South Africa is one African country with an entire department dedicated to correctional services; the Department of Correctional Services. This department is in charge of running South Africa’s prison system. It caters to the needs of about 240 prisons that include minimum, medium, and maximum-security prisons.

The department has an impressive workforce of approximately 34,000 staff. Created in 1990, the department of correctional services is in charge of creating a safe and secure space for the rehabilitation of criminals and public offenders. It does so through several programs that are designed to empower the detainees and equip them for life outside of those correctional facilities. This helps them to integrate easily into society upon their release.

To improve the prison system and create a more humane environment for the detainee, the department of correctional services runs a learnership aimed at training correctional officers to be more effective in keeping correctional facilities safe and secure. Before exploring the wonders that is the correctional service learnership program, let us first understand what a correctional service(s) is/are.

What are correctional services?

Correctional services are any service necessary for the operation of a correctional facility. This usually includes the provision of food, clothing, security as well as rehabilitation programs. More simply, whatever service is essential for a correctional facility to run smoothly. E. g. to facilitate the operation of a prison, you would have to provide the prisoners with food, etc. the goal of these services is to create and maintain a peaceful as well as secured environment and society.

This includes keeping detainees in safe custody and being just. Keeping detainees in a secure and humane environment ensures that the rehabilitation of these detainees would be successful. It also contributes greatly to their reintegration into society. Now that we have a clear understanding of what correctional services are, we can then proceed to discuss the correctional learnership program that is the brainchild of the department of correctional services.

Correctional service learnership

The correctional service learnership program is a program designed by the department of correctional services. It offers people from different communities and backgrounds the chance to partake in both theoretical and practical training on how to contribute to the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners into society. The learnership program, which forms some part of the National Skill Development Strategy, contributes to the country’s battle against poverty and unemployment by promoting the acquisition of marketable skills.

Trainees are taught how to help prisoners on their journey to rehabilitation most humanely and safely. They are taught skills, and they get the opportunity to learn what behaviour is considered acceptable in the workplace and what attitude is required in a correctional facility. Those selected for the learnership program also benefit from a monthly stipend of R3.500 for the full duration of their learnership. The learnership is open to those who meet the requirements to study for the Further Education and Training (FET) certificate in the correctional service learnership. About 30% of the training will be theoretical that will include:

• Intensive instructions in firearms, self-defence, and physical training.
• The training is mandatory, and you will be required to stay at the training college for the full duration of the learnership
• Successful applicants will benefit from free accommodation, feeding, uniform, and all other training requirements.
• The practical workplace aspect of the training will take place at the correctional and social reintegration centres/units. It will include duties related to the provision of security to offenders.
• During this time, learners will continue to receive a monthly stipend.
• The Department of Correctional Services will no longer be responsible for their accommodation and feeding.

After undergoing the complete training and the learner has submitted a portfolio of evidence as well as successfully undergone external verification by the SASSETA, a Further Education Training Certificate in Corrections Services NQF 4 will be awarded to them. The application process for the correctional service learnership is easy and simple. Before choosing to apply, check to see that you might have the requirements to stand a chance of being accepted for the learnership program.

Correctional service learnership requirements 

There are a few requirements for getting accepted into this learnership:

Minimum requirements: 

• Applicants must be South African citizens.
• Applicants must be in possession of at least a standard 10 or Grade 12 certificate or
• Applicants should have a Further Education and Training Certificate NQF (Level 4)
• Alternatively, those looking to apply for the learnership should have successfully completed the National Certificate in Vocational Studies (NQF level 4)
• Correctional service learnership application forms

Additionally, interested applicants must be:

• Between the ages of 21 and 35 years
• Applicants must have a strong character.
• Applicants must be law-abiding citizens without any criminal record.
• Those interested in applying must be willing to be subjected to physical training and firearms training conducted by the department of correctional services.
• Applicants must also be ready to subject themselves to the selection process carried out by the Department of Correctional Services.
• Interested applicants must also be up for disclosure of their personal information; they must be ready to verify their documents, qualifications, and their citizenship.
• Suppose you have any additional qualifications, such as a trade or diploma or a degree related to security or corrections. In that case, you stand a better chance of being accepted for the learnership.

How to apply to the correctional service learnership 

If you meet the requirements for applicants, then you must be eager to start your application process. In order to apply for the learnership, you are required to fill out the application form neatly and correctly in your handwriting. The forms are not for sale, and you can get them from any of the sources that will be mentioned below. To apply, follow these simple steps:

• Get an application form from any correctional service office
• Or you can download the admissions application form from the department of correctional services website
• This is a direct link to their website: www.dcs.gov.za
• Get the forms under the “forms” tab at the top or bottom of the page
• When you click on the forms, click on the internship/learnership application forms link
• Then click on the learner application form link, and the form will be downloaded automatically to your device
• Print out the form and fill in your handwriting
• Specify the learnership post you are applying for
• Make sure to sign the application form yourself
• Attach certified copies of your certificates and identity documents

Take note of these: 

• Unsigned or late forms will not be acceptable
• Forms that are photocopied will not be accepted
• Forms that are e-mailed or faxed will not be accepted

Correction learnership application forms 

To apply for the department of correctional Service learnership, you will be required to fill out the correctional service learnership application form. This form is available for free download online on the department of correctional services website. Download the form and fill it out in your handwriting and remember to sign where it is stipulated. You can get the form at any department of correctional service local office.

It is important to note that:

• The application must be completed in full and incomplete applications will be discarded.
• The completed application will be evaluated alongside the required documents for the learnership you are applying to.
• If, after three months from the closing date, you have not been contacted, it is right for you (the applicant) to assume that you have not been successful.
• Successful applicants will be required to sign a learnership agreement with their designated trainer.
• Ensure that the required documents are attached to your application form (check for the requirements for the application above)

Correctional officer 

Now that you have a chance to become a correctional officer, here’s what you will be expected to do as an officer in a correctional facility. First things first, who are correctional officers, and what do correctional officers do?

A correction officer is a uniformed officer who is responsible for ensuring that offenders in custody are under close supervision, safe, and abiding by the correctional facility’s rules and regulations. They are responsible for caring for and controlling the individuals who have been convicted of crimes and sentenced to imprisonment. They are charged with the task of maintaining peace and order, and this sometimes demands that they break off violent confrontations between intimates, which could be typical in such situations.

So, if you have noticed a uniformed officer in a prison who is in charge of supervising prisoners and monitoring them, then you have seen a correctional officer. Although correctional officers receive intense firearms training and are uniformed officers, they are not the police. They cannot make arrests and perform the duties of a police officer.

