What Gets Fact-Checked? How Politics Shapes the Answer in Four African Countries
Many fact-checkers are moving away from declaring claims as true or false, and trying to help people judge information for themselves.
Environment
Africa’s Bats Could Survive Climate Change – If They Can Find Somewhere to Live
As the climate changes, bats will need both suitable foraging landscapes and caves for roosting.
African Countries Could Save Billions by Cutting Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gases at the Same Time
African countries could save billions, prevent deaths and slow climate change by cutting air pollution.
Good Gut Bacteria vs Bad: What We Learnt About Antibiotic Resistance From a Community in Nairobi
Healthy microbes spread easily through everyday interactions like handshakes and sharing food or water. Disease-causing agents spread in a similar way.
More South Africans Report Improved Finances as Consumer Optimism Strengthens in Q3 2026
- Half (50%) of South Africans said their household finances were better than planned at this point in 2026, up from 43% in Q2 2026.
- 79% expect their household income to increase over the next year, up from 75% a year ago.
- 43% plan to apply for new credit or refinance existing products, while 58% believe they would be approved if they needed access to credit.
South African consumers reported improved optimism in their household finances during the third quarter. While concerns about inflation remain widespread, findings from TransUnion’s Q3 2026 South Africa Consumer Pulse Study suggest consumers are becoming more deliberate in how they borrow, spend and manage their money.
Household financial performance strengthened and income expectations remained positive. At the same time, South Africans continue to face ongoing economic pressures, indicating that consumers are balancing improving financial sentiment with careful financial decision making.
Half (50%) of South Africans said their household finances were better than planned at this point in 2026, up from 43% in Q2 2026. Meanwhile, the proportion of consumers who said their finances were worse than planned fell to 34%, down from 38% one year ago. Financial optimism also improved with 73% of consumers expressing optimism about their household finances in the next 12 months, compared with 68% a year ago.
Improvements in reported household finances and future income expectations were accompanied by positive income trends. More than four in ten consumers (41%) reported an increase in household income over the last three months, while only 16% experienced a decline. Looking ahead, nearly eight in ten consumers (79%) expect their income to increase over the coming year, up from 75% a year ago.
According to Ayesha Hatea, director of research and consulting at TransUnion Africa, the findings indicate that consumers are reporting stronger household financial outlooks and income expectations, while remaining mindful of ongoing economic pressures.
“What stands out this quarter is that consumers appear to be taking a more considered approach to managing their finances. The findings indicate that consumers are paying close attention to their household budgets, inflation, borrowing costs and spending habits. While many report improved household finances and income expectations, affordability and cost-of-living concerns remain an important consideration.”
Despite improved financial sentiment, South Africans remain acutely aware of ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Almost all respondents (97%) said they remain concerned about inflation, while 79% ranked inflation for everyday goods among the top three concerns affecting their household finances for the next six months. Although more consumers now feel their income is keeping pace with inflation, the cost of living continues to place pressure on household budgets.
The study found that 43% of consumers plan to apply for new credit or refinance existing products over the next year, up from 38% a year ago, while 58% believe they would be approved if they needed access to credit, up from 49% a year ago. Perception of access to credit has improved, with 51% saying they have sufficient access to credit products, up from 42% a year ago.
Consumers are, however, approaching borrowing more selectively. More than half (52%) considered applying for new credit or refinancing but ultimately chose not to proceed, up from 42% a year ago. Among these consumers, the cost of credit was the leading reason for not proceeding, according to 34% of those surveyed. More than nine in ten (92%) said rising interest rates affect whether they will apply for credit in the next 12 months. While these findings were captured before the South African Reserve Bank increased the repo rate by 25 basis points to 7.25%, they highlight that borrowing costs were already a significant consideration for consumers and may become an even more important factor in credit decision-making going forward.
“Consumers are demonstrating a more measured approach to borrowing. Rather than simply seeking access to credit, many are carefully evaluating whether a product meets their financial needs and circumstances. This creates an opportunity for lenders to align products, pricing and experiences more closely with evolving consumer expectations,” said Hatea.
Demand for credit remains broad-based, with the greatest proportion of consumers planning to apply for a new credit card (33%), a new car loan or lease (27%) or buy now, pay later services (25%). Consumers continue to embrace digital financial services, with nearly half (49%) reporting using websites or apps to send or receive money. With the use of digital financial services comes expectations around speed and convenience, and 86% of consumers said that real-time approval is important when applying for digital loans.
