In South Africa, many people work well into retirement. Whether that’s a choice to keep busy or because most people are grossly under budget for retirement is debatable. But, what isn’t debatable is that to survive retirement without having to compete with South Africa’s high youth unemployment for jobs, you need to know how much you have in your pension fund and start making plans to save more, if necessary.

Step by Step Guide to Calculate Pension Fund

If you want to know exactly how much you have contributed to a pension fund, it’s time to pull out your payslips and look over your employer’s pension fund contribution. Your employer’s pension fund contribution will depend on your salary in addition to the fund your employer chooses to contribute to, as each fund has criteria that the contributors – in this case, your employer – have to comply with.

Step 1: Prepare Your Payslips

The amount your employer contributes will be available on your payslip. It may differ month to month if you have a commission-based job or complete shift work. For that reason, you can add every monthly contribution together. Alternatively, you could ask the HR department or payroll department what your annual contribution is to a pension fund to save yourself the time of having to calculate it manually.

Another trick would be to look through your tax returns. If your employer provides information to SARS about your pension fund contribution, the annual figure will be available on your ITR12 tax return, which you can access through e-filing.

Since SARS also has an extensive archive of returns, you can determine how much you have contributed if you got a promotion or changed jobs without having to dig up every payslip in the history of your career.

Step 2: Calculate The Total

Once you have your payslips ready, your historical tax returns or information from HR, you can add the total of each annual contribution. If you have also made any contributions, this would be the time to add those.

Don’t worry if you’re slightly off; these estimates will help you better plan your retirement savings.

If you need more accurate figures, you will need to contact your provider.

Step 3: Add Interest

Since your pension contribution goes into a fund, you should also add the effective interest rate to get a complete view of how much you have in retirement savings. Most funds will either invest in unit trusts – a low-risk option – or international and local funds that also carry minimal risk. For example, Old Mutual’s Retirement Annuity options give you an annual interest rate of between 5% and 8%. You can contact your retirement fund provider to get an annual interest rate.

Determine If You’re Saving Enough

Once you know more or less how much you have in your pension fund, it’s time to determine if that’s the ideal figure based on your age and stage of life.

Relying on being able to work in old age can be detrimental to your health and could be difficult to sustain. Whereas the old people’s grant, which is currently just under R2,000 a month, isn’t enough to cover rising electricity, petrol, and food prices, especially if you’ve gotten accustomed to the kind of money you will earn having a full-time job for most of your lifetime.

Multiply Your Needs By 300

To get an idea of how much you would need at retirement, you can multiply your currently monthly income by 300. So, if you live comfortably on R30,000 a month, in retirement, you would need R9 million. However, that figure can differ as you wouldn’t need to pay for expenses like school fees and the cost of raising dependents if you have any. However, this calculation factors in inflation. While you may not have the expenses associated with youth, by the time you retire, the value of R1 will have decreased significantly.

Once you know how much you need to retire based on this calculation, you should subtract your current age from the age of retirement. The result is the number of years you have to save before retiring.

Then multiply the number of years by 12. This figure will be the number of months you have left before retirement – and will help you determine how much your monthly contribution should be toward retirement. After you’ve completed this process, divide the amount you need by retirement by the number of months left until you retire to discover how much you need to contribute every month.

Also Read: How to Get Funding for a Start-up Business in South Africa?

Consider Using a Pension Fund Calculator

If you don’t want to put in the effort to determine how much you should be saving in a retirement fund, there are pension fund calculators that make the process simpler. These calculators give you a rough idea of what your financial needs will be like at retirement, in addition to how much you can expect to get at retirement based on how much you put aside each month. Many calculators will also display potential retirement products once you complete the information in the calculator.

Sanlam Pension Fund Calculator

The Sanlam Pension Fund requires you to enter your personal details. You need to input your gender, age, retirement age, pretax income, existing retirement savings, and monthly contributions. The calculator also needs you to insert how much income you want to receive every month at retirement age. The calculator will then reveal the deficit – if any – to achieve a comfortable retirement.

Old Mutual Retirement Fund Calculator

Old Mutual’s calculator requires you to input your age, the amount you have saved in retirement funds, current monthly contribution, and monthly income into the calculator.

The calculator will then tell you how much you’ll receive a month at retirement based on the information you provided, in addition to how much you’ll need a month to continue living comfortably in retirement.

GEPF Benefits Calculator

If you are or have ever been a government employee, you’ll need to use the GEPF benefits calculator to determine how much you have in retirement savings. Unlike other calculators on this list, the GEPF calculator will reveal how much you’ll receive at retirement.

When using the calculator, input your initials and surname, followed by your date of birth. Then accept the terms and conditions.

You will then need to enter your service date and exit date in addition to what you would like to calculate (in this case, retirement).

If, for some reason, you need a precise figure detailing how much you have in retirement funds, compile a list of every former employer – where you did not transfer funds or withdraw benefits. Then contact the HR department to determine which fund they contributed to on your behalf. Using this list, you will need to contact each fund, either fax or email your details, before you can access details about the fund. Using this information, you can calculate how much you have in your pension fund and decide if you would like to consolidate these figures into one.

After years of having to go to the post office to do anything related to the post office, South Africans finally have a digital post office. This virtual post office can be accessed online and enables users to do everything they usually would at the post office without spending the ridiculous wait times in line or trying to get the post office open during their inconvenient times. So, if you are like the rest of those who prefer to do things online, you should read through this guide on how to register for a Virtual Post Office in South Africa.

