To regulate employees compensation who are injured or contract illnesses and diseases at work, employers are subject to regulations outlined in the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases (COID) Act. Part of these regulations states that employers must register for the Compensation Fund.

Is COID Registration Compulsory?

Given that not every industry is at high risk of having occupational injuries and diseases, some businesses may think that they are exempt from registering for COID. On the contrary, every employer in South Africa – whether the employer has part-time or full-time workers – must register for COID.

Being registered for COID is a guarantee that employees are safe in the workplace and ensures that if an employee injures themselves while working, the Compensation Fund will pay the necessary expenses. These expenses can include early retirement, funeral costs and medical expenses.

Furthermore, to access a letter of Good Standing – which is integral if you want to apply for tenders – an annual assessment of your COID registration is necessary.

The only exceptions to this are the SAPS and the SANDF, in addition to employers of domestic workers and employees who work outside of South Africa’s borders for periods greater than 12 months.

Additionally, some sectors are exempt from paying assessment fees because they are registered with other mutual associations that regulate workplace injury and disability compensation.

Therefore, if your business is registered with one of the following approved mutual associations, paying your COID assessment fee is unnecessary. The associations include:

• For the mining industry: Rand Mutual Assurance Company (RMA)
• For the building industry: Federated Employers Mutual Assurance (FEMA)

The Compensation Fund Registration Requirements

You have seven days from the day you hire your first employee to register with the Compensation Fund to be compliant with COIDA. Irrespective of the industry your business is in or if you’re a trust, sole proprietor or PTY, if you have either one full-time or part-time employee, you need to register for the Compensation fund.

How to Apply for COID Registration Via Post

Within the first seven days of hiring your first employee, you will be required to register for COID.

To complete registration, you will need to submit form W.As2 along with the accompanying documentation (listed below) to:

PO Box 955

Pretoria

0001

After receipt of the form and relevant documentation, the Compensation Commission will send you an employee’s 12-digit registration number beginning with 99 via post. You can expect this process to be completed within 21 business days.

It’s also important to note that every new branch of business is required to register for COID unless a prior arrangement has been made with the department of labour.

COID Online Registration

Considering that most South African employers will need to register for COID, you should consider familiarizing yourself with the online registration.

The process is fairly standard but will require some documentation. You can follow the step by step guide below for a complete understanding of how to complete your COID online registration.

Step 1: Visit the Department of Labour’s Compensation Fund Website

To start the process, visit https://cfonline.labour.gov.za. The website only allows you to register your business. To do this, click on “Register as a DOL online User” on the left side of the screen.

Step 2: Fill In The Online Form

After clicking “Register as a DOL online user,” you will be redirected to a signup sheet. You will be required to input your ID number, and the form will populate your first name and surname. Then you’ll need to add your email address, cell number and telephone number. If you don’t have a landline number, you can enter an alternate number in this field.

Be sure the information you entered is correct, as you will not be able to make any changes once you click submit.

Step 3: Submit Your Form 

Once you’ve clicked “Submit”, the Department of Labour will send you a password to the email address you provided to ensure you’re able to login to your profile. You’ll be redirected to the same webpage, but from there, you can fill in your username and password and gain access to the COID online registration portal.

Documentation Required To Complete The Compensation Fund Application Process

Whether you decide to complete the Compensation online or via post, you will need to submit the following documentation. You can prepare these documents in advance and either attach them to your form.

Businesses:

Businesses will be required to attach the following documents to their online application:

• Copy of CIPC Certificate
• Proof of UIF Registration
• Copy of IDs for the directors or owners
• Proof of Business Address

Sole Proprietors:

Sole proprietors will need to attach these documents to the compensation fund application form:

• Copy of ID for the owner/director
• Proof of Registration for UIF
• Proof of Business Residence

Non-Profit Organisations:

To register for the Compensation Fund as an NPO, you will be required to attach the following documentation to their registration form:

• Copy of CIPC Certificate
• Proof of Registration for UIF
• Proof of Business Residence/Address
• Copy of NPO Certificate
• Copies of Directors IDs

If you are registering online, you can send these documents along with the completed W.As2 form to RegistrationCF@labour.gov.za.

If you are mailing in your application form, you can send these documents along with the W.As2 form to:

PO Box 955

Pretoria

0001

Also Read: How to Register on EVDS (Electronic Vaccination Data System)

Paying The Annual Assessment Fee for COID

Once you’ve completed the registration process, you will be liable to pay the Compensation Fund annual assessment fee. This fee is based on the income of the employee.

Employers will receive a notice via mail to their business address. The notice will include how much you owe in compensation fund assessment fees and will be delivered at the beginning of April each year. The notice will also include a deposit slip with reference details. Then employers can either pay by cheque, online banking or direct deposit from any ABSA bank.

If you would like to know more about the Compensation Fund assessment fee or have any queries about the process, you can contact the Compensation Fund on 0860 105 350 or email cfcallcentre@labour.gov.za or cfenquiries@labour.gov.za.

In efforts to make South Africa a more equal society, the South African government introduced B-BBEE accreditation. This accreditation is based on the legislation that South African companies – and foreign companies operating in South Africa – need to follow.

To encourage companies to comply with this legislation, the government introduced the BEE certificate. The certification makes it easier for businesses to make opportunities available for previously disadvantaged South Africans and youth in previously disadvantaged groups, as it defines the success of their efforts by making compliance quantifiable.

What is a BEE Certificate in South Africa?

A BEE certificate is an authorised certificate that shows your company has black ownership and is compliant with other BEE regulations. Companies with a BEE certificate are assigned a B-BBEE level based on a scorecard system that assigns points for various activities. The total value of the points are 105 and includes:

1. Enterprise development and supplier development:    40 points
   1. Enterprise development (5)
   2.  Supplier development (10)
   3. Preferential procurement (25)

1. Ownership: 25 points
2. Skills Development: 20 points
3. Management control: 15 points
4. Socio-economic development: 5 points

A business can be awarded up to the total amount of points for one activity. Then based on the sum of all their points, they are assigned a B-BBEE level. These levels are important as they dictate the public – and private – procurement opportunities available to businesses.

