SADTU Update on Salary

SADTU Update on Salary happens within the year of 2021. But currently, there is no news nor publication concerning any increament in the salary of South African Democratic Teachers Union.

Sadtu update on salary increase

The COSATU affiliated unions in the public sector (DENOSA, NEHAWU, PAWUSA, POPCRU, SADTU, SAEPU, and SAMATU), who commands the majority at the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) wish to update its members on progress around the ongoing salary negotiation in the public service.

Having collectively submitted our demands on the 1st March 2021, the long-awaited response from the employer did not inspire any confidence but rather a disappointing posture with a zero percent increase on cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). There was no movement on other areas like risk allowance; medical aid and housing allowance.

The employer is hellbent on a zero-increase approach to all our demands that require monetary increase and is adamantly pursuing salary freeze even when workers in the public service did not get any increase in 2020. This posture characterises an uncaring and inconsiderate employer whose workers have discharged their responsibilities unselfishly, diligently and with humility in the public service throughout the difficult period of Covid-19. From the employer’s response, our strongest view is that the employer is undermining collective bargaining because the feeding of salaries was never discussed in the chamber but was a unilateral decision by government. We further noted with disgust the intention by the employer to embark on down-varying of existing condition of employment such as leaves, allowances and other demands which will place workers in a worse off situation if not challenged.

On the COLA in which we demanded a Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 4% across the board, the employer presented a zero increase and furthermore wanted to take the allocated pay progression and other allowances away and bring them as salary increase. This move would imply that workers will not get any pay progression together with other allowances. We have outrightly rejected any attempt to erode the hard-fought gains and have equally declared a deadlock.

We are appalled at this unbecoming tendency of the employer to disregard the value of the public servants. The willingness to provide no salary increase amid the growing economic hardship exacerbated by increasing prices on basic items like food, electricity and public transport is proof enough to back our claim that the employer is uncaring and insensitive.

We strongly believe that our demands are reasonable, affordable, achievable and we are therefore committed to defend them in any form available to the workers. We are awake to the reality of a new economic austerity policy trajectory which is being advanced by the employer even against the legitimate demands of workers who did not receive any increase in the past financial year.

We are fully committed to this process of negotiations and we will only go back to the table should the employer come with a revised offer. We will be consulting with our members on the next possible step while we follow the set process in the PSCBC to resolve the impasse.

For information and comment, contact:

Mugwena Maluleke, JMC Convener: 082 783 2968

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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.
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  • 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.
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  5. Upload Required Documents

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  6. Submit Your Application

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  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
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🗓️ 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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