Four Steps to Register for a Virtual Post Office

If you want to be able to access some of the services available through your local post office branch anytime, you should register an account with the virtual post office. Fortunately, registration is straightforward and is free. You only have to start paying when you need to use a specific service or pay a traffic fine. So, to get started, follow the four steps below.

Step #1: Navigate to the Online Registration

First, you need to visit the virtual post office website, where you will see the option to register on the top right corner of the page. Click on this option to navigate to the registration page.

Step #2: Select Your Profile Type

When you’re on the registration page, you will need to enter your account type. You have one of three options available to you:

• Private User (SA Citizen): This account type is for those with a valid South African Identity number and who intend to use the service for personal purposes.
• Private User (Foreigner): You can select this option if you have a valid passport number but intend to use the service for non-commercial use.
• Business: If you want to conduct business on the Virtual Post Office through your company, you will select business and will be required to enter your company details and business registration number.

Step #3: Enter Your Details

Once you’ve selected your profile type, you will be redirected to a registration form that will ask you to fill in personal – or business – details. This will include your name and surname, ID number, business registration number (if you selected business), email address and cell phone number.

Double-check that these details are correct before you submit.

Step #4: Login Using Temporary Details

After you’ve entered your particulars, including your email address, the virtual post office will send you an email with temporary login details. Visit the Virtual Post Office’s website, and use those login details.

Then, once you’ve entered the temporary password, create your own.

What Can You Do On The Virtual Post Office?

Although the post office offers numerous services, including grant payment pickups, license renewals, and postal services – including buying and selling stamps and parcel delivery – through its branches, the same is not true about the virtual post office.

Presently, the virtual post office only has a few services available through its website: post box renewals and traffic fine payments.

However, not every driver can use the virtual post office’s fine payment option.

Another feature missing from the virtual post office is registering a new post box. You will still need to visit a branch for that.

So, if you want to use the virtual post office as a replacement for all the tasks you can do through your local post office branch, you will still have to make alternative arrangements.

But for those in remote areas or people who don’t want to go to the post office every time they renew their box, having this convenience ensures your post box will never be locked because of late payment.

Is the Virtual Post Office’s Website Safe for Card Transactions?

Since you can pay for services using your credit or debit card, you should establish whether or not the virtual post office’s website is safe. Thankfully, the virtual post office is safe to use since they use HTTPS encryption. But given the increase in website spoofing, you should always double-check that the web address you’re entering is the correct one and that the site you’re accessing has HTTPS encryption.

Will You Receive Proof of Payment for Transaction Completed through the Virtual Post Office?

If your transaction through the Virtual Post Office is successful, you will get confirmation that they’ve received your payment through a tax invoice. This proof of payment will be sent to the email address attached to the account that made the payment.

In the event you choose to pay via bank transfer or EFT, you should wait for one to two business days for the payment to clear before contacting the Virtual Post Office for any updates.

You may also need to check your spam or junk mail in case your email provider filters messages from the post office.

What is the Difference Between the Virtual Post Office and Having a Virtual Post Box?

Since the virtual post office launched in 2020, many have confused the site with a business where you can access a virtual post box, thinking the two activities were linked in some way.

Unfortunately, not.

The virtual post office allows you to access services available through South Africa Post Office branches online, whereas a virtual post box allows you to have mail and packages delivered to a forwarding address.

Virtual post boxes are helpful if you expect to receive plenty of packages but won’t be at home or if you need to have a business address other than your home address. However, the South African Post Office does not have such a service.

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

Instead, you would have to use a third-party service to get access to a virtual post box.

Most companies that offer office coworking services also offer virtual post box services. And unlike the post office, these services don’t charge per year; they charge per month. The costs usually range anywhere from R350 to R1,000 a month for the service.

If you need any further assistance, you can contact the Post Office on 0860 086 860 during office hours.

Considering that 34% of the adult population or 14.9 million people are unemployed in South Africa, registering on the Department of Labour database could help many find work. Smaller businesses often use the Department of Labour to find employees as it costs money to use other employment services to advertise jobs.

Therefore, you may find more jobs than what is available on other employment websites.

But, it’s also important to do due diligence on opportunities listed on the Department of Labour’s Employment Service as they are not endorsing the companies that use the programme to find employees.

Who Can Join The Department of Labour’s Employment Service?

While the Department of Labour has different opportunities available on their employment platform – from employers seeking highly skilled workers to jobs that don’t require formal skills – to access the platform, you need a valid South African ID number and must be over 18 years old.

Then, once you’ve created an account, you should only apply for work opportunities where you meet the criteria.

Step by Step Guide to Register Your CV with the Department of Labour

To make it simpler for you to navigate applying for a job through the Department of Labour’s employment platform, follow the step-by-step guide below.

Step 1: Visit The Department of Labour Website

The first step to register your CV on the Department of Labour is to visit their platform – known by the Employment Services of South Africa. You can do that by clicking this link.

From there, you can select if you would like to register as an Individual or Organisation. The Individual tab is for those seeking work, and the Organisation tab is for those looking for employees.

To register your CV, you will need to select Individual on the left side.

Step 2: Read the Disclaimer

Once you’ve clicked on “CLICKED HERE TO REGISTER,” you will also be required to read through a disclaimer.

The disclaimer details that you are using the Employment Services of South Africa programme at your own risk, which means that even if the information available on the programme is grossly negligible, you cannot hold the Department of Labour responsible.

