe

Summary of How to Start a Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information and highlight your qualifications. Tailoring each letter to the specific position you are applying for is important.

The first paragraph of your letter should explain why you are writing. Mention the job you are applying for and how you learned about the opening.

The second paragraph should highlight your qualifications. Focus on specific skills and experiences that are relevant to the position you are applying for.

The third paragraph should explain how you can contribute to the organization. Discuss what you can offer the company and how you can help them achieve its goals.

The fourth paragraph should thank the reader for their time and reiterate your interest in the position.

The last paragraph should include your contact information.

Summary of Cover Letter for a CV

Don’t expect to have a perfect cover letter the first time you write one. The more you apply for jobs, the more you will understand what to include, what to remove and how to create a letter that is informative but easy to read.

What is the National Credit Regulator of South Africa?

The National Credit Regulator (NCR) of South Africa is mandated to ensure that there is a fair environment in the credit market of South Africa. It is a government arm that falls under the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition.

The NCR was formed to provide support and advance the social and economic standings of South Africans by regulating for a ‘fair and non-discriminatory marketplace’. According to the NCR, a fair, non-discriminatory marketplace is one that displays full access to consumer credit, characterized by responsible credit granting and credit use, as well as adequate compensation.

Why and how can I register with the NCR?

To become a credit provider in South Africa, you ought to be registered with the National Credit Regulator. This applies to everyone, even if they are providing credit to a few or thousands of people. As such, all credit providers, credit bureaus, and debt counsellors must register with the National Credit Regulator under the National Credit Act. The NCR enforces both registration and compliance with the Act.

However, there is an exemption that applies. You may be excluded from the requirement to register as a credit provider if the consumers are juristic persons with an asset value or annual turnover of at least R1 million. This exemption also applies where the juristic person concludes a large credit agreement with the credit provider, with a principal debt of a minimum of R250 000.00.

Steps to register with the National Credit Regulator in South Africa

Below are the basic steps that either a juristic person or company may follow to register with the NCR and be approved to offer credit according to the dictates of the National Credit Act. All the information or documents listed below must be sent to 127 – 15th Road, Randjespark, Midrand, PO Box 209, Halfway House, 1685. This address is provided on top of the NCR application forms.

1. Determine whether you want to register as an alternative dispute resolution agent, credit bureaux, credit provider, debt counsellor, or payment distribution agent.
2. Download and complete the suitable application form from this list. Proof of company registration, or you can be a sole proprietor.
3. Proof of the share ownership structure of the business through a copy of share certificate(s) if the application is a company.
4. Provide a certified copy(ies) of ID
5. Part 7 (disqualification of natural person form)
6. The police clearance certificates you provide should be no older than 6 months.
7. Provide certified copies of ID or Passports of any of the following:
   • Members
   • Directors
   • Trustees
   • Partners
   • Sole proprietors

1. Complete and sign a board resolution (to register). Submit this document if the applicant is a juristic person
2. Provide a police clearance certificate (issued by the South Africa Police Services (SAPS) for all the following:
   • Members
   • Directors
   • Trustees
   • Partners
   • sole proprietors

1. Proof of payment of the registration and application fees as will be discussed in the next section.
2. Provide a bank letter confirming the applicant’s banking details. You can also provide a copy of a cancelled blank check.
3. Provide Proof of registration with the South African Revenue Services (SARS)

What are the NCR registration fees?

The National Credit Regulator oversees different credit agencies in South Africa. Therefore, fees will not be the same for registering with the NCR. Below, we summarize the payable fees for both registration and application.

There is a mandatory non-refundable application fee of R550 that every applicant must pay regardless of the type of business they intend to register with the regulator. There is also a branch fee of R250 per location or premises where the business will be operating from. For example, if your business already has ten branches, you will be liable to pay a branch fee of R2,500 (R250 X 10).

The registration fees are set differently according to the type of business you are registering with the NCR. For example, to register as a credit provider, you will pay registration fees in line with the nine categories set out by the regulator. A credit category 1 credit provider is one with total principal debt equal to or greater than R15 billion. These will pay a registration fee of R330,000. On the other hand, a category 2 credit provider is one with a total principal debt of less than R250,000. They pay R1,000 initial registration fees. These categories are set in descending order, with category 1 being the company with the highest principal debt and category 9 the least.

