Lights, Camera, ACTION! Step into a world of endless opportunities with the #OrangeTeam at SA Home Loans. Here’s your chance to experience our vibrant culture and check out what makes our workplace truly special – from the supportive colleagues who feel like family to our dynamic chill zones designed for creativity and connection. You’ll also discover the exciting learning and growth opportunities that fuel our passion and purpose. Take a look at how we celebrate the spirit of collaboration and innovation that makes us an Employer of Choice. Visit our website  or call us today on 0860 2 4 6 8 10  or request a Call me back  so we can answer any questions you may have. Opt for exceptional service SA Home Loans is well known for offering clients competitive interest rates. However, unlike the banks, our exceptional, personalised service is the real reason behind our loyal customer base. Our clients are treated as individuals and each application is assessed based on its own financial merits Client Testimonials

You can often set your own hours, have control over your business's direction, and enjoy the lion's share of its profits. Of course, there are pitfalls too. No work means no pay, there's nobody to cover for you if you get sick and your financial situation can be unpredictable. When you're self-employed, it can also feel like you have to jump through more hoops to acquire financing than salaried employees do. The biggest personal purchase you may make in your life will be a home, and this will usually require applying for a home loan. We've all heard about a friend or acquaintance who's a commission earner, freelancer, small business owner, contract worker, or sole proprietor who struggled to secure a home loan due to their employment status. While this can make you apprehensive, it shouldn't. Provided you make certain preparations before you apply, you can increase your chances of success. These are some of the documents required by SA Home Loans. You may be required to submit additional or different documents based on your individual application and circumstances. You can find more information about the required documentation here. Determine your affordability Your first step towards ensuring you meet any self-employed home loan requirements will be determining what you can afford to spend. You can use our affordability calculator to get a reasonable estimate of what you qualify for, bearing in mind that it's still subject to the terms and conditions of your application. As a rule, you should not pay more than 25% of your average monthly income on your repayments, so keep this in mind when making your calculation. You should also account for additional costs that will accompany the process, such as mandatory transfer, registration, and insurance costs. While some home loans are accessible to buyers without a deposit, the larger your deposit is, the better your chance of approval will be. When doing this, it's important to separate your personal and business finances completely. Failure to do so can cause delays down the line or even compromise your ability to get a loan. If you plan on purchasing a property with a spouse or family member, they may be required to provide documents in addition to yours. Shortlist suitable properties Detailing what you're looking for in a home before applying for a self-employed home loan is critical. When calculating the projected total cost and value of a property, you'll need to account for any rates, levies, and taxes you may need to pay monthly and other associated moving costs. The clearer image you can create of what the total cost of your home could be, the quicker your search will be, as you shortlist properties suited to your budget. Secure an offer to purchase Once you've found a property that meets your requirements and is affordable, you can put in a valid offer to purchase — which both parties must complete in full and sign. Make sure this includes anything the sale specifically includes and excludes, and your desired date of occupation. Gather your financial institution's required documents Your next step towards securing your choice of home loans for self-employed people is to gather the required documentation for the application process — bearing in mind that financial institutions can require different or additional documents and that each document should offer consistent, correct, and updated information. Here are the documents that SA Home Loans requires from self-employed individuals: You could require all or some of the below documents: These are some of the documents required by SA Home Loans. You may be required to submit additional or different documents based on your individual application and circumstances. You can find more information about the documents that SA Home Loans requires from self-employed individuals. Proof of income A dated and signed letter of drawings from your accountant, featuring their letterhead Your last six consecutive months' income reflecting bank statements (personal and business) Your last two years' annual financial statements. If these are older than 6 months, you'll need to submit management accounts not older than two months on top of this. These will need to be signed by yourself and your accountant A copy of registration documents or trust deed A copy of your ID Partner with the right team Loans for self-employed South Africans can involve a lengthy and time-consuming process. However, you can streamline it and make it less stressful by partnering with someone with experience in the field. Not only can they help guide you through the process but they can also help you clarify what's required from you and keep you on track to meeting any outstanding requirements. SA Home Loans have experience in successfully guiding self-employed clients towards home ownership.