Level 1: 100 points or more

Level 2: 85 to 99 points

Level 3: 75 to 84 points

Level 4: 65 to 74 points

Level 5: 55 to 64 points

Level 6: 45 to 54 points

Level 7: 40 to 44 points

Level 8: 31 to 39 points

Non-Compliant: Businesses with a total score of less than 30 are non-compliant and will be unable to access many of the benefits that come with B-BBEE compliance.

What is the Use of a BEE Certificate?

A BEE certificate shows that your business has adequate black – this definition includes Indian, African, Coloured individuals – and black youth ownership and equity. The purpose of BEE is to bridge the gap for South Africans who previously did not have access to this equity and who were excluded from the formal economy.

Businesses are issued with the certificate once a year, after which they need to reapply for a new certificate.

Additionally, having a BEE certificate ensures that private companies and government entities can make informed decisions during their tender and supplier processes.

Some of the benefits of having a BEE certificate include:

1. The Ability to Transact with the Government and Private Sector

The government has issued procurement guidelines that set out terms that dictate what the B-BBEE level of a company needs to be for them to transact with the state.

Private entities have also adopted many of these terms because when an entity uses a B-BBEE accredited supplier, it is credited to their overall BEE score.

2. Favourable Tax Deductions

BEE compliant businesses can also benefit from tax deductions and incentives through the Skills Development Levy when it comes to skills development.

3. Access To Licenses

In some industries, businesses that are not BEE compliant are unable to obtain the licenses required to operate. One such industry is the mining industry, where, to be eligible to operate, businesses are required to have at least 26 per cent Black ownership to receive a mining right.

How to apply for BEE certificate in South Africa

If your business has an annual turnover of more than R10 million, you will need to complete the following steps to get your BEE certificate.

Step 1: Sign into your CIPC eServices Profile

Visit www.cipc.co.za and click on “OnlineTransacting” at the top of the page. From the drop-down menu, select “eServices”.

You will then be redirected to the CIPC services portal. From there, click customer login.

After this, you will be required to sign in using your customer code and password.

Step 2: Select BEE Certificate

Once you’re in your profile, click “Transact” at the top right of the page. Then click on BEE certificates.

Step 3: Select the Company That is Submitting the Application

The CIPC will show you a complete list of companies you have access to on your profile.

Remember, to submit your BEE Certificate application; you need to be a director of the company.

Select the company that is applying.

Step 4: Complete Director and Relative Verification

Now you’ll be required to confirm the name, surname and ID number of every direc tor. While you are confirming each director, you will also need to input the director’s relative’s details that share the same surname. You must input the first names of each director’s relatives – as they appear on the relative’s ID document – alongside their ID number and click verify.

During this stage, each director will also receive an OTP to continue the process.

Step 5: Answer Questions Regarding Black Ownership

When you’ve completed the director verification process, you will need to answer questions regarding the black ownership of the company.

You will be asked to answer the following questions:

1. How many shareholders does the enterprise have?

2. How many of those shareholders are BLACK?

(By black, the CIPC is referring to shareholders that are either African, Coloured, or Indian)

3. Out of the BLACK shareholders, how many are FEMALE?

Once you’ve answered these questions, you can click “Continue”.

Step 6: Confirm That the Information is Correct

Now you need to confirm that the calculation the CIPC has made is correct before clicking continue. If it is not, you’ll need to make changes.

Step 7: Submit the BEE Certificate Application

If the information is correct, you can submit your application for a BEE certificate.

How to Renew your BEE Certificate

Since a BEE certificate is only valid for a year, you will need to “renew” your certification. However, it’s important to note that while it may be referred to as a renewal – since you’ve held B-BBEE accreditation in the past – you are technically completing a new B-BBEE certificate application. Therefore, you can follow the same step-by-step guide detailing how to apply for a BEE certificate in South Africa.

How Small Businesses can Get BEE Certification

It’s important to note that small businesses – those earning less than R10 million a year – do not need to follow the process to achieve BEE accreditation. Because they are exempted micro businesses, they can complete an affidavit which will need to be signed by the commissioner of oaths and states that they are BEE compliant. The steps to get a BEE certificate for a small business are explained in detail below.

Step 1: Visit the CIPC Website

Visit www.cipc.co.za.

Step 2: Navigate BEE Certificates

Once you’re on the home page, navigate to the “B-BBEE Certificates” at the top right of the screen.

Step 3: Download and Complete the B-BBEE Certificate

You’ll be redirected to a page where you’ll be able to download the B-BBEE certificate. Once you’ve downloaded it, fill in the fields on the form. The information on this certificate is binding so ensure that you meet the definition of “black people” as referenced in the documentation as well as “Black Designated Groups”.

If you do not meet these definitions by signing the affidavit, you are committing fraud.

Step 4: Get the Certificate Signed by the Commissioner of Oaths

Once the B-BBEE certificate for micro-businesses is signed by the commissioner of oaths, the document can be used in place of the formal BEE certificate.

Given that more than 90% of South Africa’s population is black according to legislation that defines being black as either being African, Coloured, or Indian, getting a BEE certificate should be a no-brainer for any company operating in South Africa.

But, if you still have questions about BEE certification and if you need it, you can visit the CIPC website for all the information you need.

Most South Africans think that they don’t have a criminal record. The notion centres around major crimes like theft, robbery, murders, and sexual assaults only being recorded. On the contrary, you could have a criminal record after getting into a fight at a bar or being over the legal blood alcohol limit when driving. In this article, we will take you through how to check criminal records Online

Even if the crime happened a few years ago, the consequences of having a criminal record could follow you for a lifetime. For that reason, you should keep yourself informed so that you aren’t caught off-guard by a criminal record you may not even know about. For that reason, if you want to complete a criminal record check online in South Africa, the following information will help you get started.

Why Does Having A Criminal Record Matter?

If you have ever read a job description, you will see that most employers request that applicants don’t have a criminal record.

According to SAPS, many of those who receive criminal records receive them for innocuous crimes they may not even know they’re committing. Of those who hold criminal records, most are young men between 18 and 40, and the infringements they are charged with are usually a once-off event. Unfortunately, the penalty for having a criminal record includes fewer job opportunities, the inability to travel or emigrate because you can’t get a visa, and harsher penalties if you ever commit another crime.

