SITA accreditation is a certification process established under SITA Regulations paragraph 10.4 and National Treasury Practice Note 5 of 2009. It mandates that SITA must conduct standard certification for goods and services offered to the South African government. This initiative is essential for ensuring that products used in government contracts and procurement initiatives are reliable, effective, and compliant with the necessary standards.
Who Can Apply?
SITA invites Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and legal entities representing various brands to submit their product ranges for certification. This process is independent of any tendering procedures, meaning that it aims to facilitate seamless procurement and operational efficiency for government projects.
The Technology Certification Process (TCP)
The Technology Certification Process (TCP) is the core of SITA’s accreditation initiative. This process involves collaboration between SITA and OEMs or brand representatives to ensure that their products meet the required specifications. As part of the TCP, the following technology domains are currently addressed:
1. Personal Computing Devices
- Products: Desktop PCs, Mobile PCs, Tablets, Smartphones, and Accessories.
- Focus: Device management and usability.
2. Peripherals
- Products: Printers, Scanners, Digital Cameras, and Consumables.
- Focus: Enhancing productivity and connectivity.
3. Assistive Technologies
- Products: Devices and software for individuals with disabilities.
- Focus: Accessibility and inclusivity in technology.
4. Education Solutions
- Products: Classroom devices, infrastructure hardware, and software.
- Focus: Facilitating modern learning environments.
5. Audiovisual Communications Technologies (AVCT)
- Products: Video and audio conferencing systems, projectors, and collaboration tools.
- Focus: Enhancing communication and collaboration.
6. Surveillance & Access Control (SAC)
- Products: CCTV systems, mobile surveillance solutions, and access control technologies.
- Focus: Security and safety measures.
7. Servers & Storage
- Products: Rack-mount servers, primary and secondary storage solutions.
- Focus: Data management and storage efficiency.
8. Networking
- Products: Ethernet switches, wireless LAN, routers, and structured cabling.
- Focus: Ensuring robust connectivity.
9. Infrastructure
- Products: UPS, generators, and cable management solutions.
- Focus: Supporting IT infrastructure reliability.
Continuous Improvement and Expansion
The TCP is an ongoing initiative that seeks to include new categories and products as they become available in the market. This ensures that the South African government has access to the latest and most effective technological solutions.
How to Initiate the Certification Process
Interested OEMs can access the necessary forms and documentation to initiate the certification process via the official SITA website. For further assistance or to submit a request for certification, you can reach out to SITA at tas@sita.co.za.
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.