South African Celebrities Who Built Successful Businesses

By | March 21, 2025
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South African Celebrities Who Built Successful Businesses

Introduction

South Africa is home to many talented individuals who have made a name for themselves in the entertainment industry. However, some of these celebrities have also ventured into the world of business and found success in various sectors. Here, we will highlight some of the South African celebrities who have built successful businesses alongside their thriving entertainment careers.

Bonang Matheba

Bonang Matheba is a well-known media personality, television host, and businesswoman. She has built a successful brand around her name and has ventured into various business opportunities, including a lingerie line, a luxury champagne brand, and a popular app. Bonang’s business ventures have helped solidify her status as one of South Africa’s top celebrities turned entrepreneurs.

Black Coffee

Black Coffee, whose real name is Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo, is a globally renowned DJ and record producer. In addition to his successful music career, Black Coffee has also ventured into the world of business, with investments in a record label, a fashion line, and a coffee brand. His entrepreneurial spirit has helped him establish a diverse business portfolio alongside his music endeavors.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron is an Oscar-winning actress and philanthropist who hails from South Africa. In addition to her successful acting career, Charlize has also ventured into business with her production company, Denver and Delilah Productions. The company has produced several acclaimed films and TV shows, showcasing Charlize’s business acumen in the entertainment industry.

FAQs

1. How did these celebrities transition from entertainment to business?

Many South African celebrities have leveraged their fame and influence to branch out into business ventures. They often use their personal brand and network to attract investors and customers to their businesses.

2. What are some common types of businesses that South African celebrities invest in?

  • Fashion and beauty brands
  • Food and beverage businesses
  • Entertainment production companies
  • Technology startups

3. How do these celebrities manage their businesses alongside their entertainment careers?

Many South African celebrities have a team of professionals and advisors to help them manage their businesses while they focus on their entertainment careers. They often prioritize their time and delegate tasks to ensure the success of their business ventures.

4. Are there any risks involved in celebrities starting businesses?

Just like any other entrepreneur, South African celebrities face risks when starting businesses, such as market fluctuations, competition, and financial challenges. However, their fame and influence can also be advantageous in attracting customers and investors to their businesses.

5. How do these celebrities use their platform to promote their businesses?

South African celebrities often use their social media platforms, interviews, and public appearances to promote their businesses and products. They leverage their large followings to reach a wider audience and drive sales for their ventures.

6. What are some key factors that contribute to the success of these celebrities’ businesses?

  • Strong personal brand
  • Business acumen and vision
  • Quality products and services
  • Effective marketing and promotion strategies

7. How do these celebrities give back to their communities through their businesses?

Many South African celebrities use their businesses as a platform to give back to their communities through charitable initiatives, donations, and partnerships with social causes. They leverage their resources and influence to make a positive impact on society.

8. What are some challenges that these celebrities face in balancing their entertainment careers and businesses?

One of the main challenges that South African celebrities face is managing their time and priorities between their entertainment commitments and business responsibilities. They often have to juggle multiple projects and make strategic decisions to ensure the success of both their careers and businesses.

9. How do these celebrities stay motivated and inspired in their business endeavors?

Many South African celebrities are driven by passion, creativity, and a desire to make a difference in the world through their businesses. They often seek inspiration from their personal experiences, role models, and the success stories of other entrepreneurs to stay motivated on their entrepreneurial journey.

10. What advice do these celebrities have for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses?

South African celebrities often emphasize the importance of hard work, perseverance, and determination in building a successful business. They encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to follow their dreams, take risks, and learn from their failures to achieve their goals in the competitive business world.

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

If you need a printable checklist or PDF version of this guide, let me know and I’ll create one for you.