Roles of correctional officers 

• Correctional officers are charged with the enforcement of rules and keeping order within jails and prison
• They are also in charge of supervising the activities of inmates
• They will also be charged with inspecting the facilities and making sure that they are safe and secure
• Escort and transport inmates between facilities
• They would have to keep a close eye on inmates and report their conduct
• Find and dispose of contrabands

As a correctional officer, it is important for you to have a unique skill set that allows you to accommodate and deal with the stress and excesses of inmates and correctional facilities. You will need to have:

• Good judgment
• Be self-discipline
• Be physically strong and be strong-willed
• Have good interpersonal skills
• You should be resourceful
• You should have very good negotiating skills

Also Read: Best Learnerships in South Africa

As a correctional officer, you would earn an average salary of R199.499, including allowances depending on their positions and departments they are serving in. If you are considering this a career path, then you might want to start gearing up to apply. Applications are due to open later this year, around the month of November or December. You are advised to get all relevant documentation in hand and ready for the application process. You can stay up to date on application dates by visiting the vacancies page on the department of correctional service website. There, you will have constant updates on when the learnership is open for applications and the deadline for submitting applications.

For more information:

Physical address:

124 WF Nkomo Street (Corner WF Nkomo & Sophie De Bruyn Streets)

Poyntons Building (West Block)

Pretoria 0001

E-mail: communication@dcs.gov.za

Website: www.dcs.gov.za

A national senior certificate is the first step to a fulfilling career and a comprehensive range of further education opportunities. But failing subjects may halt any plans you have for your future.

Thankfully, you can overcome a less-than-stellar matric result by deciding to rewrite matric subjects.

How to Register To Rewrite Matric Subjects

There are two ways to register to rewrite your matric subjects in 2025. You can decide to register to participate in exams through the Department of Basic Education’s Second Chance Programme, or you can register through a private institution.

The Department of Basic Education’s programme is free to attend and register. However, if you choose to use a private institution, you will need to pay a course fee per subject you are rewriting and registration fees, which can be as much as R1,000, depending on the institution. However, the benefit of using a private programme is that you have access to rewrite various subjects that are not available through the Second Chance Programme.

If you decide to enrol in Second Chances, you can apply online through the eServices platform during the registration period.

Keep in mind the Department of Basic Education only offers the following subjects to rewrite:

• Accounting
• Agricultural Science
• Business Studies
• Economics
• English FAL
• Geography
• History
• Mathematics
• Mathematic Literacy
• Physical Sciences
• Life Sciences

Reasons to Rewrite Matric/Supplementary Examinations

There are many reasons you should consider rewriting your matric or supplementary examinations, which include:

• Qualify for bursaries that need you to have specific subjects with
• Get more opportunities in the workforce because you have better results.
• Be eligible to study the programmes at the university or college you want to attend
• Guarantee a more financially stable future for yourself

Requirements to Be Eligible To Rewrite Your Matric Subjects

To rewrite your matric subjects, you should meet one of the following requirements

1. Need to pass only two subjects to receive your National Senior Certificate.
2. Have been unable to participate in the NSC examination because of medical or other special circumstances.
3. Provide proof that you qualify for further studying or job opportunities if you have better results.

You will also need:

• A Valid South African ID
• A Valid Cell Phone Number and Email Address
• Supporting documentation includes a certified copy of your ID and proof of job opportunities.

Also Read: Matric Results – How to Check Matric Results

When can I apply to rewrite Matric?

The Department of Basic Education usually opens applications between the beginning of November and the end of March each year, giving students ample time to prepare for the supplementary exams in June the following year.

If you want to write your matric supplementary exams in 2025, the application closes on 31 March 2025.

If you want to rewrite in 2025, the application process has not been opened yet.

Suppose you want to register to rewrite your matric exams through the Second Chances programme. In that case, you can find out more information about the programme and what is required by contacting 063 696 7246 on WhatsApp or emailing SecondChance@dbe.gov.za.

Established in 2001 by the South African national government, the national health laboratory services is an institution that was created by merging the three preexisting health institutions, which are; the South African Institute for medical research, the national centre for occupational health and the national institute for virology.

It is responsible for supporting national and provincial health departments in delivering health care services to the country’s citizens through the implementation of innovative and transformative schemes and projects. NHLS employs approximately 7142 people in the country. It also has laboratories across all nine provinces of the country. The institution has also extended its arm to absorbing several provincial health departments and university-run pathology laboratories. NHLS provides a plethora of services, one of which is the track and trace service.

What is track and trace? 

Track and trace is a system implemented by several countries around the world. The system is aimed at managing the spread of the coronavirus and COVID-19. It allows users to be notified if they have been in close contact with a person that has tested positive for the COVID-19.

The goal is to quickly track down anyone who may have tested positive for the coronavirus and advice them to self isolate themselves and take other precautionary measures. The intricacies of the system design may differ from country to country, but the goal is the same everywhere, which is to curb the spread of the virus. You can use track and trace to monitor your symptoms and your interaction with other people by:

• Download the application to your device. The software uses Bluetooth signals to alert users if they are too close to each other.
• The system allows you to log in your symptoms. You are then advised to self-isolate if your symptoms are recurrent.
• Track and trace also contact you if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the COVID-19. You are alerted and then advised to self isolate for at least 10 days.
• It is important to get tested and be aware of your COVID-19 status to benefit from the application and system services.

The NHLS, through its trakcare and Labtrak facilities, provides track and trace services. Provincial, departmental and private-owned health care facilities, as well as health personnel, can register with the NHLS. You can register online by following these steps:

NHLS registration

• To register with the national health laboratory services,
• Go to the official NHLS website
• Click on the registration form
• Fill out the form carefully. You will be required to include personal, professional and academic details.
• Make sure the form is filled out correctly, and all information filled in is true.
• Click the submit button to complete the registration process.

NHLS trakcare 

One of the many services provided by the national health laboratory services is Trakcare. Trakcare is aimed at transforming care delivery and patient experience in all health service institutions across South Africa. It uses build-in technology systems and software to provide clinical, administrative and financial information for each patient. It provides patients with information that makes for better decision-making and helps them make more informed health choices.

Its benefits are not only limited to the patients, but health care providers such as doctors also have easy access to the electronic record of patients, which gives them a comprehensive knowledge of patients’ situations. Administrators of health institutions can also understand what it takes to improve the cost and quality of health care services. How does trakcare work then? Trakcare is a web-based healthcare information system designed to enhance the care delivery experience. The system does not require its users to install any applications on their devices.

