{"id":51537,"date":"2016-10-19T09:11:13","date_gmt":"2016-10-19T09:11:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/saadmissions.com\/from-timbuktu-to-unisa\/"},"modified":"2016-10-19T09:11:13","modified_gmt":"2016-10-19T09:11:13","slug":"from-timbuktu-to-unisa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/from-timbuktu-to-unisa\/","title":{"rendered":"From Timbuktu to Unisa"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"advads-atf\" style=\"margin-top: 15px;margin-bottom: 20px;\" id=\"advads-4063989843\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-9198760278752355\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- Responsive ads atf -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9198760278752355\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"8381596201\"\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/div><p><strong>The Unisa Library has acquired yet two more gems to add to its growing collection of books. The two books, <em>Curing disease &amp; defects: Both apparent and hidden<\/em> and <em>Qissat Dhul Qurnain: Tale of the Two Horned One<\/em>, were translated and edited from the original Timbuktu manuscripts from Mali, and were donated to the library by former president Thabo Mbeki.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13098\" src=\"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/www.unisa_.ac_.zanewswp-contentuploads201610MbekiBooksTimbukto-f3b43e0864d6c7cbb528396a4b575197fcb772c8.png\" alt=\"Prof Zodwa Motsa (RD: Ethiopia) hands over the Timbuktu books donated by former President Thabo Mbeki to Dr Buhle Mbambo Thata (Executive Director: Unisa Library)\" width=\"450\" height=\"323\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Prof Zodwa Motsa (RD: Ethiopia) hands over the Timbuktu books donated by former President Thabo Mbeki to Dr Buhle Mbambo Thata (Executive Director: Unisa Library)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Prof Zodwa Motsa, Regional Director of Unisa in Akaki, Ethiopia, handed over the books to Unisa Library Executive Director Dr Buhle Mbambo-Thata on behalf of the former statesman and champion of African development agendas. Mbeki had taken it upon himself to contribute to the preservation of the Timbuktu manuscripts which hold ancient African knowledge from the world&rsquo;s first university.<\/p>\n<p>Mbeki shared the books with Motsa in order for them to be added to the Unisa Library and help contribute to African memory and to world memory. Motsa, also passionate about African literature and the Timbuktu project, recently presented a paper on the University of Timbuktu at the Southampton University. In her paper she stated that<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;&hellip;.established in 982&nbsp;CE, the University of Timbuktu predates the colonial Northern universities by centuries. It had three Masajids (schools) with a clearly outlined university curriculum that was taken over four years of study (Shamil, J 2008).<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-13099\" src=\"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/www.unisa_.ac_.zanewswp-contentuploads201610bodyTimbutubook-images-2abd23513a4a4cc5b434609a458464bd4c2e2417.png\" alt=\"bodyTimbutubook-images\" width=\"400\" height=\"267\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Walter Rodney explains that:<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;In Egypt there was the Al-Azhar University, in Morocco, the University of Fez, and in Mali, the University of Timbuctu&mdash;all [giving] testimony to the standard of education achieved in Africa before colonial intrusion. Colonizers did not introduce education into Africa.&rdquo; (Rodney, Walter, 1983: 60).<\/p>\n<p>This seminal history of Africa&rsquo;s knowledge inspired President Thabo Mbeki to set up a project to restore the ancient Timbuktu manuscripts and revive the library which stored the manuscripts during his presidency. The aim was to restore Africa&rsquo;s ancient knowledge legacies. The University of Timbuktu had an enrolment of 25&nbsp;000 students from within the continent of Africa in the 12<sup>th<\/sup> century AD and was teaching subjects such as geography, mathematics, the sciences, and medicine amongst others, in addition to religious principles.<\/p>\n<p>Shamil Jeppie and his team, who have worked on the Timbuktu project, reveal that:<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;&hellip;Timbuktu is a repository of history, a living archive which anybody with a concern for African history should be acquainted with. Timbuktu &hellip; played an essential role as a centre of scholarship under the Songhay state until the invasion from the rulers of Marrakesh in 1591, and even thereafter it was revived.&rdquo; (Shamil, Jeppie &amp; Souleymane Bachir Diagne (eds.: 2008).<\/p>\n<p>Mbambo-Thata welcomed the two books and said they would remind readers of the treasures held in this continent. She said that books should be safe spaces to preserve the treasure of knowledge.<\/p><div class=\"advads-content\" id=\"advads-932117421\"><div style=\"width: 300px; padding: 20px; margin: 0 auto; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 8px; background-color: #f9f9f9; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\">\r\n    <p style=\"font-size: 16px; margin: 0 0 10px;\">Need Information or Confused about Something ? <\/p>\r\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/onlineapplications.co.za\/ask\/\" style=\"display: inline-block; padding: 10px 20px; background-color: #007BFF; color: #fff; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 4px; transition: background-color 0.3s;\">Ask a Question<\/a>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div><div class=\"advads-btf\" style=\"margin-top: 15px;margin-bottom: 20px;\" id=\"advads-917243155\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-9198760278752355\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- Responsive ads btf -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9198760278752355\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"5513273173\"\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/div>\n<p><em>*By Natalia Molebatsi<\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"advads-cpc\" id=\"advads-3024990385\"><p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Sponsored Guide<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the <strong>National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)<\/strong> is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of <strong>bursaries and loans<\/strong> to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.<\/p>\n<p>This guide will walk you through <strong>everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process<\/strong>, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\ud83d\udccc What is NSFAS?<\/h2>\n<p>The <strong>National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<p>NSFAS <strong>offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Bursaries<\/strong>: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Loans<\/strong>: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\u2705 Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?<\/h2>\n<p>To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Be a <strong>South African citizen<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Be <strong>financially needy<\/strong>, with a household income of <strong>less than R350,000 per year<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Have a <strong>valid South African ID<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Be <strong>enrolled or accepted<\/strong> to study at a <strong>public university or TVET college<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.