The amount deducted from your salary for the NHI will depend on several factors, including your income level, tax contributions, and the specific NHI funding model adopted by the government. Here’s a breakdown of the anticipated NHI contribution amounts based on current proposals:
1. Payroll Tax Contribution
The Department of Health has proposed a payroll tax of around R1,500 per month for formally employed South Africans. This means that if you’re employed and earn an average salary, you’ll likely see this amount deducted from your paycheck monthly.
2. Income Surcharge
For those earning above a certain threshold, a 2% income surcharge will apply. For example, if you earn R26,000 per month, the surcharge would cost approximately R1,040 per month. This surcharge ensures that higher-income earners contribute a proportional amount to the NHI Fund.
3. Removal of Medical Aid Tax Credits
Currently, taxpayers can receive a tax credit of R364 per month if they contribute to a medical aid. However, the NHI plan includes the removal of this tax credit, effectively increasing an individual’s tax burden by R364 each month. This will further impact monthly take-home pay, particularly for those who currently rely on medical aid tax relief.
4. Employer Contributions
Employers will also contribute to the NHI by matching their employees’ payroll tax contributions. This employer contribution does not directly affect your paycheck but represents a significant shift in how health funding is structured in South Africa.
Example: Monthly NHI Contribution for an Average Earner
To provide a clearer picture, here’s a sample calculation of the expected monthly NHI contribution for someone earning R26,000 per month:
- Payroll Tax: R1,500
- 2% Surcharge: R1,040
- Loss of Medical Aid Tax Credit: R364
This comes to a total of R2,904 per month that would effectively go towards the NHI Fund, including the additional impact from the removal of the tax credit.
Who Doesn’t Have to Contribute?
Individuals below a specified income threshold are expected to be exempt from direct payments to the NHI Fund, helping ensure that lower-income earners still receive access to essential health services without an added financial burden. This detail aligns with the NHI’s goal to make healthcare equitable and accessible for all South Africans.
What Services Won’t Be Covered by the NHI?
It’s important to note that medical schemes will only be allowed to cover top-up services that are not covered by the NHI. This means that if you wish to continue with medical aid, it will only be to cover specific services outside the NHI’s coverage. Medical schemes will be relegated to paying for benefits with non-NHI contracted providers, which may limit their use compared to their current role.
Preparing for the NHI: How to Budget for This Change
The NHI represents a shift in how healthcare will be funded and accessed in South Africa. For many, these additional contributions will require adjustments in budgeting and planning for healthcare needs. Here are a few tips to consider as you prepare:
- Review Your Monthly Expenses: Assess your current expenses and determine how the estimated NHI contribution will impact your budget.
- Consider Health Savings: If you’re currently on a medical aid, start exploring how the NHI will change your coverage needs.
- Stay Updated on NHI Developments: The exact contribution requirements may evolve as the NHI rolls out, so staying informed will help you plan effectively.
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.