It is already an established fact that internships are the best way to get professional workplace experiences. They are a vital practical addition to the theoretical training that students receive in colleges and universities. Added to the work experience, paid internships are a great way to earn extra income for students as well as a good addition to one’s professional portfolio. You may as well be able to land a permanent position at the place you are interning based on your performance there.

If you are interested in exploring your internship options in South Africa, then this article was designed especially for you. Below, we have provided you with a list of the ten best institutions that offer internship programs in South Africa. This is not a ranked list, and every institution is equally as good as the other.

1. South African Breweries (SAB)

The South African Breweries, commonly known as SAB, was established in 1895, and it is one of the largest breweries in the world. It has over 200 distinct brands and distributes its products in over 75 countries which spread across 6 continents. The company offers two levels of internships; the SAB graduate program and the CA training programme.

The latter allows accounting students to be able to gain experience and gain CA certification while the former is for graduate students who would like to venture to different career paths and ventures. The general internship lasts 18-24 months, during which students will be shuffled through different departments in order to get a feel of how the institution is run. The CA training lasts 3 years, during which interns would learn the ropes of the financial aspects of running the brewery.

2. SABC

SABC is the South African Broadcasting Corporation which is in charge of providing over 19 radio stations and 4 television stations to the South African public for viewing. As the state’s broadcaster, SABC provides a wide range of internship programs related to journalism and media. Interns can expect to gain experience in radio and tv broadcasting, tv and news presentations and many more. Interns can build themselves in a multifield career path that allows them to be able to be versed with several areas pertaining to media and broadcasting.

3. KPMG

KPMG international limited is a company that has network members all over the globe. What this company does is provides services to its clients such as tax and audit services as well as lowering the risk of investments while increasing profits through thoughtful investment opportunities. Given its line of work, the company offers an internship as well as learnerships in the following:

• External audit
• Forensic analysis
• Technology advisory
• Accounting
• Tax consultancy etc

This internship opportunity allows students to be able to work in their specific fields and a professional scene. It is also beneficial because interns’ benefits from mentorship.

4. P & G

Procter and Gamble is one of the world’s largest producers of dynamic consumer goods and has established individual brands such as Always, Oral B, Ariel, Pampers and many others. The company that has been in existence for over 118 years is committed to the training and development of the younger generation. It does so by offering internships to students in South Africa.

The internship program is geared toward giving students the opportunity to gain professional experience as well as act as a pre-selection process for the company to absorb young adults who are willing to develop their skills under the close supervision and mentorship of trained professionals.

5. Netcare 

For medical students, Netcare provides a great internship opportunity for you to practice your profession. Netcare is known for being the largest private healthcare industry in South Africa. Its reputation comes from its over 55 hospitals and 338 operating centres in the country. Its separate service, known as Netcare 911 offers ambulances and helicopter emergency services.

Candidates that are interested in applying for internships at Netcare would have to tender applications within the following fields:

• Administration
• Pharmacy
• Critical care
• Emergency care
• Nursing
• Business management

The internships usually run for 12 months, and students applying for these internships would have to be upstanding students with good moral and ethical standards.

6. Santam 

Santam is one of the most prominent insurance firms’ in South Africa, making insurance policies available to millions of South Africans in the country. If you are interested in accessing the world of insurance, then Santam provides an excellent opportunity to do so through internships. Santam internships run for a period of 24 months. Their customised internships programs also allow students to be immersed in internationally accredited courses as well as specialisations that encourage interns to build themselves personally and career-wise.

7. Transnet 

Established in 1990, Transnet is a state-owned South African company that owns and manages railroads, pipelines and ports in South Africa. Delivery goods and services both nationally and internationally, the company is aimed at contributing to the economic growth of the country. It offers several internship opportunities to students in the following areas of interest:

• Aircraft artisan
• Electronic engineering
• Civil engineering
• Protection officer
• Metallurgy (physical)
• Chartered accounts
• Electrical engineering etc.

Their internship programs offer student working experience for a duration of 12 – 24 months.

8. Unilever 

Unilever South Africa is a subsidiary company of Unilever PLC which is a global company over 100 years old. The company specialises in FMCG and owns many reputable brands. The company has several internship programs that offer students the opportunity to work and gain workplace experience. Depending on your career choices, you may be able to choose one of the fields that are of interest to you. If you don’t find any interest in the list provided below, please check the Unilever website for an updated list of offered internships each year:

• Marketing
• Information technology
• Finance
• Customer development
• Supply chain
• Human resources
• Brand development
• Research

Get a chance to pursue a career path in either of these fields by applying for an internship program at Unilever.

9. Investec 

Investec is a banking and wealth management company. The company which was established in 1974, has grown to provide a variety of financial services to its international clientele that spread across southern Africa, Asia-pacific and Europe.

Investec offers its interns a unique work environment alongside three career paths to choose from. Interns can choose to specialise in their banking sectors, wealth and investment and asset management sector.

Interns will be able to gain first-hand experience from some of the best banking and wealth management experts in the country and pave a path to gaining permanent employment with this establishment.

