Exxaro Belfast

Exxaro Belfast, located in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, stands as a prominent figure in the country’s mining industry. Positioned 55 km east of Middelburg and 20 km southwest of the town of Belfast, this opencast coal mine is strategically situated on the southern side of the N4 highway, within the renowned Witbank coalfield.

Overview of Exxaro Belfast Mine

Exxaro Belfast is part of Exxaro Resources, one of South Africa’s leading coal producers. The mine plays a significant role in the extraction of high-grade coal, which is a vital resource for South Africa’s energy and industrial sectors. It operates with four opencast pits, with the latest addition, Pit 4B, launched in 2021.

The mine is recognized for its advanced technology, boasting a digitally connected infrastructure that enhances its efficiency and productivity. Through remote monitoring, the maintenance teams at Belfast can track the performance of equipment and manage devices seamlessly, ensuring optimal operation. This innovative approach makes the mine one of the most digitally advanced in the country, aligning with Exxaro’s commitment to sustainability and technological integration in mining operations.

Coal Production and Export

Exxaro Belfast is known for producing both primary and secondary coal products. The primary output is A-grade coal, with a calorific value of 6,000 kcal/kg, making it suitable for both domestic and international markets. The secondary product is middling coal with a calorific value of 21.5 MJ/kg.

The mine’s coal is crucial to Exxaro’s RB1 export product, which is exported through the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT). With a combined production capacity of 2.7 million tonnes per annum, Exxaro Belfast has a projected life span of 17 years. The mine continues to contribute significantly to the South African economy, with coal being one of the country’s primary export commodities.

Resources and Reserves

Exxaro Belfast boasts a rich resource base. The mine has measured resources of 72 million tonnes and an additional 20 million tonnes of inferred resources. The proven reserves stand at 40 million tonnes, with an additional 2 million tonnes as probable reserves. The run-of-mine (ROM) coal production stands at 3 million tonnes, ensuring a steady supply to meet both local and international demands.

Sustainability and Technology Integration

One of the standout features of Exxaro Belfast is its commitment to environmental sustainability and digitalization. The mine utilizes state-of-the-art technology to reduce its environmental impact while enhancing its operational efficiency. Through the integration of digital systems, the Belfast maintenance teams can monitor and manage the mine’s performance remotely, ensuring that any potential issues are addressed swiftly and efficiently.

Contact Exxaro Belfast

For further inquiries, Exxaro Belfast is located at:

Exxaro Resources Contact Information
Phone: +27 12 307 5000
Address: 263B, West Avenue, Die Hoewes, Centurion, 0163, South Africa

If you suspect any fraudulent activities or unethical practices, Exxaro encourages the public to report them through their independent channels:

Fraud and Ethics Hotline
Phone: +27 800 203 579
Email: exxaro@tip-offs.com

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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.