The study also points to signs of improving financial resilience. Fewer consumers expect to miss payments on bills or loans (32%, down four percentage points year-over-year), more said they’re paying down debt faster (34%, compared to 32% a year ago), and nearly one-third reported contributing more to emergency savings or stokvels (31%, up three percentage points year-over-year).
As digital adoption continues to increase, trust and security remain important considerations. Six in ten (60%) reported being targeted by email, online, phone call or text message fraud in the last three months, with 11% saying they fell victim to it. In addition, 29% said they were notified that their personal or account information had been compromised in a data breach in the last three months.
“South Africans continue to operate in a challenging economic environment, but the data points to a consumer that is becoming increasingly informed, resilient and deliberate in their financial choices. While reported household financial outlooks and income expectations have improved, affordability, value and long-term financial sustainability remain important considerations. Understanding these evolving consumer behaviours will be critical for organisations seeking to build trust and deliver products and services that meet consumers’ needs,” concluded Hatea.
Consumers can get their free annual credit report from TransUnion here.
Terrible Conditions at Special Schools in Mpumalanga
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is deeply concerned about the terrible conditions that learners with special needs must endure in Mpumalanga. The Portfolio Committee on Education’s Focus Intervention Study (FIS) on special schools, which was tabled to the Legislature in October 2026, paints a disturbing picture of systematic decay and neglect. The report is […]
The post Freedom Front Plus deeply concerned about terrible conditions at special schools in Mpumalanga appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Affordability Reshapes South Africa’s Credit Market in Q2 2026
- Retail credit originations declined across clothing, revolving and instalment products, with each segment showing increasingly distinct consumer behaviours
- Despite significant growth in new vehicle sales during the quarter, vehicle asset finance growth slowed as consumers shifted focus to long-term affordability rather than simply accessing credit
- Bank and non-bank personal loan markets continued to grow, with distinct performance outcomes
As many South Africans continue to feel the pressure of rising living costs, affordability is affecting popular credit products in diverse ways as consumers adapt their borrowing strategies rather than stepping away from credit altogether. The latest TransUnion Q2 2026 South Africa Industry Insights Report shows that households are becoming more selective about how they borrow, with consumers prioritising products that align with their needs while carefully managing affordability.
Acquisition Slowed as Portfolio Outcomes Diverged
Growth in retail credit originations (new accounts opened) declined across all major retail lending products during the quarter. New clothing accounts fell 7.8% year-over-year (YoY), retail instalment originations declined 10.3%, and retail revolving originations decreased 12.2%.
While all three credit products experienced lower new account volumes, the underlying customer and portfolio trends across these products tell very different stories.
Despite new account acquisition falling significantly, the clothing account portfolio continued to demonstrate stability, supported by existing customer relationships. Total credit lines increased by 12.4% YoY, outpacing balance growth of 8.0% YoY. This may reflect ongoing line management among existing customers, while the slower increase in balances suggests that consumers are using the additional capacity selectively, using only the credit they need to support day-to-day consumption in a challenging economic environment.
Clothing account performance improved slightly, with serious account-level delinquency (3+ months in arrears, or MIA) decreasing by eight basis points (bps) YoY to 26.5%. However, balance-level delinquency deteriorated by 67 bps, suggesting that repayment pressure is becoming more concentrated among customers carrying larger balances.
The retail revolving credit segment followed a different trajectory. Account volumes declined by 4.5%, the number of active consumers fell 4.4% YoY and outstanding balances decreased 1.9% YoY, indicating continued market contraction. Despite weaker acquisition (origination volumes dropped by 12.2% YoY) and lower participation, performance improved materially, with account-level delinquencies improving by 135 bps YoY to 16.0%. These trends suggest that while the portfolio may be shrinking in size, quality has improved, as tighter lending and portfolio rationalisation have yielded a more resilient borrower base.
Retail instalment lending presented yet another picture. Origination volumes declined by 10.3% YoY and the number of consumers carrying balances fell by 13.9% YoY, yet outstanding balances increased by 12.0% YoY and average balances rose by 9.8% YoY. Serious delinquency deteriorated across all measures: account-level delinquency increased by 146 bps, with similar deterioration for consumer-level and balance level delinquency, pointing to mounting repayment pressure among remaining borrowers.
For lenders, the combination of fewer consumers, higher average balances and broad-based delinquency deterioration reinforces the need to assess affordability carefully at origination and monitor existing portfolios closely for emerging signs of stress, particularly among retail instalment customers.
These trends align with findings from TransUnion’s Q2 2026 Consumer Pulse Study which showed that 52.7% of consumers said that they had cut discretionary spending in recent months, while nearly two thirds (63.4%) said that they actively sought sales and discounts when shopping, to make ends meet.