Week 3 of my TechWomen journey was an extraordinary blend of learning, connection, and cultural immersion. I had the honor of sharing my story at a Toastmasters event, focusing on the transformative impact of mentorship. Reflecting on my growth, I’m especially grateful to David White, whose guidance has been instrumental in shaping my personal and professional path. At Synopsys, I delved into sessions on cutting-edge technologies. One key lesson was the critical role of human creativity in driving technological progress. This experience further highlighted the mission of Mbasane Women in IT, where upskilling and boosting workplace productivity are at the core of what we do. A highlight of the week was hearing from inspirational women in STEM at Google, Salesforce, and Marvell. Their stories and experiences left a lasting impression, further igniting my passion for technology and leadership. Stanford University's Design Lab visit was another standout moment. Learning about its origins and seeing innovation in action was incredibly inspiring. Cultural immersion played a big part in shaping my experience this week. I had the joy of participating in vibrant Indian festivals and intimate home celebrations, adding a personal touch to my journey. To recharge, I found solace in nature with a peaceful hike that offered a moment of reflection and calm amid a busy week. This week reinforced the importance of mentorship, connection, and continuous learning. I am deeply thankful to the TechWomen program for these invaluable experiences, and I look forward to what’s yet to come.

UKZN’s Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) recently received a significant boost of R800 000 in funding from the National Lottery Commission, facilitated by the UKZN Foundation, which will play a crucial role in expanding the reach and impact of the CCA's flagship event, Poetry Africa. The 28th edition of Poetry Africa, renowned for its diverse programming and ability to draw poets from across the globe, is set to benefit directly from this funding. According to Dr Ismail Mahomed, Director of the CCA, the National Lottery Commission 's support will enable the festival to expand its programming, creating more opportunities for local and international poets to showcase their work. ‘The funding will allow us to affirm Poetry Africa's status as a leading cultural event,’ said Mahomed.   One of the key initiatives supported by this funding is Poetry Africa’s popular Slam Poetry Competition, which has become a hallmark of the festival, providing a platform for emerging poets to gain recognition. Mahomed announced that the winner of the 2024 Slam Poetry Competition will have the honour of representing South Africa at the World Slam Poetry Competition in Mexico in 2025, thanks to the financial backing from the National Lottery Commission.   The successful acquisition of this funding was made possible through the collaboration between the CCA and the UKZN Foundation. While the CCA designed the project business plan, the UKZN Foundation provided the necessary governance structures to meet the strict eligibility criteria set by the National Lottery Commission. ‘The Foundation’s support, particularly from Donor Relations Manager, Ms Bukiwe Biyela, and Director, Mr Steve Camp, was invaluable in navigating the bureaucratic challenges of the application process,’ Mahomed noted.   With this funding, the CCA is also set to launch new initiatives, including a pilot Slam Poetry Competition for high school learners, which is designed to engage younger audiences and nurture the next generation of spoken word artists.   The CCA is a major contributor to the South African creative and cultural industries, generating approximately 600 job opportunities for artists annually and securing around R68 million in media coverage. With the new funding, the CCA aims to expand this impact even further, offering more opportunities for artists and increasing the visibility of the South African creative sector both locally and internationally.   While the process of securing the funding was not without its challenges, including navigating the complex bureaucracy of the National Lottery Commission, Mahomed acknowledged that these hurdles were necessary to ensure compliance and transparency. The support from the UKZN Foundation was crucial in managing these challenges, allowing the CCA to focus on its creative vision.   This funding aligns with the CCA’s long-term vision of positioning itself as a leader among South African festivals. Earlier this year, the CCA hosted 45 festival and cultural producers over a five-day period, showcasing its best practices. Mahomed believes that the continued support from the National Lottery Commission will be instrumental in maintaining and enhancing the CCA’s status as a leading producer of African festivals, benefitting both the creative industries and academic institutions.   Looking ahead, the CCA is committed to strengthening its business model to attract further funding and partnerships. Mahomed emphasised that the CCA’s track record of success, supported by strong governance and creative excellence, will continue to draw valuable associations with funders and partners.   Though the current funding from the National Lottery Commission is for a single year, Mahomed is optimistic about the future. He believes that the CCA's high standards of creative output, combined with the UKZN Foundation’s robust governance, will enable the CCA to advance its mission to be a centre of excellence at UKZN.