10. Sasol 

If your interest is energy, then Sasol is the ideal place for you. The South Africa based company specialises in chemical and integrated energy, providing oil and gas, fertilisers etc. its products range from products for industrial use down to household items such as nail polish remover. Its internship opportunities are available in the following fields:

• Rigging
• Control and instrumentation
• Welding
• Operating chemical plants
• Electrical operations
• Turning
• Boiler making
• Fitting etc

Sasol interns benefit from rigorous training on how to operate Sasol plants as well as the safety measures necessary for them to undertake. Interns also have the opportunity to be absorbed by the company if they perform well during the internships.

Also Read: Best Learnerships in South Africa

From health to sciences to the humanities, the list provides an opportunity for every student.  Use your time to research these internships and work towards applying to whichever you desire. You can visit the ‘vacancies’ page on each of their official websites to find out about their available internship programs.

The department of home affairs is an arm of the South African government which is in charge of the regulation of immigration, the promotion of development and the safeguarding of the identity of the citizens of South Africa. The department provides this list of services to its citizens.

The Department of Home Affairs has a goal to prevent fraud and identity theft by creating a Border Management Agency and National Identity System. The department also works towards simplifying the way through which skills can be brought into the country which will contribute to the growth of the country’s economy.

Home Affair General services

• Birth registration
• Reinsurance of birth certificates as well as marriage certificates
• Late Birth registration for learners (this can only be done the basis of an appointment)
• Registration of death
• Temporary identity certificate application
• Collection of identity cards or documents
• Marriage solemnisation and registration
• Application and collection of passports for those permitted to travel
• Application for travel documents for those who are permitted to travel (you are required to submit proof).
• Application for retention and renunciation of citizenship
• Processing of unabridged birth certificate
• Application for a first time ID card or document applications.
• All back-office amendment and document management services
• The department provides Visa services according to the immigration act.
• You can renew your refugee status and your asylum seeker permit or visa.
• The departments civics services: 

The department has the following civic duties and renders these services to the general public.

• It maintains the national population register (NPR)
• It also manages the birth, marriage and death records
• It determines and grants citizenship.
• The department of home affairs also issues travel documents and passports
• It is responsible for issuing identity documents.

During the level three lockdown, the services of the department of home affairs were adjusted to accommodate the changes and needs of the public during that time. These services include:

• Refugee reception centres remain closed down during the lockdown.
• It conducts the registration of births as well as late registration of births (LRB).
• Re-issue of birth certificates.
• Registration of deaths.
• Issuance of temporary identity certificates (TICs).
• Issuing od smart ID cards and green ID book application for first time applicants only.
• Collection of smart ID cards and green ID books.
• Passport applications and collections.
• Registration of marriages.
• Retention and renunciation of citizenship.
• Provision of frontline services at ports of entry.

Every citizen is allowed to benefit from these services. If you would like to benefit from any of the services listed above, you are free to do so given that you meet the specified requirements for the application and process of those documents. Given the present state of affairs in the county and the world at large, these services may change or be updated, check the department of home affairs website for any changes in their services.

Read Also: How Do I Apply for a Job in Statistics SA?

You can as well contact the Department of home affairs through either of the contact information provided below.

Contact Details

Postal Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001

Physical Address: Hallmark Building, 230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Pretoria

Tel: 012 406 2500 / 0800 60 11 90

Fax: 086 512 7864

Web: www.dha.gov.za

If you plan to purchase a home, get a credit card, and access a student or personal loan – even opening or growing a business – you will need a good credit score. You have probably heard of credit scores before. But because there’s not that much information available about how it works and why it’s necessary, most people don’t understand it.

However, this will guide you on everything you need to know about credit scores and help you confidently navigate this territory.

What is a Credit Score?

Your credit score is a number – given to you by credit bureaus – that summarises your credit report. Every month credit providers send your credit activity to the four major bureaus in South Africa. These include Experian, TransUnion, Compuscan and XDS. The bureaus use the information to determine what your credit score is. Your credit score is a number given to you between 0 and 999, with 0 being a terrible score and 999 being an excellent score.

Your credit score also reveals your credit health and worthiness to future financial service providers. So this number – among other things like your debt to income ratio – determines if you get access to finances or loans.

Your credit score will also determine how much you spend on interest rates and what type of credit facilities you can apply to.

How to Get a Good Credit Score

As much as possible, you want a near-perfect credit score to ensure you’re able to access better interest rates and better credit from financial service providers. The trick is to understand what you can do to improve your credit score or, if you have a good credit score, what you can do to maintain it.

Get A Copy of Your Credit Report

Step number one to improving your credit scores is to get a copy of your credit report. Your credit report will give you an in-depth look at your credit health as well as your credit score. This should help you by giving you a starting point and help you plan what to do next.

You can get your credit report from one of South Africa’s four main credit bureaus. You’re entitled to a free credit report every year from each of the credit bureaus.

