Is it safe to fly SAA?

HOW SAFE ARE SOUTH AFRICAN AIRLINES?

South African Airways (SAA) is 16th on the list, sitting above the likes of Qatar Airways and Air France in the top 20. The only blot on its copybook is that it fails to meet two ICAO safety standards, but it still keeps hold of its seven-star status.

Kulula, Airlink and Mango also have the maximum safety rating, despite only clocking six of the eight criteria points set out by ICAO. Flying in South Africa seems to be a trouble-free pursuit. Well, unless you have to make an emergency landing because you’re too heavy to touch down.

OW AN AIRLINE IS CLASSED AS “SAFE”

So to judge how safe an airline is, you have to consider the following five factors. Unless mentioned, all of these account for one star on a plane’s safety rating:

  • An IOSA certificate from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) – that’s worth three stars.
  • The ability to travel to and from the EU, subject to their approval.
  • Being “fatality free”.
  • It needs to be meet most or all eight of the safety criteria set out by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Adhering to five will get them half a star, whereas four or less means they get nothing.
  • If the country – rather than the airline – is allowed to fly in US airspace. For example, South African Airways has this star because South Africa has that permission. However, the same can’t be said for all Thai airliners, as Thailand doesn’t have the same allowance.

THE LEAST SAFE AIRLINES IN THE WORLD

If you’re travelling through Nepal at any point, you’re going to have to be very careful who you fly with. Two of their airlines – Buddha Air and Nepal Airlines – have a safety rating of just one star. Considering the maximum total is seven stars, that makes things even worse for the carriers. Both have also endured fatal crashes in recent years.

Afghanistan also doubles up on the danger: Both Kam Air and Ariana Afghan Airlines hold just a two-star rating. Although both pass the fatality-free and US airspace tests, they’re still regarded as highly unsafe.

As The National report, Kam Air suffered a major blow early last year when up to 10 employees were killed in an attack on Kabul’s Intercontinental hotel. About 40 of its pilots and aircrew, many of whom were foreigners, were staying in the hotel at the time.

Airline PNG of Papua New Guinea and Blue Wings of Suriname also have a lowly two-star status. Their rating suffered a blow when both airliners saw high-profile fatal crashes further damage their reputations, in 2010 and 2011 respectively.

Thailand’s NOK Air and Air Asia fleets also languish on two-star status. They are joined by Iraqi Airlines, and two more Nepalese businesses: Yeti and Himalaya Airlines may have had no deaths to report, but airlineratings.com still have them at the bottom of the pile for other various violations.

SAFEST AIRLINES IN THE WORLD

Okay, for nervous flyers, that couldn’t have been very enjoyable. So’s here is something a little more wholesome: The best airlines in the world have also been ranked, and they’re a veritable who’s who of the most recognisable names.

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  1. Air New Zealand
  2. Qantas
  3. Singapore Airlines
  4. Emirates
  5. Royal Jordanian
  6. Cathay Pacific
  7. Virgin Atlantic
  8. Etihad Airways
  9. Air Canada
  10. Swiss International Airlines

 

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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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