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

How to search for patient results in Trakcare. 

Step 1: Visit the NHLS web page and click on lab results

Step 2: log in to see your trakcare lab results by correctly entering your username and password.

Step 3: click on the green logon button to access your account. If you no longer remember your username or password, please select the ‘reset forgotten password/username” option below the space for your password, written in blue. You will then be prompted to enter your username, enter your username and click on the reset password option. After successfully resetting your password, log on to check your lab results.

Step 4: you can then search for the patient’s results using one or more parameters provided to you by the web page that opens. An output of results will appear only depending on the data you input.

Step 5: After performing the search, the patient’s information would appear. You can decide to view one test result at a time by using the view-only option.

Step 6: once you are done with your search, log out. Although the system is designed to log you out after 15 minutes of inactiveness, logging out prevents other people from possibly accessing your account.

NHLS Labtrak registration

Labtrak is medical lab software that includes features that enable users to track samples, including physician test panels, data analysis, and lab instrument interface. The system includes online support and business support during working hours. The system is available as windows software and helps you bring orderliness into your workflow. It gives its users the opportunity to monitor changes and take corrective actions during all stages of the lab process. This makes for continuous improvement from the sample collection stage to the results stage.

Along with Trakcare, the National Health Laboratory Services incorporates that Labtrak service into its system and offers a bundle. By registering with NHLS, you are privy to and have full access to its additional services. Using Labtrak contributes to the institution’s goal of providing quality health care services across South Africa. If you do not already have a Labtrak account, here is how you can register and use the software to improve service delivery:

• To register for labtrak
• Request for a registration form from the NHLS website
• Complete the form to register.
• All fields are required (any field that has an asterisk (*) must be filled in correctly for the registration to be submitted successfully)
• Fields would require personal, professional and educational details.
• After filling in the form, review your responses to ensure they have been correctly inputted.
• Then, go ahead to click on the submit button if everything is in order.

If you already have an account;

• Launch the official NHLS website on your device, or can also use www.nhls.ac.za
• Log in to your Labtrak account by correctly entering your username and password.
• Click on the green logon button to access your account. If you have forgotten your username or password, simply select the ‘reset forgotten password/username” option. You will then be required to enter your username. Enter your username and then click on the reset password option. You will be given a temporary password with which you can have access to your account. After successfully resetting your password, log on to your Labtrak account.

Health laboratory services, health care delivery and the good quality of health care services have been transformed and revolutionized by new and innovative systems that have been put in place by the national health laboratory services. It is no doubt that both patients and doctors now have direct access to clinical information that can support decisions and actions that will benefit the patients and medical personnel alike. Therefore, it is in the best interest of individuals to make use of these systems, such as the track and trace system that has been implemented to help create a safer environment for everyone.

Sanlam is one of South Africa’s leading financial service providers and the largest insurance company in all of Africa. The headquarter of Sanlam is at Bellville, western cape, South Africa and operates in several other African countries, which include: Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique, India, Malaysia and the UK. The company also has business interests across the globe, reaching Australia and the Philippines; no doubt it is Africa’s largest insurance company. Since its establishment in 1918, the life insurance company has developed and branched out into several other financial services, including Sanlam personal finance, Sanlam emerging markets, Sanlam Investments, Sanlam corporate, and Santam.

Since its acquisition of SAHAM in 2018, Sanlam has become the biggest non-banking financial service provider on the continent. The company provides several financial services, including life insurance, financial planning, retirement annuities, trusts, wills, short-term insurance, assets management, risk management and capital market activities, investments and wealth management. Its reach and exposure extend to north African countries and the middle east. Sanlam has, through its partnership with Ubuntu-Bonto Investments, been able to empower the broad-based black economy.

As mentioned above, the Sanlam group operations are managed through five different operating clusters which are:

• Sanlam personal finance
• Sanlam emerging markets
• Sanlam investments
• Sanlam corporate
• Santam.

Sanlam Share Price

Sanlam’s current share price, according to wallet investors as of 8/14/2022 stands at 8.130USD (+.619%) and a market cap of 8,653,090,000 USD. They however foresee a decrease in the share price in the next year. They estimate that the share price would reduce to 6.837USD. For this reason, now may be a good time to buy shares and invest in the company. You can buy and monitor your shares online through several stock trading websites such as JSE.

How to register with Sanlam

To enjoy the full benefits of all that Sanlam has to offer, you would have to be registered with the company. For you to do that, here’s what you’ll need.

• A Sanlam product number or valid ID/Passport number
• A valid cell phone number
• A valid e-mail address

Once you have the have requirements, follow these simple steps to register:

• Go to the official Sanlam website and click on login. You can type in www.sanlam.co.za in your browser. To can also use this direct link in your browser address field, https://cp.sanlam.co.za
• Then click on the register button
• When the portal opens, enter your product number or ID/Passport number to start your process.
• You will then be required to confirm your cell phone number
• Once you have done that, confirm your email address as well
• Choose a username, something that you would remember easily
• A temporary password will be sent to you via SMS, enter the password in the corresponding field
• You can then choose a new password. Choose a password that is not easily hacked but also something you can easily remember
• Read and accept the terms and conditions and your Sanlam portfolio will be open and you can now be able to manage your portfolio online.

Sanlam investments

Sanlam provides a wide variety of investment opportunities that accommodate different investor risk and return preferences. Here’s why you consider investing with Sanlam. They have been dedicated to creating value and contributing to financial prosperity for their stakeholders over the past 100 years of existence. The company also diversifies its operations to meet your individual and organizational needs. Investors also benefit from the company’s unmatched pan African presence and the opportunity to invest in other high growth territories through a stable and well-established partnership model. Below is a list of Sanlam’s investment options.

Unit trust 

A unit trust is an investment plan that gives access and cost-effective access to companies via share and property bonds which are not available to direct investors with smaller amounts to invest. Sanlam’s unit trust gives you access to South Africa’s investment managers, not allowing you to navigate the market alone. With Sanlam, you can enjoy a wide variety of funds, with both local and international investment options from R500 a month.

Investing for growth 

To make money grow and work for you, Sanlam provides a variety of investing for growth options which include unit trusts (minimum contribution of R500 per month), Sanlam Wealth Edge Endowment Plan (a minimum lump sum of R100,000), and Sanlam Cumulus Investment Plan (from R1000 per month or R100,000 lump sum).

International investments 

Sanlam’s international investments include; investing directly offshore, investing in rand-denominated funds, investing with Glacier by Sanlam and investing with Sanlam Private Wealth.