Fix Your Negative Listings

If you have negative listings – like return unpaid or overdue notices – you should try correcting those errors, either by paying what you owe in full or making arrangements with any creditors. Alternatively, if you notice an error, contact the credit bureau to rectify it.

Reduce Your Credit Balance

Your outstanding debts can have a significant impact on your credit score, dragging it down the more it is. This is because lenders treat your credit balance as a risk assessment, showing them if lending to you is a good idea. If you have taken out too much credit – and most of it still needs to be paid back – you become a riskier client. Remember, even if you don’t pay late or skip payments, having a high credit balance will lower your credit score.

Pay Your Instalments on Time and In Full

When you pay your instalments late or partially pay, it signals to the credit bureaus that you are unreliable, increasing the risk associated with your credit profile and lowering your credit score.

Avoid Unsecured Debt

Unsecured debt can be everything from your credit cards, outstanding rates and municipal bills, store cards, and personal loans. Secured debt is the debt that is fixed to an asset like a car or home. Because unsecured debt isn’t linked to any assets, it carries high risk, which is why having too much brings down your credit score. So wherever possible, try to avoid taking out unsecured debt as it will affect your credit score.

Don’t Make Too Many Credit Applications.

Since financial providers have to report every credit application, your previous credit applications all make it onto your credit report. They then reveal whether you’ve been declined, accepted, or whether the application was closed.

If you make too many credit applications in a short space of time, this indicates to credit providers that you may be at a higher risk of default, lowering your credit score as a result.

Close Your Unused Credit and Store Cards

Unused credit and store cards also add to your unsecured debt amount. So, if you aren’t using a store or credit card anymore, close the card to reduce your outstanding credit balance.

What Is a Good Credit Score?

Your credit score can fall into seven categories: excellent, good, favourable, average, below average, unfavourable, and poor. The numbers associated with these scores are as follows:

•  Excellent: 767 – 999
• Good: 681 – 766
• Favourable: 614 – 680
• Average: 583 – 613
• Below Average: 527 – 582
• Unfavourable: 487 – 526
• Poor: 0 – 486

Whether your credit score is goodwill determines what type of loan or credit you’re trying to access. Even a good rule of thumb is that a good credit score is any number above 700.

Minimum Credit Scores for Loans

The minimum credit score for a loan – like a personal loan or business loan – will depend on the financial provider you use. If you don’t have any negative listings (in the form of return unpaid and high arrears), you can get a loan with a credit score of 500. However, in this case, most lenders who are willing to lend to you with this credit score will give you a high-interest rate and a low loan amount. Also, some loan providers may decline your application altogether, impacting your credit score even further.

But before you apply for a loan with a low credit score, be sure the lender you’re approaching will accept your credit score.

What is a Good Credit Score if You Want to Buy a House?

If you want to buy a house, the lowest your credit score should be is 640. Most banks and home loan companies will approve a home loan application if your credit score is above 640. However, you will still need to make other minimum requirements placed on you by the financial institution giving you the home loan. If you want a lower interest rate on your home loan, you should aim to have a credit score above 750.

Also Read: Pick n Pay Credit: Everything you Need to Know

How to Improve Credit Scores, South Africa

If you want to improve your credit scores in South Africa, there are three categories you can focus on.

Making Arrangements With Lenders You Can Keep

If you’re over-indebted, don’t overwhelm yourself with trying to pay back large sums monthly. Rather, contact your credit providers and make reasonable arrangements that you can payback.

Removing Negative Listings

Before you put in additional time and money, ensure your efforts aren’t going to waste by contacting a credit bureau and checking to see if you have any negative listings and removing the listings that don’t reflect your current arrangements.

Avoiding Taking Out Any More Unsecured Debt

If you are interested in improving your credit score and all the benefits that it has to offer, you should avoid taking out any more unsecured debt. The biggest offenders are store cards, personal and payday loans. Even if you’re in a pinch, look for other alternatives before taking out credit or a loan so that you can improve your credit score.

Improving your credit score takes time. If you have a low credit score, it could take a year or two – maybe longer, depending on how much debt you have – to improve it. But your primary focus should be to remain focused and take the small steps you can.

Firstly, we need to know What is Eskom Load Shedding and why it happens?

Load shedding is a planned and controlled process and the last resort measure of switching off parts of the electric network.

If there is insufficient power station capacity due to sudden and unexpected trips, the electricity system can become unbalanced, which can cause blackouts and the collapse of South Africa’s electric power system.

As South Africa’s primary electricity supplier, Eskom can either increase supply or reduce demand to bring the system back into balance. But Eskom normally asks large customers to voluntarily reduce demand (load) (load curtailment) to keep the system stable and avoid load shedding.

Secondly, How Does Load Shedding Work in South Africa?

If possible, Eskom will predict the risky periods and communicate via media in advance a fixed period for scheduled load shedding.

There are eight schedules developed based on the level of risk. They were made in advance to describe a predetermined plan for switching off parts of the network in stages.