These consequences can continue for a decade after you’ve been charged with the crime.

Even working for the gig economy – with companies like Uber – requires that you don’t have a criminal record.

How To Check Criminal Record Online

If you want to check to see if you have a criminal record online in South Africa, you will need to use a third-party service that has access to the AFIS network and can retrieve the information from the SAPS database.

Using a Third Party to Check Your Criminal Record Online

Several third parties offer criminal record checks online. One such provider is HURU. The platform is simple to navigate, and HURU has partnered with a large network of providers across the country where you can have your fingerprints scanned.

To get started using HURU to check your criminal record online, you will need to complete the following steps.

Step 1: Visit HURU’s Website To Find A Capture Locations

To check your criminal record online in South Africa, you can visit the HURU website. On the website, you will see a tab titled “NATIONAL LOCATIONS” at the top right of the screen. Click on this to be redirected to a list of locations.

You can then enter your location in the search bar to find partners close to your location.

Keep in mind, that most of HURU’s locations are within city centres like Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town.

Step 2: Get Your Fingerprints Captured

At one of HURU’s partner locations, you will need to provide your ID or passport. You will then have your fingerprints scanned into the AFIS database and linked to a HURU profile. To do this, you do not need to make an appointment; however, you may want to call the partner location ahead of time to ensure they have someone available to complete this process.

Step 3: Login To Your HURU Profile

Once your fingerprints have been captured at one of HURU’s capture locations, you will receive login details via SMS.

You can sign in to HURU’s website with these login details to complete your online criminal check enquiry.

Step 4: Select Your Reason and Pay The Fee

To complete the process, you will be requested to input your reason for requesting the criminal record check. Depending on your selection, a pricing table that allows you to choose the turnaround time that most reflects your needs will pop up.

HURU’s fees range from R165 to R400, depending on the timeframe you need the results and the reason for your request.

You can pay these through retail partners or online with a debit or credit card.

It’s also good to note that HURU’s online criminal record results are vetted against information on the SAPS as well as the home affairs databases.

Also Read: How to Clear Your Criminal Record in South Africa

Completing A Criminal Record Check of A Job Applicant or Tenant Online

If you want to ensure that you’re not hiring a potential danger or renting your home or property to a criminal, you should also use an online criminal record check in South Africa.

While there is a cost associated with submitting candidates for criminal record checks, the peace of mind and cost-saving you receive because you know your applicant isn’t potentially dangerous is priceless.

You can complete many of the same steps mentioned above, except you should consider coming to an arrangement with the employee or tenant regarding payment.

If you have additional questions about HURU, you can contact them on 010 593 4491 or email info@huru.co.za.

If you aren’t within proximity to a HURU partner location, you can visit the Afiswitch website to find a service provider close to you

. Afiswitch has providers across the country, including major city centres.

How To Expunge A Criminal Record

If you already have a criminal record or discover that you have a criminal record through this process but haven’t committed a crime in more than 10 years, you can have your previous record expunged. You will need to visit your Local Criminal Record Centre and request a Police Clearance Report. The fee for this report is R70. You will then be able to begin the process of having your criminal record expunged.

Applying For the South African Police Clearance Certificate

Many of those who want to know whether they have a criminal record will do so because they want to maximise international employment opportunities. If you want to work abroad – or require proof of no criminal record to emigrate or to travel – you can apply for a SAPs clearance certificate.

The document which is issued by the Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management confirms that you do not have a criminal record, nor are you a suspect in an ongoing investigation. To receive your certificate, you’ll need to complete the following steps.

Step 1: Get Your Fingerprints taken on a 91(a) Form

If you’re currently living in South Africa, you will need to complete a 91(a) form to get your police clearance certificate. You can request the 91(a) from your local police station. To complete the form, you will also need to include your fingerprints.

Step 2: Attach A Certified Copy of Your ID

You will then need to attach a certified copy of your ID to the 91(a) form. You can have a copy of your ID certified at the police station while you’re filling in the necessary forms.

Step 3: Pay The Non-Refundable Process Fee

Once completing the form, you will be required to pay the R150 processing fee to submit the form. You can do this at the police station where you’re completing the form, or you can pay it in advance to the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service to the following account details:

Bank: ABSA Cheque 
Account Number: 4054522787
Branch code: 632005
Swift Code ABSAZAJJXXX
Reference Number: PCC + initials and surname of the applicant

Step 4: Send the Documents to the CR & CSM in Pretoria

Finally, you will need to submit the documentation to the Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management in Pretoria. You can either ask your local police department to forward the documentation to the relevant department. Alternatively, you can send the documents in the mail to:

The Head: Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management (For attention: Police Clearance Certificates)

South African Police Service
Bothongo Plaza West
CRC Client Service Centre
1st Floor, Room 14
271 Francis Baard Street
PRETORIA

Step 5: Wait until The Prescribed Time to Receive an Outcome 

After submitting your forms, you will only receive your police clearance certificate within 15 business days after all your information has been received by the CR & CSM. If any information is outstanding, you will receive an SMS from the CR & CSM department and will be required to begin the process again.

If the process is taking longer than anticipated, you can check your progress online by visiting the SAPS Police Clearance Certificate website.

Step 6: Pick Up Your Police Clearance Certificate

If you are issued a police clearance certificate, you will need to pick it up from your local police station in person. You will need to bring along your ID before the clearance certificate can be handed to you.

Checking your criminal record online in South Africa doesn’t have to be a challenge. Unfortunately, there is a cost involved, and there isn’t a way to get it directly from SAPS or home affairs.

The South African Health Products Authority, better known as SAHPRA(SAHPRA License), was launched by the South African government and merged the duties of the Medicines Control Council and Directorate of Radiation Control, which were previously housed in the National Department of Health. However, to ensure healthcare had an independent body representing – and prioritising – the health and wellness of people and animals, SAHPRA came to be.

What is SAHPRA?

