South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) is the leading regulatory body ensuring aviation safety and security in South Africa. Governed by the Department of Transport (DoT), SACAA is recognized as a world-class civil aviation regulator, dedicated to keeping South African skies safe.

Sacaa LoginSacaa MidrandSacaa Vacancies
Sacaa LicensingSacaa CareersSacaa License Renewal
Sacaa License portalSacaa Internship programSacaa Address
Sacaa RegulationsSacaa new websiteSacaa Jobs
Sacaa Contact detailsSacaa ExamsSacaa Fees

The South African Civil Aviation Authority was established on October 1, 1998, under the now-repealed South African Civil Aviation Authority Act, 1998. It operates under the Civil Aviation Act, 2009, and is classified as a Schedule 3A public entity under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

Headquartered in Midrand, Johannesburg, SACAA is responsible for regulating civil aviation safety and security, conducting accident investigations, and ensuring compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

Vision, Mission, and Values

  • Vision: To be a world-class civil aviation regulator.
  • Mission: Regulating aviation safety and security while supporting sustainable industry development.
  • Brand Promise: Keeping you safe in the sky.
  • Core Values:
    • Service Excellence: Delivering the highest level of client satisfaction.
    • Teamwork: Collaboration with shared accountability.
    • Integrity: Upholding trust and transparency.
    • Collaboration: Building mutual success with stakeholders.

Mandate and Oversight Responsibilities

SACAA’s key mandates include:

  1. Safety Oversight: Ensuring air operators, training organizations, and aircraft comply with strict safety standards.
  2. Security Oversight: Overseeing airports, cargo transportation, and dangerous goods handling.
  3. Accident Investigations: Managing the Accident and Incident Investigation Division (AIID).
  4. Aviation Infrastructure: Regulating airspace, airport safety, and flight procedure standards.

Global Alignment with ICAO

SACAA aligns with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized UN agency. ICAO’s standards, referred to as Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), form the foundation for global aviation safety and security.

As a signatory to the ICAO Chicago Convention, South Africa collaborates internationally to maintain safe and secure skies.

Achievements and Accolades

SACAA’s dedication to excellence has earned it numerous accolades:

  1. Clean Audits: Nine consecutive clean audits from the Auditor-General of South Africa.
  2. National Aviation Gender Summit: Hosted events promoting gender equity in aviation.
  3. Global Leadership: SACAA’s Director of Civil Aviation, Ms. Poppy Khoza, became the first woman to preside over the ICAO Assembly in 2022.
  4. Smart Card Innovation: Introduced a digital licensing system for aviation professionals, one of the first in the world.

Executive Leadership

SACAA’s leadership includes experienced professionals driving its mission:

  • Poppy Khoza: Director of Civil Aviation.
  • Asruf Seedat: Executive: Finance.
  • Gawie Bestbier: Executive: Aviation Safety Infrastructure.
  • Jason Tshabalala: Executive: Aviation Security.

The Board of Directors, led by Mr. Ernest Khosa, ensures compliance with statutory requirements and governance.

Campaigns and Initiatives

  1. National Aviation Conference: A platform to share knowledge and enhance safety post-COVID-19.
  2. Security Awareness Campaigns: Promoted ICAO’s “Year of Security Culture” in 12 airports.
  3. Aviation Gender Summit: Advanced transformation and equity in the aviation sector.

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.