“South Africa’s retail credit market continued to fragment during the quarter under review, with clothing, retail revolving and instalment lending following increasingly different trajectories,” said Ayesha Hatea, director of research and consulting at TransUnion South Africa. “While all three products experienced lower origination activity, the underlying performance and portfolio trends suggest consumers are becoming more selective in how they use retail credit and lenders are responding differently across product types. As a result, retail credit can no longer be viewed as a single market, but rather as a collection of products serving distinct consumer needs and risk profiles, each of which may be experiencing varying levels of financial strain or resilience.”
Consumers’ Mobility Choices Influenced by Long-Term Affordability
Despite new passenger vehicle sales increasing strongly during Q2 2026 according to TransUnion’s Q2 2026 Mobility Insights Report, the vehicle finance market recorded modest growth in Q2 2026, continuing to demonstrate demand despite a more challenging affordability environment. Outstanding balances increased 8.0% YoY, supported by a 5.5% YoY increase in average new loan values, while origination volumes grew modestly by 1.1% YoY. Importantly, credit performance continued to improve, with serious account-level delinquencies decreased by 115 bps, indicating that growth continues to be accompanied by relatively strong portfolio performance.
This resilience is particularly noteworthy given shifts occurring elsewhere in the automotive market. According to the Mobility Insights Report, vehicle purchase intentions softened during Q2 2026, particularly among lower- and middle-income consumers. Affordability, financing costs, fuel efficiency and total cost of ownership have become increasingly important considerations in vehicle selection.
At the same time, consumers showed growing interest in technologies that could reduce long-term ownership costs, with hybrid vehicles emerging as an increasingly attractive alternative for consumers focused on fuel efficiency and operating costs. These developments suggest that demand is being reshaped by more value and affordability considerations, rather than disappearing altogether.
“Consumers are increasingly evaluating not only whether they can finance a vehicle, but also whether they can comfortably own and operate it over the longer term. This shift is likely to influence vehicle choice, financing structures and portfolio composition as the market continues to evolve,” said Hatea.
“Affordability pressures appear to be changing the structure of demand rather than reducing participation in the market. Consumers remain interested in mobility solutions but are becoming more selective about how their needs are met. Lenders that can balance access, affordability and risk management are likely to be best positioned to support sustainable growth in the vehicle finance market,” she added.
Personal Loan Trends Continued to Diverge
South Africa’s personal loan market continued to expand during Q2 2026, but the underlying trends diverged sharply between bank and non-bank lenders. While both segments recorded growth, differences in loan size and credit performance point to distinct borrower needs and risk outcomes.
Bank personal loan originations increased 7.7% YoY, outstanding balances grew 8.9% YoY and average new loan amounts increased 9.2% YoY, indicating continued demand for larger-value unsecured credit. These gains were accompanied by improved performance, with account-level delinquency improved by 194 bps YoY to 26.5% and balance-level delinquency improved by 342 bps YoY to 29.3%. Together, these trends suggest that banks found growth opportunities among consumers with the capacity to manage larger borrowing commitments while maintaining disciplined risk management and portfolio quality.
Non-bank personal loan originations increased by 21.3% YoY and the number of consumers carrying balances rose by 12.7% YoY, significantly outpacing the bank personal loan market. However, average new loan amounts declined by 5.9%, indicating that growth was increasingly concentrated in smaller-ticket lending. This points to continued demand for accessible liquidity and short-term credit solutions, particularly among consumers seeking smaller borrowing amounts.
While this supports broader access to credit, the non-bank personal loan segment also experienced a deterioration in credit performance. Serious account-level delinquency increased by 32 bps YoY to 48.3%, while balance-level delinquency rose by 636 bps YoY to 54.6%.
Lenders across these products target different risk groups: bank personal loan originations have tilted modestly towards subprime over the last two years, reaching 56.6% in Q2 2026 compared to 53.8% two years prior. In contrast, subprime non-bank personal loan customers account for 71.3% in Q2 2026, compared to 68.3% two years prior. This suggests that banks are widening access selectively, without dramatically changing their credit posture, while non-bank lenders are servicing the highest risk, highest need consumers – a dynamic that explains the sharp divergence in delinquency trends across the two segments.
“The contrast between bank and non-bank personal lending shows why growth must be assessed alongside loan value and credit performance,” said Hatea. “Understanding which consumers are driving expansion, and whether that growth is sustainable, is becoming increasingly important for lenders.”
