The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) serves government employees across South Africa, ensuring members have access to a stable pension upon retirement and providing various other financial benefits. Notably, GEPF members include employees from national and provincial government departments, provincial premiers’ offices, the Public Service Commission, and other approved government institutions. In fact, about 98% of GEPF’s membership consists of individuals in the public service.
Why Register with the GEPF?
Registering as a GEPF member offers numerous benefits, which go beyond retirement support. Members also receive:
- Resignation Benefits: Should a member decide to leave their position, resignation benefits are provided.
- Discharge Benefits: In cases of discharge, GEPF extends financial support.
- Death and Funeral Benefits: If a member passes away, death benefits are paid to their beneficiaries, including funds to help with funeral expenses.
By paying monthly contributions into the fund, members secure these benefits, which act as a vital financial safety net for them and their families.
How to Register for GEPF
Registering for GEPF is a straightforward process available to eligible employees across government departments and approved bodies. Here are the steps to get started:
- Visit the GEPF Portal: Go to the official GEPF registration page.
- Fill Out the Required Forms: Follow the portal’s instructions to enter your employment details and complete all required fields accurately.
- Submit Necessary Documentation: You may be asked to provide identification and employment documentation. It’s best to have these documents ready for uploading.
- Confirm Your Registration: Once you’ve filled out all required information and submitted the forms, confirm your registration by clicking the relevant button on the portal.
After registration, you can manage your GEPF account, monitor contributions, and track your benefits through the GEPF online system.
Contributions to GEPF
All GEPF members contribute 7.5% of their pensionable salary to the fund each month, while their employer contributes 13%. However, if you are a member of the South African National Defence Force or intelligence communities, your employer will contribute 16% instead of the standard 13%.
This pooled contribution system ensures that GEPF remains a sustainable pension fund, capable of supporting its members’ needs throughout retirement and beyond.
GEPF Benefits Overview
As a GEPF member, your contributions and years of service determine the range and level of benefits available. Here’s a brief overview:
- Pension Benefits: Monthly payments upon retirement.
- Gratuities: Lump-sum payments for certain retirement types.
- Funeral Benefits: Financial support for funeral expenses.
- Death Benefits: Payments made to beneficiaries in the event of a member’s passing.
These benefits ensure that GEPF members and their families have a secure financial foundation during significant life changes.
Frequently Asked Questions about GEPF Registration
Who is eligible to register with GEPF?
Government employees who work within national or provincial departments and certain approved institutions are eligible.
How can I access the GEPF registration page?
Visit https://my.gepf.co.za/ to start the registration process.
Can I monitor my GEPF contributions online?
Yes, the GEPF portal provides tools to help you track contributions, view your balance, and update personal information as needed.
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.