Step 3: Fill in Your Personal Details

If you agree to the disclaimer, input your ID number, surname, and email address.

You will also need to complete a security check. Once you’ve filled in those details, click register on the right side of the screen.

Step 4: Receive Your Login Details

After you have successfully registered an account, the Department of Labour will email you login details, including your username and password.

When you receive these details, go back to the website and input your username and password, making sure to keep this information so you can log in again in future.

Step 5: Input Your Qualifications and Upload Your CV

Before you start applying for jobs, you will need to input information that will make finding a job easier. For that reason, spend some time inputting your Employment History and Education and Training details in the relevant tabs.

You can also upload your CV and update your profile, so your applications are more enticing to prospective employers.

Step 6: Submit your CV to Jobs

Then once you’ve completed filling in your employment history and qualifications, you can start searching for jobs.

On the home screen, you will see the option to “Search Opportunities.” When you click on that, you will be redirected to a page where you can select the province, opportunity name, and employment type to begin your search.

The Department of Labour will display available opportunities that meet your search criteria. You can click on jobs that interest you and – if you meet the criteria – apply to the position.

Step 7: Prepare Yourself for Interviews

Although you may not be successful with every application you submit, given that you’re actively searching for work, you should be prepared to attend interviews.

Prepare a professional outfit and consider learning interview techniques to ensure you put your best foot forward. You should also research the company before attending any in-person interviews to be certain they are legitimate.

How to Apply for a Job through the Department of Labour via Email

You can also apply for jobs on the Department of Labour’s website via email, as sometimes the ESSA portal may not be functioning.

However, given the volume of applications the DoL receives, this is the longer of the two options. Nevertheless, you can apply for jobs listed on the DoLs database via email using this four-step process.

Step 1: Prepare Your CV

Ensure that your CV is up-to-date, has a comprehensive employment history that includes your job title, duties and responsibilities at that job, and how long you worked there. Your CV should also list your qualification and relevant training.

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documentation

Besides your CV, you should also get a copy of your matric certificate – if you have one – certified at the police station, and then scan that certified copy so you have it available in PDF format.

You can also prepare other certifications and qualifications to support your application.

Step 3: Attach Documents to an Email

Once you have these documents, you need to create an email. Include the title of the job you’re applying for, or to ensure your CV is sent to the relevant company, the reference number in the job spec.

Add any other information necessary to complete the application to the body of the email and then attach your CV and supporting documentation.

Step 4: Send an Email to the PES

Send the above information to PES@labour.gov.za.

Accessing the Department of Labour’s Employment Service is free.

Read Also: How to Apply for Vacancies at the Department of Social Development

Considering that, the server may experience problems. So, if you’re having any issues with the registration process or application process, you can email PES@labour.gov.za. You should also keep in mind that using the service does not mean you’re applying for a job at the Department of Labour, but at businesses that post their ads on the Department of Labour’s website.

UFS plays a major role in teaching and learning, as well as advising academic projects nationally and internationally.

Once the academic year begins, applicants worldwide will look to find ways to download the UFS prospectus. This is a highly required document for prospective or new students. The UFS prospectus, mostly in pdf format, contains all the information you need to complete your UFS admission.

Viewing your desired university’s prospectus is important for you to gain necessary information regarding your specific program or other details like fees, accommodation, campus facilities, admission requirements, courses, and all other required information.

Our blog will provide information on downloading or accessing the 2024 UFS prospectuses.

To view it, you will need a smartphone, tablet, or computer that accepts PDF file downloads.

How To Download UFS Prospectus 2025

To access the UFS prospectus, you can do so through a quick Google search or searching “prospectus” on the university’s website.

To access the UFS prospectus on the website, simply visit www.ufs.ac.za. Locate the prospective within the page and select prospectus to view all the available prospective for the academic year. If navigating your way on the homepage is the problem, you can easily click the search button at the top right corner of the home page and type in “prospectus.” This will direct you to the page, and you can click to download your required prospectus.

UFS Undergraduate Prospectus

It is important to note that the UFS undergraduate prospect is targeted at prospective undergraduate students looking to apply to The University of Free State and looking forward to starting their academic year in the current year. The prospectus describes and outlines the university’s programs/courses and services and the admission requirements for each program. Reading all the university’s rules, policies, and regulations is important. From time to time, the university amends it to suit the students, the mission, and the school’s objective.

Part of their mission is inspiring and excellent transformation of lives. UFS stands for quality, positive impact, and care.

The undergraduate prospectus for UFS contains the pros and cons of your choice, the faculties within the school, a detailed description of their various campuses, applications for local and international applicants, various offices and facilities, and the bursary procedures.

UFS Postgraduate Prospectus

As we know, postgraduate is all about furthering the undergraduate courses that you completed. Hence, the prospectus describes and outlines the university’s programs/courses and services and the admission requirements for each program. Reading all the university’s rules, policies, and regulations is essential. Every academic year, UFS updates and makes necessary amendments to its programs that will reflect the objectives and mission of the school.

Even with the postgraduate prospectus, there are requirements to gain admission to UFS. Not all programs offered in the undergraduate section are offered in the postgraduate section. Some programs may be offered if there are enough applicants, and this is a normal procedure to ensure the logistics and facilities are ready to serve the students or applicants.

Do You Upload UFS Prospectus When Submitting an Application?

The school administration provides the UFS prospectus. New and prospective students who have submitted their UFS application are not required to submit the UFS prospectus again. This PDF document has already been made accessible to all students on the University’s website. You can easily download it based on entry purposes, whether undergraduate or postgraduate.

