Tag: affordability

Healthcare policy in South Africa has become emotionally charged. While National Health Insurance (NHI) is often presented as an inevitable endpoint, medical schemes are portrayed as temporary structures awaiting replacement. The 2026 Healthcare Budget tells a more sober story. What stood out to me was not dramatic reform but restraint. The government did not introduce a new NHI tax.

Medical aid contribution increases for 2026 are generally lower than the sharp hikes seen in 2025. This offers some relief to members after last year’s double-digit adjustments.

To celebrate 65 years of providing trusted insights, we have released a new study that uncovers what truly influences the choices South Africans make when they spend their money. The South African consumer unveiled reflects a shift in behaviour that goes beyond price and focuses on emotion and trust.

Capitec, South Africa’s largest digital bank, announced another six months of strong growth. Headline earnings rose 26% to R8 billion in the period from March 2025 to August 2025.

South Africa’s electricity framework has been rocked by an error that could cost households dearly. In August 2025, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) confirmed the R54 billion miscalculation in its revenue decision for Eskom under the Sixth Multi-Year Price Determination (MYPD6). This was not a minor accounting slip.

Africa's agricultural future requires bold climate-mitigation practices across the value chain. This vision is best realised with the strategic backing of strong financial partners who are committed to supporting Africa's agricultural transformation.

Credit has long had a bad reputation. For years, it has been associated with financial distress, risky decisions and debt traps. But South African women are rewriting that narrative. Through careful, deliberate borrowing, many are using credit as a tool for resilience – enabling education, covering unexpected emergencies and building a more financially secure future for their families.

Earlier this year, the South African government launched its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Framework. This is a strategic initiative aimed at harnessing AI for public value and socio-economic advancement. The policy positions AI as a tool to enhance decision-making, improve public services and foster innovation across sectors. However, a recent survey we conducted with Oxford Economics, involving nearly 500 senior government executives across 14 countries, reveals a significant obstacle.

Each year, medical aid becomes more expensive and slips further out of reach for many South Africans. Annual premium increases continue to outpace inflation far. As a result, staying covered has become an uphill battle. Many consumers are questioning whether their medical aid is worth the cost. Others are being forced to downgrade or abandon it entirely. If you're feeling the financial squeeze, you are not alone.

Astute property buyers are increasingly viewing pre-approval for home loans as the first step in the purchasing process. This step helps each buyer understand their budget. It also makes their offer more attractive to sellers.