Standard Bank has published its inaugural Youth Barometer Report, exploring how South Africans aged 18 to 35 are managing their finances amid rising costs and economic uncertainty. Harnessing valuable insights and data from Standard Bank’s Personal and Private Banking and Liberty, it reveals a financially stretched but resilient generation making intentional, pragmatic decisions.
“Our research show a generation navigating some of the highest costs of living, debt exposure, and economic uncertainty in recent memory. Yet, even under pressure, young people are making intentional, informed choices in how they spend, borrow and save,” says Tshiamo Molanda, Head of Youth & Mass Market Segments at Standard Bank.
The Barometer highlights the real financial experiences of South African youth, covering key areas such as managing daily essentials, staying digitally connected, buying assets, insurance, and long-term saving habits.
“What emerges is not a story of recklessness or short-termism, but a portrait of resilience and resourcefulness. These are pragmatic decision-makers, conscious of their limits, but unwilling to be defined by them,” adds Molanda. “From saving for their first home to budgeting for reliable transportation – often through second-hand cars – and ensuring their extended families are protected with funeral cover, this generation is making thoughtful trade-offs with intent and maturity.”
Prof. Smirk
Nunu Ntshingila had humble beginnings in Soweto, she started out her corporate life with no creative know-how, but determination to learn and grow. After working her way up the corporate ladder, she became Chairman at Ogilvy & Mather South Africa, one of the largest advertising agencies in Africa. She went on to be inducted into the Creative Hall of Fame, and the first woman to be inducted into the Loeries Hall of Fame. This achievement put her in the perfect position to say \”yes\’ when offered to be the head of Facebook for Africa.