Education planning 

With Sanlam Goal Manager, you can very easily plan and save for your child’s education (including college and university tuition) no matter how young or old they are.

• Online trade with Sanlam iTrade

Sanlam’s iTrade allows you to have access to live market information and news, daily and weekly market reports, and immediate trade confirmations via SMS. It also provides a unique feature and experience of trading online in Afrikaans.

• Sanlam tax-free savings 

With as little as R350 per month, you can save Tax-free for your long term goals. You will not be required to pay any tax on interest, dividends or capital gains. You can equally withdraw your money at any time.

How do Sanlam investments work?

After reviewing the investment options at Sanlam, here is how it all works. If you would like to invest, you can follow these steps;

Step 1: choose an investment plan that’s right for you 

In order to choose a product or investment plan that will suit you, you should first identify what your financial goal is. You could choose to save for retirement or for your child’s education; that could be your goal.

Step 2: familiarize yourself with the specific features of each product or plan.

This includes knowing when you will be allowed to withdraw your money, whether or not you will be taxed on your investment or the money you have withdrawn etc.

Step 3: consider these things 

• How long do you want to invest for
• How much risk you are willing to take
• How much you can afford to contribute towards your financial goal
• The adviser and administration fees associated with your fund of choice

The answers to these questions will guide and give you a better idea of the risks and benefits your ideal fund might fall into.

Step 4: get ready to invest. 

Now that you are fully knowledgeable of your financial goal, the risk involved, and whether or not you can afford it, you can now choose a fund that suits you and invest. You can invest online or with the help of a financial advisor. Either way, you should have these documents handy:

• Proof of identity such as a copy of your ID
• Proof of address

In the event that you are investing for a minor, you will need to provide additional information and documentation. Your financial adviser should be able to give you more information on this subject.

Once you have invested, investors get paid a percentage of ownership in the company in exchange for providing capital. Following the specific features of the product or fund you choose and with the help of your financial adviser, you will know when you are able to withdraw your money and how much interest or dividends your investment yields.

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

Sanlam investment calculator 

Sanlam has principally four investment calculators, which will be listed and explained below:

• Education calculator

You can find out how much to save for your child by using this tool. Based on the age of the child or the number of children you have, and your monthly income, you will be able to know how to save for each child.

• Retirement calculator

This tool enables you to know how much you will need to save to be able to retire comfortably. It uses projections based on assumptions about uncertain future outcomes and compares your current age, projected retirement age and current monthly earnings to propose a suitable retirement plan.

• Income tax calculator 

The income tax calculator tool calculates your annual and monthly income tax deductions by comparing your age and monthly salary to your last year’s deduction.

• Funds value calculator 

This tool calculates the value of your investments which is always equal to the number of units multiplied by the daily selling price of the investment fund.

We hope this article gives you a proper overview of Sanlam’s financial services, how to register and benefit from these services and how to grow your wealth by choosing one of their investment plans and systems. If you would like to know more about this company, please check their official website.

If you’ve decided to leave your current job, it is essential to know how to do it professionally and amicably. Therefore, take the time to write a professional resignation to quit your job in style. Enter the resignation letter. The resignation letter enables you to cut ties with your current employer without burning any career-building bridges that you may need in the future.

Do You Need to Write a Resignation Letter?

The short answer is no. You can formally announce your resignation with an email notifying of your intention to resign without including any farewells, reasoning, or irrelevant text; the message doesn’t need to be lengthy or include where you will be going next.

But, writing a professional resignation letter ensures you aren’t leaving your current employer in bad taste and ensures your departure is pleasant, even if you are leaving a toxic workplace.

How To Write a Professional Resignation Letter to Quit Your Job

Although you may not need a “letter,” it is the professional way to resign and is a reflection of your work ethic. You may not know where you may be in a few years when the associations you’ve made in your current job could be helpful.

Step 1: Formally Address The Relevant Person

To ensure your resignation sounds professional, use a formal greeting, like Good Day or Dear, followed by the first name of the person you are addressing.

Step 2: Give Your Notice

According to labour law (Basic Conditions of Employment Act), employees are obliged to give notice based on how long they have worked at a company.

You can follow these guidelines if you want to know the notice period for resignation in South Africa.

• If you have worked at the company for less than six months: 1 week
• If you have worked at the company for between six months to a year: 2 weeks
• If you have worked at the company for one year or more: 4 weeks

Step 3: Check for Errors

Spelling and grammatical errors make what could sound professional and thoughtful appear sloppy and rushed. Therefore, check for spelling and grammatical errors using an app like Grammarly.com, but set to British English after typing out the letter.

Step 4: Send and Copy HR or Management

Now you can click send.

Remember, if you have given enough notice, there should not be a problem being able to leave once your notice period ends.

Resignation Letter Example

Even with all these steps, it can be nerve-wracking trying to write a resignation letter, which is why this resignation letter example can be helpful.

Good Day [Relevant Contact Person], 

Please accept this email as my formal notification of resignation. After careful consideration, I have decided to depart from [Company Name/Department] on [Mention Date].

I would also like to extend my gratitude to [Insert Company Name/ Teammates/ Managers/ Superiors] for the opportunities provided during my time here. If I can assist in any way during the transition, I will be happy to oblige.

Kind Regards,

[Your Name and Surname]

How To Resign From Different Workplaces

The work environment you’re resigning from will also dictate what you can and cannot include in your resignation letter.

If Your Current Workplace is Toxic

Unfortunately, many employees find themselves resigning because their workplaces are hell in a cell and require them to leave for their mental health and wellbeing. If that is the reason you’ve decided to resign, your wording and phrasing, in addition to what you share about your plans, may change.

Address The Resignation to HR

Suppose your direct superior is the person causing the toxicity in your work environment. In that case, you may want to bypass them and go straight to the department that deals with hiring and firing individuals: Human Resources.

Include a Brief Explanation About What Led to the Decision

In a toxic work environment, everything you say can be used against you, even to the point where superiors may try to persuade you to stay in an environment that you know is unhealthy. Avoid this by briefly mentioning that you understand that the current work environment is not a good fit for your mental health and career goals or something similar.

Do Not Include Where You Will Be Working Next (Even if Pressured)

While you may think that toxicity is only limited to the workplace, it can extend to far more worrisome territory with your managers or supervisors trying to sabotage your next job. Therefore, if your employer or senior manager knows where you are going next, they may decide to call ahead to badmouth your work ethic, qualifications, or experience.