Table 1: Key South African Consumer Credit Market Metrics (Q2 2025 vs Q2 2026)
| Product | YoY origination growth | Serious account-level delinquency rate* | YoY basis points (bps) change in delinquency rate |
| Credit card | -16.8% | 13.1% | +22 bps |
| Bank personal loan | 7.7% | 26.5% | -194 bps |
| Non-bank personal loan | 21.3% | 48.3% | +32 bps |
| Clothing accounts | -7.8% | 26.5% | -8 bps |
| Retail instalment | -10.3% | 27.3% | +146 bps |
| Retail revolving | -12.2% | 16.0% | -135 bps |
| Home loans | -10.5% | 7.2% | -52 bps |
| Vehicle finance | 1.1% | 6.4% | -115 bps |
*Account-level serious delinquency rate, measured as a percentage of accounts three or more months in arrears
“For lenders, sustainable growth will depend on looking beyond volume to the affordability, risk and repayment capacity behind each credit decision,” said Hatea. “Those that can identify where consumers have the capacity to take on credit responsibly, while responding early to emerging stress, will be best positioned to grow without compromising portfolio quality."
Ekurhuleni Metro Compelled to Take Action Against Illegal Occupants
Persistent pressure from the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) eventually compelled the Ekurhuleni Metro to step in and address the issue of illegal occupants who have settled in a premises in Beyers Park, Boksburg. After constant appeals from the Freedom Front Plus, the Metro’s Waste Management Operations Division has confirmed that officials will visit the […]
The post Freedom Front Plus compels Ekurhuleni Metro to take action against illegal occupants appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
South Africa’s Green Building Upgrades Are Rising – But Major Cities Still Dominate, Study Finds
Green ratings are growing in South Africa, mainly for upgraded older buildings, but some low scores suggest buildings may appear greener than they are.
MPC Rate Hike Intensifies Existing Affordability Pressures on South African Households
TransUnion South Africa says today's decision by the South African Reserve Bank's Monetary Policy Committee to increase interest rates by 25 basis points reflects ongoing concern around inflation risks and inflation expectations. However, the increase comes at a time when many households remain under significant affordability pressure.
The 25-basis-point increase adds to a range of affordability pressures that have steadily eroded purchasing power throughout 2026. While inflation has moderated, many households have yet to experience meaningful relief in their monthly finances.
According to the South African Reserve Bank's June 2026 Quarterly Bulletin, household debt-to-disposable income increased from 61.8% in Q4 2025 to 62.2% in Q1 2026, while debt-service costs remained elevated at 8.4% of disposable income.
Statistics South Africa's Quarterly Labour Force Survey reported that unemployment increased to 33.6% in Q2 2026, while youth unemployment reached 47.4%, highlighting the continued pressure on income growth and household resilience.
According to TransUnion's Q2 2026 Consumer Pulse Study, consumers continue to adapt to financial pressure through behaviourial changes. 52.7% of consumers have reduced discretionary spending, 63.4% actively seek discounts and promotions, 44.2% shop at lower-cost retailers, 38.8% expect difficulty paying future bills and loans, while a proportion are drawing down savings and increasingly relying on credit products and flexible payment solutions to manage daily expenses
"Consumers have demonstrated remarkable resilience, but affordability remains fragile and increasingly sensitive to further cost increases. Today's rate increase adds pressure to households already facing elevated fuel costs, transport expenses and ongoing affordability challenges,” says Lee Naik, chief executive officer and regional president, TransUnion Africa. “Consumers are not facing a new problem, but a deepening of pressures that already exist”
TransUnion notes that affordability pressures have intensified through much of 2026. High unemployment continues to constrain household income growth and weaken financial resilience, contributing to cautious spending behaviour and increased demand for credit.
What the Decision Means for Consumers
A 25-basis point increase is expected to raise monthly repayments on a R1 million home loan by approximately R160 to R170 per month, while repayments on a R2 million home loan could increase by around R320 to R340 per month. A consumer financing a R400,000 vehicle could see repayments increase by approximately R65 per month.
Although relatively modest in isolation, these additional costs arrive at a time when households are already contending with high living expenses and tighter budgets.
TransUnion expects consumers to respond by reducing discretionary spending, reassessing household budgets and delaying major purchases, prioritising debt obligations and essential expenses. Demand for flexible credit solutions and financial management tools may also increase as households seek to preserve cash flow.
While vehicle finance and mortgage repayment performance have remained relatively resilient, TransUnion cautions that additional monetary tightening could place renewed pressure on repayment performance, particularly within unsecured lending segments where delinquency rates remain elevated.
