How To Register A Taxi In Namibia

What is a Taxi?

A taxi, also known as a cab or a taxicab, is a type of vehicle for hire with a driver, used by a single passenger or small group of passengers, often for a non-shared ride. A taxicab conveys passengers between locations of their choice.

Overview of Vehicle Permit in Namibia

The type of Permits provided for under the enabling legislation is Domestic Road Transportation Permits, Cross Border Road Transportation Permits and Abnormal Load Permits.

The Road Transportation Act and Regulations of 1977 (Act No 74 of 1977), provides for permits authorising the transportation of passengers for reward travelling on public roads within the borders of Namibia. (Domestic Road Transportation Permits)

The Road Traffic and Transport Act, 1999 (Act 22 of 1999) allow for Bi-lateral and Multi-Lateral Cross-Border Road Transport Agreements. These agreements are entered into between Namibia and any other country or countries whereby arrangements are made for the control and regulation of road transport between Namibia and such country or countries.

Bi-lateral Agreements exist between Namibia/Zambia and Namibia/Zimbabwe, whereas Multi-Lateral Agreements exist between SACU Member Countries being Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland.

The issuance of the Road Transportation Permits is performed by the Transport Regulation and Competent Authority Sub-division under the Division Transport Information and Regulatory Services of the Roads Authority.

All new applications, Transfer of Permits, Application for Additional Routes, and Changes to Routes will be published in the Government Gazette.

How To Register A Taxi In Namibia

Application Procedure for new Public/Private Road Carrier Permits

  1. Complete Application Form. (Public/Private Road Carrier Permit)
  2. Indicate type of Vehicle and Seating Capacity.
  3. Indicate Taxi Rank number for Municipal areas or Detailed Route description for long distance transportation.
  4. Attach a detailed Motivation on why the need for additional permit is needed to the already existing permits issued.
  5. Attach Certified copy of Identity Document
  6. Pay Application fee.
  7. For transportation of Tourists, the Transport Company must attach a Founding Statement of registration from the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development. The Principal
  8. Business should be for Transfers & Tours or Tours & Safaris. The business should be registered with the Namibia Tourism Board
  9. For the Transportation of Employees of a company/business a Copy of Contract between the transport company and the company/business must be submitted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

How do I become a LEFA driver in Namibia?

Download the LEFA application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Follow the quick registration process, and add a cashless payment option if you want. Then enter your pickup location, choose the vehicle class that you prefer and let the app suggest a driver that is closest to you. Your ride comes to you.

How do you get around Namibia?

The easiest way to get around Namibia is in your own car, and an excellent system of sealed roads runs the length of the country, from the South African border at Noordoewer to Ngoma Bridge on the Botswana border and Ruacana in the northwest.

Is there Uber in Namibia?

Popular international companies like Uber aren’t available in Namibia, but we have our own version called LEFA. Namibia is a safe country, but it always helps to practise caution and be alert when travelling in a new place.

How many NaTIS are there in Namibia?

NaTIS, a subdivision of Transport Information and Regulatory Services, manages 37 registering authorities (NaTIS offices) countrywide of which only some ​are managed by local authorities. Majority are managed by RA.

Is it expensive to visit Namibia?

Namibia is one of the cheapest countries in Africa. It uses the Namibian dollar (NAD), which is around 1:1 with the South African rand, and all prices are about on par with South Africa. Depending on your chosen method of transport and accommodation preference, Namibia can easily be done on a budget.

How do I register for driving school in Namibia?

In order to start driving classes, you must first register in a driving school of your choice in Namibia.

  1. Obtain police clearance from the Namibian police regarding the motor vehicle.
  2. Put motor vehicle through roadworthiness.
  3. Apply at registering authority to register and license motor vehicle on your name.

How do I register with NaTIS?

Open a browser and go to https://online.natis.gov.za to access the home page. Click on “REGISTER” in the top MENU. You need to select your identity and then click on “Next” to proceed. Complete all the required information and click on “Register”.

Can you buy a car without a license in Namibia?

A few requirements to buy a new car (with bank financing) is essentially that you must have bank account. You must have a valid Namibian Driver’s license. You need to have good credit (not on some sort of blacklist) and you need to be employed permanently (at least for the last six months).

At what age can you get your license in Namibia?

The Namibian Road Traffic and Transport Laws requires a learner driver to be 17 years of age before such a person can get a learners licence.

How many driving lessons does it take to pass in Namibia?

You’ll always have that one person who swears they passed first time after three lessons, but that’s far from the average. According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), it takes most people 45 hours of lessons to learn how to drive, plus 22 hours of practising.

How many driving lessons should you have before your test in Namibia?

According to the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), you’ll need around 44 hours of professional lessons to pass your driving test. This is just an average figure – it’s important to remember that everyone’s different.

How long does a learners license last in Namibia?

A Namibian learners license is valid for a period of 18 months from the date of issue.

What is the maximum permissible length of a motor vehicle in Namibia?

Any other combination of motor vehicles, if the overall length of such combination, including any drawbar or coupling, exceeds 22 metres.

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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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