Does UFS Have Bursaries?

At this moment, there is good news for all students or applicants at UFS. It has been confirmed that from April 2025, UFS will receive bursaries. The university will also provide a detailed step-by-step process for remitting all payments. The need is to ensure that all bursaries from UFS will be available and provide financial assistance to all departments within the university.

Does NSFAS Funds UFS Students?

As part of the new arrangement with UFS, NSFAS allocates all your funds to the UFS system, which automatically allows you to register your courses without making any payment. NSFAS sends SMS alerts to all notified parties.  NSFAS provides funding to UFS students regularly and upon request. All approval and validation are done to ensure students who applied for financial aid will receive alerts informing them about their payment.

If you still have concerns or inquiries about accessing the prospectus at UFS, feel free to email studentadmin@ufs.ac.za or call 051 401 9666. For general information, email info@ufs.ac.za.

Many South Africans find themselves in a position where they need work because they’re unemployed or want to find new jobs because they are dissatisfied with their current employer. However, given the competitive nature of South Africa’s job market, you need to have a CV that stands out – and once you’re in, know how to nail the job interview. To help you do this, we have created a detailed guide on how to compile your CV, in addition to tips on how to nail the job interview.

How Do You Compile a CV in South Africa?

Even if you have the qualifications or skills required for a job, you may not get a callback or an interview if your CV doesn’t meet the standards expected by the employer or agency. For that reason, compile your CV in a manner that shows off your strongest traits.

List Your Details

There should be a section on your CV that includes your details. This should include your phone number, email address, and name and surname. You can also add your physical address. However, given that South Africans regularly travel out of the suburb they reside for their jobs, adding your physical address isn’t necessary.

Tip: Below your details, you can also include the title of the job you are applying to, as this shows employers that you are the right person for the job.

Summarise Your Work Experience

Summarising your work experience is not necessary. However, it can help recruitment agencies and HR departments review your CV. This summary will be one or two sentences that condense the information on your CV into a byline that sums up your work experience.

Detail Your Work History

After the above sections, you should include your work history. Format it like this:

The position you held, the name of the company where you worked, followed by the month and year you worked there.

Then you should add two or three concise bullet points detailing what you did in the job and the responsibilities you had.

If you do not have a lengthy work history, add volunteer experience or even leadership roles you held in high school or college.

Add Your Education and Qualifications

Beneath your work history, add the qualifications and education you have.

You should add the name of the qualification, the school or body where you received the qualification and the year you received the qualification.

For example: Matric, St Cyprian’s College, 2005.

Display Your Language Skills

Since South Africa has eleven official languages, you may want to include your skill level for each language you can speak, write or are fluent in.

Include a List of Soft Skills

Beyond your education and qualifications, you should also include a list of soft skills. You can place this anywhere on the document. But, closer to the top is usually advised.

In addition to soft skills, you can also add systems that you are proficient in.

Add One or Two References

At the very end of your CV, add the contact details of one or two references. If you want to, you can add the individual’s job title as a reference to give your CV some relevance.

How Long Should Your CV Be?

Regardless of how long you’ve been working, your CV should never be more than two pages. Ideally, you want to fit all the most critical information on one page so that agencies and internal recruitment staff can review the CV. Besides, a short CV makes it easier for a manager or employer to ask questions about your CV when you are being interviewed.

Tips to Have a Successful Job Interview

If you’ve created a winning curriculum vitae, you will most likely get a call for an interview. The interview determines whether or not you will get the job, so work on putting your best foot forward.

Before The Interview

These are some of the steps you should take before going for the interview. They will help increase your confidence on the day of the interview.

Research The Company

Smaller companies frequently hire workers. So, if you are being interviewed by a smaller company, it helps knowing more about the company, like who its founders are and what are the company’s values. Smaller companies tend to have a lengthy interview process that could include an interview with senior executives – or the CEO – and requires that you impress them.

Prepare for Common Interview Questions

Most interviewers will ask the same questions about your work history, experience, and skills. Since they are interviewing several different candidates, you want to keep your answers short yet memorable. You don’t have to rehearse your answers, but try to have some talking points you want to mention and then create a list of questions you would like to ask at the end of the interview.

Some of the questions asked at interviews include:

• Why do you want this job?
• Why should we hire you?
• Tell me about yourself?
• What are your strengths/weaknesses?

Take Practice Aptitude Tests

If you haven’t been to a job interview recently, you may be surprised to find out that many businesses rely on aptitude tests to determine if a candidate is right for the job. For that reason, you may want to familiarize yourself with some common aptitude tests before the day of the interview.

Day of The Interview

While preparation helps you feel confident in the interview room, what you do on the day of the interview reflects on your character and professionalism and is the most important first impression.

Dress Appropriately

You don’t need to be wearing a three-piece suit to an interview. However, you should dress appropriately. This means that even if the company you’re applying to work for has a casual dress code, you will still dress professionally.

A shirt tucked into slacks with a neat hairstyle and appropriate shoes are ideal. You can add personality with small touches like a watch, scarf, or cardigan.

If you’re wearing makeup, use neutral colours.

Arrive On Time

You want to be waiting for the interviewer, not the other way around. Therefore, try showing up to the interview at least 10 minutes prior. If you are driving, add time to your commute to account for traffic and parking at the venue.

