Discovery is a leading South African company with a significant presence in various sectors, including life insurance, medical scheme administration, short-term insurance, long-term savings, and banking. This blog post will explore the diverse operations of Discovery in South Africa, highlighting its innovative approach and influential market presence.
Discovery Health
Discovery Health is the largest medical scheme administrator and managed care provider in South Africa, managing over 39% of the total membership of South African medical schemes. It offers a range of non-medical scheme-related products such as gap cover, Flexicare, and Healthy Company. Discovery Health’s comprehensive services ensure that members receive top-notch healthcare management and support.
Discovery Insure
Discovery Insure provides innovative and comprehensive car and home insurance solutions. With over 285,000 cars insured on South African roads, Discovery Insure is trusted by many for its reliable and customer-centric insurance products. The company’s unique offerings include rewards for safe driving, which incentivize and promote safer road behavior.
Discovery Invest
Discovery Invest offers a wide range of local and offshore investment plans tailored to both retail and corporate clients. With over R120 billion in assets under administration, Discovery Invest provides flexible and comprehensive investment solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of its clients. The company’s investment products are known for their innovation and ability to deliver strong returns.
Discovery Bank
Discovery Bank is a full-service digital retail bank that has revolutionized banking in South Africa. Within three years of its launch, Discovery Bank has attracted over 1 million accounts. The bank offers a range of products designed to meet the financial needs of its customers, all while integrating the Vitality rewards program to promote financial wellness and healthy living.
Global Expansion
Discovery’s success in South Africa has paved the way for its expansion into international markets, particularly in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world through Vitality Global.
- Vitality UK: Comprising VitalityHealth and VitalityLife, this division offers private medical insurance, long-term life insurance, serious illness cover, and income protection.
- Vitality Global: This division focuses on expanding Discovery’s Shared-value Insurance model globally. It operates through two main business units: Vitality Network, which licenses the Vitality program to insurance partners worldwide, and Vitality Health International, which forms strategic partnerships with health insurance players in various markets.
Conclusion
Discovery’s diverse operations in South Africa and beyond showcase its commitment to innovation, customer-centric solutions, and market leadership. From healthcare and insurance to banking and investments, Discovery continues to set the standard for excellence and reliability in the financial services industry.
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.