SAHPRA’s mission is to regulate all health products for quality, safety, and efficacy. Part of their duties includes registering, inspecting, evaluating, investigating, and monitoring health products and services available in South Africa, including IVDs, complementary medicine, and medical devices that are available on the market.

Therefore, if anyone wants to sell, distribute, or manufacture health products in South Africa – and for a South African market – they will need a license from SAHPRA to operate.

What is a SAHPRA License?

SAHPRA has several licenses that medicine and scheduled substances manufacturers, importers, exporters, and wholesalers can apply for. These licenses are designed to help regulate the products that consumers – and the medical fraternity – have access to.

Type Of License From SAHPRA

Presently, SAHPRA is only receiving online submissions for the following licenses. Each license has its own application form, which we’ve included links to below.

GMP & CPP certificates

To receive a Good Manufacturing Certificate, your application will need to include the following:

• A business cover letter
• A copy of your current SAHPRA license
• A copy of your current inspection resolution
• A copy of your current or expire GMP/CPP certificate
• Proof of Payment

Wholesalers of Medicine & Scheduled Substances(APIs)

Applicants for this license – who should include non-exempt wholesalers and distributors of medicines and scheduled substances – can download the application form here. This form needs to be printed or filled in with a black pen, and any alterations should be initialled and dated.

Cannabis Cultivation Licence

This form – which you can download here – applies to all non-exempt cannabis importers, manufacturers, and cultivators of medical cannabis.

GMP/Pharma Establishment Licence: Manufactures, Importers & Exporters

Pharma establishments can download the following form to apply to manufacture, export, or import medicine and scheduled substances.

How to Apply for a SAHPRA

Irrespective of the license you’re applying for, the process to complete the application is the same.

Step 1: Access and Complete Application Form

Using the above list of application forms, you will need to download and complete the form in black pen or print with black ink. To ensure SAHPRA accepts the application form, the information on the form needs to be complete and accurate and contain no white-out. You can make alterations. However, you will need to initial and date these alterations.

Step 1(b): Prepare Site Master File. 

If you’re applying to be a manufacturer or wholesaler, you need to create a master file. Given that preparing a master file is rather complex, SAHPRA has created a guidance document that details how you need to prepare – and what you need to include – in the Master File in addition to how to prepare the Master File. You can download the Master File guidance here.

Step 2: Make Payment

You can make payment before submitting your application. To do this, SAHPRA encourages you to familiarise yourself with the fee guidelines and relevant documentation before making payment.

This includes having a thorough understanding of the Applications Cover Page in addition to a thorough knowledge of Annexure A within the SAHPRA FEE categorisation guideline. You will also need to familiarise yourself with the Gazette Fee Schedule.

If you need more information about making payment, SAHPRA has created a PDF guideline on the payment of fees to SAHPRA.

It’s important to note that you cannot pay via cheque, and you will need to email your proof of payment along with the cover letter to pop@sahpra.org.za to ensure the allocation of your payment.

If you have any queries about making payments to SAHPRA, you can direct those queries via email to finance@sahpra.org.za.

Below you will find SAHPRA’s banking details:

Account name: SOUTH AFRICAN HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Special name: The Medicines Control Council

Account type: Cheque/Current Account

Account number: 40-5939-2080

Bank: ABSA

Bank Branch Code: 632005

Bank physical address: 240 VERMEULEN STREET, PRETORIA, 0001, SOUTH AFRICA

Swift Code: ABSAZAJJ

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documentation

After completing the above steps and before submitting your application, you will need to prepare these supporting documents. To ensure SAHPRA accepts these documents, they need to be in digital format. The documents include:

• An application cover letter
• CIPC, CIPRO, or DTI certificates and documents that prove ownership of the business
• A copy of a completed NDOH premise license application or an NDOH premise license
• Registration as a responsible farmer or SAPC case number
• SAPC Certificate of recording of a pharmacy and SAPC Certificate of recording of a pharmacy owner
• (If applicable) latest inspection resolution
• Proof of payment for the license annual retention fee for all preceding years (if the license is older than a year)
• Product list that includes proof of payment of the annual retention fee for each product since the product was registered
• Proof of payment for application with the correct reference according to Annexure A of the SAHPRA fee categorisation guideline

Step 4: Email Zipped File to SAHPRA

Once you’ve completed the aforementioned steps, you will need to email a zipped file with the form and supporting documents, as well as proof of payment to gmplicensing@sahpra.org.za. If you send correspondence for an application for a license that doesn’t include one of the licenses listed above, SAHPRA will delete your email and block your email address.

Also Read: BEE Certificate: How to Apply And Renew in South Africa

License Application Cost

The cost of applying to SAHPRA will depend on the purpose of the license. You can find a full breakdown of the cost of applying for a new SAHPRA license in addition to the cost of renewing an existing SAHPRA license.

It’s important to note that all application fees are non-refundable. So, should your application be denied, your only recourse to overturn your denial is to submit an appeal against the Authority, which will cost R50 000 and is also non-refundable.

Application Cost for New SAHPRA Licenses:

If you are applying for a new license, the costs are as follows.

1. Manufacture: R25 000
2. Distribute: R15 000
3. Wholesale: R15 000
4. Import: R15 000
5. Export: R15 000

The Cost of Renewing SAHPRA License

If you are renewing an existing license, the costs areas follows.

1. Manufacture: R22 000
2. Distribute: R12 600
3. Wholesale: R12 600
4. Import: R9 200
5. Export: R9 2000

You can view a complete breakdown of SAHPRA’s fees through a PDF government gazette detailing SAHPRA’s fee structure.

Applying for a SAHPRA license is a costly and intricate process. If you at any stage need assistance or further information, it’s best to contact SAHPRA. You can find a comprehensive list of key contacts here.

To achieve herd immunity, South Africans are being encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine, which is recommended by the World Health Organization for efficacy against serious illness when infected by COVID-19, is now widely available in South Africa.

Now, to help South Africans register, track and prove their COVID-19 vaccination, the government has launched the Electronic Vaccination Data System.

What is the EVDS?

The Electronic Vaccination Data System is a government vaccine database and vaccine management system.

The system is designed to track how many eligible South Africans have been vaccinated, notify those who’ve signed up of their eligibility, and alert recipients when they’re eligible for the second dose.