When pressured, simply say you are keeping your options open about what your next steps will be. Then reiterate that you don’t want to remain in the current working environment, which is why you have chosen to leave.

If you are pressured, you can say you have decided to focus on your mental health and well-being.

Besides, you are not legally obligated to reveal where you will be working next.

If You Are Leaving on Good Terms

When you’re leaving on good terms, resigning with a brief resignation letter may seem impersonal and rude, especially if you’ve created meaningful professional relationships with your colleagues. In that instance, you should consider adding a personal and grateful touch to your letter.

Describe What You Enjoyed About Working There

Many South Africans have to endure working in toxic workplaces that can be detrimental to their mental well-being and career growth. If your work experience hasn’t reflected this, you can show some appreciation by writing a short paragraph detailing your appreciation and admiration for the company.

Conclude with Well Wishes

Instead of saying formal well wishes, you can elaborate on your good wishes by thanking those who have been particularly helpful during your time at the company. Doing this gives your resignation letter a more personal touch.

Can I Resign Immediately or Ghost My Employer?

No matter how much you hate your job, never go AWOL (absent without leave). Even if you are dreading the weeks between announcing your resignation and leaving or having to tell your superior you plan to leave, take a deep breath and do what is required of you.

If you have to resign unexpectedly for whatever reason. You can email your notice with immediate effect, but this should only be done in mitigating circumstances.

Additionally, leaving without any notice can affect your future job prospects.

Should I Resign If I’m Being Threatened With Being Fired?

Unfortunately, many employees resign from their jobs because they feel it would be better to leave with dignity rather than disgracefully or because they are being threatened with dismissal.

Not every incident is a fireable offence, and in many cases, employers will have to give you two warnings before you can be dismissed.

However, if you are dismissed, you are entitled to UIF, something you can’t claim if you resign.

So, if you don’t know if you’ll be able to get another job, let the process take its course and be sure to contact the CCMA, Labour Department or Legal Aid to ensure that what your employer is saying is legal.

Your resignation letter can be a way to reinforce your relationship with the company and ensure you are departing from your current job while maintaining the connections you’ve made with colleagues and superiors. If you take the time to write a well-crafted resignation letter, the letter can serve as a stepping stone in your professional career.

Road Accident Fund Claim

There are over 14,000 accidents on South African roads every year, making South African roads some of the most dangerous roads in the world.

So, if you’ve been in an accident on a road in South Africa, you may need to claim from the Road Accident Fund.

What Does The Road Accident Fund Do?

The Road Accident Fund is financed by the contribution of South African drivers and vehicle owners. Every time you fill up at a petrol station, part of the per litre amount for petrol goes to the Road Accident Fund.

The purpose of the Road Accident Fund is to provide compulsory cover for those on South African roads – including foreign nationals. Then, if you have been involved in an accident within the borders of South Africa, you can claim from this fund.

The fund not only provides financial support for those who have been injured but also provides counselling and other non-financial interventions to help deal with the aftermath of a road accident.

How Does The Road Accident Fund Payout?

The process of claiming from the Road Accident Fund can be arduous and complicated, but we’ve simplified it through a step by step process detailing how to claim from the Road Accident Fund.

Step 1: Ensure You Are Within The Road Accident Fund Claim Limits

To qualify for a payout from the RAF, you need to submit a claim within a specific period; otherwise, your claim will not be accepted.

If the identity of the driver is known, you have three years to file a claim. If the identity of the driver who caused the accident is not known, you have two years to file a claim.

Step 2: Gather All The Necessary Documentation

To increase your chances of your RAF claim being successful, be sure you have all the necessary accompanying documentation. This includes the police report or case number of the accident, an affidavit detailing the accident, your personal details and the details of all of those involved in the accident. You may also need medical documents that confirm the injuries sustained due to the accident. Additionally, you can include motivating testimony from a legal or medical expert or witnesses who saw the accident take place.

Step 3: Fill In The Necessary Forms

The Road Accident Fund has several different forms you need to fill out depending on what you’re claiming for and the severity of the accident.

These are the forms you need to complete and what each of them means. Remember to print them out before completing them.

RAF 1: 3rd Party Claim Form

The RAF 1 f orm is the form you need to fill in if you are affected by an accident that was not caused by you. This can include if you are a pedestrian, cyclist, or passenger in a vehicle or if you were the driver in another vehicle. You can also fill in this form if you are not the owner of the car you were driving and the cause of the accident is negligence on behalf of the car’s owner, for example: failing to maintain the car.

You can find the RAF 1 form here.

RAF 3: Accident Form Report

The RAF 3 form details the report of the accident. This form is mandatory and needs to be completed within 14 days of a road accident by the offending driver if they would not like to be held financially responsible by the RAF.

If the space within the form is not sufficient, you can attach additional documentation detailing witness testimony and information regarding the accident.

You can find the RAF 3 form here.

RAF 4: Serious Injury Assessment

If you would like to claim because you’ve sustained a serious injury, you need to fill in the RAF 4 form. This form should be completed if you want financial compensation for an injury.

You can find the RAF 4 form here.

Step 4: Submit Your Forms

Then, to begin your claim process, you need to submit your form to the RAF. You can drop off the forms, as well as the supporting documents, at the RAF regional office or send them via registered post to one of the RAF offices.

Also Read: How to Renew your Driver’s licence in South Africa

RAF Claim Status Check

To check on your road accident fund claim, you can call the RAF head office on (012) 621 1691, or you can call the call centre on 0860 23 55 23. If you’ve hired a lawyer to handle the process, you can also ask your lawyer to complete the status check on your behalf.

Claiming from the Road Accident Fund does not need to be a complicated process. It can be easy and rather successful if you know where to go and what forms to use.

You can also visit the RAF at one of their regional or walk-in offices or call 0860 23 55 23 if you’re having trouble completing the process.

What is the R350 grant?

The whole world was affected by COVID-19 in 2020, and South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa introduced a special disaster relief grant of R350 per month. Social relief of distress grants are temporary and are meant for people that are unable to meet their basic needs.

How to track your application status

There are three ways for you to track your application status.

The first way is to track it via the website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status

Once you’re on the website, scroll down to Application Status, and click on ‘Click here to check online’. Fill in your information and click on submit. You will then see your application status.

The second way is to check via WhatsApp. Add GovChat to WhatsApp with this number 082 046 8553, and send a message saying ‘status’. You will receive a message back with the status of your application.

