

Confidence among consumers in South Africa has risen, but middle- and high-income consumers are keeping their eye on the conflict in the Middle East.
The latest FNB/BER consumer confidence index (CCI) for Q1 2026 is the highest reading since Q4 2024, when the two-pot retirement savings system kicked in.
The Q1 2026 reading stands at -7, which is the best reading since Q4 2024’s -6, even if it still points to a negative environment.
Affluent households benefited from…
New Year’s Day: New Year’s Day is celebrated with various outdoor festivities,
including music festivals and fireworks.

Unseen
Fun South African Fact: The Cape Floral Kingdom is one of the world’s six floral kingdoms – and the only one which is wholly contained within a single country.
Feral Filly
Shebeen – an unlicensed bar [sha-been] These are unlicensed bars usually found in low-income suburbs located outside of the major towns and cities, more commonly known as ‘the townships’.