Seda is dedicated to fostering small business growth and sustainability in South Africa by providing a comprehensive range of non-financial support services, from mentorship to business consulting. Initially formed by merging three agencies – Ntsika Enterprise Promotion Agency, National Manufacturing Advisory Centre, and the Community Public Private Partnership (CPPP) programme – Seda now functions under the DSBD, having transferred from the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) in 2014.
- Which business does SEDA fund?
- How do you qualify for SEDA?
- How long does seda take to pay out?
- What is the maximum amount of SEDA funding?
- How much is to register a company at SEDA?
Seda’s Mission and Vision
Seda’s vision is to impact the lives of SMMEs by promoting entrepreneurship and providing resources for sustainable business growth. Its mission is to promote entrepreneurship and help develop small enterprises by offering tailored, non-financial business support services that contribute to business success in collaboration with ecosystem partners. Seda has become a go-to resource for many entrepreneurs looking to overcome common challenges, including access to business resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Functions and Services of Seda
- Business Development Support
Seda provides a range of services designed to strengthen small businesses, including advisory services, training, and business plan development. These services are tailored to address the unique needs of SMMEs, helping them navigate obstacles such as market access and compliance with regulatory requirements. - Technology and Innovation Support
Through the Seda Technology Programme (Stp), Seda supports technology and innovation initiatives among SMMEs. The program encourages technological advancements and the adoption of best practices to enhance business efficiency and competitiveness, especially among women and youth entrepreneurs. - Entrepreneurship and Skills Training
Seda offers training programs designed to equip entrepreneurs with critical skills needed to manage and grow their businesses. These programs cover topics such as financial management, marketing strategies, and customer relations, which are essential for long-term business success. - Access to Information and Resources
Seda’s extensive branch network across all nine provinces provides easy access for entrepreneurs to receive support, ensuring that they can find information, guidance, and resources close to their location. Through its incubators and branch offices, Seda helps connect SMMEs with local and national stakeholders. - Enterprise Development and Cooperative Support
In line with its mission, Seda promotes cooperative business models and encourages local enterprise development. Its support extends to rural and underserved areas, enhancing inclusivity in South Africa’s economic growth.
Impact of Seda on Small Business Development
Seda has been instrumental in the development of SMMEs across South Africa. By offering specialized support, it has enabled thousands of entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses, creating job opportunities and contributing to economic development. The agency’s wide network, with 54 branches and 46 co-location points, provides critical support to business owners at every stage, from inception to expansion.
In addition to its offices, Seda operates over 100 incubators throughout the country. These incubators provide SMMEs with resources and an environment to develop and test business ideas, which is especially beneficial for high-growth sectors such as technology and manufacturing.
How to Contact Seda
For entrepreneurs looking to reach Seda for support, the agency has several contact options:
- Telephone: +27 12 441 1000
- National Information Centre: 0860 663 7867
- Email: info@seda.org.za
- National Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 701 701 (toll-free)
Address:
The Fields, Office Block A,
1066 Burnett Street,
Hatfield 0833, Pretoria
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.