Banking & Insurance

Mandatory health cover of formally employed is tried and tested and if put to use in South Africa could reduce the public health burden, increase public per capita spend on health, and free up resources that could help address the country’s most pressing health crises.

In the heart of South Africa's vibrant township economy, valued at an estimated R750 billion, a transformative shift is taking place. Small to medium-sized businesses are flourishing as the adoption of cashless transactions grows. Despite the widespread availability of banking services, with eight out of ten South African adults having a bank account, cash remains the dominant form of payment.

The agriculture sector is vital for economic growth. It contributes 3% to GDP, supports 941,000 jobs, and generated US$13.2 billion in export revenue in 2023 – South Africa produces 10% of the global citrus production. But climate-induced changing weather patterns threaten the outlook for certain crop yields in 2024.

South Africa’s tough economic conditions have left many consumers struggling to build emergency cash savings. According to our data, more than half (52%) of entry level private banking clients have less than one month of their salary saved in immediately accessible cash savings available, to use in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as retrenchments or urgent medical procedures.

There has been a remarkable shift to digital payments in South Africa and the rest of Africa in recent years. To put this into perspective, McKinsey anticipated that electronic payments would accelerate by an estimated 150% to reach $40 billion in revenues and 188 billion in transaction volumes between 2020-2025.

With the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill having been signed by the President, South Africans are more confused than ever before. While most have some level of understanding of what the NHI is, the vast majority are still not clear on what the bill entails.

The past year has seen a significant increase in the number of people looking to invest in solar technology for household use. However, despite the convenience, cost-saving and home upgrading potential that comes with renting or owning solar panels, it also comes with several risks.

Paying monthly contributions to a registered medical aid scheme ensures your healthcare cover and offers financial benefits facilitated by the government through tax relief. This tax relief, known as "tax credits", is a percentage deducted from your tax liability and subsequently refunded to you.

At the heart of every successful organisation is a healthy, motivated workforce. In today's competitive job market, where talent retention, productivity and innovation are crucial, organisations must seek new ways to gain a competitive edge.

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and have already laid the groundwork to turn your dream into a successful business, now is the time to consider what kind of legacy you are building. This begins with your employees and the security you offer as a leader. Entrepreneurs have the power to shape lives and communities by the thousands, and they should be able to protect what they’ve built.