Nevertheless, if you want to register as a credit bureau, you pay registration fees as follows: R11,000, plus R5 per one thousand consumer credit enquiries. But these shall not exceed R210,000. According to the NCR, “consumer credit enquiries is the number of consumer credit enquiries for the past 12 months period up to the end of the last month before the application date for registration as certified by the CEO of the applicant.”

Conclusion

The process to register with the NCR could be cumbersome because there are rules that must be followed. The information provided in this article is standard and does not apply to all the types of registrations that take place at the National Credit Regulator. Documents required to register as a credit provider may have a slight difference from those to register as an alternative dispute resolution agent or credit bureaux. Therefore, always take note of these differences when registering with the NCR and ensure that you have the list of paperwork required to register your business.

The pandemic has taught us one thing: completing everyday tasks online is vital to ensure our lives don’t come to a complete standstill if we can’t make it to a physical location.

But life has long since returned to normal and while going online isn’t necessary because we’re stuck indoors, it’s still the most convenient way to get things done.

eNATIS Drivers Licence Renewal

Thankfully, the eNATIS drivers license online booking application and renewal process gives South African drivers and learner drivers one less thing to worry about. Now, you don’t need to spend your Saturday morning visiting your nearest traffic department as you can complete some basic tasks on the eNATIS online portal.

Understanding the eNatis Portal

Before you get excited at the possibility of going digital to renew and apply for critical driving documents, it’s important to note that eNatis is only available for Gauteng residents. That’s because the system is only linked to traffic departments within the province.

Can I Renew my South African Driver’s Licence Online?

Yes.

But before you get excited at the possibility of never having to step foot in a traffic department again, continue reading.

Most South Africans would love to have the option to renew their driver’s licence online. eNatis allows you to initiate the process online but still requires you to either complete the process at your nearest traffic department or, at the very least, pick up your license.

You can also book a timeslot if you have more to do at your local traffic department other than renewing your license, saving you time in the process.

How Do I Renew My Licence Online

While you can start your driver’s license renewal process online, you will still need to visit your preferred traffic department to complete the process.

Step 1: Ensure You Have an Up-to-Date Eye Test

Unlike when you’re obtaining your driver’s license, the only test necessary to renew your license is an eye test. The test is compulsory, even if you aren’t visually impaired.

When completing the renewal process, you need to upload a recent eye test from an optometrist.

If your eyesight has deteriorated since getting your license, new conditions will be attached to the license.

Step 2: Create an eNatis Profile

If you have a recent eye test, you can start by vising the eNatis online platform. From there, you’ll be able to register a new profile to access the system. To register, you’ll need to provide your ID number, full name, and contact details, including your email address and physical address. You will also be prompted to create a password.

If you are registering as a business, you will need to insert the business details, in addition to the proxy’s 一 person acting on behalf of the business 一 details.

Step 3: Upload the Necessary Paperwork

While renewing your driver’s license online, you will be required to provide specific paperwork. This paperwork includes:

• • Identification documents: copy of your ID, a copy of your old driving license card, or a valid South African passport.
  • Black and white or colour ID photographs: the photographs must include your head and shoulders. You can’t be smiling in the photo, wearing a hat, or wearing sunglasses, but you can wear your spectacles.

• Proof of residential address: Documents that would be accepted are a bank statement not older than three months, a retail bill not older than three months, a utility bill, or traffic fine. If the proof of address is not in your name, you will need to provide an affidavit to prove that you reside and that address, alongside the proof of address.

Note: If you reside in an informal settlement, you need to get your ward councillor to stamp a letter that confirms your residential address.

Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fee

After uploading your documentation, you will have to pay the renewal fee. The fee differs from traffic department to traffic department, and you may pay an extra fee for completing the process online.

Nevertheless, the budget is about R250 for the fee.

You can also pay via credit or debit card through a secure payment gateway.

Step 5: Make Your Way to Your Traffic Department to Complete the Process

You will need to pick up your new driver’s license from the traffic department you’ve selected. You should get an SMS indicating that your license is ready for collection when necessary.

How Do I Know My Licence is Ready for Collection?

Your renewed driver’s license shouldn’t take more than six weeks to arrive at your traffic department. When your driver’s license is ready to be picked up, you will receive an SMS with a reference number. When completing the online renewal, you can use this reference number to pick up your driver’s license from the traffic department you selected.

