How To Register A Charity In Namibia

What is Charity?

The practice of charity means the voluntary giving of help to those in need, as a humanitarian act. There are a number of philosophies about charity, often associated with religion. Effective altruism is the use of evidence and reasoning to determine the most effective ways to help others.

How To Register A Charity In Namibia

Procedure to register charity in Namibia

Procedure to register Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Associations not for Gain

  1. Submission of name application/reservation form CM5 or reserve a name online
  2. Once approved, you may apply for a Certificate of Incorporation and Certificate to Commence Business. This requires the submission of the following documents:
  • Memorandum and article of Association in triplicate of forms CM3, CM4, CM44B and CM44C.
  • Copy of approved name on CM5
  • Notice of postal and registered address on CM22
  • List of Directors, Auditors and public Officers on CM29
  • Appointment of an Auditor on CM31
  • Application of Certificate of Registration of memorandum of External Company CM46
  • Request for submission of additional Copies on CM51.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

How hard is it to start a foundation in Namibia?

Starting a private foundation is much like starting any business, and requires defining your purpose; applying for tax-exempt status, licensing, and filing federal and state tax documents; and defining your organizational structure.

Can I start an NGO without registration in Namibia?

If you want to involve yourself in social service then you can do it without registering an NGO. To register, setup, run and manage NGO is a entrepreneurial task. If you do not want to work by setting up and registering an NGO you can work without forming it.

Do NGO volunteers get paid in Namibia?

Volunteers are individuals who work at NGO out of their own choice or have been deputed at NGO by other organizations. They will be assigned tasks from time to time as deemed necessary by NGO. NGO will have a limited contract with volunteers and will not provide any compensation except under special conditions.

What is needed in Namibia?

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Namibia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

How can I get fund for my Charity in Namibia?

As non-profits, NGOs rely on a variety of sources for funding, including:

  1. membership dues.
  2. private donations.
  3. the sale of goods and services.
  4. grants from other non-profits.
  5. government funding.

How many members are required to form an NGO?

A non-profit company must have at least three incorporators and three directors and may be registered with or without members. A non-profit company is not required to have members.

How much money is needed to start a foundation in Namibia?

There is no size requirement for the creation of a private foundation. However, because there are some costs involved in establishing and operating a private foundation, the traditional guideline has been that a minimum investment of $1-2 million is prudent.

How much does it cost to start a charitable foundation in Namibia?

Many community foundations can set up a fund for $1,000 or less if you give regularly. But it usually takes at least $250,000 in assets to make a private foundation worth the cost.

Does an NGO have to be registered in Namibia?

In principle, an NGO does not have to register itself to perform charitable, welfare or developmental activities. Ideally, due to obligations required of a registered NGO, the registration process itself can lead to the development of systematic thinking and functioning of an NGO’s management.

Do NGOs give salaries in Namibia?

On an average a social worker engaged with an NGO draws about Rs 5000 at the starting of his/her career. However, in most of the cases, one’s salary depends on the size of the organization. In a smaller organization one may have to start at a salary of Rs 3000 to Rs 6000 per month.

What is the difference between NPO and NGO?

Commonly a not-for-profit entity will have both an NPO and a PBO number. The term NPO is also used as a general descriptor to indicate that the entity concerned is not-for-profit, that is, the opposite of a for-profit entity. NGO is another descriptor used to refer to not-for-profit entities.

How long does it take to get NPO certificate in Namibia?

How long does NPO registration take? It would take about two months to process the full registration. Immediately on receipt of the application, an acknowledgement letter is sent to the organisation. After that, a registration certificate follows if the application meets the requirements of the NPO Act

Do charitable foundations pay taxes in Namibia?

Private foundations are exempt from federal income tax because they are charitable or “section 501(c)(3)” organizations. This means that the foundation’s investment earnings, capital gains and certain other types of income are not subject to income tax.

Can you get rich starting a nonprofit in Namibia?

By its very name, a nonprofit company would seem an unlikely source of personal income. You might be surprised to learn you can, in fact, earn decent money by starting and running a nonprofit, all while making a contribution and having a positive impact in the world.

How do I start a foundation with no money in Namibia?

How to start a nonprofit organization: five steps for success

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

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  1. Create your core values.
  2. Research costs and create a budget.
  3. Start fundraising for startup costs.
  4. Incorporate your new nonprofit.
  5. File for a tax-exempt status

 

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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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