Dbsa Act

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) plays a crucial role in fostering economic development across the region. Established under the Development Bank of Southern Africa Act 13 of 1997, this legislation outlines the mission, structure, and operational framework of the DBSA as a key development finance institution. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the Act’s objectives, its significance, and recent amendments that continue to shape its impact on sustainable development.

Objectives of the DBSA Act

The primary goal of the DBSA Act is to promote economic development and growth within Southern Africa. Specifically, the Act aims to:

  1. Reconstitute the DBSA: The Act ensures the continued existence of the DBSA as a juristic person, allowing it to operate effectively in the financial landscape.
  2. Mobilize Resources: It facilitates the mobilization of financial and other resources from both national and international private and public sectors. This is essential for funding sustainable development projects and programs.
  3. Enhance Human Resource Development: The DBSA is mandated to contribute to human resource development, ensuring that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to support economic growth.
  4. Build Institutional Capacity: By fostering institutional capacity building, the DBSA strengthens the capabilities of various organizations involved in development initiatives.

Commencement and Amendments

The Act came into effect on April 25, 1997, marking the beginning of a new era in development finance in South Africa. The most significant amendment occurred in 2014 through the Development Bank of Southern Africa Amendment Act 41. This amendment aimed to refine the operational processes of the DBSA, ensuring it remains responsive to the changing economic landscape.

Significance of the DBSA Act

The DBSA Act is foundational for several reasons:

  • Economic Development: It underscores the importance of financial mobilization for sustainable development, thereby supporting infrastructure projects that are vital for economic growth.
  • Regional Integration: By promoting collaboration between countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the DBSA enhances regional economic integration.
  • Public and Private Sector Collaboration: The Act encourages partnerships between the public and private sectors, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing developmental challenges.

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.