NHBRC Durban

Head Office

  • 27 Leeuwkop Rd,
  • Sunninghill,
  • Sandton,
  • 2157

Contact info

Durban – October 14, 2015 – Newly appointed members of the National Home Builder Registrations Council (NHBRC) recently assessed building standards at two of Durban’s largest building projects Cornubia and Clermont.

As part of the Council Members oversight mandate, the purpose of the inspection by these senior officials was to highlight the importance of regulation in the housing industry.

NHBRC’s Provincial Manager for KZN, Gary Olckers said that repairing poorly constructed houses had in the past years cost South Africans billions of rands. With a multi-billion project such as Cornubia, ensuring quality becomes vitally important, he said.
Olckers said that each of the thousands of units have to be assessed at various stages of construction to ensure that problems are identified early and rectified as soon as possible. Instead of trying to correct possible issues after the house has been built, compliance is tested throughout the duration of the project, he said.

NHBRC Member of Council, Ms. Hlaleni Dlepu expressed, however, that the NHBRC role goes beyond this, A home or a housing development that is registered with the NHBRC automatically falls under a warranty against construction-related defects, she said.
She added that many homeowners are unaware that building contractors and sub-contractors are required by law to register all building projects with the NHBRC.

Members of the South African public have a right to demand that their builder or contractor is registered with the NHBRC, and the council members are conducting unannounced site visits in KZN and the Western Cape, she continued.

Olckers acknowledges that since the NHBRC obtained responsibility as a regulator there had been significant improvements in housing quality standards.

Lack of proper skills is one of the major reasons that a contractor’s work may not be up to standard, he continued.
He added that other reasons may be the use of inferior materials and through the NHBRC interventions, builders get to know the implication of using materials that are not of the right standard.

Regulation plays a vital role, as it ensures contractors and homeowners recognise that they too have a part to play. As a regulator we work closely with contractors and builders to ensure compliance in building standards, Olckers concluded.

Member of Council Phetola Makgathe says that the Councilors were satisfied that work on the sites was progressing smoothly and in keeping with the required standards. Our inspectors are here on a regular basis and working in conjunction with the eThekwini Municipality to ensure compliance at every stage of the building. We are very pleased at what we saw, he said.

Other members of the council who participated in the unannounced site visits included Mr Goolam Manack and Ambassador Sam Kotana.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Molebogeng Taunyane on 011 317 0070 or email molebot@nhbrc.org.za.

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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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