Renewing Your Driver’s Licence at the Traffic Department

If you’d like to save a bit of cash 一 on eye tests and the additional R12 you pay for the convenience of completing the process online 一 you can visit your local traffic department to complete the process.

When visiting the traffic department, you’ll need many of the same documents you do when you complete the process online:

• ID (Passport, Green-barcoded or Smart-ID, or expiring Driver’s License)
• Proof of Residence
• ID-sized photos

However, you won’t need to take an eye test before going to the traffic department as they’ll conduct one during your renewal.

To avoid standing in queues, you can book a slot to renew your driving license, following the steps below:

1. Visit the eNATIS online portal.
2. Scroll to “Book now for a New Driving License Card” and select “Book Now.”
3. Log in using your eNATIS credentials or create a new account.

You will also need to wait approximately six weeks to pick up your new license, which you’ll receive an SMS confirming that it is ready for collection.

If you fail to renew your license before it expires or during the grace period, you will need to get a temporary license 一 at an additional cost 一 while you wait for your new license.

You can get more information on the process by calling 0861 400 800 or emailing onlinesupport@rtmc.co.za.

FAQs About eNATIS Drivers Licence Renewal

Can I renew my SA driver’s Licence online?

Yes, you can renew your SA driver’s licence online. To do so, you will need to be a registered user on the My Licences website. You can register for an account on the website by clicking the ‘Register’ link at the top of the page and following the prompts.

Once you have registered for an account, you can log in to the website and renew your licence. To do this, click the ‘Renew Licence’ link in the ‘Licences’ menu. You will need to provide your licence number, date of birth and postal code to renew your licence.

You can also renew your licence online by clicking the ‘Renew your licence’ link on the front page of the My Licence website.

How can I book my driving licence?

There are a few ways that you can book your driving licence. You can either visit your local driving licence office and book an appointment, or you can book online.

To book an appointment at your local driving licence office, you will need to contact them directly and ask for an appointment. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and contact information.

You must visit the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency website to book online. You will need to create an account and then provide your name, date of birth, and contact information.

Can I renew my driver’s Licence at Pick n Pay?

Yes, you can renew your driver’s licence at Pick n Pay. All you need is your ID and your driver’s licence. You can also renew your driver’s licence at the post office, but Pick n Pay is often more convenient. Just make sure you have the correct paperwork and payment ready.

What is the NaTIS driver’s licence collection fee?

The NaTIS driver’s licence collection fee is a fee charged by the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) for collecting and managing driver information. This fee is charged to all road users who need to obtain or renew a driver’s licence. The fee is used to cover the costs of maintaining the NaTIS system and is collected by the Department of Transport.

Life happens, unfortunately, and so does death. In instances of the latter, you want to be sure your family has everything they need to continue living, which is why you should seriously consider life insurance. But life insurance is more than just financial protection in case you die. Many life insurance providers also add disability cover and cover for severe illness and loss of income which gives you the benefit of having financial protection if you find yourself facing a difficult time in life. If you are on the market for life insurance, this list of life insurance companies in South Africa is an excellent resource.

What is Life Insurance, and How Does it Work?

Life insurance is insurance that pays a lump sum to beneficiaries in the event of your death. When you sign up for life insurance, you go through a risk assessment that determines how much you should pay monthly based on the risk factors in your life that could lead to death and how much life insurance cover you request.

For example, a healthy, low-risk 35-year-old with R500,000 life insurance is likely going to pay less than a 45-year-old with the same life insurance cover but with pre-conditions like heart disease or diabetes.

You should also always read the terms and conditions of your life insurance policy as there are clauses that dictate the circumstances your insurer will not pay out the policy or the waiting period for your family after they claim the policy.

Another aspect of life insurance you should be aware of is the annual increase in premiums. Your premiums can increase tremendously if your lifestyle changes, if you’ve had an illness or have been hospitalised, or if you miss a few premiums.

List of 20 Life Insurance Companies in South Africa

South Africa has plenty of insurance companies offering life insurance in addition to dedicated life insurers. Over the years, the number of companies offering life insurance has grown as more life insurers try to target different segments of the demographic: younger people, lower-income households, and those with pre-existing conditions.

