Etenders Advertised

By | April 23, 2019
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TENDERS EXPLAINED

Each day hundreds of tenders are being advertised but we often only hear about those where things have gone wrong or where the concept has been abused. It gives ‘Tenders’ a stink it doesn’t deserve. In today’s blog, we look at what exactly a tender is.

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST TENDERS ADVERTISED

A tender is an offer to perform work, supply goods, services or products at a fixed price. The tendering process is generally utilized for procurements or contracts involving substantial amounts of money. Generally speaking, it is government departments, offices, agencies, private sector companies and businesses that put requests out on tenders. By so doing, they basically ask the public for price offers to supply required products or services. Once the tenderer accepts a tender, it is binding to both the tenderer and the person or company who won the tender. Therefore, the person or company has to provide the goods or services in the manner agreed to and at the price offered. In turn, the tenderer must pay the agreed price on the agreed deadline.

What is tendering?

Tendering is the process of making an offer, bid or proposal. It can also be expressing interest in response to an invitation or request for tender. Organisations will seek other businesses to respond to a particular need, such as the supply of goods and services and will select an offer or tender that meets their needs and that provides the best value for money.

Where are tender requirements stated?

The requirements of a tender are stated in the Requests for Tender (RTF) or Requests for Proposal (RFP) documents. In these documents, the service or products the particular tendering organisation needs or requires are outlined. These documents also outline the criteria and provide instructions that are to be followed.

Tenders are usually widely advertised in both print and electronic publications. This is to allow as many people as possible to take note of the opportunity. It also stimulates competition and provides wide variety of choice. Interested suppliers will then prepare a tender response to the offer, including pricing, schedules as well as their eligibility for the project.

Once the tendering period has closed, the submitted tender responses are evaluated with regard to defined criteria. The process must be done fairly and honestly, free from bias or favoritism. The offer that best meets all of the requirements and provides value for money should win the contract.

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While the concept of tendering may seem daunting at first, it can be easily tackled by having a plan of ‘action`. It is important to understand your business` suitability for the project and ability to manage the contract if you win the tender. By understanding these points and demonstrating that you are able to meet the criteria and offer a competitive bid, you will increase your chances of success.

How are tenders awarded?

After the closing date, all the tenders are checked for basic compliance to the tender regulations. Tenders can be disqualified during this process if they are found to be non-compliance. The compliance of the products or services offered and price is considered. All tenders which comply with the specifications are listed in order of price. Those in the lowest price tender list are in the lowest price group. Preference points given to those suppliers on the list of lowest price tenders are first verified. Preference points are only awarded after the most expensive tenders have been excluded, as this makes the process quicker and fairer. Those with verifiable information come out with the best preference points and are therefore awarded the contract.

The above formulate what tenders are and if you understand these, then you are in the best position to bid for a tender.

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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.

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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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