Do You Need to Register on the EVDS to Get the Vaccine?

To help plan for supplies, manage vaccination site availability, and manage the demand for vaccines, the government requires that those who intend to get the COVID-19 vaccine are registered with the EVDS. So, even if you plan to get the vaccine from a private clinic, you will still need to be registered on the EVDS.

How Do You Register on the EVDS?

The government has made registering on the EVDS simple. You can register using a USSD code, via the website, or on WhatsApp; you can even register by telephone, depending on your preference.

If you’re going to register on the EVDS, you can follow the step-by-step guide below to help you get started:

Registering for the EVDS via USSD Code

You need airtime to register via USSD code, but the process is simple and only takes a few minutes to complete.

Step 1: Dial *134*832#

If you have a passport or refugee number, dial *134*832#. However, if you have a South African ID number, you can dial *134*832*ID NUMBER#

Step 2: Follow The Prompts

You will then be taken to a screen where you can follow the prompts to get registered. Once you’ve been registered, you will receive a confirmation SMS of your registration.

Registering for the EVDS Online

Registering via the website allows you to schedule your vaccine with ease. However, now that many vaccine sites allow walk-in appointments, you may not require this feature.

Step 1: Visit the EVDS Website

Visit the EVDS website on https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za

Step 2: Confirm Your Age

On the website, you will be required to confirm that you’re 18 years or older before being able to register.

Step 3: Input Your Details

You will then be required to input your ID number and other particulars like your cellphone number and address.

Step 4: Choose A Date, Time, and Vaccine Site

Once you’ve completed the above, you will be able to choose a vaccination site and schedule a date and time to get the vaccine. If for whatever reason, you need to reschedule your vaccination, you can do that by visiting https://vaccine.booking.health.gov.za.

You will also receive a confirmation SMS with all the details of your registration.

Registering for the EVDS through WhatsApp

If you want to save on data, you can also register through WhatsApp.

Step 1: Click on the EVDS WhatsApp Link

Go to: wa.me/27600123456?text=register and click send.

Step 2: Follow The Prompts

Once you’ve been redirected to WhatsApp, follow the prompts. You will receive confirmation of your registration via SMS and the next steps to follow.

Registering for the EVDS on the Phone

To ensure that South Africans without access to smartphones or the internet or who don’t have the skills to use these options can still register to be vaccinated, the government has also implemented a toll-free telephone option.

You can call  0800 029 999 Mondays to Friday between 7:00 am, and 8:00 pm or Saturdays and Sundays between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. Once you’ve completed the registration process on the phone, you will receive an SMS confirming your registration.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Vaccine and EVDS Registration in South Africa

1. Who Can Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

The vaccine is now available for all South Africans aged 18 and over. However, the government is looking at making it available for children aged 12 to 17.

However, even if you meet these criteria, if you have been infected with COVID-19, you need to wait 42 days from the date of infection – or confirmed infection – to get the COVID-19 vaccine. This means that 30 days after you haven’t displayed symptoms of COVID-19, you can get your vaccine.

Also Read: HPCSA Registration And Requirements

2. Can I Choose my Vaccine Provider?

Currently, there are four vaccines in use in South Africa:

• Pfizer vaccine
• AstraZeneca vaccine
• Corona Vac vaccine, and
• Johnson and Johnson vaccine

While these vaccines have different efficacy rates in preventing serious illness if you are infected with COVID, South Africans can’t choose which vaccine they can get.

Since South Africa doesn’t have that much supply of vaccines, the government has distributed available vaccines as they receive the doses. Doing it this way also ensures there isn’t a bottleneck in the system because South Africans are waiting to get a specific vaccine or using the supplies of one vaccine.

3. Where Can You Go to Get The Vaccine?

The government has partnered with various private providers, including Clicks and Dischem, to ensure getting the COVID-19 vaccine is as convenient as possible. However, you will still need to register on the EVDS before being able to book an appointment through a private clinic.

4. Do You Need To Pay to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

To ensure South Africans who want to get vaccinated can get vaccinated against COVID-19 is free.

5. Is The COVID-19 Vaccine and Vaccine Passport Compulsory in South Africa?

As more of the South African population gets vaccinated, misinformation around the vaccine being compulsory is being spread. Being vaccinated is not compulsory. However, some private businesses have decided to make vaccination a requirement to reduce exposure in the workplace.

Furthermore, when you visit the Electronic Vaccination Data System, it clearly states that vaccination is not compulsory but encouraged to those who are eligible.

However, the vaccine passport is compulsory for those who want to travel abroad. Most countries have implemented some form of vaccine passport so that quarantining when entering the country is unnecessary.

The government is also looking at ways to make vaccine passports available so that vaccinated individuals can participate in activities and gatherings that could become super spreader events if participants are unvaccinated.

If you have any more queries about the EVDS – or vaccination in general – you can contact 0800 029 999.

Whether it’s by-elections, municipal elections, or general elections, being registered to vote allows you to voice your views on how your community, city, and province are managed. You can also give input on how the country is run.

But you cannot simply appear at the polling station on voting day and cast your ballot. You have to be registered to vote beforehand. During by-elections and municipal elections, you also need to be sure you have registered at the correct voting station. The following guide should help you determine if you are registered to vote if your particulars are up-to-date, and if they are not –– how to change or update them.

How to Check Your Voting Registration Status

If your nearest voting station is like the many voting stations in South Africa, you’ll be standing in a queue for hours. You don’t want to get to the front of the queue only to find out you’re not registered to vote. This simple step-by-step guide can save you headaches and frustration by checking your voter registration status.

Check Your Voting Registration Online

The easiest way to check your voting status is to do it online. This way, if you realise your registered information is incorrect, you can go about updating from the same portal. You can follow this 2-step process to get started.

Step 1: Visit The IEC Website

The start of checking your voting registration online is to visit the IEC’s website. On the home page, you should scroll down to a section that says “My Voter Registration” or simply use this link to go directly to the section.