Thirdly, we need to Understand Eskom Load Shedding Stages

There are 8 stages of load shedding:

In stage 1, power outages will appear 3 times over four days for 2 hours at a time or 3 times for an eight-day period for 4 hours at a time.

Stage 2 doubles the frequency, with outages 6 times over four days for 2 hours at a time or 6 times over an eight-day period for 4 hours at a time.

Stage 3 increases the frequency of stage 2 by 50% so that outage will be implemented 9 times over four days for 2 hours at a time, or 9 times over an eight-day period for 4 hours at a time.

At stage 4, power outages will be implemented 12 times over four days for 2 hours at a time or 12 times over an eight-day period for 4 hours at a time.

Stage 5 comes with outages 12 times over four days, 9 times for 2 hours, or 3 times for 4 hours.

During stage 6, power outages will be scheduled 12 times over four days, 6 times for 2 hours, or 6 times for 4 hours.

In stage 7, the power will be out up to 12 times over four days, 3 times for 2 hours, or 9 times for 4 hours.

If stage 8 ever happens, the power cuts will be implemented up to 12 times over four days for four hours at a time.

Lastly, but most importantly: How to check Eskom load shedding schedule?

Anyone can check the position of load shedding at any time at loadshedding.eskom.co.za

How to find your schedule:

Firstly, you need to identify and select your town or municipality.

Secondly, you need to identify and select your suburb

And lastly, you need to identify and select the appropriate stage of load-shedding.

Eskom customers can check load shedding schedules:

• on the Eskom website, www.eskom.co.za
• call the Eskom Contact Center: 08 600 ESKOM (086 003 7566)
• on MyEskom app
• on Third-party apps that are available on the Apple and Android App Stores.

Also Read: How to Claim From the Road Accident Fund in South Africa

Municipal customers can check load shedding schedules:

• by obtaining the information from their municipality
• most municipalities publish their schedules on their websites
• on the Eskom website, www.eskom.co.za
• on Third-party apps that are available on the Apple and Android App Stores.

If you want to find out if load shedding is likely to happen in the country today, visit www.poweralert.co.za

Remember to use energy wisely, switch off appliances that use large amounts of power, and be prepared for outages when not in use.

Digital currencies have taken the world by storm. If you are reading this article, then you are one of those people who have felt its impact on your local economies, in the international business world, and in trade. The future is indeed crypto; you can now perform many different tasks and financial transactions using your crypto wallet. With all the different currencies that exist, Bitcoins are the most popular and the oldest form of cryptocurrency that exists. If you are in South Africa and would like to jump on the crypto train, we are here to provide you with a step-by-step guide to buying bitcoins.

What is bitcoin?

As we mentioned earlier, bitcoin is the oldest form of crypto, dating as far back as 2009. Since it was new and many people didn’t quite understand what it was, it took a while for it to gain popularity. Now, it is a recognized payment method, and it is also precious. Let’s say it is digital gold. Or, to put it in another way, bitcoins are money that you cannot see or touch, but you could be super rich if you have.

Is it legal? 

We understand if you think this is too good to be true. It may even sound like a scam. Well, a lot of individuals and even governments felt the same way when bitcoins started gaining roots.  But the good news is, bitcoins and cryptocurrency are legal in South Africa. Although there isn’t any law banning the trade, the South African Reserve Bank did warn against the risks associated with the trade. But what investment doesn’t have risk? Crypto trading is legal, and you would be required to pay tax on any profits you make.

How to buy bitcoins? 

To lower your risk of losing, you should invest rightly and check all of your options. You want to make sure that you are carrying out the transactions legally and within a safe and secure framework or system. You need to have a bitcoin wallet. Several mobile applications and websites offer you the chance to buy bitcoins, make payments and check your balances.

The most popular method of buying bitcoins in South Africa is by using Luno’s services. With them, you can make payments for bitcoin using money from your bank accounts, and when you sell, you can as well transfer the funds to your bank account. You can also store your coins on their website.

How to buy bitcoins using Luno

Step 1: sign up on Luno

If you are an IOs user, you can download the Luno app from the app store or play store for android users. You can also decide to sign up using the web version. You can register using either of their platforms at no cost.

• To register, simply input your email address and password in the corresponding fields. Luno will send you an email to confirm your account.
• Open your mailbox, and open the email from Luno. In it, there will be a ‘confirm email address’ button highlighted.
• Click on the button and you will be redirected to the Luno website.
• To complete your registration, click on continue.

Step 2: Verify your Luno account

Now that you have registered, you will also need to verify your account. This goes as far as verifying your identity to ensure that you are who you say you are. Go to the settings in the menu and click on “upgrade”. This will require that you add your personal information, including bank statements, proof of residence, and as well as identification documents, and upload digital copies of those documents.

After verification, you will be moved from level zero to another level. The level you are moved to will depend on the deposits that you specified.  You are a level 1 if your deposits and withdrawals do not exceed R15,000. If your deposits and withdrawals are limited to R50.000, then you will be moved to level 2. Level 3 is reserved for people who do not have any limits on their deposits and withdrawals.