"South Africans have shown remarkable resilience, but affordability remains fragile. The increase reinforces the need for consumers to proactively manage debt, preserve liquidity and maintain healthy credit profiles," says Naik.
Looking Ahead
TransUnion expects affordability to remain a defining issue for consumers through the remainder of 2026. Elevated fuel and transport costs, weak economic growth, rising unemployment and pressure on household budgets are expected to continue shaping consumer spending and borrowing behaviour.
Statistics South Africa reported that GDP contracted by 0.2% in Q2 2026, while the RMB/BER Business Confidence Index fell to its lowest level since 2024, reflecting continued pressure on economic activity, employment growth and consumer confidence.
The key risk for households is not any single affordability shock, but the cumulative impact of multiple pressures occurring simultaneously, including fuel inflation, constrained income growth, elevated unemployment and increasing reliance on credit to manage day-to-day expenses.
"Whether rates remain unchanged or increase, the reality for many households remains the same: consumers are focused on preserving cash flow, protecting repayment performance and managing essential expenses in a challenging economic environment," says Naik. "Affordability will continue to shape how South Africans spend, save and borrow in the months ahead."
It Is Time to Turn the Vaal Around
This week, the Freedom Front Plus leader, Dr Corné Mulder, visited the Vaal and southern Gauteng as part of his “It is Time” Tour. Public meetings were held in Heidelberg, Walkerville, Evaton and Vanderbijlpark, and his tour of the province was concluded on Thursday evening at Stonehaven. The visit focused the spotlight on the serious […]
The post It is time to turn the Vaal around – Freedom Front Plus leader’s “It is Time” Tour appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Brown Is Beautiful: What Namibia’s Capital Windhoek Can Teach African Cities as They Get Hotter and Drier
New research shows how Windhoek’s ‘Brown is Beautiful’ approach could use its dry landscape to protect the city from heat, drought and floods.
TransUnion Botswana Launches Three New Intelligence Solutions to Help Advance Smarter Lending and Financial Inclusion
- Following the recent licensing process, TransUnion is reaffirming its commitment to Botswana through investment in enhanced data capabilities and the launch of three new intelligence solutions
- An enhanced and enriched dataset gives lenders a more comprehensive view of borrower behaviour and payment performance
- New analytical solutions are designed to help financial institutions make better lending decisions, improve risk management and unlock greater economic participation.
TransUnion Botswana announces the launch of three new intelligence solutions designed to help financial institutions make smarter lending decisions, strengthen risk management and responsibly expand access to credit. Supported by an enhanced dataset that provides a richer view of consumer payment behaviour, the new solutions will help lenders unlock greater economic participation while supporting sustainable growth across Botswana's financial sector.
Following the recent licensing process, TransUnion is continuing to invest in Botswana's financial ecosystem through enhanced data capabilities, advanced analytics and new solutions designed to support lenders and consumers alike.
"The launch of these three new solutions represents an important investment in Botswana's financial future," says Kabelo Ramaselwana, chief executive officer, TransUnion Botswana. "Financial institutions need deeper insights and stronger analytics to support responsible growth. By combining richer data with advanced intelligence solutions, we are helping lenders make better decisions, expand access to credit and support greater economic opportunity."
New Intelligence Solutions for a New Credit Environment
TransUnion is introducing three new capabilities designed to help Botswana's financial institutions grow responsibly, improve decision-making and unlock new opportunities.
- Industry Scores use sector-specific predictive models to help lenders assess thin-file and credit-invisible consumers with greater confidence.
- Collections Solutions enable smarter, data-driven collections strategies that improve recoveries while reducing operational costs.
- Business Intelligence Reports provide market and portfolio benchmarking insights, helping organisations understand performance, identify growth opportunities and make more informed strategic decisions.
Together, these three solutions equip organisations with the intelligence needed to expand access to credit, strengthen risk management and drive sustainable growth.
Enhanced Data for Better Lending Decisions
These solutions are underpinned by an enhanced dataset that brings together broader payment and credit information to provide a more complete view of consumer payment behaviour and credit obligations. By reducing fragmented views of borrowers, financial institutions can make more informed decisions across the credit lifecycle, from origination and portfolio management to collections.
For lenders, access to richer information means decisions can increasingly be based on a broader understanding of borrower behaviour, helping institutions identify opportunities while maintaining sound risk management practices.
Unlocking Access to Credit and Economic Growth
Botswana's financial sector is entering a period of significant transition. While the country remains one of Africa's most financially included markets, lenders face increasing pressure to balance growth, affordability and risk amid changing consumer credit profiles, rising living costs and broader economic pressures.