Step 2: Input Your ID Number

In the section titled “My Voter Registration,” input your 13-digit South African ID number. Click on the ReCaptcha, and then click check now. You will be redirected to a page with all your voting details, including the polling station where you are registered to vote or if you are registered to vote via special vote.

Check Your Voting Registration via SMS

You don’t only have to check your voter registration status online. You can also do it via SMS for R1.00.

Simply SMS your 13-digit South African ID Number to 32810. You will receive a message in response with your details.

Check Your Special Voting Status via SMS

If you have registered to vote via special vote before, you can check to see the current status of that application by SMSing your 13-digit South African ID Number to 32711.

What You Should Do if Your Details Have Changed

If you notice the details the IEC has are not up-to-date, you should make an effort to change them. Voting with incorrect particulars can be seen as voter fraud as you may artificially increase the votes in a region in which you no longer reside, especially during municipal and by-elections. To ensure you’re not on the wrong side of the IEC’s guidelines, you should update your details if you realise they no longer reflect your current address or voting district.

Step 1: Visit The Voter Registration Portal

The first step to updating your address is to visit the IEC’s voter portal.

Step 2: Login or Create a Profile

Once on the portal, navigate to the button that says “login or create a profile.” After clicking, you will be redirected to the login page. If you’ve created an online profile with the IEC before, you can enter your ID number and password associated with your account.

If you have never created a profile, scroll down and click on the link that says “To create a new profile, follow this link,” which will redirect you to create a user profile.

From there, you will be required to enter your details, including your ID number, your first name and surname, and cell phone number.

Enter the ReCaptcha, and click on “Create profile.” From there, follow the prompts to create your profile.

Step 3: Navigate to Your Address Details

After creating your profile, you will be able to access your dashboard. From there, you will need to navigate to your current address information.

You can then enter your new address information. The IEC will show you which voting station you will be registered to vote in.

If you aren’t happy with the voting station they’ve selected when you are allowed to review your ward and voting district, use the voting station finder to choose a more suitable voting station.

Then, when you’ve selected a voting station, you need to follow the prompts to confirm your address.

What To Do If You Aren’t Registered To Vote

While checking your voter registration details, you may determine you aren’t registered to vote. If that is the case, you can rectify that without going to an IEC branch. Complete the steps below to register to vote online.

Step 1: Visit The Voter Registration Portal

You don’t have to wait for an election to register to vote; you can register to vote at any time. Simply go to the voter registration portal and select the button that says “Register to vote.” The site will redirect to a screen that requires you to agree to terms and conditions. Read through the information carefully before scrolling down and clicking “I Accept the Terms of Use,” followed by “Begin Application Process.”

Step 2: Create an Account

After completing the above process, enter your 13-digit South African ID number, full name, and cell phone number.

You will be sent an OTP to the number you provide, enter the six-digit code to continue.

Step 3: Capture Your Home Address

Now you need to insert your home address. If you reside in a housing complex, enter the street address of the housing complex’s entrance as the IEC may not have the internal street address. You can then navigate to your address using the map.

Once you enter your full address, the IEC will display your voting and ward district details. If you are happy with the information, proceed. If not, use the voting station finder to select a more suitable voting station.

Step 4: Upload a Picture of Your ID

To complete your voter registration, you will need to take a picture of either your green barcoded ID, your temporary ID, or your Smart ID card. The picture should be clear, well-lit, and show pertinent details like your ID number and image. Also, the full ID must be in the frame.

If your image meets these criteria, upload the image onto the portal.

Step 5: Confirm Your Registration

The IEC will then confirm that you’ve been registered to vote, either via email or SMS.

If you have any more questions regarding your voter registration status or need assistance updating your details, you can call the IEC on 012 622 5700 for general enquiries or email them at info@elections.org.za,

While some traffic infringements – like overstaying your welcome at a metre – may seem innocuous, having a penalty system for drivers who are disobeying the rules of the road is integral to keeping all road users safe. Consider that even a split-second bad decision can lead to injury or – even worse – death. So, even if you aren’t a fan of traffic fines, they are the best method to ensure users are more likely to comply with the road rules.

That said, if you do find yourself on the wrong side of the law, you will be subject to pay a fine, which thanks to AARTO, has become fairly easy and substantially cheaper to pay.

What Is The AARTO?

The AARTO – which came into effect on 1 July 2022 – is an administrative process that decriminalises many traffic offences. Before the AARTO came into effect, drivers who committed relatively insignificant offences like leaving their driver’s license at home would be subject to criminal prosecution according to the CPA. Now, offences like speeding, not having your license on you, and not wearing a seatbelt aren’t categorised as offences but rather as infringements that are subject to a fine and a demerit according to the demerit system.

How to Check my Tickets Online

To avoid additional charges, you should check your infringements regularly. The best way to do this is to access information about your infringements online.

Checking your tickets online also means that you are more likely to benefit from the AARTO’s 50% discount as you’ll know about the infringements within the 32 day grace period and can make arrangements to pay.

There are several access portals for you to view your traffic fines. One of those is the AARTO, but there are also private providers like PayCity. However, if you’ve created an AARTO profile – which is rather simple – you’ll be able to view any outstanding fines on your dashboard and pay them online.

 How to Check If I Have Traffic Fines To Pay

While every notice for a traffic infringement should be sent via registered mail to the address the traffic department has on record, these fines may not reach you – the intended recipient – on time, for any number of reasons. Because of this, you should be checking your traffic fines regularly. Sometimes you may have traffic infringements that you are not aware of or that have been improperly allocated to your vehicle.

There are two primary methods to conveniently check your traffic infringements, that is AARTO and PayCity. PayCity is a private entity that has a long-standing partnership with the government and has a convenient method to view and pay.

Consider Using PayCity

PayCity is a private online portal that enables you to view your outstanding infringements. The system is updated in real-time, so you can view your fines instantly instead of waiting for a letter from the AARTO. However, to pay your fines through PayCity, you’ll be charged a convenience fee of R10.

That aside, the platform is very user-friendly and you can get assistance from the 24/7 helpdesk if you have any issues – something you can’t do with AARTO.