1Life Insurance

1 Life’s life cover starts at R200 p.m., with cover reaching up to R10 million in life cover.

1st for Women

1st for Women’s cover ranges from R200,000 to R10 million. As an add-on to their life insurance, you can also get dread disease cover that covers illnesses like cancer, tumours, and organ transplants, in addition to disability cover that pays out a portion if you get disabled and can no longer work.

Absa

Absa has a two-tier life insurance system. You can get up to R1 million in cover only by answering three questions or up to R6 million in life cover if you complete a more in-depth assessment that should take 30 minutes.

Alexander Forbes

Unlike other names on this list, Alexander Forbes doesn’t offer their own life cover; instead, they select life cover based on your needs from one of their list of life insurance partners.

Assupol Life Insurance

Although Assupol is well-known for its funeral cover, they also offer life insurance with premiums starting at R90 per month and cover that ranges between R300,000 and R1 million.

Auto & General

Auto & General offers life insurance of between R200,000 and R10 million, with special cover for those over 65 years old.

Budget Insurance

Budget Insurance offers two life insurance policies: Basic Insurance cover and Elevated Life insurance cover. On the basic plan, you can get a life cover of between R50,000 and R200,000. With this life cover, they have no waiting period for accidental death and a two-year waiting period for natural death or suicide.

The elevated plan starts at R200,000 and extends to R10 million, including add-ons like Disablement cover.

Dial Direct

Dial Direct offers life insurance between R50,000 and R10 million.

Discovery Life Insurance

Discovery Life Insurance offers different life cover products based on age and marital status. It’s also one of the few life insurance companies that have life cover above R10 million.

FNB Life Insurance

FNB life insurance offers a range of life and terminal illness covering up to R100 million.

Hollard

Hollard offers four life insurance products, with their basic and more affordable plan paying out up to R1.2 million.

Liberty Life

If you are between 18 and 65 years old, you can apply for Liberty’s life cover. Liberty’s life cover starts from as low as R130 per month, with life cover reaching R10 million tax-free.

Metropolitan

Metropolitan segments their life cover into two categories: those who take medical tests and those who don’t.

If you take a medical test, you could receive life cover of up to R5 million from as little as R100 per month. If you don’t take a medical test, you can receive a cover of up to R1 million, starting at R120 per month.

Momentum

Momentum’s life insurance is divided into three categories that include various add-ons like disability cover, income protection, and critical illness cover. Additionally, the price range depends on the cover you choose.

MiWay

MiWay is partnered with Sanlam and offers a four-in-one life cover policy that includes comprehensive life insurance, funeral cover, terminal illness cover, and funeral cover for family members. Their premiums start at R149 a month for R500,000 life cover or R200 a month for R1 million and increase significantly based on your lifestyle.

Old Mutual

Old Mutual offers life insurance up to R3 million with a guarantee that premiums won’t increase for the first 23 months.

Outsurance

Outsurance life insurance offers up to R3 million for clients who don’t want to have medical or blood tests. Furthermore, policyholders can select to keep their cover and premium fixed for the duration of their policy or increase it annually and have their life cover increase alongside it.

Sanlam

Sanlam has a life cover of up to R10 million for those needing quick cover with no or limited medical testing. They also say their premiums start at R100 per month. However, they also offer unlimited cover for those who are willing to endure traditional underwriting that will include an extensive health and lifestyle assessment.

Simply

Simply is underwritten by Old Mutual and has life insurance policies from as little as R89 per month.

Stangen

Stangen has life cover from as little as R100 per month for basic R100,000 cover up to R3.4 million life cover for as little as R600 per month. They also don’t require any medical tests to get covered.

This is just a brief list of life insurance providers. There are hundreds more. But, many of these other insurance providers will have policies underwritten by the primary life insurance providers: Sanlam, Metropolitan, Momentum, Old Mutual, Hollard, and Discovery.

Life Insurance Companies FAQ’s

what is the most reputable life insurance company?

The life insurance industry is vast and filled with a large number of companies. It can be difficult to determine which company is the most reputable. However, there are a few factors that can help you make this determination.

The first factor to consider is the company’s financial stability. You want to make sure that the company is financially stable and will be able to pay out your claim if something happens. You can check a company’s financial stability by looking at their rating from independent rating agencies.

