SAB Miller

SABMiller’s story began with the establishment of South African Breweries (SAB) in 1895. Founded in Johannesburg during the gold rush era, SAB aimed to meet the growing thirst of miners and prospectors flocking to the region. The company’s rapid success led to its historic listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange just two years later, making SAB the first industrial enterprise to do so.

By the early 1990s, South African Breweries was a well-established name in the local market. However, the company had global ambitions. This international expansion started to materialize as SAB made strategic acquisitions across various continents, transforming from a regional player to a global brewing titan.

The Formation of SABMiller

The pivotal moment in SAB’s global expansion came in May 2002 when SAB plc acquired the U.S.-based Miller Brewing Company. This merger led to the formation of SABMiller plc, a new global entity. With this acquisition, SABMiller established itself as one of the world’s largest beer producers, with a wide portfolio of beloved brands, including Miller, Foster’s, and Pilsner Urquell.

The headquarters of SABMiller was situated in Woking, England, but its influence spanned 80 countries worldwide. By 2009, the company was selling an impressive 21 billion liters of beverages annually, reinforcing its position as a dominant player in the global market. Additionally, SABMiller was a major Coca-Cola bottler, further diversifying its business interests.

SABMiller’s Acquisition by AB InBev

In October 2016, a landmark deal reshaped the global brewing industry: Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the world’s largest beer producer, acquired SABMiller for a staggering $107 billion. This acquisition not only created the world’s most extensive beer company but also marked the end of SABMiller as a standalone entity. Post-acquisition, SABMiller’s operations were integrated into AB InBev, and its stock ceased trading on global markets.

AB InBev, with its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium, and listings on multiple stock exchanges (Brussels, New York, and Johannesburg), became the ultimate custodian of SABMiller’s extensive brand portfolio. This deal had significant ramifications for the global brewing landscape, consolidating the power of AB InBev and reshaping the beer market dynamics.

SABMiller’s Legacy in South Africa

Despite the global integration, SABMiller’s legacy remains deeply embedded in South Africa. The company’s history is intertwined with the country’s economic development, from supporting local agriculture to creating thousands of jobs. Moreover, SAB’s early listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and its consistent contributions to the South African economy left an indelible mark.

Even under AB InBev’s ownership, SAB’s operations in South Africa continue to be a crucial part of the company’s strategy. AB InBev has maintained SAB’s commitment to community development and sustainability, ensuring that the spirit of SABMiller lives on.

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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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