Rietvlei Hospital Nursing School

Rietvlei Hospital Nursing School

The Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) started a mission at Rietvlei during the 1930’s. Soon the need for a health service became obvious. Medical work was first done in a rondavel by missionary sisters, e.g. sister Vorster. De Kock and Viljoen during the 1940’s. Doctors from Isilimela and St. Margaret’s Hospital visited Rietvlei periodically, but the need for a resident doctor was soon felt. On the 1st December 1956 a missionary hospital with 36 beds was opened by Rev. B. Wooding and on the same day the first resident doctor, in the person of Dr. Gerrit ter Haar from the Netherlands, was welcomed. 

For ten years Dr. ter Haar worked alone. During this time a children’s ward as well as a tuberculosis section were built (1959). In 1962 recognition was obtained from the S.A Nursing Council to train Auxiliary nurses.

Other doctors joined the staff. In 1966 Dr/ Sam Fehrson and in 1968 Dr. Alec Stewart joined. During the next ten years community work became a big priority and clinics were started throughout the district. Recognition for training of midwives was obtained in 1968. 

The training was done mainly by doctors, matron Ginya and sister Xaxa. The first tutor was Mrs. Shai, started in November 1974 and from that time onwards, general nurses (sisters) were also trained at Rietvlei. 

More doctors joined the medical staff and the Hospital was enlarged to its present size, by adding medical, Isolation and maternity ward. Other additions were X ray, physiotherapy, laundry, out patients and theatre departments. A dream came true when a modern three storey nurse’s home was opened in 1973; but the plan of the three storey nurses hospital never materialized because of economic restrictions. However, individual sections e.g. a theatre extension, X ray rooms, physiotherapy, offices, out – patients and laundry were added gradually, some in prefabricated buildings. 

With the introduction of the Comprehensive hospital Centered Health Services in 1974, a major change took place when Umzimkulu District as a whole became the responsibility of the hospital. Permanent clinics, school nursing services, mobile clinics and other community based services were started. 
In 1976 with independence, the hospital came under the control of the Transkei Department of Health and ceased to be mission hospital. Doctors and all staff members, including hospital secretaries, works foreman etc, were from now on appointed by the Transkei Government, The training of registered nurses and midwives, continued under the auspices of the Transkei Nursing Council. 

To conclude Rietvlei has grown from the single rondavel a well established 250 bedded hospital, with extensive community services operating under its control, with eight permanent clinics, a school team visiting 145 schools and two mobile teams with 31 treatment points. It also serves as a referral hospital surrounding districts. The laboratory serves the surrounding hospitals and outbreaks of infectious diseases like typhoid fever can be monitored on a bacteriological level. A specialist eye team visits the hospital five times in a year. Many students from all over the world visited the hospital or have done their elective period here.

Today the hospital employs many other people apart from medical staff, labourers, domestic drivers, skilled and semiskilled workers. Perhaps the most outstanding feature of Rietvlei Hospital is the strong personal relationships and team spirit among its members, developed over years and reinforced by the stability of the senior staff, who ensured continuity in the work, many of whom have been at Rietvlei for more than 10 years. This stability is epitomized by Dr. ter Haar who is still here after 30 years. 
 

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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.

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📚 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.

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📄 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.
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  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

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    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
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🗓️ 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”.
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  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
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📱 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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