The second factor to consider is the company’s customer service. You want to make sure that the company is responsive and helpful if you have any questions or need to make a claim. You can read reviews from past customers to get an idea of what their customer service is like.

The third factor to consider is the company’s prices. You don’t want to overpay for life insurance, so you should compare the prices of several companies before making a decision.

Ultimately, the most reputable life insurance company will be the one that is financially stable, has great customer service, and offers fair prices.

what is the best life cover in South Africa?

When it comes to finding the best life cover in South Africa, there are a few things you need to take into account. The first is what type of life cover you need. There are two main types of life cover: term life cover and whole life cover. Term life cover is only for a certain period of time, whereas whole life cover lasts for your entire life. The next thing you need to take into account is how much cover you need. You need to make sure you have enough coverage to provide for your loved ones in the event of your death.

The next thing to consider is the cost of the cover. Different life cover providers charge different premiums, so you need to compare quotes from different providers to find the best deal. Finally, you need to make sure the life cover provider you choose is reliable and trustworthy. There are a few things you can look out for when comparing life cover providers, such as their financial stability and their customer satisfaction ratings.

So, what is the best life cover in South Africa? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, some of the best life cover providers in South Africa include Old Mutual, Momentum and Sanlam. So, be sure to compare quotes from these providers to find the best deal.

How does life insurance work?

The main benefit of life insurance is that it can provide financial security for loved ones in the event of the policyholder’s death. It can also be used to pay off debts or cover other expenses that the policyholder may have. And because life insurance is a tax-advantaged investment, it can be a helpful way to save for retirement.

Can I buy life insurance on someone else?

Yes, you can buy life insurance for someone else. In fact, you can buy life insurance for anyone, including yourself. Purchasing life insurance on another person is called “insuring a third party.”There are a few things you need to know before buying life insurance for someone else. First, the person you are insuring (the “insured”) must be physically and mentally healthy. Second, the insurance company will want to know the reason why you are buying life insurance for someone else. Are you buying life insurance as a gift for a loved one? As a business investment? or To protect your loved ones in case something happens to you?

If you are buying life insurance for someone else for the purpose of protecting your loved ones, the insurance company will want to know how you are related to the insured. If you are not related to the insured, the insurance company may require a higher premium.

What does life insurance cover?

There are many different types of life insurance policies, each with its own specific set of coverages. However, most life insurance policies share a few common coverages.

First, life insurance policies typically cover death benefits. If you die while your policy is in effect, your beneficiaries will receive a payout from the insurance company. The amount of the payout depends on the policy’s death benefit amount and the terms of the policy.

Second, life insurance policies often cover living benefits. These benefits can be used to help cover the costs of long-term care, accelerate the payment of estate taxes, or provide other financial assistance to your beneficiaries.

Third, life insurance policies often cover disability benefits. If you become disabled and are unable to work, your life insurance policy may provide you with a disability benefit to help cover your costs.

Finally, life insurance policies may also cover other events, such as critical illness or accidental death. Speak with your insurance agent to learn more about the specific coverages available in your policy.

What’s the best age to buy life insurance?

There’s no definitive answer when it comes to the best age to buy life insurance. It depends on a number of factors, including your age, health, and life expectancy.

That said, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind. Generally, life insurance is most affordable when you’re young and healthy. The premiums rise as you get older, and they can become prohibitively expensive if you have health issues.

So, when is the best time to buy life insurance? It depends on your individual circumstances, but buying life insurance in your 20s or 30s is generally a good idea. If you wait until you’re older, you may find that the premiums are too expensive or that you’re not eligible for coverage because of your health.

South Africa is one of the countries with strong financial regulations globally. This makes it not so easy to find foreign exchange agencies that are unregulated and working on easily accessible streets. You will have to travel a few kilometres to find a foreign exchange agency. In some places, there will not be one closer to various locations. Only regulated providers are available in a few populous areas and international airports. This is understandable as they also seek to serve many customers and increase their profits, which are marginal in the foreign exchange market.

Exchange Foreign Currency In South Africa

Given the above, one of the most asked questions by international travellers who come to South Africa is how and where they can exchange foreign currency. Many foreign exchange houses in South Africa are always ready to assist international visitors and South Africans seeking to buy or sell foreign currency. Below, we will look into how you can utilise them to sell or buy foreign currency.

