South African Airways Operations Update during COVID-19
South African Airways (SAA) advises all customers that the global lockdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and our suspension of services has given us the opportunity to concentrate on moving forward our much publicised business rescue process. Amongst other benefits this process aims to produce a right sized, customer centric airline; designed to be lean, technology savvy, digitally native and agile to service all market segments. Much progress has been made and we endeavour to return to the skies soon. As the world continues to intensify research efforts to find a cure for the virus, economic activity needs to be resumed. South Africa enters level one of the lockdown from 01 October 2020. #SouthAfricaisTravelReady
Although trans-national commercial air travel is permissible under lockdown level one, it is however conditional as many countries battle with fluctuating infection rates. For now this has necessitated that all SAA operated flights (regional and international) continue to be suspended until end October 2020.
Although South Africa is travel ready, demand for domestic air travel has been significantly reduced, therefore to avoid over-capacity and to ensure commercial viability SAA has taken the decision to only operate our marketing (SA) flight numbers. We regret that SAA operated domestic flights remain cancelled until end October 2020. We are delighted that the South African Airways code (SA) is available for booking on the domestic route network as our subsidiary low cost carrier Mango continues to operate in level one of lockdown.
These flights are available for booking on our website or through your travel agent. An unused SAA ticket or recently issued Credit Voucher can be used as payment towards this reservation. This can be done through your Travel Agent or by contacting us through our email support channel. Terms and Conditions apply.
You may view the South African Risk Adjusted Strategy by clicking here.
SAA regrets any inconvenience to our customers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and we encourage all customers to visit our website, www.flysaa.com, for further updates.
SAA apologies for the inconvenience caused as a result of the suspension of its flights. We trust that our customers and stakeholders will appreciate that these decisions are meant for the international benefit.
General Enquiries:
Website: www.flysaa.com
Twitter (Primary): @flysaa – https://twitter.com/flysaa
Twitter (Customer Service): @flysaa_care – https://twitter.com/flysaa_care
Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa
Who does it Apply to ?
Applicable to all tickets issued on/before 25 March 2020 and new tickets issued up to 31 October 2020.
This Travel Advisory is applicable to South African Airways operated flights, SAA/Mango codeshare (SA2000 flight range) and SA marketing (SA7000 flight range)
This Travel Advisory is also applicable to SA Express (SA1000 flight range) and Airlink (SA8000 flight range) flights that form part of an itinerary that contains a SAA operated flight
Affected International Flights between:
Johannesburg and Washington DC
Johannesburg and New York
Johannesburg and Perth
Johannesburg and London
Johannesburg and Munich
Accra and Washington DC
Affected Regional Flights between:
Johannesburg and Accra
Johannesburg and Lusaka
Johannesburg and Harare
Johannesburg and Victoria Falls
Johannesburg and Windhoek
Johannesburg and Lagos
Johannesburg and Entebbe
Johannesburg and Mauritius
Johannesburg and Nairobi
Johannesburg and Maputo
Johannesburg and Blantyre
Johannesburg and Lilongwe
Johannesburg and Dar-es-salaam
Johannesburg and Kinshasa
Johannesburg and Livingstone
Affected Domestic Flights between:
Johannesburg and Cape Town
Important Note: Flights between Johannesburg and Sao Paulo are excluded from this policy
By when should I rebook?
Original ticket FARE rules would not apply
Customers would be able to use the value of their original ticket purchase as a credit towards the purchase of a new ticket on South African Airways operated and marketing flights
Rebookings must be done and tickets reissued by 25 March 2026
Do I need to pay any additional costs?
Customers would be able to use the value of their original ticket purchase as a credit towards the purchase of a new ticket on South African Airways operated and marketing flights
Should the value of the new ticket purchase be higher than the credit amount, you would be liable for the difference
Should the value of the new ticket purchase be lower than the credit amount, the difference would be given back to you on a voucher to be used towards another ticket purchase
Am I allowed a refund?
Customers would be able to use the value of their original ticket purchase as a credit towards the purchase of a new ticket on a South African Airways operated and/or marketing flight
Previous No-show passengers are only eligible for this waiver if the no show fee of the original ticket is applied at time of new ticket purchase
FARE and Carrier Imposed Fees are not permitted for refund
Note:
This procedure over-rides our standard Conditions of Carriage pertaining to Refunds and Ticket Validity
The updated policy applies across SAA’s route network, including domestic, regional and international flights
To demonstrate our care, the policy provides for changes for a period that extends beyond the industry norm (where ordinarily tickets are valid for 6 months only for domestic travel and 12 months only for international travel). This time, the tickets are valid until 2026
If you have made a reservation directly with South African Airways, you have the option to apply for a credit voucher that can be used towards a future purchase on SAA
Please click here to apply
Holding a ticket for a route operated by Airlink
If you have purchased a ticket on or after 06 December 2019 on a route that is operated by Airlink, please read more.
For tickets purchased prior to 06 December 2019 where Airlink was the operating carrier, follow the SAA Flight Suspension Policy.
Travel Restrictions
In light of the Coronavirus pandemic, a number of countries have imposed travel restrictions. You may view information relating to the travel restrictions by accessing the below websites
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/
To view the Travel Advisory and updates issued by the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation
please click here
Voyager Conditions
This waiver is applicable to all Voyager Awards including Companion Tickets
Change of routing will be permitted for Voyager tickets booked in I and X classes subject to the new route being in the same award region
Change of routing on Companion Tickets will be permitted subject to the required revenue ticket being on the same route
Who do I contact to make changes?
Customers who have booked through a travel agent should contact their travel agent directly.
If you have booked your ticket directly with SAA we regret that our Contact Centres have had to temporary close for calls. Please contact us through our email channel:
ReservationsJNB@flysaa.com
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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:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
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.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
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.
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Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
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Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
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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:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 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.