The third way to check is by calling the call centre on the toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11

How to apply for the R350 social relief of distress grant

Applying for the grant is quite simple, and there are multiple ways you can apply. When applying you need to provide the following information:

• Your full name and surname
• Your ID number or home affairs permit number
• Your gender
• Your disability status
• Your contact details
• Your full address
• Your bank details

You aren’t required to send in any supporting documents such as your ID, proof of address, or bank statements. However, you are required to sign a declaration of consent which allows SASSA to verify all the information that you provided. Applications for the grant are free and you can also apply if you don’t have a bank account.

The various ways you can apply for the R350 grant are as follows:

• Apply via the website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
  • Enter your ID number and cellphone number
  • You will receive an OTP that you need to enter and click Verify
  • Agree to the terms and conditions and complete your information
• Apply via WhatsApp
  • Send a WhatsApp message to 082 046 8553
  • The chat will prompt you to provide your personal details
  • You will receive a reference number, an OTP, and a website link
  • Click on the link and insert the OTP, and click Verify
  • Provide your Surname and ID number and confirm your details as per the details provided in the chat
  • Go on to step 2, and agree to the terms and conditions
• Apply via the SASSA Chat Bot
  • Open your internet browser and search for www.sassa.gov.za
  • Click on the SRD R350 grant assistance chatbox
  • Provide your ID number and cellphone number
  • Choose ‘I want to apply for SRD R350 grant’
  • The chatbot will then give you a link to the SRD website and you can follow the steps on the website
• Apply via USSD
  • Enter this USSD code on your phone: *134*7737#
  • Follow the prompts

Who is eligible for the SRD grant?

To be eligible for the COVID-19 R350 grant, applicants must be:

• South African citizens, permanent residents or refugees registered with Home Affairs
• Resident within the borders of the Republic of South Africa
• Older than 18 years old
• Unemployed
• Not receiving any income
• Not receiving any social grant
• Not receiving any unemployment insurance benefits and does not qualify to receive unemployment insurance benefits
• Not receiving a stipend from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme;
• Not receiving any other government COVID-19 response support
• Not resident in a government-funded or subsidised institution

Grant Application Requirements

The information required for you to apply for the grant is your basic information, including:

• Your ID number
• Your name and surname as shown on your ID
• Your gender
• Your disability status
• Your contact details
• Your residential address
• Your bank details

SASSA SRD Payment of Grant

There are various payment methods available. These include your bank account, the South African Post Office, and CashSend.

To receive payment directly into your bank account, you will need to provide your banking details:

• Choose your bank name
• Provide your account number
• Provide your bank branch name
• Provide your account type
• Agree to the Terms and Conditions
• Submit your Banking Details

If you choose CashSend, you will choose that as your option and agree to the terms and conditions.

If you chose to receive your funds via the Post Office, you will receive an SMS stating that the funds are available. You have to wait for this SMS before going to collect your money.

Read Also: NSFAS Funding: Everything You Need to Know to Apply

If you need to, you can also change your banking details:

• You will need to go to the SASSA site: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/.
• You will receive an SMS that contains a secure link. This will be sent to the cellphone number that you used during registration.
• Click on the link in the SMS and follow the instructions carefully.
• You must ensure that you are the owner of the account. SASSA can’t pay your grant into another person’s bank account.
• If you choose the money transfer option via one of the major banks, make sure that the cellphone number that you received the SMS on, is in your name. SASSA can’t pay your grant into a cellphone number that is registered to another person

In this article, we hope to provide an overview of what the Department of social development is and what it is that they do. We will also provide you with a step-by-step guide to registering your non-profit organisation and a guide for job-seekers to apply for vacancies.

What is the Department of Social Development? 

Previously called the Department of Welfare but later renamed in July 2000, the new Department of Social Development (DSD) is an arm of the South African government that provides social development, protection, and welfare services to the population of southern Africa. As of 2019/20, about 18 million people had benefited from the Department’s activities, including elderly people, war veterans, people with disabilities, and children, who were opportune to receive monthly social grants.

What Does the Department of Social Development Do? 

The Department focuses on creating a better life for the poor, vulnerable, and excluded people in society. It is also charged with reducing poverty, encouraging the social integration of vulnerable groups, and creating conditions for more sustainable livelihoods for all.

Another thing that the Department does is it provides social protection services and helps build strong partnerships with the government and key stakeholders through which these vulnerable individuals and communities can become more competent and effective participants in the improvement of their communities.

The Department of social development also acts as the custodian of international human rights treaties signed and agreed upon by the country, which focuses on protecting the rights of children, people living with disabilities, and senior citizens. This includes coordinating the implementation of these treaties and compiling periodic country reports.

As one of the departments spearheading the fight for alleviating poverty and providing assistance to vulnerable individuals and communities, the Department of social development implements and supports programs that are focused on food relief, capacity building, and responding to social distress. Individuals whose monthly income and assets fall below the specified limits set by the Department have continually benefitted from the assistance provided by the DSD. It does so by giving out social grants given to this vulnerable set.

But to design, a system where the vulnerable set in society depends solely on the social assistance that comes from the state through the Department of social development is not good enough to solve the problems of poverty and food relief. There is a need to establish systems that provide vulnerable people with ways to make money. That is for the government to develop and implement programs that support the poor and vulnerable and encourage them to establish various income‐generating structures, especially for the youth and for women.

For that reason, the Department of social development is involved in programs that encourage capacity building by providing training opportunities, providing operational and financial assistance to non-profit organisations, and creating work opportunities by extending the public works social sector program. It also provides opportunities for job-seekers to participate in learnerships and internships.

As mentioned above, the DSD provides support to non-profit organisations that are registered with the Department. Therefore, to benefit from their support, your organisation must be registered on their database.

How to register as a non-profit organisation with the Department of social development

If you are interested in registering your non-profit organisation, you can apply for registration with the Department of social development. In subsequent paragraphs, we will provide you with how to apply, the documents you will need to attach to your application, and where to submit your application.

If your organisation is a trust, company, or any other association that is established for a public purpose and is not out to make profits, then it is a non-profit organisation. Their service is to the community and the society around them.

By registering your NPO, you are open to many benefits that having the certificate brings:

• It improves your credibility and funding opportunities
• Registering your NPO allows your organisation to open a bank account
• It also helps your organisation have access to tax incentives.

To register with the Department of social development, you must be one of the following:

• A non-governmental organisation (NGO)
• A community-based organisation (CBO)
• Or a faith-based organisation (FBO).

If you meet the criteria for registration, here’s what you should do:

Submit the completed NPO application form at the nearest provincial social development office alongside two copies of your organisation’s founding documentation. The necessary documentation includes:

• Deeds of trust and letter of authorisation from the courts
• Certificate of incorporation and memorandum and articles of association
• Voluntary Association – Constitution

If you do not attach these documents, your application will be discarded.

