Help Andrew Qualify

I'm Andy, currently in my early 30s and based in Johannesburg South. Originally from Zimbabwe's dormitory town, Chitungwiza - which lies some 25km from Harare.

Preamble

I’m currently a mechanic, despite my current trade, I’m actually an accomplished student who came to South Africa from Zimbabwe to seek work and raise funds for actuarial exams in Feb 2019.The aim was for me to finish off my actuarial studies/qualification, first by obtaining the required permit which will allow me to get the relevant work exposure and attempting the remaining set of 6 actuarial exams.

Challenges

Having had a sponsor at the early stages of the exams, I moved with good pace to finish them off. The sponsorship unfortunately ended before I could finish, as the economy in my home country had a meltdown.

I received my visitor’s visa in 2019 and planned to start saving for the actuarial exams. From my side I have been doing piece-jobs and other menial jobs which help with sustenance, but very little in the way of savings when.In 2020, I got a menial job as a mechanic/stripper, I'd been slowly using the little disposable income to build a savings pot, only to fail as immediate family matters arose. When COVID-19 struck, lockdown greatly reduced my working hours, and earning ability as my job is(was) no-work-no-pay. I spent the first 3-months with no income; furthermore my father, God rest his soul, fell ill and passed away in May 2020, with borders closed, I could only assist with sending the little savings I had for use for the treatment and funeral

Before I can apply for a critical skills permit, my qualifications first have to be ratified by the Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA).

When the offices eventually opened again, I found out that I first needed to re-register with ASSA. I had done so three years ago, but due to financial setbacks described above I’m currently in arrears. Furthermore, my membership is now described as ‘in bad standing’ and can be terminated by September 2021.

Plan

ASSA requires R2060 to renew my membership which is owing for the two years 2020 and 2021. After which I can get a Critical Skills letter, which I only found out now needs R5200 for one to get.

The permit will be applied for at the VFS offices, this requires VFS admin fee and upkeep money R6200 and DHA application fees, R1520.

ASSA subscriptions owing; R2060

ASSA Critical Skills Letter R5200

VFS admin fee and upkeep money R6200

DHA application fees R1520

Total R14980

The total amount of R14980 which is much more than I can afford on my work wages (the company of my current employer uses a no-work-no-pay, with nothing paid even during the pandemic. The employer often cites that the company is still in its infancy stage, and had not secured a COVID package from the State, which is really difficult to understand.

Reaching my target will mean that I can pay ASSA to verify my qualifications’ then I can apply to VFS offices.

Expected Outcome

Upon receiving the Critical Skills Permit, I’m very confident of landing the job, as most employers have been citing the paperwork as the major setback.

Any further amount raised would go towards registering for the remaining actuarial exams.

Which I also hope I’ll restart writing my exams, at least one of the three listed below:

UK Actuarial body ASSA Actuarial body

CP1 Communications R12340 R13410

CP2 Modelling Practice R5760 R6620

CP3 Coms Practice R3600 R5840

But for now, I’m looking for assistance with just one of the above, as I believe after landing a job, I'll be able to self-fund the rest.

Conclusion

Raising the funds will lessen my worry levels, because the longer I stay away from studying, the more my skills will atrophy. And having a track record of high achievement only serves to make the burden worse.

I’m very eager to restart my actuarial career in South Africa and help out contribute to the economy post-COVID19. One day I'll assist individuals facing similar situations, just as you’ve done for me.

Thank you.

Any further details please call 0619003344/WhatsApp 0644100344/email: [email protected]