Prominent foreign exchange companies in South Africa

Some prominent names in the South African foreign exchange market are Bidvest Bank, Western Union, American Express, Travelex, MoneyGram, and Mukuru. Businesses like Mukuru and MoneyGram are also involved in foreign currency remitting to and from foreign countries. But customers can exchange international currencies therein.

However, many international travellers trust using banks for their foreign currency transactions. Therefore, this article will focus more on banks to provide umbrella guidance (because other foreign exchange companies, such as those mentioned above, use banks as benchmarks for their requirements).

Not all banks in South Africa offer foreign exchange services. Local and internationally owned banks facilitating foreign exchange are Bidvest Bank, Mercantile Bank, Nedbank Group, Capitec Bank, Albaraka bank forex, Absa Forex trading bank, Habib bank south Africa, Chase bank South Africa, Standard Bank, Bank of America, Citigroup, and FirstRand Bank.

Some of these institutions are mainly located in Sandton and Cape Town, poised primarily to assist international investors’ international transactions. But individual customers with smaller, transactional amounts can be assisted at banks such as Capitec, Nedbank, and Bidvest.

Steps to exchange foreign currency in South Africa

Get all the requirements.

The first step is to ensure that you have all the requirements to exchange currency in South Africa successfully. These requirements are needed when you are buying or selling currency. Below is the list of three essential requirements.

1. Provide your original I.D or passport
2. If need be, provide proof of travel in the form of a ticket (plane or bus)
3. Provide a proof of residence that’s not older than three months

Ordering foreign currency

In case you want to travel abroad, you must order foreign currency. In this case, you will be exchanging local South African Rands for either U.S Dollars or Euros, etc., to spend once you reach your destination country. When travelling, it’s wiser to exchange foreign currency through major banks because they have access to various currencies – unlike small bureau de changes that may only have major currencies such as U.S Dollars and Euros.

The process to order foreign currency depends on the bank you approach. For example, if it is Standard Bank, they allow you to order forex online and even direct them to send it to your local branch (if you have a current account with them).

However, you must indicate that you will be travelling within the next 60 days and provide all the requirements listed above. If you do not bank with the bank you approach, you can access major foreign currencies immediately upon fulfilling the above conditions. Just approach any of the above banks; someone in the banking hall will assist you and let you know where you must go to order the foreign currency.

International stock market traders based in South Africa order foreign currency in large amounts. These do place orders via the phone through their relationship manager in the bank. Banks with such relationship managers are Citigroup and Mercantile Bank, to name examples. After placing the order, the client receives foreign currency before transferring the Rand amount plus to the bank.

Usually, such funds are immediately directed to the intended markets. For example, if an investment manager wants to buy Nigerian shares for their client, they will call a bank such as Mercantile Bank and place the order for Nigerian Nairas. The bank will already have details of stockbrokers in Nigeria, where they immediately send the money instead of their client in South Africa.

Selling foreign currency.

International visitors must exchange their foreign currency for local currency. The process to do this is the same as ordering forex. You will be required to provide standard requirements such as the ID and travel ticket. Once you approach the above-listed banks, you will be able to access local currency immediately in cash. But if you have an account with the bank you approach, your local currency could be deposited in your current account.

Additional information about foreign exchange in South Africa

The fees

The fees for buying and selling forex depend on your banking institution. Standard bank charges an R74.55 admin fee plus a 2.3% fee on all currencies. More so, banks benefit from the spread (the difference between the actual exchange rate and the bank’s official exchange rate). For example, if the rate for each U.S Dollar is R14.3 on the market, the bank could quote a dollar for R14.28.

This means that when you sell your U.S Dollars, the bank will give you R14.28 for each dollar, thereby making a profit of R0.02 for each dollar. The opposite applies when you are selling Rands for Dollars. The bank could quote you R14.32 for each dollar they give and still make a profit of R0.02 per dollar.

If you bank with some banks such as Citigroup and Bank of America, they will exchange your money for free.

Essential rules for international travellers

If you are an international visitor, you can only keep foreign currency for 30 days. Business travellers can keep the money for 90 days if they must make another trip within the 90 days. More so, you can only bring a maximum of R25,000 in cash and US$10,000 or equivalent in other currencies.

The North West prospectus comprises both the undergraduate and postgraduate.