Step 3: put money into your account. 

After signing up and verifying your account, you will be able to make a deposit into your newly created account. You will then be able to buy coins with the money in your wallet.

• To make your first deposit, click on ‘wallets’
• Once the link opens, choose the ‘deposits’ option
• A list of banks will be displayed, select the bank you use from the list.
• When you have done this, click on next and you will be able to specify the amount of money you want to deposit.
• Use the reference number that appears on your screen to make the payment from your bank account to your wallet.
• It will take approximately 2 days for the transaction to be cleared and transferred to your wallet.

Step 4: make your first purchase. 

You can make your first purchase by using either of the methods discussed in these steps. You can not purchase without first making a deposit, so ensure that the bank has cleared your deposit before attempting to buy some coins. Use Luno’s instant pay feature to make your first purchase. You will be required to pay a fee for using this feature.

• Click on the ‘buy/sell’ button and indicate the amount you would like to buy or sell.
• To complete your order, click on ‘buy’.

Step 5: make a purchase using a buy order. 

If you don’t want to use the instant pay feature, probably because you are trying to avoid the fee, then you can use a buy order to make a purchase.

• Choose the exchange option in the menu bar. Then select ‘buy order’.
• To make a request, select the ‘place order’ option. This order will allow sellers to try to meet your order.
• When you are ready to finalise a purchase, choose the ‘place buy order’ option.

And with those steps, you will be able to conveniently buy and sell bitcoins from your mobile devices and your computer safely and securely.

To make sure your transactions and funds are safely stored, you may want to consider these things:

Store in a wallet

Use wallets such as Luno and others to safely store your coins and perform any transactions online. Wallets have a system that ensures that your funds are safe and cannot be stolen.

Do not have direct dealings with friends. 

Most of the time, you want to buy or sell your coin with friends and peers. This isn’t very ideal because you are not quite sure you can trust the person you are dealing with. Since there is no regulatory body or a third party system governing the transaction, the only thing you have to fall back on is trust which sometimes may not be enough.

Also Read: How to Claim From the Road Accident Fund in South Africa

Make sure you have a backing. 

To ensure that your funds are safe, use brokers that are regulated and backed by reputable banks. You stand a better chance of carrying out your transactions safely if you have proper backing.

In conclusion, you can make a lot of money legally by getting involved in this trade. Simply ensure that you are doing it correctly and using some of the methods that we suggested in this article. If you are still hesitant to jump on the crypto train, your concerns are valid. Ensure that you carry out as much research as possible before engaging in buying and selling bitcoin. We wish you success in all your endeavours in this venture.

What is the national treasury (Government Tenders)?

The national treasury is the department of the South African government that manages national economic policy, prepares the government’s annual budget, and manages the overall finances of the government. The national treasury falls within the portfolio of the ministry of finance along with the South African revenue service and the statistics of South Africa.

Founded on May 31^st, 1910, the mission of the department of the national treasury is to promote economic development, good governance, social progress, and improving the living conditions of the people through accountable, economic, efficient, equitable, and sustainable management of South Africa’s public finances.

How to apply for a national treasury tender (Government Tenders)

Step 1: Be sure to find a Government Tenders that are applicable to your industry or your company 

Does my business need this? Does the offer relate to what my company does? This as well as several other questions should be answered by you before embarking on applying for a government tender. It is important that you find out if that tender is a fit for your business. Tenders and RFQ’s are advertised in various places, ranging from newspapers to websites. You can find the Government’s weekly Tender bulletins using this direct link, http://www.treasury.gov.za/tenderinfo/default.aspx. However, the easiest way to find the right Tenders and RFQ’s is by subscribing to Tender notification services that will notify you whenever there is a tender that’s appropriate for your business.

Step 2: Make sure that you are capable of completing the job

By winning a tender,  you must now consider that the Government has chosen you as the most profitable supplier and now the government is a client of yours. This means that you have to make sure you have the personnel, the financial resources, the mastery, and the material to deliver the services the Government wants at the proposed price and within the proposed duration, in the same way, you would your other clients.

If you are not able to finance a 2 to 3-year contract, multiple institutions offer funds and loans available for Tenders.

Step 3: Register on the Central Supplier Database (CSD)

To be able to win a tender, your business must be registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) to apply for government tenders.  The CSD is the Government’s list of approved suppliers.

This article also provides you with the steps to get registered on the central supplier database. Once submitted, the Government will assess your documentation and add you if everything checks out.

Step 4: Get your documentation ready and in order 

Make sure you read the Government Tenders Document thoroughly and make sure you get all required company documentation in order.

Once you know all the necessary documents you’ll need for that particular tender, work on getting those documents ready to go before you start the application process properly.

Very often Companies apply for Government Tenders without complying with the list of requirements or without providing the necessary information. Consequently, they end up being eliminated before they even get an opportunity to compete with the other applicants.

Step 5: Fill out your Tender Application

It is important to ensure that you submit your application well before the closing date to avoid having an incomplete application, by the time of the deadline or having to rush over the application.