Use The AARTO Portal

But using a third-party service like PayCity isn’t necessary if you don’t mind familiarising yourself with the AARTO’s system. The AARTO’s system is free to use for personal and company vehicles.  To view your fines, all you need to do is provide your particulars, after which you’ll be redirected to your user dashboard.

Similarly to PayCity, this information is also updated in real-time.

How to Pay My Traffic Fine

Several outlets enable you to pay for your traffic infringements. So, the choice of where to pay it should be based on your preference.

You can pay them at retail outlets like:

• Some Woolworths stores
• Pick n Pay – Nationwide
• Shoprite – Nationwide
• Checkers – Nationwide
• Spar
• Lewis
• Engen Quickshops

You can pay them through your online banking profile or app at the following banks:

• FNB
• ABSA
• Capitec
• Nedbank
• Standard Bank

When you’re paying through your bank, you’ll need to insert the 16-digit infringement code that is attached to the fine.

You can pay them online through:

• PayCity (An additional R10 fee applies for every payment made)
• Online Banking Profile

Now that the AARTO has come into effect, you can also make a 50% saving on your traffic fines if you pay them in full within the first 32 days of receiving your fine. So, if you are going to use one of the above portals to pay within 32 days you only need to pay half the amount of the full fine. However, to be sure you qualify for this you should check the AARTO website.

What Happens If I Don’t Pay My AARTO Fine?

Prior to the AARTO coming into effect nationwide, motorists who received fines would have been subject to an arrest, could face jail time and receive a criminal record. However, since the AARTO works to decriminalise minor traffic offences, the most severe form of punishment will be having your license suspended.

While this may not seem as extreme, the traffic department is constantly looking into different mechanisms to increase compliance, which means changes could be made that have far more severe consequences.

Can I Dispute My Fine?

If you weren’t the driver in the vehicle at the time or the car captured on the traffic camera isn’t yours you have 64 days to file a dispute. You will need to fill in and file a representation form which you can find online.

However, you can also elect to pay your fines in instalments within the first 64 days by completing the instalment form on the AARTO website. The maximum term for instalment payments is six months regardless of the amount. You can also email your form to instalments@rtia.co.za once you’ve completed it.

While the AARTO has made paying your fines easier, the process has become slightly more complex because of the admin involved. For this reason, you may want to contact the RTIA, your local traffic department, or a third party provider like PayCity if you’re unsure what to do.

The bane of every South African motorist’s existence is renewing license discs, receiving traffic fines, followed by having to pay those traffic fines, in general, spending any amount of time at your local traffic department. Thankfully, Paycity is trying to assist in part of that equation by making paying your traffic fines, renewing vehicle licenses – and even paying municipal bills – more convenient by completing the entire process online.

What Is Paycity?

PayCity is a merger between energy.co.za – a platform that enabled users to purchase prepaid electricity – and payfine.co.za – a platform that allowed users to pay fines online. After the merger between these online platforms, Paycity would add additional services, including paying municipal bills and licence disc renewals.

How to Register on PayCity

To access the services on PayCity, you need to have a PayCity account. But, registering for an account is straightforward and takes a matter of minutes.

Step 1: Navigate To PayCity’s Website

Visit https://www.paycity.co.za.

Click on register at the top right-hand corner of the page.

Step 2: Register Using Your Details

To create an account, you’ll only need to provide your email address, first name and surname and a secure password.

You will then be sent an activation email with your details.

However, to use the services, you may be required to add your ID numbers, vehicle registration details, as well as your municipal account number – depending on the services you want to access through PayCity.

Step 3: Store Your Registration Details in a Secure Location

To ensure that your PayCity account remains secure, try to use a password that you aren’t using on other platforms. Because if your details for another platform, with the same login credentials, are leaked, your PayCity account may become compromised.

Step 4: Link Your Profile To Your Identification

To do things like view and pay your traffic fines, you will need to add identification to your profile. You can do this by clicking on the traffic fines button on your dashboard and then adding either an ID number, foreign identification, or a company registration number.

To pay municipal accounts, you will need to select your municipality – at this time, PayCity only supports the City of Cape Town, eThekwini Municipality, and Nama Khoi Municipality – and add your municipal account number.

What can I do with my PayCity account?

PayCity allows you to pay traffic fines at a convenience fee of R10. You can also add credit to your PayCity account. This allows you to make payments from your credits in future.

PayCity also offers subscriptions, allowing you to include additional IDs as well as remove the convenience fee.

These subscriptions start at R130 per year, which allows you to have 2 IDs attached to one profile and includes weekly notifications for new fines for the areas they cover. When you sign up for a subscription, you’ll also get reminders for AARTO discounts.

Services available on PayCity

PayCity has four primary services available through paycity.co.za.

Viewing and Paying Traffic Fines

You can view your traffic fines on PayCity and pay them as well. If you have not signed up for a subscription, you will be charged a R10 fee for every traffic fine you pay. The traffic fine payment will reflect with the traffic department instantly.

It’s important to note that for complex queries – like traffic fine reduction requests or disputes – you will need to contact the transport authority who issued the fine as this cannot be completed through PayCity. However, the PayCity helpdesk can assist by giving you information about the documentation the transport authority will need.

License Disc Renewal

Once you’ve added your vehicle registration to PayCity, you will be able to renew your license disc. However, you can access license disc renewal when your license disc is six weeks or less from expiring.

When you are in the process of renewing your license disc, you will also need to add your delivery address where your new license disc must be delivered and upload supporting documentation as requested by the relevant transport authority.

Once you’ve completed the process, your license plate will be delivered by courier within 5 to 14 business days.

Municipal Accounts Payments

Presently, PayCity only allows municipal bill payments for the following municipalities:

• City of Cape Town
• eThekwini Municipality
• Nama Khoi Municipality

If you need to pay a bill from one of these municipalities, you will need to insert your municipal account number, and from there, your bill will be allocated accordingly.

Paying municipal accounts doesn’t come with any fees from PayCity.

Prepaid Electricity

You can manage several electricity metres on your PayCity account and can purchase electricity units directly from PayCity without any additional fees.

Read Also: Speed Test: How to Test your Internet Speed in South Africa

How Safe is PayCity?

If you’re wondering if PayCity is legit, the short answer is yes.