Marriage is an established social tradition that can alter your life and the lifestyle you end up living. It can impact the latter by affecting your legal status — changing everything from your title within documentation to the permissions required from you and your spouse when entering into contracts going forward. Your marital status matters, as there's a chance you're going to tie the knot some day. While South Africa's marriage rate has declined over the past decade, 2021 still saw over 106 000 civil marriages and over 2000 customary marriages registered, with the average person marrying in their thirties and over 80% of marriages being the couple's first union. At the same time, not all marriages last, with four out of ten marriages ending in divorce before their 10 year anniversary. This means that there's a chance you might begin or end a marriage while navigating the home ownership process, and that your status (whether you're entering into, involved in, or ending a customary or civil marriage) will have repercussions on your ability to purchase a home or finance the purchase. Before you apply for a bond , here's what you should know. How different marriage contracts impact your status Whether your marriage ceremony involves walking down an aisle, paying lobola or breaking glass, you'll need to have the relationship recognised by South Africa's Department of Home Affairs. This will ensure the marriage complies with any legal requirements or ante-nuptial contracts applicable, whether it's a civil marriage, a customary marriage, or a marriage under civil union as a same sex couple. There are three types of marriage contracts you can enter into that will affect your bond applications and subsequent property purchases or sales. The first is marriage in community of property. This default option sees the couple merging their existing assets, with any major purchases made after marriage requiring both parties' consent. Should you decide to buy or sell a house purchased during this time, you'll need permission from your spouse. The only exclusion would be property you individually have inherited or will inherit that comes with legal stipulations preventing you from sharing ownership with another person. The second type of marriage contract you can enter into is outside of community's property. This requires you to sign an ante-nuptial contract to protect your existing assets and takes place without accrual, which means that the individual assets and purchases you individually acquire going forward remain separate. The final type of contract you can enter into is outside of community of property but with accrual. This will see all assets you both purchase after marriage considered joint purchases with joint ownership unless explicitly excluded, with all assets accrued during marriage being split equally should the marriage end. If you married under customary law in an African or Muslim ceremony, you could be able to put an ante-nuptial contract in place depending on if you were married before or after the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act 120 of 1998 came into effect in 2000. If you got married under customary law after this date or got married outside of South Africa, this could also impact your property ownership status. When in doubt, it's always best to check your contract or certificate for clarity. How different marriage contracts impact your status To better understand which option would best suit your situation, the following questions can provide you with more clarity. Do I want to go 50/50 on everything? A marriage can evolve over time. While you can start the relationship with both parties working and earning a similar salary, one partner might experience unexpected salary increases or decreases over time. If you start a family,one person may need to stop working altogether or cut back on their working hours for several years. When this happens, their financial contributions can decrease, even though they contribute to the household in other ways. If you marry in community of property, you should be prepared for them to have legal ownership of your home, even if, strictly speaking, they didn't pay for 50% of it. Do I have pre-existing assets? A person can come into wealth that they've earned through an independent investment in the form of property. They can also inherit property upon the passing of a family member, with the intention of passing it down to subsequent generations. If this applies to you, marriage outside of community of property may be a better idea. It will ensure that your assets remain your own, which can be especially important in blended family situations where you or your spouse have children from previous relationships. Getting married with accrual can ensure any property you and your spouse purchase is jointly divided between you two should the relationship end, without compromising pre-existing assets you've earmarked for your biological children. How marriage affects your credit score If you want to buy property with your spouse in a joint decision, your bond application will consider you as co-owners in a single application. This means they'll assess your joint financial background and wealth when it comes to your loan approval, interest rate and repayment terms. While many complex factors can impact how lenders make this decision, your individual credit scores can impact your risk. There's no single perfect score to work towards, but you should be aware that a major discrepancy between your credit score and your partners could raise flags with your application, causing delays or even rejections. Knowing the status of both your credit profiles before applying for a bond can help you better prepare your approach. Getting married should be one of the happiest days of your life and so should the day that you purchase your first home, no matter what the nature of your marital contract is. To keep the process as streamlined and stress-free as possible, SA Home Loans can help you prepare for a bond application and navigate the home ownership process. To get in touch with our team, call 0860 2 4 6 8 10 today or request a Call me back .