By doing so, you give yourself enough time to research what your tender response looks like and how to keep your prices competitive and attractive.

Step 6: Apply for multiple tenders 

Now that you have completed your first tender application, you are advised to apply for multiple tenders so you can get familiarized with the process as well as keep your options open.

National treasury vacancies 

The National Treasury (Government Tenders) has several vacancies that are still open for application. Listed below are the available vacancies along with the closing dates.

Also Read:Everything you Need to Know About SANRAL eTags

How to apply for national treasury vacancies 

To apply for a vacancy at the national treasury, you should follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Open the national treasury website using this direct link https://erecruitment.treasury.gov.za/eRecruitment/#/browseJobs

Step 2: Select the vacancy you are interested in and click on view and apply

Step 3: Log in to your national treasury account by signing in your username and password

Step 4: If you don’t have an account click on the register

Step 5: Fill in your details and create a password for your account

Step 6: Click on sign up

Step 7: once you have signed up, log in to your account and begin the application process

Step 8: fill in all necessary documentation and forms

How to register with the national treasury

To benefit from and have direct access to the government tenders, you are required to be registered as a supplier with the national treasury. The registration process has two stages: the first stage is creating an online account and the second stage is the registration process proper.

Stage 1

• Open the central supplier database website on www.csd.gov.za
• Create a new CSD account. If you already had an account, you can simply log in
• An activation email will be sent to you, click on activate account
• Request and enter the OTP to activate your account
• Once your account has been activated, log in to the central supplier database

Stage 2

Once you have logged in to your account, you will have to fill in the following information and forms:

• Complete the supplier identification information
• Complete your industry classification information
• Complete your contact information
• complete your address information
• Fill in your bank account information
• Fill in your tax information
• If you are a non-CIPC company, complete directors/members information
• If relevant, fill in all related associations
• Complete your commodities information
• Complete the notification information
• If it is relevant, complete accreditations
• Fill in the B-BBEE information
• Then click on SUBMIT
• A CSD supplier number and a unique registration reference number will be automatically generated and communicated to you

With that, you are now fully registered on the central supplier database. You have the privilege of receiving direct notifications of new and available government tenders.

National treasury internship

The National Treasury is dedicated to the development of skills amongst youth in the country. The 24-month Internship Programme offers graduates chances to improve skills and gain significant office familiarity to complement their studies.

Internship Eligibility: 

University with a degree or a postgraduate qualification at a recognised educational institution in the following areas may apply:

• Accounting
• Architecture
• Business Administration Computer Networks
• Computer Science
• Development Economics Development Finance Development Studies Econometrics
• Economics
• Finance
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Internship requirements: 

• Only South African citizens can apply
• Applicants should not have participated in an internship program before.
• Applicants should be between 18 – 35years old.
• students with good academic performance will be given preference.

How to apply: 

• Go to the National Treasury website
• Click on internships
• Select the internship you are eligible for
• Fill out the application forms
• Upload the required documents where applicable
• Upload a certified copy of your ID
• You are also required to upload a certified copy of your school qualifications
• Upload a certified copy of your full official academic record(s)
• Certified copy of your tertiary qualifications
• Click the browser button
• Select a file that you want to upload
• Click the Save file button to save a file
• The uploaded file should show next to the Save file button

Every South African dreams of owning a home; for most, that dream will only be a reality because of RDP houses and government-subsidised houses.

That’s because, for many South Africans, the decades-long disparity between the wealthy and the poor coupled means the dream of owning a home is still far from being realised. In fact, two-thirds of the population have never owned a home. Recent events like the pandemic and record-breaking unemployment make this possibility even more challenging than ever before. Thankfully the government is still helping many South Africans realise the dream of owning a home by building and distributing RDP houses.

Most RDP houses are in cities, making them the perfect place to help recipients access other opportunities and services.

What is RDP Housing?

The Reconstruction and Development Program is one way the South African government addresses the lack of homeownership in South Africa. Additionally, the program aims to provide access to water, electricity, and municipal services in poorer communities. To help in this mission, the government has launched subsidised housing, known as RDP housing.

For those who are eligible for RDP houses, there aren’t any costs associated with owning the property. Eligible recipients don’t have to purchase the home, nor do they have to provide any type of home deposit. However, accessing an RDP house requires stringent requirements to ensure only the truly impoverished and disenfranchised receive the homes.

Who Qualifies for an RDP House?

Since the purpose of RDP housing is to help impoverished and struggling South Africans, the prerequisites ensure that only those who meet these criteria are eligible. Also, the Department of Human Settlement will be sure to verify that the information you provide meets the following criteria.

That said, to qualify for an RDP house, you must:

• Be a South African citizen
• Earn or make less than R3,500 a month per household
• Be contractually capable (which means able to understand and enter into a contract)
• Be cohabiting with a partner or married or be single with dependants
• Have never owned or co-owned a home
• Not be receiving any other government subsidy
• If you’re a military veteran, you need to be single without financial dependents.
• If you’re an aged person, you need to be single without financial dependents.

