How to Calculate Leave Days Payout in Namibia

What is Leave Days Payout?

Paid leave means time away from work by an employee for which the employee receives compensation, and is limited to sick time, vacation time, compensatory time and leave that is provided as an aggregate amount for use at the discretion of the employee for any of these same purposes.

Where and how to calculate leave days payout in Namibia

In Namibia, this is calculated by dividing their annual entitlement by the number of pay periods in the year: A monthly-paid employee working five days a week will be entitled to a minimum of 15 days of annual leave a year, which is calculated as 5 x 3.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many leave days in a month in Namibia?

Calculation of accrual of leave – 1,25 days per month or 1,5 days per month. If the employee is working a five-day week, then the annual leave will accrue at the rate of 1,25 days per month, and if the employee is working a six-day week then the annual leave will accrue at the rate are of 1,5 days per month.

How quickly does annual leave accrue in Namibia?

How does annual leave accumulate? Annual leave accumulates from the first day of employment, even if an employee is in a probation period. The leave accumulates gradually during the year and any unused annual leave will roll over from year to year.

How does paid leave work in Namibia?

If eligible, you can receive benefit payments for up to eight weeks. Payments are about 60 to 70 percent of your weekly wages earned 5 to 18 months before your claim start date. You will receive payments by debit card or check — it’s your choice! PFL provides benefit payments but not job protection.

What are the reasons for leave of absence in Namibia?

Some common reasons employees take a leave of absence are to recover from a serious illness, undergo a medical procedure, assist a family member, take an extended trip or welcome a new child into the family.

How do I calculate holiday pay based on hours worked in Namibia?

Where the full-time entitlement is to statutory minimum only, variable hours employees accrue holiday at the rate of 12.07% of hours worked. You can calculate this as follows: 5.6 weeks divided by 46.4 weeks (i.e. 52 weeks minus 5.6 weeks – the time the employee is on holiday).

How much paid leave am I entitled to in Namibia?

All employees, except casual employees, are entitled to a minimum of four weeks annual leave, or holidays, for each year they work. Shift workers may be entitled to a minimum of five weeks annual leave if they meet certain requirements. You don’t have to work a full year before you are entitled to annual leave.

How do I ask for leave in Namibia?

  • Familiarize yourself with your employer’s leave of absence policy.
  • Determine the approximate duration of your LOA.
  • Schedule a one-on-one meeting with your direct supervisor.
  • Put your request in writing.
  • Consider whether there are any alternatives.
  • Communicate your leave of absence.

What is the difference between accrued leave and annual leave in Namibia?

Annual Leave Due is shown in hours and its value is based on the employee’s average pay rate. Annual Leave Accrued is an indication of what the employee will become entitled to when they reach their next employment anniversary date.

Does holiday pay count as hours worked in Namibia?

Employers do not have to count paid holidays, paid time off (PTO), vacation, personal and sick leave hours taken by an employee toward the calculation of the overtime requirement, because these hours are not actually “worked” and are therefore not considered as hours counted toward overtime under the FLSA.

How do holiday pay work in Namibia?

Holiday pay is paid for holidays, like Christmas Day, or other time worked when a business is closed or the employee is permitted to take holiday time off. In general, if you are a salaried worker, you will not receive extra pay or overtime for working on a holiday.

What happens if I don’t use my annual leave in Namibia?

However, it has generally been understood that if an employee does not use all of their holiday entitlement in a leave year, they cannot carry it over into the next year unless the employee’s contract allows for this or the employer otherwise agrees.

Is annual leave paid at a higher rate in Namibia?

The Holidays Act requires that annual holidays are paid at the rate with the greatest value to the employee – that is, the greater of: your “average weekly earnings” i.e. your total gross earnings for the previous 12 months divided by 52; and. your “ordinary weekly pay” i.e. what you are normally paid per week.

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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