Author: Kholofelo Modise

As South Africa grapples with escalating food prices, high unemployment, and economic instability, food insecurity remains a pressing issue for many individuals and families. For those in need, community kitchens, soup kitchens, and food banks offer vital support. This guide provides a comprehensive list of verified and active food distribution points across South Africa for the week of 5–12 October 2025, including operating hours, contact information, and the types of assistance offered. What You Need to Receive Food from Community Kitchens and Food Banks To make the process smooth and ensure that help reaches those who truly need it, most…

UNISA Application Dates are crucial for every prospective student planning to start their higher education journey in 2026. Missing these deadlines can delay your studies by an entire year, as UNISA strictly enforces its application windows. With thousands of South Africans applying each year for undergraduate, honours, postgraduate, master’s, and doctoral programmes, understanding exactly when to apply is essential. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step breakdown of the 2026 UNISA application schedule, including main application periods, second-semester and late application possibilities, consequences of missing deadlines, and practical tips to prepare your documents in advance. Note: All dates below are based…

The NSFAS app is a vital tool for students across South Africa. It allows you to check your funding status, track allowance payments, upload documents, and receive important notifications without needing to visit a campus office or call the NSFAS helpline. But as helpful as it is, the app often runs into problems. Students frequently report login errors, blank screens, missing information, and even sudden crashes. These technical issues can be frustrating, especially when you rely on the app to confirm whether your allowance is paid or your documents are submitted. The good news? Most of these problems have simple…

Grocery shopping in South Africa can feel like a balancing act, especially when food prices rise faster than household incomes. That’s why weekly specials from big chains like Shoprite vs Boxer are more important than ever. For the week of 3–9 October 2025, both retailers are rolling out promotions aimed at helping families save. But which store really gives you more bang for your buck? In this guide, we compare the 20 cheapest grocery deals at Shoprite and Boxer nationwide so you can plan your shopping list wisely and stretch your Rands further. Shoprite vs Boxer Shoprite and Boxer are…

Electricity is one of the biggest household expenses in South Africa, especially as load shedding and rising tariffs put pressure on already stretched budgets. But many households qualify for Free Basic Electricity (FBE) — a government initiative designed to ensure that low-income households have access to a minimum amount of power for essential needs. As we step into October 2025, you may be wondering: How much free electricity can I actually get, and how do municipalities decide on the allocations? The answer depends on where you live, how your household is classified, and your municipality’s own policies. This guide will…

If you’re shopping at PEP and don’t want to pay the full amount for an item upfront, lay-by can be a smart and affordable option. PEP’s lay-by system allows you to reserve items and pay them off over time without the high costs of credit. But, like any payment method, it comes with rules, fees, and policies you should understand before signing up. This guide explains how PEP lay-by works, what fees to expect, how cancellations and refunds are handled, and tips to get the most from your lay-by. How Lay-By Works at PEP PEP’s lay-by option is designed to…

Quick loans can be lifesavers in emergencies, but they also come with risks if you don’t check the details carefully. In October 2025, South Africans face rising living costs, tighter budgets, and loan offers everywhere—from apps to micro-lenders promising “instant cash.” With current interest rates still high and lenders competing aggressively, it’s important to stay informed before signing any agreement. Here are 5 simple things to check before borrowing money so you can stay safe and avoid nasty surprises. 1. Interest Rates and Fees The first thing to look at is the cost of borrowing. Many quick loans come with…

Looking for great beauty deals without breaking the bank? PEP has you covered this Thursday, 02 October, with five top picks under R50! If you’re hunting for budget-friendly beauty and toiletries, PEP is the go-to store to stretch your rand without cutting corners on self-care. How to Make the Most of PEP Deals Before you rush out, here are a few smart shopping tips so you get the best out of PEP’s beauty & toiletry bargains: Arrive early / check specials first thing — the best under-R50 items tend to sell out quickly. Compare prices — even stores like PEP…

If you live in the City of Ekurhuleni, receiving an incorrect utility bill can be stressful. Overcharges, estimated readings, or faulty meters can lead to inflated bills that impact your household budget. The good news is that disputing your utility bill is possible — and if done correctly, you can have errors corrected efficiently. This guide provides a practical, step-by-step approach for October 2025, with updated contact details and advice tailored for Ekurhuleni residents. Common Reasons to Dispute Your Utility Bill Before you dispute, it helps to know why errors occur. Common reasons include: Estimated meter readings vs actual consumption:…

If you are a student, parent, or educator in Gauteng, having quick and reliable access to the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is crucial. The GDE Contact Centre is your go-to resource for enquiries about schools, applications, exams, and other educational services. In this guide, we explain how the Contact Centre operates, the different ways you can reach them, and tips to make your communication efficient. Why the GDE Contact Centre Is Important The GDE Contact Centre serves as a central hub for information and support across all educational services in Gauteng. Whether you need help with school admissions, exam…