In today's economic climate, switching your home loan to a new financial services provider may be a useful way to transform your finances — allowing you to renegotiate the terms of your initial home loan agreement, save money and enjoy benefits you may not have enjoyed before. If you're considering the option of switching your bond in the near future, here are some steps you can follow to transform your finances and make an informed decision. Check your paperwork When you originally applied for a home loan and accepted the offer the bank extended to you (based on your unique financial situation, the property you wanted to buy and the bank’s decision-making process), you would have accepted certain terms and conditions. As the first step to switching home loan providers, you should find out if there will be any penalties for cancelling your home loan with your bank. You could find that you can only cancel and apply to switch after a certain period or after you've made a certain number of payments or face a penalty fee. These fees could include bond registration or initial administration costs that were initially waived. Collectively those costs could run into the thousands. Generally, when cancelling your home loan you need to provide 90 days' notice and give notice on an official business day. Explore your options It's a good idea to consider all the home loan options available to you. This means exploring what other financial service providers can offer if you choose to switch to them. Ask for an obligation-free assessment. Then you can compare them and see which providers have the best offer. In some cases, you may also be able to access an online calculator to give you an idea of what you can expect to pay. Also, pay attention to the value-added benefits that each potential lender offers you and how they compare to what you currently enjoy. Remember that there are more benefits to switching your home loan than purely financial ones. It's important to remember that not only banks (such as the one you hold an account with and have your salary paid into) can offer you a home loan switching service. In fact, other financial services providers like SA Home Loans are great partners to consider as we’re mortgage specialists who offer home financing solutions tailored to your individual needs. Determine your timing Even if you find an ideal home loan offer you think you may want to switch for, remember that timing is a critical factor. Ensure your bond insurance and current home loan account is up to date, that your credit record is in a positive state and that the debt you have is in a good state (this debt can be consolidated during the switch if necessary). Market conditions, interest rates and your personal financial situation can all impact the success of your switch. For instance, switching during a period of low interest rates can maximize your savings. As you consider your options, consulting with a specialist like SA Home Loans can provide you with personalized guidance and insights, helping you make the best choice. To get an estimate of what you could save with us, visit our website and use our switching calculator , or call us today on 0860 2 4 6 8 10 or request a Call me back   so we can answer any questions you may have.

Join Jacquie Bhana for a FREE, insightful webinar where she will explore Imposter Syndrome - how it affects high performers and more importantly, how to overcome it. Are you a high performer struggling with self-confidence despite your achievements? You may be experiencing Imposter Syndrome. Do thoughts like, "I'm a fake", "I don't deserve to be here", or "I'm not smart enough" keep creeping in? You're far from alone! These feelings are common, but when they linger, they can hold you back. Drawing from her extensive coaching experience, Jacquie will help you shift your mindset and reclaim your confidence. Register for the webinar here

Whether you find yourself in the midst of a new year or any other point in time, consider taking a moment to evaluate your financial situation to see where you can save more money? When it comes to extra savings, every little bit saved could help you cover unexpected expense, starting a family, funding education or contributing towards that bucket list item. One way you can achieve this is by switching your home loan to SA Home Loans — and it's easier than you think. Why should I switch my home loan in the first place? Even though you may have been happy with the term and conditions of your home loan when it was first approved, it may no longer meet your needs. If you haven't taken a good, look at your home loan statement in a long time, there's a good chance that you could be losing out on an opportunity to save hundreds of rands with a lower instalment. Simply switching to another home loan provider . You could experience many benefits, including qualifying for a lower interest rate, increased loan term, and accessing available equity in your property. Isn't the process of switching home loans complicated and expensive? Many homeowners realise they could qualify for better home loan rates and terms but often put off investigating their options because they think it will cost more than it's worth, or that it takes a lot of effort that they simply don't have the time for. While this can be true in some instances, it does depend on which financial provider you switch your home loan to. This is where SA Home Loans comes in. Why switch your home loan to SA Home Loans? Here are some reasons why you should consider switching your home loan to us. We offer you an instant, obligation-free estimation: Our  online switching calculator allows you to input a few values concerning your current home loan to estimate what you could save and how much you can improve your monthly cash flow with, after moving your revised home loan. Alternately, if you prefer, one of our expert consultants can assist you telephonically with a free assessment. You can apply in person: If you prefer to do things face to face and not over the phone or internet, you can visit one of our many national locations in the Western Cape, North West province, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape or the Free State.. We offer added protection: Switch to SA Home Loans and you will be able to link a comprehensive Home Owner's Cover to your home loan to insure common structures in your home and property against loss or damage. We also offer qualifying clients the option to link their home loan to a Bond Protection Plan that could settle a certain amount of their outstanding bond balance or payments in the event of death, disability or retrenchment. Still have questions or concerns? We offer customers a convenient Switching Toolkit that outlines the steps you will follow to switch your home loan to SA Home Loan and how you can get started with the process. This will give you an idea of what documentation or paperwork you may need, what the application process look like and what steps we will follow. Are you ready to consider your options? Give us a call on 0860 2 4 6 8 10  to speak to a consultant or leave your details and we’ll call you back.