This document carries the entry requirement for admission, admission process, fees, financial support or bursary details, campuses, facilities, grading system, and the course information and faculties. The NWU prospectus contains an overview of what the University is made up of, your desire to apply, and your expectation. If you are an applicant and looking to find what and where to study, the NWU prospectus will serve as a guide.

The information within the prospectus may help you to understand what it takes to be in NWU. In other ways, you can use the information in the prospectus to find suitable courses and how to apply.

In a nutshell, the NWU prospectus is a tool to help you navigate your way through the University, understand the culture, and provide answers to numerous questions.

Why It’s Important To Get A North-West University Prospectus Before Applying

A prospectus is a comprehensive guide about everything you need to know about a university. Having this information can increase your chances of getting in but will also ensure you prepare better. If you’re applying to an undergraduate programme, having a prospectus can also help you make your application more advantageous by getting better final grades or choosing the right programme for your skills and grades.

How To Download NWU Prospectus

As part of the universities process and procedure, the prospectus is made available for all applicants and continuing students every academic year. The document is a guide to prepare you for what is ahead, how to get things done, and where to begin. This is a really good initiative by the South African University, NWU to communicate to all applicants and students. Having the NWU prospectus can answer most of your questions and feed you so much information.

To Download the NWU prospectus, all you need to do is to find the NWU website which is www.nwu.ac.za. Type the URL in the search bar and click enter.

Navigate your way to the menu tab, and click undergraduate to open the menu. This new page reveals most of the things that are needed as an undergraduate student.

Finally, click on the prospectus to open a new page. This document has been uploaded by the school authorities in a pdf format and can be downloaded by anyone. All you need is the internet and a smart device to download the NWU prospectus.

NWU Undergraduate Prospectus

Discovering the NWU undergraduate prospectus is just like locating a school administrator. This document is in pdf format and is made up of about 37 pages. However, it is important to know that, the NWU undergraduate prospectus is updated each academic year and pages may vary accordingly. It highlights the benefits and the need to be a student, especially at NWU. The NWU undergraduate prospectus harbors information like the APS score, International students, NWU virtual tour, campus visits, bursaries and financial aids, faculties, and many more. NWU undergraduate prospectus has the admission application information that you may need to put in your application process at NWU.

We need to also tell you that NWU Prospectus contains the list of courses, admission requirements, and all admission application information to guide you through the North-West University admission process

NWU Postgraduate Prospectus

Understanding the NWU postgraduate studies should be your first step before visiting NWU. Postgraduate studies is a higher degree in terms of climbing the educational ladder. You are allowed or qualified to have a postgraduate study after successfully completing your degree.

The NWU postgraduate prospectus is a document made for prospective students or applicants to entice them to put in their applications. This document contains the respective courses under the master’s and doctorate degree information. Usually, you will find more about the institution and the postgraduate course you want to offer. The concept of the NWU postgraduate prospectus is to give you an insight into what is ahead and the benefits one may derive when perusing a postgraduate at NWU.

Do You pay for NWU Prospectus Download

As part of the measures of NWU ensuring that all prospective applicants have access to the prospectus, it is always uploaded on the school’s website. This pdf document is free for all and you are not required to pay for it.

Paying for the NWU prospectus can be an illegal act and one can be jailed for that. This document is easily available on the internet and no one is required to make any payment before downloading. No matter your location, NWU has made it possible to have access to it prospectus which can guide you to make a decision before putting in your application at NWU.

Does NSFAS Pay For NWU Students

As a prospective NWU student, you may be asking yourself, if NSFAS provides support for students. Well, you may find the right answer on this page. The national student funding aid scheme has set itself to support all students who are in need and also provide scholarship programs for brilliant students.  To be part of this NSFAS support program it is mandatory that you put in your application through the right channel. Every academic season, the NSFAS compiles its list and makes funds available for all students within the necessary regime.

The NWU and NSFAS have a well-established relationship and this makes it possible for NWU students to receive funds from NSFAS. Once your application has been submitted and approved, NSFAS will pay you through their online portal to cover your fees and other expenses.

Check the Application Closing Dates to make sure you submit your application by the correct date.

The NWU Prospectus contains all the details for undergraduate and postgraduate study at NWU, so it is a great resource to help you make your decision.

