KPIs And Targets

What are Targets?

Targets are future goals that you’re setting/striving to attain. Often, this is a quarter or annual effort and sometimes strategic in nature. Targets are always results indicators (after the fact). I recommend 2-5 as sufficient.

You say, “That’s great, but how do I determine targets?”

You can often determine targets by asking two specific questions in Annual or Quarterly Planning sessions.

  1. Ask: What are our key financial targets or numbers for the year/quarter?
  2. Ask: What other milestones are important to the business this year/quarter?

The answer to these two questions becomes a KPI that should be measured weekly (or monthly) during the quarter. As an example, let’s assume that cash is tight. The team determined that decreasing accounts receivable aging is part of the solution. To continue the example, assume that our annual target is “A/R Aging (10 days or less)”. and the current measure was 30 days for A/R Aging. Therefore, you might set the targets:

  • Q1 as green status = 25 days
  • Q2 as green status = 20 days
  • Q3 green status = 15 days
  • Q4 green status = 10 days or less

Measuring week over week, this approach gives you 13 opportunities to adjust to meet each quarter target, and 4 quarter adjustment opportunities to meet the Annual Target of less than or equal to 10 days A/R Aging.

What are KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)?

Key Performance Indicators are similar to the dashboard in your car – they give you the pertinent information for running your business day-to-day. You could measure everything in your department or your business, but it creates too much “noise” in team discussions, decisions, focus, and alignment. I generally recommend 10 or less.

You should look for a handful of metrics that are most important to your business’ health and success. When you keep your team focused on these most important indicators, you can be assured that your business is healthy while you focus on new growth goals. The above example could be tied to a leading KPI for cash in the bank. You would know in advance if you were going to run out of money before you completed your new project or expansion or if you didn’t find a way to accelerate collection of receivables. This allows changes in behavior just as a gas gauge on the car dashboard allows you to begin looking for a gas station when it blinks empty (but before you run out of gas).

Reviewing KPI performance weekly in a KPI dashboard enables you to understand the performance and health of your business – and allows 13 critical adjustments to achieve your strategic goals. Knowing and measuring the few right KPIs will help you achieve results faster with less “noise” and distraction.

Every company is different; once you’ve set your targets (result indicators), you need to determine your leading indicators. In Chapter 8 of the book Rhythm, Patrick Thean outlines a 4-Step Process for developing leading indicator KPIs:

  1. Be clear about the business problem you are trying to solve.
  2. Be clear about the desired result. Set Red-Yellow-Green success criteria.
  3. Dig deeper with questions to determine how you get the results you want to achieve. Most people don’t ask enough questions.
  4. Drive results by setting clear success criteria and putting your Leading and Results Indicators on a dashboard to status/discuss with your team every week.

The above is how you set Targets and KPIs appropriately. So, KPIs versus Targets are part of a Vast Conspiracy – you need KPIs AND Targets for the best growth plan.

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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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