If you meet these criteria, you can follow the steps below to apply for an RDP house.

How to Apply for RDP Houses

If you are sure you meet the qualifications for an RDP house, applying for one can be difficult.  However, if you follow the steps below, they will help you begin the process of getting an RDP house.

Step 1: Be Sure You Meet The Criteria

The first step is to ensure you fall into the category of those who can receive an RDP house. If not, your application will be immediately declined. However, even if you don’t qualify for an RDP house, you can try getting a government housing subsidy through FLISP.

Step 2: Have Your Necessary Documentation

If you do qualify, you will need your ID document, payslip (if you are working) and your spouse or partner’s ID if you are married. You will also need certified copies of your children’s birth certificates. You can attach these documents to your application form.

Step 3: Get Your Application Form

Unfortunately, there are no RDP house application forms online. Therefore, you will need to go to your local municipality to receive a form, or you can visit your local Department of Human Settlement to get your application form. If you can’t travel to one of the locations, you can ask your local councillor for a form or contact the Department of Human Settlement at 0800 146 873.

Once you have filled in the form, you must drop it off at your municipality or Department of Human Settlement.

The list below should help you find your local Department of Human Settlement.

List of Local Department of Human Settlement Offices

Limpopo Department of Human Settlement

• Head Office Address: Corner 28 Market Street & 20 Rabe Street, Polokwane
• Phone Number: 015 294 2000 or 015 284 5000

Free State Department of Human Settlement

• Head Office Address: 7th Floor, OR Tambo House, Corner Markgraaf & St. Andrew Street, Bloemfontein
• Phone Number: 051 403 3379 or 051 403 3392

Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlement

• Head Office: No 7 Government Boulevard, Riverside Park, Ext 2, Mbombela, 1200
• Phone Number: 013 766 6088
• Gert Sibande Regional Office: 11 De klerk Street, Emerlo, 2350
• Gert Sibande Regional Office Phone Number: 017 811 1177

Gauteng Department of Human Settlement

• Head Office Address: 40 Justice Mahomed St, Sunnyside, Pretoria,
• Phone Number: 012 444 9122

North West Department of Human Settlement

• Head Office Address: 3366 Bessemer Street, Telkom Building, Industrial Site, Mafikeng
• Phone Number: 018 388 2891 or 018 388 4808

Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlement

• Head Office Address: 31-33 Phillip, Frame Road, Chiselhurst, East London
• E-mail: info@ecdhs.gov.za
• Phone Number: 086 000 0039
• SMS: 43619

• Chris Hani Region: Komani Office Park, Komani Hospital Complex Block I, Cathcart Road, Queenstown
• Joe Gqabi Region: 29 Queen Terrace, Aliwal North
• OR Tambo Region: Botha Sigcawu Building, Mthatha
• Alfred Nzo Region: N0. 39 Comdev Building, Corner Barclay and Hope Street, Kokstad, 4700
• Sarah Baartman Region: Corporate Place, 1st Floor, 66 Ring Road, Greenacres, Port Elizabeth

Western Cape Department of Human Settlement

• E-mail: colleen.smart@westerncape.gov.za
• Phone Number: 021 483 0675 or  072 825 3257

Northern Cape Department of Human Settlement

• Head Office Address: Larry Moleko Louw Building, 9 Cecil Sussman Road, Kimberley
• Phone Number: 053 830 9400

Kwa-Zulu Natal Department of Human Settlement

• Head Office Address: 203 Church Street, Pietermaritzburg
• Phone Number: 033 392 6400

Step 4: Fill Out The Application

Once you have your application form, fill it out and attach your documents, including a certified copy of your ID and your spouse’s ID and payslip (if you have one) to the form.

You will then be placed on the waiting list for an RDP house.

How Much Does an RDP House Cost?

If you are on the waiting list to receive an RDP house, the RDP house costs nothing. However, if you’re buying an RDP house from an existing occupant or owner, the price will depend on how much the owner wants to sell the house for.

In this case, RDP houses cost R100,000 or more when you’re buying them from the RDP house owner.

Can I Rent Out My RDP House?

Since RDP houses are meant to help those needing housing with free and accessible homes, you cannot rent your home.

You can, however, sell your RDP house once you’ve been living in it for longer than eight years.

Remember, if you are caught renting out your RDP house, you can be fined, lose the home, or be imprisoned.

Can I Build Onto My RDP House?

If you want to make alterations or renovations to your RDP house, you will need approval from your City Council; otherwise, you will receive a fine, and the structure you built may be demolished.

However, if you’ve owned – and lived in – the RDP house for more than eight years, then you can build onto the house without any approval from the council.

Is it Legal to Buy an RDP House?

This will depend on who is selling the home and how long they’ve lived there.

You cannot buy a new RDP house, nor do you need to put a deposit on a new RDP house.

New RDP houses are given to those who are on a waiting list. This means that when new RDP houses are built, those who are next on the waiting list will receive the house.

