Mandela Coins Collectors

According to a recent episode of Carte Blanche, the Mandela Coin, which was recently sold for R2 500 000, is worth R5.
People who are collecting and investing in these coins, might not agree with these findings, convinced that the Mandela coins are worth thousands, or even millions of rands but, according to Carte Blanche, various investors have never seen their returns.

Potchefstroom Herald spoke to two Potchefstroomers with a collection of Mandela Coins. Franco Joubert is one of these collectors and decided to use his collection of Mandela coins to create art. He has been collecting Nelson Mandela R5 coins for seven years, knowing that they will someday be worth a lot. Over the years, he managed to collect a total of 170 of these coins while working at a pay point for several years.

Franco is convinced that these coins are worth thousands since Nelson Mandela is one of the most popular heroes in the world. Some of the dates on his coins are very rare and nearly nowhere to be found.

“Mr. Mandela was someone to look up to,” says Joubert, “he was able to forgive and forget after 27 years in jail”.
He decided not to sell the remainder of his coins, but rather use it to create a classic modern artwork of Nelson Mandela’s face. He then wants to sell it in the USA, saying that everyone is allowed to dream.

Joubert and a friend are also designing Nelson Mandela T-shirts that they are selling to commemorate this hero.
Another Mandela Coin ‘dealer’ named Pieter, collected his Mandela coins while working as a car guard in Potchefstroom. He is now selling his coins for R400 – R500 each. He sold six coins at once. According to Pieter, he sold them to a buyer who drove from Johannesburg to Potchefstroom to get their hands on the coins.

If Carte Blanche claims that these coins are worth nothing, then why are people buying them? Carte Blanche did case studies with coin buyers who didn’t see the return on their investments and claim they have been scammed by the SA Coin Corporation.
We decided to speak to chairman and CEO of SA Coin Corporation, Mark Andersen, to get his insights on whether or not the Mandela R5 Coin is only a myth. According to him, Carte Blanche gave him an interview that lasted one hour and twenty minutes, yet they only gave him 30 seconds in terms of a reply.

“The Mandela R5 coins are the fastest appreciating rare coins in the world and yes, they are most certainly worth something,” he says.
Andersen, who has been dealing with coins for 28 years, has been selling Mandela R5 coins for 11 years now. There are 1 360 advertised Mandela Coins on Bid or Buy at the moment, priced up to R75 000.

“How can it be a scam if there are hundreds of sellers on Bid or Buy?” asks Andersen, worried that the Carte Blanche episode was an attack from their competitors, to make SA Coin Corporation seem corrupt. “We’ve been hammered by Carte Blanche and our competitors. We have a record of some of SA’s rarest coins and we know, therefore, what we are doing,” he says.
So why did the case studies on the episode of Carte Blanche not see any return on their investment? According to Andersen, it is because of the current global recession. He explains that investments everywhere are struggling to return their profit because of the bad economic climate.

“This is the worst recession I have seen in my 25 years of dealing with coins,” he says, “I cannot control the market and cannot be blamed by people who gets ugly when they are in urgent need of money.”

He says this is a bad time for any investment to see its returns, but when the economic climate changes, these coins will, without a doubt, see the return on investment they deserve.

“There is no doubt that these Mandela Coins are worth thousands,” he says.
Andersen believes Carte Blanche and his competitors attacked him by claiming that he is scamming the public by selling these coins. But, he says, he has nothing to hide, and the people who know him also know that he is a good person who would never scam anyone.

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: