Please note that SAWS is a Government funded department, but that funding is very specifically allocated to basic services. Aviation services have to be funded by the users, such as the Association of Commercial Airlines, and individuals seeking aviation-specific products. The burden of proof lies firmly with the applicant to show why the average taxpayer should fund the applicant's access.

Please further note that we screen out any applications using the inconsidered argument "I am a taxpayer". Generally, a person that can afford access to an owned or leased aircraft does not fall into any income category where that person is dependent on the state for anything. We provide public good services for those individuals that cannot afford services.

A list of requirements when applying for free access follow. Scanned copies are sufficient for the application, but once screened, applicants are required to courier certified copies to our offices in Pretoria before the application will progress:

• VA's (Non-profit organisations under Act 71 of 1997, excluding trusts which are specifically excluded from applying). Please note that all of the following are public documents for VA's as per section 25 of the NPO Act.
  • Either an NPO certificate, else a SARS tax exemption certificate. Anything provided under the out-dated Fundraising Act is no longer acceptable, as only the NPO Act specifically covers a list of checks and measures to curtail the appropriation of profits from an NPO
  • Organisation's Constitution
  • A list of board members, with full name, ID number, compensation derived from the VA, and list of all companies of which they are a shareholder or director
  • A 1 to 2 page explanation of how members are screened into the VA, and how the VA will avoid financially stable individuals from benefitting from free access. One needs to specifically demonstrate that the VA cannot be used as a channel for wealthy individuals to access services and burden the taxpayer base unnecessarily.
  • A 1 to 2 page explanation of what the organisation does, and why it feels access should be free. One needs to specifically address the issue of for-profit schooling and training centres, and show that the VA is not a student body within such a centre. Please ensure that there is no conflict between this and the VA's registered constitution
  • Audited financial accounts for at least one full tax year
  • A SARS tax clearance certificate
• Section 21 registered companies
• CK1 and CK2 documents
• Section 21 registration document
• Shareholders Agreement and Articles of Association. Both must be signed and registered with CIPRO.
• A list of board members, with full name, ID number, compensation derived from the company, and list of all companies of which they are a shareholder or director
• A 1 to 2 page explanation of how company will avoid financially stable individuals from benefitting from free access. One needs to specifically demonstrate that the company cannot be used as a channel for wealthy individuals, or any other company, to access services and burden the taxpayer base unnecessarily.
• A 1 to 2 page explanation of what the organisation does, and why it feels access should be free. One needs to specifically address the issue or section 21 schooling and training centres, and show that the company does not benefit fee-paying students. Please ensure that there is no conflict between this and the Articles of Association.
• Audited financial accounts for at least one full tax year
• A SARS tax clearance certificate
• Individuals
  • ID document proving that the applicant is over 21
  • Evidence of financial need; either 3 months of bank statements, else a sworn affidavit that the applicant earns under R6,000 per month
  • A 2 to 4 page type written motivation for access, specifically evidencing financial need, and explaining how access will be used in a manner that does not lead to the applicant's ultimate financial gain (eg studying to be a pilot will not qualify, unless the student can evidence that they will ultimately be working for a VA of Section 21 entity, and are being sponsored by that entity)
  • For students training for their PPL, free access will only be granted if you can evidence that the course is being funded by one of the above VA or Section 21 entities, and that you obtained the sponsorship through an open and fair bursary process.
  • Please understand that we are specifically guarding against individuals, financed by parents or commercial companies, who expect the taxpayer to carry their costs on the grounds that they are a student. If your can afford your schooling and license fees, you can afford this very modestly priced service. If you fees are truly sponsored by a VA, then we are happy to pitch in too and can defend this action to the taxpayer.