For A Remote Interview

Since the country – and the world – is still battling a pandemic, the company you apply to may conduct remote interviews. If this is the case, there is proper etiquette you need to follow to have a successful remote interview.

Have Good Lighting and Audio

You may want to test your audio and lighting before the interview to see if you look good and if your audio is clear. Consider using a headpiece or in-ear earphones to improve your audio. Also, your face should be lit up sufficiently. Try putting a lamp – with a daylight bulb – behind your PC, or sit in front of a window. Test different techniques if the room you are sitting in is dark.

Check Your Internet Connection

If the position is for remote work, be sure your internet connection is fast and reliable. You can check this before the interview by completing a test run with a friend.

Remember that having faster speeds shows the interviewer that if you were working from home, you would have the necessary bandwidth to do the job, and it also shows employers that you are committed to working.

Sit in a Quiet Area

While you may think it’s a good idea to go to a coffee shop to get faster internet speeds, be warned: that is a bad idea. Not only could you be interrupted at any time, but the background noise and movement also makes it appear that you are unprofessional.

After following these tips to compile your CV and nail the job interview, you will be one step closer to getting the job you are applying for.

If you are like the millions of South Africans with a phone, you have probably received an SMS advertising some “amazing” service. These “services” usually come at an exorbitant daily fee upwards of R3 a day and can be the culprit behind what’s taking your airtime.

Even if there’s no daily or weekly charge, you may be surprised that the USSD numbers you’re dialling to enter a competition have spectacularly high rates. Nevertheless, if your airtime is depleting without warning, it could be WASP stealing your airtime. Below you will find out how to determine if it’s WASP and what to do about it.

What is WASP?

Wireless Application Service Providers (WASP) are companies that render services like USSD, bulk SMS, and MMS in addition to interactive voice response services. These WASPs allow mobile carriers and other companies to create interactive services that don’t require data to access, making it available on all cell phones, not just smartphones.

How To Check if WASP is Stealing Your Airtime

Before you decide that WASP is to blame for your suspiciously high bill or the reason why you never have airtime, consider some alternative potential airtime thieves. This could include out-of-bundle usage from apps running in the background and sending messages to premium-rate numbers. But, if you still suspect it’s WASP, there are a few ways you can be 100% sure.

Call Your Mobile Carrier

Start by calling your mobile carrier. Then once you’ve gotten through to the call centre, ask them what is taking your airtime, if it’s data charges, WASP, or something else.

You can also ask them if there’s a company charging you and if they have the name of the company and the contact details.

If the reason your airtime is depleted is WASP-related, you can also ask them to cancel any subscriptions while you’re on the phone call. Be sure you receive an SMS confirmation informing you that your subscription has been cancelled.

Check Your SMS History

If you don’t want to call your mobile carrier, you can also complete this DIY process. Click on the search bar in your SMS app and search for the term “welcome,” as WASP-related content will often send a welcome message after you’ve joined the subscription service. Alternatively, you can search for terms like “subscription.”

While you’re searching, pay close attention to the services you’ve – unknowingly – signed up for and if there are any instructions on how to cancel your subscription.

If nothing pops up, someone who may have had the number you have now, before, may have signed up to WASP services. In which case, you can still cancel your subscription using the guide below.

How To Unsubscribe From WASP

Once you have confirmed that it’s WASP services taking your airtime, you can follow the instructions below to unsubscribe from WASP. The steps outlined depend on the network you use.

Vodacom

On Vodacom, SMS “Stop All” to 31050. If you have unintentionally been subscribed to any WASP products, you will receive a message confirming that you have been unsubscribed from any services.

Given that SMSing 31050 is a premium service, you can also dial *135# and select option 11 (Next) and then option 4 (Services). From there, you will need to select no.9 to cancel your subscriptions.

MTN

To unsubscribe from WASP services on MTN, you need to dial *141*5#. Select option 2 (content services), then click on manage content services and follow the prompts to cancel subscriptions.

Cell C

To unsubscribe from WASP, you can dial *133*1# as this will block future and current billing.

Telkom

To unsubscribe from WASP products on Telkom, you will either need to use the app or contact Telkom.

Using the app, you can block all WASP products. Begin by navigating to My Products, then click on Manage, select Protect My Number, and set it to “on.”

Alternatively, you can call 180 and follow the prompts.

How To Ensure You’re Not A Victim of WASP Again

Even after you’ve taken measures to stop being a victim of this airtime thief, unsurprisingly, you could still receive ads from your service provider promoting some type of service to you, whether that’s WhatsApp status ideas, Bible verses, or financial advice.

And since these ads come from different numbers each time, blocking the number isn’t an option.

Block Specific Words

If you begin to notice a pattern in the messages you receive, like a number you should dial or a unique phrase, consider blocking those words. This way, you guarantee that you do not filter necessary text messages as a result.

For example, you could block “/day” as many messages end with the subscription amount or the term “CONGRATS” as these are frequently used by these pesky advertisers.

Be Sure You Share Information with Other Phone Users

If a child or elderly relative uses the phone, make them aware of these advertising schemes. Since some of these messages don’t advertise the costs involved, encourage them to not participate in any SMS advertising as it could be WASP related, especially ads offering prizes or text-based services.

Lodge a Complaint

Many WASP services have registered to WASPA, an association designed to keep the industry accountable and transparent. If you suspect that the WASP services you have subscribed to are non-compliant, start by reviewing WASPA’s code of conduct. If it is confirmed that the WASP services are non-compliant, you should consider lodging a complaint with WASPA. While this may not block future billing, it may assist in getting a refund or ensuring appropriate action is taken against the service provider. However, keep in mind that this is a voluntary association which means not every WASP has a membership.