Whether you’re in the market to buy a house as your primary residence or as an investment property to rent out, it’s likely that you will need to borrow funds from a reputable financial lender. SA Home Loans is South Africa’s only independent, specialist mortgage provider.  As an alternate option to your traditional banks, we offer flexible lending solutions at competitive interest rates. Here are some tips to increase the chance of your home loan being approved , the first time. Affordability – Your affordability tells us whether or not you’re going to be able to manage your monthly home loan repayments. In order to determine your affordability , one would take your current income (salary, bonuses, overtime, allowances, rental, investments etc) and expenses (food, fuel, utility bills, school fees, subscriptions, entertainment etc) into consideration, then verify this information by referencing to your bank statements and other supporting documentation.  As much as you may be tempted to stretch yourself in order to afford more on a home loan, it’s important to be prudent and honest when presenting this information. Financial situations can change and being able to comfortably manage your obligations now and over the long-term, is always a wiser decision.      Credit behaviour – Having and maintaining a healthy credit record is one of the most important personal finance assets one can have. The score and repayment behaviour of all applicants indicates their risk factor to the lender.  Inaccurate information or poor history can negatively impact an application for finance. Repairing a bad credit record is essential and should be considered as first steps before applying for any loan.  Have a deposit – The larger the deposit the better. There are significant benefits to saving towards a down payment on the property you're applying to finance. It’s not uncommon for lenders to offer better rates to clients who put up bigger deposits as the loan will appear less risky in the eyes of the lender.  Paying a deposit means that you will also be financing a lower amount.  The combination of a better rate and lower bond amount will put you in a better position from the beginning as you save on interest and capital repayments over the lifetime of your loan. Having said this, it is still possible to apply for a home loan with zero deposit . Documentation – Whether you’re self-employed or a salaried individual, you need to be prepared with all the documentation that’s required for the loan application .  No lender will be able to assist if you aren’t able to provide supporting documentation for the New Purchase Loan, Switch Loan or Refinance Loan. Opt for exceptional service SA Home Loans is well known for offering clients competitive interest rates. However, unlike the banks, our exceptional, personalised service is the real reason behind our loyal customer base. Our clients are treated as individuals and each application is assessed based on its own financial merits. Our property finance consultants are experienced in motivating a diverse range of bond applications. From first-time buyers to clients purchasing their third home, our team is specialised, and has the resources and information you need to secure the best loan.  Contact us on  0860 2 4 6 8 10  for more information on our dedicated services or request a call me back .

