How do I get a CIPC lockdown permit?

The process of getting a permit during South Africa’s national lockdown is straightforward and involves minimal red tape.

We offer a step-by-step guide, along with answers to some frequently asked questions about lockdown permits.

Types of lockdown permits

Depending on the current lockdown level in your region, you might require:

Under lockdown level 3, for example, a permit is still required for interprovincial travel.

Steps for getting an essential services permit

Please note that before you follow the steps below, your business must be registered with the Department of Trade & Industry. You’ll need your business registration number to complete your application.

If your company is not registered with the Department of Trade & Industry, skip ahead to our FAQ section below to find out what you need to do.

Step 1 – determine if you are permitted to operate under the current lockdown level

Before you apply for a permit to operate during the national lockdown, check whether your business is permitted to operate.

You can do this using the lockdown regulations gazette. Alternatively, check the latest amendments to the regulations, where you can browse permitted industries for each alert level.

It may take a bit of online research to figure out how your business has been categorised.

Some of the categories are less than obvious, or rather vague. For example, architects currently fall under ‘Professional services’ in the category ‘Financial and business services’.

You can’t skip this step, unfortunately. You’ll be asked to submit your business category when you apply for your permit online.

Step 2 – Visit the government business portal

The next step is to head to the Department of Trade & Industry’s business portal. This provides a list of eligible industries, as well as links to the latest relevant lockdown regulations.

Using this page, you can apply for a new permit certificate, edit an existing application or download your permit certificate.

A first-time application you will want to click on the New Application option.

Step 3 – Search for your business

Once you have hit the application button you will be asked to run a search for your business.

This is where you will need to have your business registration number. Either of the two commonly used business registration number formats will work.

Type in the number and hit the search button.

Step 4 – Submit your details

If your business is registered on the website database, your business details will be displayed after the search is completed.

You’ll also be provided with fields requesting more information about you and your business.

These include:

  • the category your business falls under
  • whether or not your business trades under a different name to its registered name
  • the number of employees who you will require to conduct work outside their homes during the lockdown
  • the ID number for your company’s primary contact person
  • the contact person’s first name and surname
  • the contact person’s email address
  • the contact person’s cellphone number
  • the ID number of the registered director of your company.

Please note that it’s a criminal offense to supply incorrect information knowingly.

Once you’ve filled in all of the required fields, click the Continue button.

Step 5 – Download your certificate

Once you click Continue, you’ll be taken to a page informing you that your certificate is being mailed to you.

You will also be provided with your enterprise numbers and a link to the certificate download location.

To download your certificate immediately, click the download link.

This will take you to a page where you’ll be asked to enter your enterprise/company registration numbers.

Enter your number, click the Download button and your certificate will open in your browser. You can then choose the option to save the certificate as a PDF file.

Employee travel permits

You now have a certificate stating that your business is an essential or permitted business under the current lockdown level.

However, any employee who will be commuting to, and working at, your place of business will require a separate permit.

This permit is not generated by the government. Instead, it’s up to the employer to create this permit, using a template provided by the government.

The template for the permit is available on page 29 of the most recent government gazette for the Disaster Management Act. You can find it here.

The required information on the form is self-explanatory. You’ll need to identify the company’s director and details of the employee who will be using the permit.

You also need to provide a company stamp or logo on the permit.

An employee should print the form and keep it and their personal ID with them when travelling.

This applies to all travel under lockdown level 4, and to travel across interprovincial borders in less restrictive lockdown levels (from 3 down).

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 

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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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