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

Of course, if it’s not WASP, you should consider purchasing data bundles and turning off out-of-bundle usage. That way, instead of your phone using airtime when you’re out of data, you will be forced to purchase more data. This works well whether you’re on a contract or prepaid service.

E-tolls have become a major point of controversy for Gauteng road users, even resulting in the validity and future of e-tolls being questioned by the national government. The result of those questions hasn’t led to the answers many road users were hoping to hear. Instead, it seems like e-tolls are here to stay. So, whether you agree with the system or not, paying your e-tolls is unavoidable. This guide should make complying easy.

How Do I Pay my ETAG Bill Online?

There aren’t many options to pay your ETAG in person. So, if you aren’t particularly cheerful about spending time at a Customer Service Centre or a retailer, paying your ETAG bill online is far more convenient.

If You Do Not Have An ETag:

To pay your E-Toll bill online, you will first need an ETAG. To get an ETAG, you can visit a Pick n Pay, Checkers, or Shoprite. These are the only retailers that provide ICASA-approved ETAGs.

You can also visit a SANRAL Customer Service Centre at a mall or along Gauteng’s e-roads.

You can also call 0800 726 725 between 06:00 and 22:00 to be able to pick up your ETAG at a Customer Service Centre or to have it delivered to you at an additional fee of R60.

Once you have an ETAG, you can follow the steps below that outline the procedure for those who have an ETAG.

If You Have An ETag:

Once you have an ETAG, registering to pay your e-Toll bill online is easier. You have two options: register as a top-up account or a credit card settlement account.

Register as a Top-Up Account:

If you prefer to prepay your account, you can register as a top-up account with a tag.

• Start by visiting sanral.co.za/etolls.
• Navigate to the Register SANRAL Account tab on the left side of the screen.
• Choose the option that best describes your use for the account: business, individual, or exempt user.
• Select “register as a top-up account with a tag.”
• Complete the registration process using valid information. SANRAL will send you a verification email with a verification code.
• Follow the instructions in the email. You will need to return to the previous screen and input your username and verification code.
• Select your top-up amount and pay online.

Register as a Credit Card Settlement Account:

If you don’t want to be a top-up user, you can also create a settlement account.

• Visit Sanral.co.za/etolls.
• Select Register SANRAL Account on the left side of the screen.
• Select if you’re registering as an individual, business, or exempt user.
• Then click the third option (Credit Card Settlement Account)
• Fill in your email, username, password, and validation code.
• Follow the instructions contained in the verification email sent to the email address you’ve input.
• Pay with your credit card online.

SANRAL ETAG EFT Banking Details:

If you decide to prepay your account by EFT, you should use the following information or navigate to your bank’s list of public beneficiaries and select SANRAL.

Bank: FNB

Beneficiary: SANRAL (TCH)

Branch: Corporate Banking

Branch code: 250655

Account number: 62280212607

Reference: Your customer identification card number

How To Pay An Overdue ETAG Bill

The Violations Processing Centre (VPC) is responsible for processing and collecting overdue e-toll bills. If you have not paid your e-tolls in the seven day grace period, you will become an alternative user. An alternative user doesn’t benefit from any discounts – time of day, frequent user, etc. – and cannot apply for any exemptions.

To make it easier for these users to make payments and avoid additional penalties, SANRAL has created an online portal to view and pay your e-toll arrears. So, if you have been travelling through Gauteng’s e-tolls but have failed to register an ETAG or have an ETAG but have not maintained payments, you will need to pay your overdue fees. To pay these fees, follow the guide below.

Visit The VPC Portal

If you know you have an overdue e-toll bill, start by visiting the VPC Website.

Login or Create An Account

You will then be required to log in to an existing account or create a new one. If you’ve accessed the VPC before, use your VPC Account number and password to log in. If you haven’t accessed the VPC before, select “Create Login Details” on the left side of the screen.

You will then be required to input your Vehicle License Number, ID number, passport number, or business registration number, and either your email address or cell phone number.

You will be sent a validation code via email in addition to instructions. Follow those instructions and input the validation code when necessary.

Make a Payment Using Your Reference Number

Once you have created an account and logged in, you will see the most recent statement of account according to the VPC. If you don’t want to dispute these charges, you will be able to use the payment reference number found on the Violations Processing Centre invoice or statement.

Using that reference, you can either pay your account at an FNB ATM, EFT, or online using the VPC website.

If you’re paying online, you can navigate to the payment section and enter your credit card details. However, if you choose to pay by EFT, you can use the details below to make a payment.

VPC EFT Details:

Account Name: SANRAL (VPC) [violation fees]

Bank: First National Bank

Account Number: 62280209167

Branch Code: 250655

Branch: Corporate Banking

Reference: As indicated on your VPC Invoice or Statement

What Happens if I Don’t Pay E-Tolls?

If you’re hesitant or resistant to paying e-tolls, you may want to reconsider that stance. The penalties for non-payment are harsh, and the discounts offered are more significant if you decide to pay on time or within the seven day grace period.

According to SANRAL, if you don’t pay your e-tolls – and don’t make arrangements to pay arrears – you will go through the legal process for non-payment, which may result in criminal prosecution.

After receiving notice from the VPC of overdue e-toll bills, the VPC will begin the debt collection process. If you do not respond or make arrangements during this time, you will receive a final demand notice, and the VPC will hand your account over to the prosecuting authority. From there, you will either be prosecuted according to the Criminal Procedure Act or the AARTO.