It’s important to note that PayCity is a private company. While they may have a long-established private-public partnership with the government, one that has been ongoing in some capacity for over 20 years, they are not a government department.

However, the site is 100% safe and secure to use. All your information is transmitted on HTTPS encryption, and payCity has committed to legally protect your information and transactions.

Another benefit to using PayCity is that, unlike most government departments, PayCity’s call centre is also available 24/7. This means that if you have any queries or complaints, you can contact them and have those issues sorted without much hassle.

If you ever need any additional information or would like to contact PayCity, you can reach them on social media. Their handle on Facebook is @payCity and on Twitter @paycity. You can also email the team at team@paycity.co.za for queries, or if you need support, reach out to them at support@paycity.co.za. Alternatively, you can call the PayCity helpdesk on 087 237 7011 seven days a week.

The Department of Basic Education recently conducted a hiring spree, hiring young, unemployed, and qualified people to become education and school assistants(Teaching assistant jobs). The process resulted in nearly 300,000 unemployed youth finding lucrative work at government schools.

Who Can Apply For a Teaching Assistant Job?

The purpose of the Department of Teaching’s assistant job drive is to hire unemployed youth. For this reason, only those between 18 and 35 years of age can apply. Furthermore, applicants will have to have a National Senior Certificate (Matric) and not be receiving any government grant or assistance or in university, college, or currently receiving other training.

If you meet these criteria and are placed at a school, you will be required to provide additional information to substantiate your qualifications and prove that you are a good candidate for the job. Then, once that information is received, you’ll be employed by the school for five months, where you’ll have the opportunity to receive training that can lead to opportunities in the future.

What Areas Can You Expect to Receive Training On?

While you’re in the five-month program, you will be assigned a position where you’ll receive training on. These are the available positions according to the DBE:

ICT Support

Your responsibilities may include troubleshooting IT issues and uploading educational content on learners’ and teachers’ devices, among other IT-related duties.

Child and Youth Care Work

If you’re hired as a child and youth care worker, your function will be to provide psychosocial support to learners.

Reading Champions

Your job as a reading champion is to improve reading and literacy rates among learners.

Infrastructure Maintenance

Those employed in infrastructure maintenance will become handymen at schools and be provided with training to ensure they provide good quality work.

Sports and Enrichment Agents

Your job will be to assist schools with sports and cultural activities. You will have to be fit and interested in sports.

Also Read: What is GPG Professional Job Center and How to Apply?

Step by Step Guide to Apply for Teaching Assistant Jobs

If you meet the necessary criteria, you will only be able to apply online for a job as no walk-in applications will be processed.

From there, the system will connect you to a school that needs a teaching assistant job.

Besides, because the government plans to make this an annual opportunity, you can follow the three steps outlined below for any future phases for education assistant applications.

Step 1: Visit SAYouth.mobi

To get access to the teaching assistant jobs, you will need to visit SAYouth.mobi as it forms part of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative to enable the youth to find jobs.

The website is free to access from Rain, Vodacom, Cell C, MTN, and Telkom, which means you don’t need data to apply.

Step 2: Register For An Account

If you have never registered for SAYouth before, you will need to register for an account.

Fill in your ID number, name, surname, and cell phone number. You can also fill in your Whatsapp number and email address if you have one.

Then you’ll be asked a series of questions that shouldn’t take more than five minutes to complete. Answering these questions honestly is critical as they will determine the opportunities you have access to and where those opportunities are located.

Step 3: Apply for Avail able Jobs

When you’re on the website, you will be redirected to the opportunities that match your profile. This will include the teaching Assistant and General Assistant jobs but can also include other opportunities. You can start applying for these jobs or improve your profile by uploading a CV or adding other qualifications to your profile.

What Happens if You Are Shortlisted for a Teaching Assistant Job?

Once you’ve applied for the Teaching Assistant Job, the Department of Education encourages you to keep your phone with you until the process is over. The reason for this is that you may receive an SMS notifying you that you have been shortlisted.

And if you are shortlisted, you have a short window to provide supporting documents to ensure that you get the job. So, if you get an SMS or phone call that you have been shortlisted, be sure you send through the following supporting documents.

Upload Your CV

To ensure you have the skills necessary to work in one of the available roles, the DBE requires that you provide a CV. If you don’t have much work experience, your CV can include sections detailing your core competencies, systems you’re familiar with, and soft skills like being self-motivated, hard-working, willing to learn, etc.

Provide Written Testimonials

The Department of Basic Education also requires that candidates provide testimonials (references) from reputable sources. This testimonial could be a letter of recommendation from a former school teacher or principal, a church leader or a chief.

Submit a Police Clearance Certificate

It’s integral that you submit a police clearance certificate to secure the job, as the Department wants to ensure that candidates don’t pose a threat to the school or learners.

To get a Police Clearance Certificate, you will need to visit your local SAPS, get your fingerprints taken and complete an application form. You will also need to pay a R150 fee. From there, your application form will be sent to the SAPS headquarters in Pretoria, and your Police Clearance Certificate will be mailed to the SAPS where you applied.

Get an Affidavit to Show You Don’t Have A Criminal Record

It can take a few weeks to get a police clearance certificate, so while you wait to receive it, visit your local police station and request an affidavit stating you don’t have a criminal record. To expedite the process, you can request an affidavit while you’re getting your fingerprints taken for the PCC. The Department of Basic Education should accept the affidavit, but you can explain that it would take you a few weeks to get the PCC, which is why you are submitting an affidavit as a placeholder.

Submit a Certified Copy of your Matric Certificate and ID

The final documents you need to submit are certified copies of your matric certificate and ID.

After you have submitted these documents, you may be contacted for an in-person – or telephonic – interview. The purpose of these interviews is to ensure you’re a good fit for the school.

Can I Choose The School I Apply To?

To ensure every applicant has the opportunity to work in their community, the school you are shortlisted to will be based on your location and skills. This means you’re unable to select the school where you want to work. Instead, the DBE will find schools that require your skills.

If you have any questions regarding the Teaching Assistant Jobs, you can follow the Department of Education on Twitter @DBE_BEEI or Facebook @phase2beei.