However, RDP houses that have occupants can be sold. So, before you buy an RDP house, be sure you are buying it from the legal owner and that the owner has been staying in the property for more than eight years.

Read Also: How to Register With The Labour Department

What Are the Advantages of RDP Houses?

The biggest advantage of an RDP house is the opportunity to own a home without needing to meet the requirements placed on you by the bank.

So, even if you don’t make the amount of money you need to own a home, you can still get one from the government.

Also, owning a home provides a sense of security for you and your children, even your grandchildren.

Your family will no longer need to rent a home or shack or be unsure about whether the landlord will raise the price or kick them out.

Another benefit of an RDP house is if you do decide to sell your RDP house, you also get to keep the proceeds and can get a better home. Since you don’t have to pay to receive the home, everything you get from the sale of your RDP house is profit and can go toward a deposit on another home or buying another home.

The waiting list for an RDP house – regardless of the province where you apply – is long. So, to make sure you receive your RDP house sooner, be sure you are on the list. Because the sooner you get onto the list, the sooner you can receive your RDP house.

You should also try to contact your local Department of Human Settlements every year to see how much longer it will take to receive your home and ensure your name is still on the list.

You can find some of the best universities in South Africa; however, choosing the right one can be quite daunting. There are 26 universities across South Africa, and they are divided into three categories:

• 9 universities of technology that are focused on vocationally oriented education
• 6 comprehensive universities that offer a combination of academic and vocational diplomas and degrees
• 11 traditional universities that offer theoretically oriented university degrees

The 26 universities are:

1. University of Cape Town
2. Cape Peninsula University of Technology
3. University of the Western Cape
4. Stellenbosch University
5. Nelson Mandela University
6. Rhodes University
7. University of Fort Hare
8. Sol Plaatje University
9. University of the Free State
10. Central University of Technology
11. Walter Sisulu University
12. North-West University
13. Vaal University of Technology
14. University of Johannesburg
15. Mangosuthu University of Technology
16. University of KwaZulu-Natal
17. University of the Witwatersrand
18. Durban University of Technology
19. Tshwane University of Technology
20. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
21. University of South Africa
22. University of Pretoria
23. University of Zululand
24. University of Mpumalanga
25. University of Limpopo
26. University of Venda

Applying to a university in South Africa is quite a process, and you need to spend a fair amount of time on your application to increase your chance of being accepted. Knowing how to stand out on your university application is a great benefit.

How do I stand out on a university application?

Make sure to research the university that you want to apply to, as well as the courses that you’re interested in. It’s really important that you pick the right university as you’ll be there for a good few years. Universities also usually have lots of information on the different courses they offer, so it helps to go through that information to really understand what your course will consist of and decide if it’s the right course for you.

It’s best to have a backup option in case your first choice of a university doesn’t accept you. The reality is that they can’t accept every applicant, and it’s better to be prepared than be disappointed by not getting into any university. Apply to more than one university, and try to apply to courses that have different requirements to increase your chances of being accepted to one of them.

It also helps to have a letter of recommendation from somebody that will speak highly of you. Approach a teacher or other professional who knows you well and can talk about your strengths in a way that will appeal to the university.

Some universities have an admissions test, and it helps if you look online beforehand and take some practice tests. You don’t have to study for these tests, as they test skills you should already have, but it helps to familiarise yourself with the types of questions they’ll ask.

Make sure you fill out your application properly and that you don’t misunderstand any of the questions. If you need help, then you can always find people willing to help online or approach a teacher at your school to help you.

Application Criteria

The application criteria for universities in South Africa differ per university. To get into a university, you will need the minimum requirement of a Bachelor’s pass in matric. Different courses have different application criteria. This varies per course, so it’s important that you check that before applying. Some courses might need you to have passed Maths with 60% or English with 50%, and other various criteria.

Application Dates

Application dates for universities are different for each one; however, they follow similar trends. Most universities open their applications at the beginning of August, and then applications close at the end of September. Students would need to check the application dates with the university they are applying to. Some universities still allow late applications, but you would need to check this with the university.

Application Fees

Every university has a different application fee. Universities charge this fee due to the admin work involved with processing each application. Fees range from around R100 to around R400. Fees also vary depending on whether you apply online or submit a hard application.

Application Documents

Universities require you to submit specific documents for them to consider your application. These documents include:

• Your completed university application
• A certified copy of your ID
• A certified copy of your National Senior Certificate. If you are a current Grade 12, then you must submit your Grade 11 results
• Any course-specific documents which could include a recommendation letter

Also Read: Universities in South Africa With Free Online Application

Application Medium

Universities encourage applicants to apply online; however, many people in South Africa don’t have access to a computer. The majority of universities will still allow applicants to drop off a physical copy of their application. University websites have been designed in a way that it’s really easy to apply online, and picking your course and filling out your information is much easier than it used to be. Most universities will give you login information that will then allow you to track your application status. So while it’s possible to hand in a hard copy of your application, try to do it online to get the most out of your application.