If you have any additional questions regarding e-tolls, you can contact SANRAL’s e-toll department on 0800 726 725 or consider emailing info@sa-etoll.co.za. You can also use this online calculator to determine how much you should prepay on your account to ensure you’re benefiting from discounts.

Socioeconomic conditions, bad timing, even participating in a march can leave you with a criminal record. However, while the decision to commit a crime may be temporary, the consequences are lasting. To get a job, travel for a job, or apply for a visa, you need to have a clear criminal record. For that reason, you should be looking into clearing your criminal record.

Everything You Need to Know About Clearing Your Criminal Record

Clearing a criminal record is a lengthy process. Just because you have the desire to have it expunged doesn’t mean you can accomplish it. So, before you dive into the process, this is everything you need to know about a criminal record.

What is Considered a Criminal Record in South Africa?

It’s important to note that you don’t need to go to court to end up with a criminal record. You may be arrested on a minor charge and sign an admission of guilt.

Something many South Africans are unaware of is that by signing an admission of guilt – which is usually accompanied by paying a fine at a police station – you receive a criminal record. Therefore, it’s important to distinguish between bail and an admission of guilt. In many cases, police officers will suggest you sign an admission of guilt to avoid having to spend time in jail or a holding cell. However, before you sign this type of document, consider speaking with a lawyer. Because once you sign that admission of guilt – unless you’re being prosecuted under AARTO – you will end up with a criminal record.

Can I Find A Job With a Criminal Record?

Many companies and employment agencies do rigorous checks during the recruitment process. As a result, most jobs require you to have a clear criminal record. However, if the infringement is minor and not related to the job you’re applying for, you could have a discrimination case. According to the Employment Equity Act, if you haven’t lied or withheld information about your criminal past and you meet the criteria for the job, if an employer chooses not to hire you, that’s possibly discrimination.

Can I Travel with a Criminal Record?

Each country has unique entry requirements, which means you will have to verify if your criminal record will be checked before you make any plans when travelling abroad. In some instances, you will need to provide this type of information on a voluntary disclosure form.

However, if you need a Visa to travel or want to emigrate, as part of your application, you will be required to attach a police clearance certificate (PCC). You may not be able to get this certificate if you have a criminal record.

Does a Criminal Record Expire in South Africa?

In South Africa, minor convictions can be removed from your criminal record after 10 years.

How Do I Remove or Clear my Criminal Record?

If it has been ten years since a conviction, or you realise your criminal record prevents you from accessing opportunities, follow the steps below to have your criminal record cleared.

Step 1: Determine if You’re Eligible to Have Your Criminal Record Cleared

Before you can go about requesting that your criminal record be cleared, you should ensure you meet the eligibility conditions. The conditions include:

• Ten years have elapsed since you were convicted for the offence.
• You have not been sentenced or convicted without the option of a fine in the ten years since your last conviction.
• Your sentence was corporal punishment.
• Your sentencing was postponed, or you were cautioned and discharged.
• Your imprisonment was wholly suspended.
• Your sentence was a fine that does not exceed R20,000.
• You can provide proof that you have been removed from the National Register of Sex Offenders or the National Child Protection Register (if relevant)

Step 2: Complete Form J744

If you meet the above preconditions, you can visit the Department of Justice’s website and complete the J744 form. When completing this form, you will need to fill in personal information like your ID number, name, surname, and contact details in addition to details relating to your convictions, including the types of convictions you’ve received and the dates when these convictions took place.

You can download the English version of the J744 form here.

Step 3: Attach Relevant Supporting Documentation

Before you submit your J744 form, you will need to attach a police clearance certificate. To get a police clearance certificate, you will need to pay a R150 fee, visit your nearest police station to have your fingerprints taken and complete the Police Clearance Certificate Application form. You will also need to provide a certified copy of your ID, and proof of payment if you’ve completed an EFT.

You can take these documents to SAPS, and they can post the application form, along with your fingerprints, to the Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management, or you can post it yourself using the details below.

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

South African Police Service

Private Bag X308

PRETORIA

South Africa

0001

It should take 15 days to receive your Police Clearance Certificate.

Step 4: Mail The Information

After you have received your PCC, you will either need to hand-deliver your documents or mail your documents to the Director-General for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

If you decide to mail it, you can send it to:

Director-General: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development:

Private Bag X81,

Pretoria,

0001

Also Read: How to Check Criminal Record Online in South Africa

The process takes three months but may take longer if you have any queries that could delay the process. Additionally, the decision to have the convictions expunged are at the discretion of the DG for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. If the outcome is favourable, the DG will send your certificate of Expungement to the Criminal Record Centre of the South African Police Service. After which, you should allow another 21 days before you receive confirmation of the convictions expunged.

But if it is declined, you will receive a confirmation letter detailing why it was denied.

If you have any additional queries regarding having your criminal record expunged, you can email the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development at expungements@justice.gov.za.

Now that SARS can start penalising taxpayers who only have one outstanding tax return, tax season has become far more stressful than it was before. For this reason, it’s important to have all your supporting documents available when you’re filing a return. One of those documents is an IT3B certificate. Not every taxpayer needs this document. But if you have savings or investments, not having this document will delay filing your return and result in penalties. Since SARS adds penalties monthly, even having a minor delay like not attaching an IT3B certificate can be costly. So, if you’re asking, “where do I get my IT3B tax certificate from?” like many South Africans, you can find those details below.