<\/li>\n<li>Maintain satisfactory <strong>academic progress<\/strong> (returning students).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\ud83d\udcda Courses Funded by NSFAS<\/h2>\n<p>NSFAS primarily funds <strong>undergraduate qualifications<\/strong>, but certain <strong>postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB)<\/strong> may be considered under the <strong>NSFAS loan scheme<\/strong>, not bursaries.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re studying:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Undergraduate degree or diploma<\/strong>: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Postgraduate study<\/strong>: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\ud83d\udcc4 Required Documents for NSFAS Application<\/h2>\n<p>When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Proof of income<\/strong> (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Consent Form<\/strong> signed by your parent(s)\/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Academic transcripts<\/strong> (for continuing or postgraduate students).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\ud83d\udda5\ufe0f How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online<\/h2>\n<h3>Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Visit the NSFAS Website<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Go to: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nsfas.org.za\/\">https:\/\/www.nsfas.org.za<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Create an Account<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Click on <strong>\u201cMyNSFAS\u201d<\/strong> and register your profile.<\/li>\n<li>You\u2019ll need a <strong>valid email address<\/strong> and <strong>South African cellphone number<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Login and Start the Application<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>After registration, log in to your <strong>MyNSFAS<\/strong> account.<\/li>\n<li>Click on <strong>\u201cApply\u201d<\/strong> to begin a new application.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Fill in Your Personal Details<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Input your <strong>ID number<\/strong>, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.<\/li>\n<li>Provide <strong>household income information<\/strong> and living arrangements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Upload Required Documents<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Upload all supporting documents in <strong>PDF or JPEG format<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Submit Your Application<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Review your application for accuracy.<\/li>\n<li>Click <strong>\u201cSubmit\u201d<\/strong> and wait for a confirmation message.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Track Your Application<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Log in regularly to check your application status.<\/li>\n<li>You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f Important NSFAS Dates (2025)<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Application Opening Date<\/strong>: September 1, 2025<\/li>\n<li><strong>Application Deadline<\/strong>: January 31, 2026<\/li>\n<li><strong>Appeals Period<\/strong>: February 2026 (if rejected)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Disbursement<\/strong>: After registration and approval<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.<\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\ud83d\udcb8 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?<\/h2>\n<p>NSFAS funding typically includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Tuition fees<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Registration fees<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Accommodation (if living away from home)<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Meals and transport<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For <strong>loans<\/strong>, repayment is only required <strong>once you start working and earn above a threshold<\/strong> (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\ud83d\udd04 NSFAS Loan Repayment<\/h2>\n<p>Repayments are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Income-contingent<\/strong> \u2013 you only repay when you can afford to.<\/li>\n<li>Administered by <strong>DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Interest-bearing<\/strong>, but interest rates are low and favorable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can also apply for a <strong>partial loan conversion to a bursary<\/strong> if you perform well academically.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\ud83d\udd01 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application<\/h2>\n<p>If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Log into your MyNSFAS account.<\/li>\n<li>Click on <strong>\u201cTrack Funding Progress\u201d<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>If rejected, click on <strong>\u201cSubmit Appeal\u201d<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Upload any missing or corrected documents.<\/li>\n<li>Provide a clear explanation or motivation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\ud83d\udcf1 NSFAS Contact Information<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Website<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nsfas.org.za\/\">https:\/\/www.nsfas.org.za<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Email<\/strong>: <a href=\"mailto:info@nsfas.org.za\">info@nsfas.org.za<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Toll-Free Number<\/strong>: 08000 67327 (Monday\u2013Friday, 8 AM\u20135 PM)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Twitter<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/myNSFAS\">@myNSFAS<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Facebook<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/myNSFAS\">NSFAS<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\ud83d\udcdd Final Tips Before Applying<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Apply <strong>early<\/strong> to avoid system overload near the deadline.<\/li>\n<li>Use <strong>your own email and cellphone number<\/strong> (do not use someone else\u2019s).<\/li>\n<li>Double-check that all your documents are <strong>certified and legible<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Keep a <strong>copy of your submission confirmation<\/strong> for reference.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams\u2014without the burden of immediate financial pressure.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Unisa Library has acquired yet two more gems to add to its growing collection of books. The two books, Curing disease &amp; defects: Both apparent and hidden and Qissat Dhul Qurnain: Tale of the Two Horned One, were translated and edited from the original Timbuktu manuscripts from Mali, and were donated to the library\u2026 <span class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/from-timbuktu-to-unisa\/\">Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11957,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-51537","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51537","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51537"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51537\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11957"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51537"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51537"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51537"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}