To submit your application, go to your nearest provincial Social Development office. You can as well as post it to The Directorate, Non-profit organisations, Department of Social Development, Private Bag X901, Pretoria, 0001 or better still deliver it by hand to the Department of Social Development, 134 Pretorius Street, HSRC Building, Pretoria.

Suppose you are not satisfied with the rejection of your organisation’s registration application. In that case, you are allowed to file an appeal to the panel arbitrators so that your registration may be reconsidered.

After registering your NPO you are required to submit the annual reports of your organisation nine months after the end of its financial year. These annual reports must include a narrative report as well as a financial report.

You should note that: 

• It is a criminal offence for an organisation to operate under the pretence of a registered NPO to benefit from various funding opportunities.
• the entire non-profit organisation registration process may take up to two months to be completed
• The Department will send you a letter acknowledging that your application has been received.
• If your application meets the requirements of the Nonprofit Organisations Act, 1997, you will be issued a registration certificate.

Department of social development vacancies:

Right now, there are no details of available vacancies at the Department of social development, but you can check their website for regular updates on job vacancies as well as internships that the Department has to offer. If you find a vacant position that you would like to apply for, here is a guide on how to go about the application process as well as all necessary documentation.

Also Read: How to Register With The Department Of Labour

The Department of social development provides job opportunities as well as internships every year. You can find an updated list of available job vacancies on the official Department of social development website. To apply for the Department of Social Development Jobs, you have to follow the following steps.

• First of all, you have to create your account on the official website of the Department of Social Development.
• After you have done this, you will have to log in to your account.
• Once you log in to your account, you will be required to select a job profile for yourself; remember to check the requirements for that job and ensure that you are eligible for that job profile.
• After you must have selected the profile, you will have to fill the application form.
• Fill the application form carefully and correctly.
• After filling the form, click on the submit button and wait for the process to be completed.
• Candidates are advised to print out the application form with them so that they can be used when needed.

For more information, questions or queries, you have reached the Department of social development through these contact details:

Postal Private Bag X901, Pretoria, 0001

Physical 134 Pretorius Street, HSRC Building, Pretoria

Tel 012 312 7500

Fax 012 312 7470

Web    www.dsd.gov.za

South African businesses in numerous industries benefit from government tenders by providing products and services the government needs to either support their tasks or assist in carrying out service delivery initiatives. Since the government – unlike private companies – is unlikely to close down or cease operations, government tenders also provide a safety net for companies as there’s a level of security and stability. So, it’s not surprising that even if you only have a few government tenders, having government tenders can help your company grow and provide stability in uncertain times.

What are eTenders?

South African eTenders are a process that allows you to search for and apply to government tenders online. These eTenders provide an easy-to-access digital portal that makes finding tenders you qualify for easy.

The portal itself was developed as part of the OCPO (Office of the Chief Procurement Officer) mandate, which is required to make applying for government tenders a fair and equitable process while ensuring there’s more transparency, cost-saving, and healthy competition.

That said, the primary function of the eTenders Portal includes:

• Publishing all tender notices alongside the official tender documents and Terms of Reference.
• Publishing any errors (corrigendum) by procuring entities.
• Publishing award notices and minimum information.
• Making available all the information and applicable rules to apply for the specific tender.
• Enabling searching to be more convenient by providing necessary filtering options.

How do I Access Government Tender Opportunities in South Africa?

To access tenders in South Africa, you have two options: doing it offline or using the online eTenders portal.

Offline access includes searching through bulletins, notices, and ads usually printed in newspapers or available from relevant government offices. Whereas online access means going to the eTenders portal – available at etenders.gov.za and filtering your search criteria to find relevant tenders.

Doing it online makes finding tenders far more convenient and allows you to apply to several tender opportunities with ease, compared to doing it offline.

How Do I Apply for Government Tenders?

When you are ready to apply for government tenders, the first step to a smooth application process is to become familiar with the eTenders portal. Then, once you’ve done that, follow these six steps for a more straightforward and successful tender response.

Step 1: Search Through Active Tenders

The first thing you want to do when applying for government tenders in South Africa is to visit the eTenders website and, either:

1. use the search function to find opportunities based on your criteria or
2. use the browse opportunities function.

Using the “Browse Opportunities” function allows you to search through only active tenders.

Step 2: Find Tenders You Would Like To Apply To

Once you’ve started browsing opportunities, you should find a handful of tenders you find relevant.

You can then download the accompanying documents of these tenders, which you’ll find by clicking the green cross on the right side of the tender information.

Note: If you’ve never applied for South African government tenders before, you should consider only applying for one or two to gain an understanding of how the process works.

Step 3: Study Accompanying Documents

Now that you’ve downloaded the documents, you should begin reviewing them. You should pay close attention to the Terms of Reference and TOCs that are within the documentation. Doing this will help you prepare a proposal to the standard required to be awarded the tender.

Step 4: (If Applicable) Attend The Briefing Session

If necessary, you may also have to attend a briefing session, which will give you more information on the tender process and can help provide clarity on parts of the tender documentation. Some briefing sessions are compulsory, which you will see on the eTender portal.

Step 5: Prepare Your Documentation

Your documentation will be the most critical component when determining whether or not you’ll be awarded the tender since this is the only information the organ of state or municipality has to analyse your capability and capacity to perform the work required. Therefore, your proposal should be thorough and in an easy to understand format. Additionally, all the most critical information – like capabilities – should be addressed first.

Step 6: Send Your Documents To The Relevant Contact Person/s

Now that you have prepared your documents, the final step is to send your documents to the relevant contact person before the tender’s deadline.

You will usually be able to email your documents with the information required attached.

Tips For Success When Applying To A Government Tender

If you want to increase your chances of success when applying to South African government tenders, you should also follow these tips.

Be Sure You Can Complete The Project

Before applying to a tender, be sure that you can complete the project. If you are awarded the tender and unable to complete the work, you may be liable to the government for the financial loss incurred.

Register Your Business on The CSD Website

Be sure you’ve registered on the CSD (Central Supplier Database) website to give yourself an advantage over other applicants. As, in cases where urgent applications are needed, government departments may search this database first.

Pay Close Attention to Accompanying Documentation

The accompanying documentation in a tender sets out all the requirements, terms, and format for applying for the tender. If you haven’t read and understood these documents, your application won’t be as effective as those who have.