What is Your IT3B Certificate?

An IT3B certificate is a certificate you receive from a financial service provider that summarises the interest and dividends you’ve generated from investments. You need to include this when filing your tax return because SARS views this interest as part of your income. As a taxpayer, you may have several IT3B certificates from various institutions depending on how much money you’ve invested or saved and so on. However, before you go on the hunt to attain your IT3B certificates, you should understand the different types of income you should be declaring as part of the IT3B.

Local Dividends: This is the amount you have received from the last tax year from dividends paid by JSE listed companies or funds that invest in JSE listed companies.

International Dividends: This is the sum of all the interest and dividends you’ve received from offshore investments.

Interest from Savings: You should also declare the interest you’ve earned from savings. However, you don’t need to pay taxes on this interest unless it exceeds the amount applicable for your age bracket.

Taxable Dividends: If you have invested in a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), you will also need to include the distribution generated from these funds.

Royalties: You should include an IT3B certificate if you have received an income from the use of copyrighted material and assets.

How and Where to Download Your IT3B Certificate

Before you download your IT3B certificate, you should be aware of how many certificates you’d need. If you have several investments with different banks and funds, you’ll need to approach each to get the IT3B. Furthermore, you should also ensure that any interest or dividends reflect on your tax return and that you’ve paid tax on this income. Many funds will pay tax on your behalf, but confirm that is the case before assuming.

To make it easier for you to find and download your certificates, you can also log in to your SARS efiling profile and navigate to your latest – or outstanding – ITR12 return. Click on your certificates and see correspondence SARS has sent requesting IT3B certificates. Using this information, you can then download the relevant certificates SARS needs.

Some companies may send you your IT3B certificate when tax season begins. You can upload these documents as supporting documents on your efiling or take them along if you are filing within a branch. However, if you haven’t received your IT3B certificate, you can follow the steps below.

Downloading Your IT3B Certificate From Your Bank

Since many South Africans have some savings or investments with their bank, you can begin by getting the IT3B certificate for each investment product from your bank.

FNB:

Login to Your Account: To get your IT3B Certificate from FNB, you first need to log in to your online banking profile.

Navigate to My Bank Accounts: Click on “My Bank Accounts” on the top navigation menu. Then, once you’ve been redirected, select the account you need to access for an IT3B.

Click on Menu: After being redirected to the account, you want to access, click on “Menu” on the left side of the screen.

Select Tax Certificates: On the menu screen, click on the IT3B certificate you need.

Enter Your Email Address: Once you have selected the certificates, enter your email address and click submit.

Nedbank

Login to Your Banking Profile: To start the process, log in to your online banking profile.

Select the Required Account: You will need to navigate to the account that has the relevant IT3B certificate. Then, under features, choose your delivery statement.

Choose the Required Year: Click the year you need the statement for and then download the certificate to your device.

ABSA

To get your IT3B certificate from ABSA, you’ll need to log in to your banking profile and navigate to certificates. Once you’ve accessed these certificates, you can download them from your banking profile.

Standard Bank

Some Standard Bank customers have had difficulty finding a way to download the IT3B certificate. However, you can easily get the certificate by logging into your online

banking profile, navigating to “Statements” in the navigation menu. You will then click on IT3B and retrieve.

Capitec Bank

To get your IT3B certificates from Capitec, use the bank’s mobile app and follow the prompts under “Certificates of Interest” you should then either be able to download the certificate or have the certificate emailed to you.

On your online banking profile, go to “My Banking” and select the fourth option, “I want to view my Certificate of Interest,” from there, you should be able to choose the year you need, followed by the prompt to download the certificate.

Downloading Your Tax IT3B Certificate From Your Fund Managers

Most funds will send you an IT3B statement either at the beginning of the tax season or during the tax season.

However, if you haven’t received this statement, you can follow the steps below to retrieve them.

Old Mutual

If you have an Old Mutual Secure account, log in and navigate to certificates. If you do not have an account, create one and follow the prompts. Once you’re on your user dashboard, find certificates and select the type of certificate you need.

Momentum

If you have any investments with Momentum, they make it simple for you to get your IT3B. Click on this link – which will take you to the “Request for Tax Certificate” page – enter your ID number and the year you require an IT3B certificate for and click submit.

Allan Gray

To initiate the process, log in to your Allan Gray online profile. Once on your profile, click on the Investment Report Button. The option to get a detailed transaction history or statement summary should appear. Select the one you need. Then, select the year and the account you need to access, followed by “Go.” Then click download.

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

Liberty

Getting your IT3B from Liberty is simple. Visit Liberty’s website and log in to your account. Once on your user dashboard, select “Liberty Policy Servicing,” reenter your username and password, and then choose the fund you need an IT3B for.

If your fund is not on this list, this doesn’t mean you won’t receive IT3B certificates from them. By law, all financial service providers should give you access to this information. Instead, if your fund isn’t on this list, be sure your details are up-to-date. This includes your email and postal address. Most funds will send you an IT3B once a year, and if they don’t have the correct email address on file, you won’t receive the certificate.

To ensure you aren’t caught off-guard this tax season, try to get your IT3B certificates at the beginning of the season.

If you’re unsure if you’ve received any IT3B certificates via email, you can also login to your email provider and, using the search function, enter “IT3B.” A list of emails that contain IT3B should pop up. You can then download these certificates and upload them to the SARS efiling system.