The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) plays a crucial role in fostering economic development and sustainable growth in South Africa and the broader African continent. Established in 1983, DBSA has evolved significantly since its inception, particularly after the transformation of governance in 1994. As a development finance institution (DFI), its primary mandate is to mobilize financial resources and promote infrastructure development, human capital growth, and institutional capacity building.
Key Roles of the DBSA
- Financing Sustainable Development: DBSA provides financial support for both public and private sector projects. By mobilizing funds from national and international sources, it ensures that vital infrastructure projects can proceed, thereby enhancing economic development.
- Infrastructure Development Focus: The bank’s regulations emphasize infrastructure development. This focus is critical in a country like South Africa, where infrastructure is foundational for economic growth and improving living standards.
- Governance and Oversight: Governed by the DBSA Act (No 13 of 1997) and regulated by the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), DBSA maintains a robust governance structure. Its Board of Directors oversees various committees, including:
- Audit and Risk Committee: Ensures financial integrity and compliance with laws.
- Credit and Investment Committee: Reviews credit strategies and assesses portfolio quality.
- Human Resource and Remuneration Committee: Manages human capital and governance matters.
- Social and Ethics Committee: Monitors ethical practices and social responsibilities.
- Strategic Guidance and Policy Development: The DBSA Board provides strategic guidance to management. It reviews and approves major plans of action, governance policies, and annual budgets, ensuring that the organization remains aligned with its mandate.
- Ethics Management: Committed to high ethical standards, DBSA has a Code of Ethics and a Fraud Prevention Plan. This commitment helps safeguard against fraud and promotes a culture of integrity within the organization.
Responsibilities of the DBSA
- Economic Development and Growth: DBSA’s core responsibility is to stimulate economic development through investment in infrastructure and sustainable projects. It focuses on initiatives that enhance productivity and job creation.
- Human Resource Development: By investing in human capital, DBSA supports training and skills development. This investment is crucial for empowering individuals and improving workforce capabilities.
- Capacity Building: DBSA aims to strengthen institutions by enhancing their capacity to deliver services effectively. This includes offering advisory services and technical assistance to various stakeholders.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: The bank continuously monitors its projects and evaluates their impact on economic growth and social development. This evaluation ensures that resources are utilized effectively and that projects align with national development goals.
- Stakeholder Engagement: DBSA recognizes the importance of engaging with various stakeholders, including government entities, private sector partners, and communities. This engagement fosters collaboration and ensures that projects meet the needs of the people they serve.
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.