At the same time, significant opportunities remain to broaden access to credit. Although around 72% of adults have access to a bank account or mobile money service, a large share of the population remains outside the formal credit system. As a result, lenders often struggle to assess creditworthiness using traditional risk models, limiting borrowing opportunities for consumers and small businesses.
TransUnion analysis indicates that richer data and enhanced scoring models could increase loan approvals by 4% to 6% annually while maintaining credit quality, potentially unlocking up to P5 billion in additional lending across the market. Enhanced collection capabilities have also demonstrated a 38% increase in visibility and a 40% improvement in collections yield, helping institutions strengthen portfolio performance and support sustainable economic growth.
Supporting Consumer and Business Growth
The opportunity extends beyond personal credit. Botswana's MSME sector employs approximately 175,000 people and generates an estimated P14 billion in annual turnover, yet many businesses continue to rely on manual record-keeping, making it more difficult to demonstrate creditworthiness and access finance. Enhanced commercial credit information and business analytics can help financial institutions better assess these businesses and support their growth through improved access to funding.
As financial institutions navigate an increasingly complex environment, access to deeper market intelligence is becoming increasingly important. TransUnion's Business Intelligence capabilities are designed to help organisations understand portfolio performance trends, monitor market developments and identify emerging opportunities, enabling more informed strategic decision-making.
Investing in Botswana Financial Future
TransUnion remains committed to supporting Botswana's evolving financial sector through ongoing investment in data, analytics and innovation. By combining global capabilities with local market expertise, the company aims to help lenders serve consumers and businesses more effectively while supporting broader economic growth.
"Growth and risk discipline are no longer opposing objectives," says Ramaselwana. "More complete information allows institutions to identify and serve the right consumers and businesses with greater confidence. That is good for lenders, good for consumers and ultimately good for Botswana's economy."
History Is Being Rewritten at an Archaeological Site in Morocco. What the Discovery of an Ancient Wall Tells Us
Communities in the north-west Maghreb were able to coordinate large construction projects thousands of years ago.
South Africans Aren’t Giving Up on Car Ownership. They’re Just Buying Differently
- TransUnion's Q2 2026 Mobility Insights Report reveals new passenger vehicle sales grew 15.8% year-on-year, the strongest annual growth in three quarters.
- Used-to-New Ratio declines from 3.2 to 2.7 year-on-year, reinforcing the shift towards new vehicles
- Vehicle purchase intent declined from 22% to 19%, as households became more cautious amid rising affordability pressures.
Despite continued fuel price pressure, rising living costs and ongoing strain on household finances, South Africans continue to prioritise vehicle ownership. According to TransUnion's Q2 2026 Mobility Insights Report, new passenger vehicle sales increased 15.8% year-on-year during the quarter, marking the strongest annual growth recorded in the past three quarters despite challenging economic conditions.
Beneath this growth, however, a significant shift is underway. Consumers are showing renewed interest in used vehicles and more affordable options as affordability becomes a more important consideration. The changing dynamics are reflected in vehicle registration patterns.
The used-to-new ratio declined from 3.2 in Q2 2025 to 2.7 in Q2 2026, indicating that new vehicles gained market share over the past year. While the ratio increased from 2.3 in Q1, the year-on-year movement confirms that the broader shift towards new vehicles remains intact.
"One of the most encouraging findings from this quarter's report is that South Africans have not stepped away from vehicle ownership despite a more challenging economic backdrop," says Ayesha Hatea, director of research and consulting at TransUnion Africa.
"What we are seeing instead is a more pragmatic consumer. Mobility remains essential, but consumers are carefully weighing affordability, financing costs, fuel efficiency and long-term ownership expenses before making purchasing decisions."
As consumers increasingly turn to used vehicles, alternative financing structures, rental models and digital purchasing journeys, the industry's risk profile is evolving alongside these opportunities. Fraud is no longer confined to traditional vehicle-finance applications. Businesses face growing exposure to identity fraud, synthetic identities, document manipulation, income misrepresentation, ownership fraud and payment fraud across multiple points of the automotive ecosystem.
Affordability Reshapes the Market
One of the clearest indicators of changing consumer priorities is the rapid rise of Chinese automotive brands. These brands now account for more than one in every five (22.4%) passenger and light commercial vehicles sold in South Africa, highlighting the growing importance of affordability, technology and overall value in purchasing decisions.
"Affordability has become one of the defining themes of South Africa's mobility market," says Hatea. "Consumers are increasingly looking for the best overall value proposition rather than simply the lowest price. Brands that combine affordability, quality, technology and lower running costs are proving particularly attractive in the current environment."