Search For New Tenders on a Weekly Basis

Preparing to apply for a tender can be a drawn-out process, so you never want to be finding out about a tender a day or two before the application process closes. Therefore, it’s advised that you search for new tenders every week; this way, you can be the first to know and can begin preparing your proposal immediately.

Also Read: Everything you Need to Know About SANRAL eTags

Review Awarded Tenders

Knowing who has been awarded tenders similar to the one you’re applying to in the past will help you develop a stronger proposal. You now have more insight into what the government is looking for in its applicants and can mimic that in your proposal.

Most of the largest companies in South Africa – and the world – benefit from government tenders to some degree. So, applying to and receiving a government tender should never be a shameful thing. Instead, it’s a savvy way of doing business that ensures you’re relying on a stable form of income generation, which can facilitate growth in the private sector and beyond.

Renewing your driver’s licence in South Africa can be a strenuous and time-consuming process. Sometimes there is a seemingly unending queue to renew drivers licence; a machine is not working properly, you have to see a local councillor, or some other issue pops up during the process. The coronavirus pandemic made the process more stressful because offices had to shut down during the lockdown, and drivers got worried. However, the government extended the date of renewing a driver’s licence to 31st August for people whose driver’s licence expired between 26th March to 31st December. A driver’s licence is valid for five years after the date of renewal.

Do well renew your driver’s licence before the expiry date. Waiting till it expires can get you into trouble with the law as you may have to wait an entire month (4 weeks) from the day you applied to receive your licence card. Additionally, applying late will cost you additional fees because you will need to apply for a temporary driving licence. You will receive the temporary licence immediately after you apply for it. This is not the same for people whose driver’s licence is to be renewed this year.

The renewal process takes between 4 weeks to 6 weeks, after which your license will be available. You can get notified through SMS when your driver’s licence is ready for collection. However, you ought to have indicated that this is what you want during the application process. On the day you go to collect your licence, take your ID card and the original receipt of payment of the licence fee. It will serve as proof of payment, and the ID will show proof you are the owner of the renewed driver’s licence. Carefully check the information on the licence to ensure there are no errors. If you do not receive your licence in at most 8 weeks, contact the DLTC.

Sometimes people say they are busy or find some other reason why they have not renewed their driver’s licence even after the expiration date, but they are driving on public roads. The problem is that driving without a driver’s licence in South Africa will get you into serious trouble with the law and you can end up spending time in jail.

How to Renew Drivers Licence

• Contact the Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) to find out their specific requirements and submit them at the office.
• If you live in Gauteng, you can apply online to renew your driver’s licence at https://online.natis.gov.za/#/
• Fill out the application for renewal of the driving licence card, which is known as the DL1. This form is available at the Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC).
• Submit your optometrist report alongside the licence renewal application if you decided to do the eye test at the optometrist closest to you.
• Complete the document to show notification of change of particulars or address of an organisation (NCP) or a person.

NB: You can ask someone else to collect your licence document if you are unable to do so yourself. The person needs to go with a certified copy of your ID, their ID and a certified copy of the person’s ID, and an affidavit from the police to show that you have permitted that individual to collect your driver’s licence. The affidavit should state why you cannot collect the card in person. Afterwhich the driving testing centre will be issued to your representative.

Drivers licence renewal requirements

• An original ID and a copy of your identity document (ID) or your old driving licence card. You can present a valid South African passport in the absence of any of the other two documents.
• Four black and white ID photographs but do well to consult with the centre to know the exact number of photos they require. It is possible to take photos at the DLTC to save yourself the stress.
• Proof of residence address like a utility bill in your name. If the bill is not in your name, then the person in whose name the bill is in must make an affidavit to show that you live at that address. Attach the utility bill to the affidavit when going. Bring a letter from your local ward councillor to confirm your residential address if you live in an informal settlement.
• The licence renewal fee costs approximately R250. However, different municipalities have different fees, so it is good to contact the licencing office you want to work with. Most centres require that you bring the money in cash.
• You can do an eye test at the optometrist centre closest to you. The optometrist will charge an amount that is specific to them. Then submit the report alongside your licence renewal application. However, you can do the eye test at the Drivers Licence Testing Center of your choice. The eye test will be included in your licence fee.
• Your fingerprints will be taken at the centre, and the cost of this is included in your licence fee.
• You have to take along extra money if your driver’s licence has expired. It will serve as the temporary licence fee. A temporary licence is a legal document that permits you to drive in South Africa while waiting for the original licence. It lasts 6 months and will keep you out of legal trouble.

NB: If your driver’s licence is missing or was stolen, you need an affidavit from the police that states that it was stolen or you lost it.

Drivers licence renewal cost

The cost of renewing a driver’s licence in South Africa is relative, depending on where you live. You don’t have to pay an extra fee or penalty for the late renewal of your driver’s licence. Here are the towns, the cost of renewing a driver’s licence, and the cost of getting a temporary driver’s licence. Some places require that you pay a different sum to renew the driver’s licence and another amount for the temporary driver’s licence. Other areas combine the costs into one fee.

• Cape Town

You have to pay R185 to renew your driver’s licence in Cape Town, and this amount includes the cost of getting a temporary driver’s licence. You can only pay in cash. This is a fair amount in comparison to other areas.

• Johannesburg

It costs R228 to renew a driver’s licence in Johannesburg, and you can pay using a credit card or cash. This does not include the cost of a temporary driver’s licence, which costs an extra R72, and you have to pay it in cash. The Johannesburg centre requires you to pre-book at https://online.natis.gov.za, and the website will give you access to a list of the testing centres in Gauteng RTI.

• KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)

The cost of renewing your driver’s licence in KZN is R250, while that of a temporary driver’s licence is R92. You have to pay in cash.

• Mpumalanga

Renewing your driver’s licence costs R185 in Mpumalanga.

• Pretoria

Gauteng has a new system to book driver’s licence renewal online. Visit the NATIS portal at https://online.natis.gov.za to see the entire list of all the DLTC offices in Gauteng.

Also Read: How to Book And Apply For a Learner’s Licence Online

Where to renew driver’s licence

You can only renew your driver’s licence physically because you have to take an eye test and you have to give your fingerprints. The renewal process is done at Driving Licence Testing Centres. Gauteng residents can renew their driver’s licence at the post office that is closest to them in Gauteng.

Your driver’s licence card will be destroyed if you do not collect it within 90 days.

International applicants have to be in the country to renew their licence because of the new fingerprint and eye test policy. However, they can assign someone else to collect it if they leave the country before it is released.

Do well to contact the SA service at 131084 if you need any information on the renewing process.