Let’s look at what it takes to harvest rainwater and the estimated cost. For a more detailed discussion download  the full sustainable living guide. The amount of water you can harvest is determined by three factors: The size of your roof catchment area The amount of rainfall that your suburb gets in a year The size of your storage tanks As a rough guide, we estimate that 1 mm of rain on 1 m² of roof = 1 litre of water What do you need to build a rainwater harvesting system? For a basic rainwater harvesting system, you will need the elements below: You need a water tank . Normally the size of the tank depends on the amount of space you have at home. Estimate R2 500 - R2 850 for a 1 000 L tank . This tank needs to stand on a solid base and be supported. The tank is generally placed underneath or close to the downpipe. Estimate concrete plinth: R600 for materials (assumed DIY labour) and plumbing fittings and piping R400 – R1 000 . An initial pre-filtration is required to keep the leaves and bigger particles out of the tank. Estimate R1 000 . Now that the water can be collected in your tank, you need a small pump to pressurise the water so that you can use it. The size pump will depend on the amount of water you need. Estimate booster pumps: R1 675 (0.37 kW) to R10 249 (variable speed drives and pressure control). If you do some of the work yourself and can get away with a basic system, it can cost as little as R6 000. Figure 1 shows the components of a standard rainwater harvesting system. What can I use rainwater for? Generally, harvested water is used as grey water to flush toilets, wash hands or for other non-potable (drinking) purposes. In the next six of our 13-part series, we look at savvy plans to put in place to minimise load shedding from disrupting your family’s life. Ready to invest in a power or water saving solution for your home? If you’re an SA Home Loans client, we'll help you finance it through your home loan.   Featured Downloads Sustainable Living Guide Accredited Vendors Load Shedding Guide Eliminate Load Shedding

Join Do More Foundation and East Coast Radio on the 16th of October this World Food Day to #DOMORE to end hunger. If your team wears these exclusive #DoMoreFriday t-shirts for your business the Breakfast DJ's will give your business a shout-out live on air! Your team is invited to join the ECR Breakfast Team's live World Food Day broadcast and get your business a shout-out live on air! The event is hosted by the DO MORE FOUNDATION on 16 October between 6am and 9am at RCL FOODS, Westville.  All you need to do is a buy a minimum of 12 t-shirts for only R2000 and have your team wear them to the event. They will not only look good, they will be doing good, because 100% of the proceeds go to feeding a young child a bowl of nutritious Do More porridge every school day for an entire year.  World Food Day 2024 - T-shirt Order Form

In a remarkable demonstration of community spirit and commitment to education, UKZN recently hosted its 17th annual Golf Day at the Mount Edgecombe Country Club. This year’s event saw 104 players teeing off for a good cause, raising R165 000 to fund bursaries for 10 academically deserving students. Each recipient will receive R15 000 towards their tuition fees.   Ms Normah Zondo, Executive Director for Corporate Relations, emphasised that the UKZN Golf Day is more than just an event; it is a cherished tradition that unites stakeholders in a shared purpose.   Congratulating the 10 outstanding students selected for the bursaries, she remarked, ‘For these students, the bursaries represent not only financial relief but also recognition of their hard work and an encouragement to continue striving for excellence.’   Zondo extended her gratitude to Standard Bank, a long-standing partner of the initiative, and acknowledged all other partners, sponsors, and participants who made the day possible. ‘Your commitment to this cause is a testament to the collective efforts that further our mission to support our students, investing in their lives and dreams,’ she said.   Mr Mduduzi Zenda, Standard Bank KZN Relations Manager, reaffirmed the organisation’s belief in education as a fundamental building block for societal change and the development of future leaders. ‘We are committed to improving the quality of education, as it has the power to drive growth in South Africa and its economy,’ Zenda stated.   He expressed Standard Bank’s honour in playing a pivotal role in supporting educational institutions and building relationships beyond traditional banking. Zenda also thanked UKZN for the partnership and commended other partners who contributed to the event.   In her vote of thanks, Ms Xoliswa Zulu, Director of University Relations at UKZN, acknowledged both professional and amateur golfers for their participation, enthusiasm, and competitive spirit. She highlighted the importance of coming together for a common goal and expressed her gratitude to the sponsors, saying, ‘It is through your contributions that we continue to enhance the educational experiences of our students, invest in the future of our University, and inspire excellence and a positive impact in our community.’   The event also saw the participation of five women golfers and featured exciting lucky draw prizes.   Other sponsors included Lonfin Wealth Managers (Pty) Ltd, Serendipity Corporate Division, Shepstone & Wylie, Egrowth (Pty) Ltd, Syavaya Corporate Travel, Southern Sun Group, Capital Group, Konica Minolta, DALRO, and Sun International.