Consumers Remain Engaged but More Cautious
Data from TransUnion's Q2 2026 Consumer Pulse Survey points to a more measured outlook among households.
The proportion of consumers intending to purchase a vehicle within the next three months declined from 22% in Q1 to 19% in Q2. The decline was most pronounced among lower- and middle-income households, while purchase intent among higher-income households increased from 24% to 27%.
Importantly, this moderation should not be interpreted as weakening demand. Rather, it suggests consumers are becoming more deliberate as affordability pressures intensify.
The continued strength in vehicle sales indicates that vehicle ownership remains a priority for many South Africans. However, consumers are increasingly focused on achieving the right balance between affordability, reliability and long-term value.
Hybrid Vehicles Gain Momentum
The same practical mindset is shaping attitudes towards vehicle technology. While internal combustion engine vehicles continue to dominate the market, hybrid vehicles have emerged as the preferred route to electrification. According to the report, 45% of consumers now consider hybrid vehicles when evaluating their next purchase, making them the most attractive electrified vehicle option in South Africa.
Rising fuel costs, concerns around charging infrastructure and growing awareness of operating expenses are encouraging consumers to seek greater efficiency without compromising convenience.
"South Africa's mobility transition is likely to follow a distinctly local path. Consumers want lower running costs and greater efficiency, but practicality remains paramount. Hybrid technology offers a compelling middle ground between affordability, convenience and sustainability.”
"As automotive customer journeys become increasingly digital, businesses need to connect identity, device, behavioural and financial intelligence to distinguish legitimate customers from higher-risk activity without adding friction to the customer experience," adds Hatea.
Value Will Define the Next Phase of Growth
Despite a more challenging outlook for households and businesses, the report suggests the underlying fundamentals supporting vehicle demand remain intact.
For OEMs, dealers, financiers and insurers, future growth opportunities will increasingly depend on their ability to meet consumer expectations around affordability, convenience and efficiency. Organisations that can help consumers navigate a constrained economic environment through competitive pricing, flexible financing solutions and lower-cost mobility options will be better positioned to respond to demand.
Growth, however, must be supported by intelligent risk management. Traditional verification approaches are increasingly being complemented by layered fraud prevention capabilities that connect identity, device, behavioural, financial and regulatory signals. This helps organisations identify higher-risk activity earlier while reducing friction for legitimate customers.
"The South African vehicle market continues to demonstrate resilience, but success in the next phase of growth will depend on understanding a more selective and value-driven consumer," concludes Hatea. “The ability to deliver affordability, efficiency, trust and long-term value will increasingly determine which brands and businesses succeed in the market.”
New World Map Makes Africa Look Bigger: What’s the Fuss About? Cartographers Explain
Correcting the mental map of global leaders is an important step in amplifying Africa’s relevance and rights.
“It Is Our Time” Manifesto Launch Provides Direction Through Practical Solutions for Local Government
Local government can be restored and municipalities’ decline can be turned around. This is the gist of the message conveyed by the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) with its Manifesto Launch under the theme “It is Our Time”. (Manifesto attached) The Manifesto, which was unveiled at the Silver Lakes Farm Hotel in Pretoria East, marks […]
The post Freedom Front Plus’s “It is Our Time” Manifesto Launch provides direction through practical solutions for local government appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
OnlyFans in South Africa: What Creators Say About Sex Work, Personal Safety and the Gig Economy
While some creators proudly embrace the label of sex worker, many others reject it outright.
Discovery of Ancient DNA From Antelope Fossils in South Africa Opens a New Window on the Past
Researchers managed to extract DNA from African fossils dating back to the last ice age.
DRC’s Ebola Epidemic Could Be the Worst in History: 4 Things That Could Help End It
The next phase of the response must not be about deploying more people into communities simply to deliver interventions.
NSBC AFRICA AND TRANSUNION AFRICA LAUNCHES ACCESS TO FINANCE™ TO HELP SMEs ACCESS RELEVANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
National Small Business Chamber (NSBC) Africa and TransUnion Africa today officially launched Access to Finance™, a national Small Medium Enterprise (SME) funding initiative created and powered by NSBC Africa to help South African SMEs better understand their funding requirements and connect qualifying businesses with participating funders aligned to their funding needs.
Mike Anderson, Founder & CEO of NSBC Africa launched Access to Finance™ at the opening of The Business Show: Africa 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, where thousands of entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, funders, leading brands and business decision makers are gathering for two days of business growth and opportunity.
Access to Finance™ forms part of NSBC Africa’s broader national business growth ecosystem and its longstanding mission to help entrepreneurs and SMEs access the opportunities, resources, funding and connections they need to build sustainable and successful businesses.
At its core, the initiative seeks to address one of the most persistent challenges facing South African entrepreneurs and growing businesses: accessing the right finance, at the right stage, from the right funding provider. For many SMEs, the funding landscape can be complex and difficult to navigate. Businesses may not know whether they are funding-ready, what type of finance best suits their needs or which funding providers are most relevant to their circumstances.
FUNDING. FAST. SIMPLE.
Through a structured digital journey, Access to Finance™ helps SMEs better understand their funding requirements and, where qualifying criteria are met, connects them with participating funders whose solutions are aligned to their business and funding needs. The goal is to create a simpler pathway to business finance, while supporting greater participation by qualified SMEs within the broader finance ecosystem.
Rather than simply providing businesses with a list of funders, Access to Finance™ is designed to improve alignment between SME funding needs and appropriate funding opportunities, helping entrepreneurs take a more informed and targeted approach to accessing finance.
TransUnion is the exclusive Credit Bureau Partner to Access to Finance™, working alongside NSBC Africa in support of the shared vision of strengthening SME participation within South Africa’s finance ecosystem.
CREATING GREATER VISIBILITY AND CONNECTIVITY
A central part of the Access to Finance™ vision is improving the connection between South African SMEs and the organisations that finance business growth. By helping businesses better understand their readiness for finance, before engaging participating funders, the initiative aims to create a more efficient journey for both SMEs and funding providers.
Speaking at the official opening of The Business Show: Africa and the launch of Access to Finance™, Lee Naik, CEO & Regional President of TransUnion Africa, addressed the importance of strengthening the environment in which South African SMEs can better understand their financial position, become more visible within the finance ecosystem and connect with appropriate opportunities for growth.
“Small businesses are one of South Africa’s most important engines of growth and job creation, yet too many still struggle to access the funding they need to start, sustain and scale their operations. At TransUnion Africa, we see data visibility and access to information as powerful enablers of financial inclusion and business growth. By helping businesses establish a stronger, more transparent financial profiles, we can support lenders in making more informed decisions and expand access to credit for viable enterprises,” says Naik.
A NEW ERA OF ACCESS TO FINANCE
According to Anderson, improving the connection between SMEs and appropriate finance has the potential to unlock significant business growth. “South Africa does not lack entrepreneurial ambition. What many businesses lack is a simpler, more effective way to navigate the funding landscape and connect with the right finance opportunities.
Access to Finance™ has been created to help change that. We want to make the journey smarter, simpler and more connected, helping funding-ready SMEs get closer to the finance they need to grow. When more viable businesses can access appropriate funding, they can invest, expand, create jobs and build stronger, more sustainable businesses. That is the bigger vision behind Access to Finance™.”
CREATED AND POWERED BY NSBC AFRICA
Access to Finance™ is created and powered by NSBC Africa, a non-profit organisation that has championed entrepreneurship and SME growth for more than 18 years. Through its national ecosystem of initiatives, platforms, partnerships and events, NSBC Africa works to connect entrepreneurs and small businesses with the opportunities, knowledge, solutions, funding and connections they need to build sustainable and successful businesses.
Adds Naik, “We are proud to partner with NSBC Africa on Access to Finance™ and see this as an important platform for connecting entrepreneurs with funding opportunities and help them realise their growth potential.”
The initiative represents an important next step in that mission, bringing together NSBC Africa’s SME ecosystem, technology, partnerships and funding relationships to create a smarter and more connected pathway between entrepreneurs seeking finance and participating funding providers.
The vision is clear: help more SMEs become finance-ready, connect with relevant funding opportunities and take the meaningful steps towards sustainable business growth.
Zambia’s Messy but Decisive Election: Government Shows Strength; Democracy Shows Weakness
How the re-elected government uses its new dominance will influence Zambian politics well beyond this election.
Along Nigeria’s ‘Spiritual Highway’, Prayer Camps Create a New Urban Future
The vast prayer camps challenge stereotypes of Nigerian cities as chaotic, dysfunctional, and driven by religious tension.
Competition Commission Requested to Investigate Closure of Premier Foods’ Tulbagh Plant
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) formally approached the Competition Commission to investigate Premier Foods’ intended closure of its fruit processing plant in Tulbagh. This step does not aim to undermine the mediation process already under way between Premier Foods and stakeholders such as workers and producers. It is, however, an additional step to ensure […]
The post Freedom Front Plus requests Competition Commission to investigate closure of Premier Foods’ Tulbagh plant appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.