While many may have a funeral policy and life insurance, the likelihood that the average person has a will is slim. That’s because Wills are often not given as much importance to secure your family’s financial future when you die as insurance and other policies. But a Will is possibly the most critical component in securing your family’s financial future when you die. Now let’s dive into what happens when you die without a will in South Africa.

What Happens When You Die Without a Will?

A Will isn’t necessary to divide your estate and belongings when you pass; however, if you don’t have a Will, how your money and belongings are divided falls to how the law prescribes.

The Act describes that if someone dies without a Last Will and Testament (Will), the way the assets of the deceased’s estates are divided will happen according to the Intestate Succession Act.

The purpose of the Act is to divide the estate among close relatives in order of relation.

Spouse

If you’re survived by a spouse but no children, your spouse will receive the entirety of your estate. A spouse includes same-sex unions as prescribed by the Civil Union Act, a religious marriage, a polygamous marriage, and customary marriages.

If you have a spouse and children but die without a Will, your spouse will receive the same as a child’s share of the estate or R250,000 of your assets, whichever is more.

Children

If you die and are only survived by your children, each child will receive an equal portion of your estate. If you have a spouse, your children will receive an equal share of the balance of your estate after your spouse has received their portion of your money and belongings.

Extended Relatives

If you die without children or a spouse, your extended family, your parents, siblings, aunts, and uncles will inherit from your estate according to how closely related they are.

If you don’t have parents, siblings, aunts or uncles to inherit your estate, your nearest relative will inherit your estate.

Girlfriend/Boyfriend

Unless you’ve been in a relationship with a girlfriend/boyfriend for a long enough period that the relationship becomes a common-law marriage, a girlfriend/boyfriend receives nothing when you die without a will.

Who Has Control Over Dividing Assets After Someone Dies Without a Will

When someone dies with a Will, they indicate who their estate’s executor will be; this isn’t the case when you die without a Will.

The executor is the person responsible for dividing the assets according to the wishes of the deceased and is usually someone the person trusts to handle their affairs. But, without a Will to indicate who this person will be, the responsibility of the executor falls to the Master of the High Court.

The heirs of the estate can nominate someone to handle the deceased’s affairs, but they may not always be the person the Master of the High Court decides to appoint. It’s usually here that dividing the assets can be delayed as family members fight over who the executor should be.

What Happens if the Deceased is Survived by Minor Children?

Possibly more important than the division of the assets is what happens to minor children when someone dies without a Will.

If you’ve ever seen this transpire when a single parent passes, you know this can be a devastating experience for children, as they are ultimately either placed in foster care or with a legal guardian appointed by the state.

If only one parent passes, the other parent typically becomes the legal guardian of the children. However, if the other parent isn’t active in the children’s lives or can’t be located, the state will determine who the legal guardian should be according to the state’s assessment of what is in the child’s best interests.

If assets are left for the children to inherit, but they are still minors (under 18 years old), these assets will be placed into the Guardian’s Fund, set up by the state and inherited when the child turns 18.

Can You Still Control How Your Assets are Divided If You Die Without a Will?

Without a Will, you forfeit all control over the division of your assets and what happens to your children, pets, and precious belongings, essentially allowing those appointed by the courts to handle your affairs. Sometimes the state’s decisions may go against what you wanted for your family and finances.

Can I Make My Own Will Without a Lawyer?

If you’re concerned that you won’t be able to draw up your Last Will and Testament because the cost of a lawyer is out of your budget, you can still create a legally binding will without the help of an attorney.

To create a legally binding Will, you need to be over the age of 16, and your Will must be signed by two independent witnesses, neither of whom can be the executor of your state.

Each page of the Will must be legible, and you must sign each page of the Will followed by your two independent witnesses, who must be older than 14 years old and of sound mind.

However, you can also create a will using one of the several free services available to South Africans.

FNB and Legal Aid offer free Will drafting services.

You can also create a will using Momentum’s free Will drafting service. The service asks you to answer a few questions and then drafts a printable Will for you to sign alongside your two witnesses.

Of course, if you have an intricate estate, either because of your assets or because of your family dynamics, you may want to consult with a legal professional to discuss your predicament. An attorney ensures that everything is seen to within your Will and that your assets are truly being divided according to your wishes when you pass.

Although it can be challenging to deal with, if you have children creating a will can help you secure their future in the event you pass while they’re minors.