Hpcsa Complaints Process

A complaint must be lodged in writing and should be addressed to the Registrar using the following available modes: 

  • Online services 
  • Completing the complaint form and email to legalmed@hpcsa.co.za or courier/hand deliver to 553 Madiba Street, Arcadia, PRETORIA, 0001 OR Post to: P O Box 205, Pretoria, 001 
Perusal, Analysis and Categorization of a Complaint 

All complaints received are perused, analyzed and categorized according to their significance and seriousness. Complaints not falling under the jurisdiction of the HPCSA are referred to the relevant authorities. These includes complaints against hospitals, medical schemes or other health professionals not registered under the Health Professions Act.  

Complaints of minor transgressions are referred to the Ombudsman for mediation whereas complaints categorized as serious are referred for preliminary investigation.

Mediation by Ombudsman 

After receiving a complaint for mediation, the Ombudsman may call for further information in any manner he deems appropriate from any person who, in his opinion, may assist in the mediation to resolve the matter and this may include requesting a practitioner to respond to the complaint. After receiving the information referred to above, the ombudsman considers the matter and mediate between the parties with a view of making a determination to resolve the matter between the parties. 

After making the determination, the Ombudsman advises the parties of his determination on the matter and require them to indicate whether or not they will abide by the determination. If the parties agree to abide by the determination, the ombudsman confirms the determination in writing and the determination becomes binding on both parties as a final resolution of the matter. If either party does not agree to abide by the determination, the matter is referred to the registrar for preliminary investigation. 

The information obtained by the ombudsman during mediation is confidential and privileged and, if a matter is referred for preliminary investigation, such information may not be considered by the preliminary committee of inquiry. 

Preliminary Investigation 

All matters of a serious nature are referred for preliminary investigation. The process of preliminary investigation involves obtaining information from any person including the written response from the  person against whom the complaint is lodged who is given fourty (40) days to respond to the complaint. 

The complaint, information obtained and the written response (if available) are considered by the preliminary committee of inquiry which may either: 

  • Instruct the respondent who have not submitted a written response to appear before the committee in person, with or without a legal representative to explain to the committee why he/she failed to respond to the complaint or exercise his/her right to remain silent. The respondent may be found guilty of contempt of council if the committee does not accept the reasons given or if the respondent fails to appear before the committee 
  • Note and accept the explanation given by the respondent, in which case, the respondent is discharged, and the complainant can only appeal such a decision of the committee at the High Court.
  • Decide that there are grounds for an inquiry to be held into the matter with or without an option to pay an admission of guilty fine, in which case, the matter is referred for inquiry. 
  • Decide that there is prima facie evidence of unprofessional conduct, but that does not require an inquiry, in which case, the committee imposes a penalty of either a caution, reprimand or a fine. 
Professional Conduct Inquiry 

A professional conduct inquiry process is a lengthy process at it is quasi-judicial in nature. At an inquiry, a practitioner may not be found guilty of unprofessional conduct, in which case the practitioner is discharged, but ter pro-forma complainant may appeal the decision of the committee to the Appeals Committee of Council OR the practitioner may be found guilty, in which case, the committee imposes any of the penalties in section 42(1) of the Act. 

Hospital Complaint 

Is your complaint related to a hospital? 

Any person may lodge a complaint with the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) for breach of any norms or standards by both public and private health establishments. 

OHSC Call Centre: 080 911 6472 

Email: complaints@ohsc.org.za 

Fax: 086 560 4157 

Other Healthcare Practitioners 

Is your complaint related to a nurse? 

If you feel that a nurse acted negligently or unethically, individual nurses can be reported to the South African Nursing Council (SANC) to investigate the complaint.

Is your complaint related to an alternative healthcare practitioner (natural healers, homeopath etc).

If you feel that an alternative healthcare practitioner acted negligently or unethically, report to the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA)to investigate the complaint.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 

Sponsored Guide

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.

 

Related Posts: