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Startling Allegation That 75% of Funds Meant for Western Cape Crime Intelligence-Gathering Equipment Was “Reallocated”

Location: News

The country’s top police generals have made extraordinary allegations of impropriety against each other over the past six months since KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi called a press conference where he accused suspended-Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of an inappropriate relationship with a member of a crime cartel.

The post SUSPENDED INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF INTELLIGENCE MUST TELL HIS STORY TO MADLANGA COMMISSION: STARTLING ALLEGATION THAT 75% OF FUNDS MEANT FOR WESTERN CAPE CRIME INTELLIGENCE-GATHERING EQUIPMENT WAS “REALLOCATED” appeared first on For Good.

Read moreStartling Allegation That 75% of Funds Meant for Western Cape Crime Intelligence-Gathering Equipment Was “Reallocated”

South Africans Show Determined Optimism as They Adapt to Financial Pressures

Location: Business
  • 72% South Africans say they feel positive about their financial outlook for the next 12 months, showing resilience even as the cost of living remains high
  • Access to credit continues to shape financial confidence, with 91% viewing it as key to achieving their goals, though fewer than half (42%) believe they can access it easily
  • Online scams remain widespread, with 59% of consumers reporting recent fraud attempts, particularly phishing, vishing and gift card schemes

South African households are showing signs of meaningful financial adaptation amid ongoing cost pressures, according to TransUnion’s latest Q4 2025 Consumer Pulse Study. While inflation and affordability challenges persist, consumers are becoming more intentional in their financial management, tightening budgets, prioritising savings, and building greater digital and financial awareness.

“Consumers are entering 2026 with a renewed sense of financial discipline,” said Ayesha Hatea, director of research and consulting at TransUnion South Africa. “We’re seeing households make more deliberate choices, reducing non-essential spending, paying down debt and preparing for the future. This speaks to a financial confidence grounded in awareness and adaptability.”

Financial Adaptation in a High-Cost Environment

Nearly half (48%) of South Africans said their household finances were better than planned in Q4 2025, a sign of growing stability in an economy still defined by high living costs. Yet, 36% of consumers anticipate being unable to meet at least one bill or loan payment in full, revealing the continued strain on affordability.

In response, many households are taking deliberate steps to manage their finances. Half have reduced discretionary spending on non-essential activities such as dining out, entertainment, and travel, while more than a third (34%) have cancelled subscriptions or memberships. At the same time, 38% of consumers plan to increase their contributions toward retirement savings or investments, 35% are accelerating debt repayments, and 27% are setting aside more in emergency funds or stokvels.

These actions suggest that South Africans are not merely reacting to economic pressure but are intentionally strengthening their financial resilience. “Consumers are demonstrating a more strategic approach to money management,” said Hatea. “They’re preserving stability today while laying the groundwork for tomorrow.”

Younger Optimism Meets Experienced Caution

Generational insights reveal that financial resilience takes on different forms across age groups. Younger consumers, particularly Gen Z (18-28 years) and Millennials (29-44 years), tend to be the most optimistic about their financial future and are also the most likely to apply for new credit within the next year, with 42% and 39% expressing this intent, respectively.

In contrast, Gen X (45-60 years) and Baby Boomers (61+) demonstrate a more cautious approach, with only 33% and 9% likely to seek new credit, instead prioritising debt reduction and savings. Spending patterns further illustrate this divide: younger consumers plan to increase their spending on digital services such as internet and other discretionary activities like dining out or travel, while older generations indicate they will prioritise boosting retirement funds and strengthening emergency savings in the coming months.

Credit Access and Inclusion

Credit remains a vital tool for long-term financial mobility, with 91% of South Africans recognising its importance in achieving their financial goals. Yet, access to credit is uneven: only 42% feel they have adequate access, while 33% believe they do not. Despite this strong demand, just 36% plan to apply for new credit or refinance existing debt over the next year, with credit cards (30%), personal loans (28%), and car loans (20%) among the most popular products.

However, 44% of those who considered applying ultimately decided against it, citing barriers such as high borrowing costs (33%), fear of rejection due to their credit history (26%), and concerns over income or employment (24%).

“These findings highlight a need for more inclusive and transparent lending models,” said Hatea. “Consumers believe that a broader use of alternative data, such as rental or buy-now-pay-later payment histories can help extend fair access to credit while supporting responsible borrowing.”

Digital Fraud Threats Drive Demand for Simplified Protection Tools

Digital fraud continues to pose a significant threat to South Africans, with 59% targeted in Q4 and 12% falling victim. The most commonly reported schemes include money or gift card scams (32%), vishing (30%), phishing (29%), and smishing (27%). Despite these threats, 46% of consumers successfully detected and avoided fraud, reflecting growing vigilance. Among those affected by data breaches, 42% changed their passwords, 35% checked accounts for unauthorised activity, 30% closed compromised accounts, and only 16% signed up for identity monitoring.

In the past two months, reacting to security concerns, 58% changed passwords, 23% enabled multi-factor authentication, and 37% checked their credit reports. Yet, many remain unsure how to respond: 53% of those who took no action cited uncertainty about the steps to take, while 22% felt overwhelmed by cybersecurity information.

Empowered and Financially Aware Consumers

Financial awareness among South Africans continues to rise, with 93% recognising the importance of credit monitoring. Engagement with credit reports is also increasing, with 31% checking monthly, 16% weekly, and 8% daily.

Nearly half of consumers believe their credit score would improve if alternative data, such as rental payments or buy-now-pay-later histories, were considered, particularly among younger generations.

“This growing awareness of credit health is encouraging,” said Hatea. “Consumers are becoming more proactive and engaged, and that creates a powerful opportunity for businesses and lenders to support them with relevant, transparent financial tools.”

Building Financial Confidence for the Future

The Q4 findings paint a picture of a nation adapting with purpose, cautious but confident, pragmatic yet forward-looking. As South Africans continue to manage affordability pressures, the emphasis on long-term financial planning, inclusion, and protection is reshaping how consumers engage with the financial system.

“Resilience has become the defining characteristic of South African consumers,” said Hatea. “They’re not waiting for conditions to change, they’re taking control of their financial journeys, showing that confidence and caution can coexist.”

Consumers can get their free annual credit report from TransUnion here.

 

Notes to Editors: An online survey of 992 adults in South Africa was conducted between 25 September and 9 October 2025 by TransUnion with Dynata, using an online panel across desktop, mobile, and tablet. The survey, administered in English, included respondents aged 18 and older from all regions, with quotas applied to ensure demographic representation by age, gender, household income, race, and region. Generational groups were defined as follows: Gen Z (18–28), Millennials (29–44), Gen X (45–60), and Baby Boomers (61+).

Read moreSouth Africans Show Determined Optimism as They Adapt to Financial Pressures

Cheating: Independent Schools Could Benefit From Erosion of Confidence in Public Education

Location: News

The shocking revelation that Department of Education officials are implicated in leaking matric exam papers – and could even have initiated it – erodes confidence in the public education system. Interest in independent education is expected to increase next year and, in the years, to come. There are three examination authorities in South Africa: the […]

The post Cheating in matric exams: Independent schools could benefit from erosion of confidence in public education appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.

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South African Consumer Credit Market Adapts to Economic Pressures in Q1 2025

Location: Business
  • 36% of consumers planning to take out a new car loan or lease within the next year prefer hybrid vehicles, reflecting a growing inclination towards fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly transportation options
  • 79% of consumers expect their income will grow in the coming months
  • 82% of respondents are extremely or very concerned about inflation, with rising costs continuing to be a major stressor for consumers as they navigate household budgeting and financial planning

South African consumers continue to adapt to a fluctuating economic environment, with TransUnion’s Q1 2025 Consumer Pulse study[1] revealing key trends in household financial management, credit activity and vehicle financing. Amid ongoing financial pressures, a significant increase in intended hybrid vehicle financing highlights evolving consumer preferences.

“Despite the challenges posed by inflation and economic uncertainty, South Africans continue to show resilience in managing their finances,” said Ayesha Hatea, Director of Research and Consulting at TransUnion. “We are seeing notable shifts toward more purposeful financial planning, credit management and strategic spending. While economic pressures remain, consumers are finding ways to balance credit usage, savings, and debt repayments more effectively.”

Economic Concerns and Credit Usage Trends

The report highlights consumers’ ongoing financial concerns, with 42% of respondents stating that their household income is not keeping up with inflation, despite inflation being at the lower end of the Reserve Bank’s target range[2]. These ongoing concerns could be because 40% of consumers said their income stayed the same in the past three months, while 22% reported it decreased.

“With more than six in ten South Africans reporting no increase in their income, it’s clear to see why consumers are trying to find new ways to manage their financial commitments, including taking on more credit, and different types of credit, for key purchases,” said Hatea.

The survey data reveals that 37% of respondents plan to apply for new or refinance existing credit within the next year, with 52% of all those surveyed saying they’ve used Buy Now, Pay Later services in the past 12 months.

Amid ongoing concerns about a recession, consumers indicated that they are actively taking steps to prepare. Among those who said they think South Africa is currently in a recession or will be in one by the end of Q1, the most respondents (59%) said they’re preparing for a possible recession by reducing spending followed by 58% building up their savings and 35% prioritising paying down debt.

Debt Repayments and Savings Trends

The data also reveals shifting trends in debt repayments and savings. A worrying trend is that 38% of respondents in Q1 2025 said they’ll be unable to pay at least one of their current bills and loans in full, up from 35% in Q4 2024.

Among those who said they’ll be unable to pay, 34% reported they plan on paying partial amounts they can afford but not the whole balance, while 25% said they’ll dip into their savings to help pay their current bills and loans. A further 20% of consumers aim to borrow money from friends or family members to meet their payment commitments. Additionally, 35% of those surveyed are looking to take on temporary or gig work.

“Managing debt effectively while maintaining savings is a key challenge for many South Africans,” said Hatea. “Consumers who are struggling to meet their payment commitments should engage with their lenders to potentially renegotiate current payment terms. Lenders do not want consumers to default on their debts, and they are often willing to discuss available options with the intention of creating prudent, sustainable financial solutions.”

Hybrid Vehicle Financing Expected to Increase

Of particular interest in the Q1 2025 study is the finding that 36% of consumers planning a new vehicle loan or lease within the next year would consider hybrid vehicles, while 25% would consider an electric vehicle. In comparison, 32% preferred traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, making hybrid cars the top consideration for new vehicle loans or leases among those surveyed.

The latest TransUnion Vehicle Pricing Index (VPI) reflects this trend, with the anticipated introduction of more affordable EVs priced under R1 million expected to accelerate their adoption in 2025, thanks to broadening consumer options in the hybrid and EV market.

“This trend highlights how consumers are adapting to broader economic and environmental changes,” said Hatea. “Hybrid vehicles are becoming more accessible, and their appeal extends beyond cost savings to include long-term benefits such as reduced environmental impact and lower running costs. As this market continues to evolve, we anticipate sustained growth in consumer interest and adoption.”

Fraud Concerns

The study highlights that nearly one in three respondents (31%) check their credit reports monthly, with 54% of those who said they monitor their credit doing so to try and improve their credit score. This indicates an awareness of the importance of credit health management.

A smaller 34% of credit monitoring consumers said they check their credit reports to protect against fraudulent activity. More than half (51%) of all those surveyed reported being targeted by email, online, phone call or text messaging fraud in the last three months but not falling victim, emphasising the importance of heightened security awareness.

Among the most common fraud schemes reported by those who said they were targeted were money/ gift card scam (33%), smishing (33%), phishing (32%) and third-party seller scams on legitimate online retail websites (31%), emphasising the urgency for consumers to remain vigilant.

“With digital transactions and online banking becoming standard, financial institutions are urged to implement stronger fraud prevention measures, while consumers are encouraged to monitor their credit activity and adopt safer financial practices,” said Hatea.

Adapting to Improve Credit Health

In response to ongoing financial pressures, South African consumers are making strategic adjustments to their household budgets. In the past three months, 52% said they have cut back on discretionary spending such as dining out, travel and entertainment, with 43% of them reporting scaling back on large purchases like furniture, appliances and cars. This cautious approach highlights a continued emphasis on financial resilience and long-term stability.

“Our findings show that South Africans are taking a more proactive approach to managing their finances amid economic uncertainty,” said Hatea. “While financial pressures persist, consumers are prioritising essential spending, reducing discretionary expenses, and making thoughtful financial decisions to maintain stability. Providing them with the right tools, education and financial products will be crucial in supporting their financial well-being in the months ahead.”

The Reserve Bank’s decision to reduce the repo rate by 0.25% to 7.5% this January, with no change in March[3], aims to support economic growth and ease borrowing costs for consumers. This adjustment, coupled with improved inflation expectations, is expected to provide further relief to consumers and stimulate economic activity.

As economic conditions evolve, businesses, financial institutions, and policymakers will need to align with these shifting behaviours, offering solutions that promote financial inclusion, long-term stability, and economic growth.

Consumers can get their free annual credit report from TransUnion here.

[1] Q1 2025 South African Consumer Pulse Study was a survey of 950 South African adults from Feb. 10 to 24, 2025.

[2] Inflation Targeting Framework

[3]: repo rate by 0.25% in January to 7.5%: Current Market Rates 

Read moreSouth African Consumer Credit Market Adapts to Economic Pressures in Q1 2025

South Africans Are Becoming More Credit Savvy, But There’s Room to Grow

Location: Business

As financial awareness continues to grow across South Africa, new insights from TransUnion’s Q1 2025 Consumer Pulse Study reveal encouraging signs that more consumers are actively taking control of their credit health.

According to the Consumer Pulse Study, nearly one in three South Africans (31%) check their credit reports on a monthly basis, a significant step in the right direction. More than half (54%) of those who check their reports do so with the intention of improving their credit scores, showing a shift toward long-term financial empowerment.

“We’re seeing a rise not only in credit awareness, but in the importance of checking and understanding your credit report, which is an incredibly positive sign,” says Fatgie Adams, Head of Credit Risk Solutions at TransUnion Africa. “Knowing your credit report and credit score is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to take control of your financial future. It opens the door to better lending rates, protects against fraud, and supports better decision-making.”

A deeper understanding of how to read the data on your credit report is also essential. A credit report provides a snapshot of your credit activity and how lenders perceive your creditworthiness. It typically includes information like:

  • Credit accounts: Active credit lines, such as loans, credit cards, and retail accounts.
  • Payment history: A record of whether payments have been made on time or not.
  • Credit inquiries: Details of companies that have reviewed your credit in recent months, usually as a result of a credit application.
  • Credit utilisation: The ratio of the credit you’re using versus your total available credit, which impacts your score.
  • Outstanding debt: Current balances and any overdue amounts on existing credit lines.

By learning to read this data, consumers can spot potential errors, identify areas for improvement, and gain insights into how their credit management practices impact their scores. Understanding these elements not only helps improve your score but also boosts your financial confidence when applying for loans or credit.

While this progress is encouraging, the study also highlighted opportunities for deeper financial vigilance. Only 34% of consumers currently check their credit reports as a means of fraud prevention. Notably, although 50% of respondents reported being targeted by scams or fraud in the past three months, but did not fall victim, indicating a promising increase in consumer awareness and resilience

With 37% of South Africans planning to apply for new or refinanced credit in the next 12 months, understanding one’s credit standing and how to interpret the information on your credit report becomes even more crucial, particularly in today’s challenging economic climate.

“We encourage consumers to make credit report checks part of their regular financial routine,” adds Adams. “It takes just a few minutes and it’s one of the most effective tools for staying financially fit and fraud aware.”

Quick Tips for a Healthier Credit Score

  • Pay on time: Late payments can negatively impact your score. Consistent, timely payments are crucial!
  • Keep credit usage low: Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit to maintain a healthy score.
  • Check your report regularly: You’re entitled to one free TransUnion credit report each year. Regular checks help you stay informed.
  • Dispute any errors: Incorrect details can unfairly impact your score. TransUnion offers free dispute services to correct inaccuracies.
  • Limit new credit applications: Too many at once can lower your score. Be mindful of how often you apply for new credit/ loans.

To check your credit score for free and learn more, visit www.transunion.co.za.

Read moreSouth Africans Are Becoming More Credit Savvy, But There’s Room to Grow

More Than Two-Thirds of South Africans Said They Were Recently Targeted With Fraud

Location: Business
  • 68% of South Africans reported they were targeted by email, online, phone call or text messaging fraud from August to December 2024 but did not become a victim
  • Phishing, smishing and third-party seller scams on legitimate retail websites were the most frequently cited methods consumers said fraudsters used to trick them
  • In 2024, gaming (online betting, poker etc) had the highest suspected digital fraud attempt rate in South Africa

Sixty-eight percent of South Africans TransUnion surveyed from 21 November to 9 December 2024 indicated that they had been targeted by email, online, phone call or text messaging fraud in the last three months, with 13% saying that they had become victims. Among those who said they were targeted, the most common reported schemes were phishing, where fraudulent emails, websites, social posts or QR codes are meant to steal personal data (33%), smishing where fraudulent text messages try to trick the user into sharing data (31%), and third-party scams on legitimate online retail sites (28%).

In a separate question in that same survey, one third (33%) said that they had lost money to email, online, phone call or text messaging fraud in the last year. Nearly one third (32%) of those who said they lost money reported it happening via third-party seller scams on legitimate online retail sites. This was followed by 26% who lost money via money mule scams where users are solicited to transfer or move illegally acquired money on behalf of someone else, and 23% who lost money via stolen credit card or fraudulent charges.

These and other findings came from research used for building the newly released TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) H1 2025 Update to the State of Omnichannel Fraud Report, which shows how South African consumers continue to be targeted by fraudsters through a wide range of channels.

“With South Africa having the second greatest number of smartphone connections in Sub-Saharan Africa, with people using mobile phones to conduct their everyday business, connect with friends, or keep in touch with family, it’s easy to understand why digital fraud would be such a common tactic among fraudsters targeting this region,” said Amritha Reddy, senior director of fraud solutions at TransUnion Africa. "While cybercriminals will attack at any time using any channel, they appear to focus on channels most popular in the regions they are targeting.”

Nearly one third (31%) South African respondents indicated that they were not aware of being targeted by email, online, phone call or text messaging fraud at all, which raises questions as to whether these respondents were in fact targeted, yet simply unaware of the threat.

Based on the TransUnion study, South Africa had the greatest percentage of respondents among countries surveyed in Africa who said they fell victim to email, online, phone call or text messaging fraud in the second half of 2024. In contrast, Zambia had the lowest percentage of consumers who said they fell victim to fraud in the countries surveyed in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Table 1: Fraud Types Most Frequently Used to Target Consumers in Sub-Saharan Africa in the Last Three Months

Country Targeted and fell victim Targeted but didn’t fall victim Not targeted Most reported fraud scheme
South Africa 13% 55% 31% Phishing
Kenya 11% 71% 19% Smishing
Namibia 11% 52% 37% Vishing
Rwanda 10% 57% 33% Money mule
Zambia 9% 70% 21% Smishing

   Source: TransUnion Consumer Pulse Survey of 1,000 people in South Africans in December 2024

Communities and Video Gaming Among Top Industries Targeted by Suspected Digital Fraud

Globally, TransUnion determined that communities (online forums and dating sites) experienced the highest rate of suspected digital fraud[1] attempts in 2024. Nearly 12% of all attempted transactions within communities last year were suspected to be digital fraud. This was closely followed by video gaming (11%), with gaming (including online betting, poker, etc.) at 8% and retail (8%) rounding out the top four.

The logistics industry, which has seen growth in shipping fraud (often perpetrated by organised crime rings), saw the greatest suspected digital fraud volume growth globally in 2024, up more than 100% over 2023. That being said, the fraud rate remains at a relatively modest 3%. Gaming also saw a significant year-over-year (YoY) volume change, up 20%. Telecommunications (-79%), insurance (-29%) and video gaming (-23%) saw the greatest decreases in suspected digital fraud volume YoY.

“Digital fraud on community platforms is by no means a new phenomenon. In 2024, it appears that fraudsters targeted these areas with a renewed vigour,” said Reddy. “Cybercriminals take advantage of the trust inherent on community-based platforms, and target members with a wide range of scammer solicitations, the most reported type of digital fraud in communities.”

For attempted transactions where the consumer or fraudster was located in South Africa, gaming experienced the highest suspected digital fraud rate in 2024 at 6.3% with an 8.1% decrease in the volume of suspected digital fraud from 2023. The only South African industries in which suspected digital fraud increased YoY were insurance and communities.

“It is encouraging to see that attempts at digital fraud have decreased across all but two of the surveyed industries in South Africa,” Reddy says. “Organisations that draw on identity, device and behavioural insights to help them interact with legitimate consumers while mitigating fraud risk are more likely to protect themselves and their customers from the scourge of digital fraud.”

Table 2: Highest Digital Fraud Rates Across Leading Industries in South Africa

Industry

Suspected digital fraud attempt rate 2024

Change in volume of suspected digital fraud attempts from 2023 to 2024
Gaming

6.3%

-8.1%
Telecommunications

6.2%

-58.5%
Financial services

6.1%

-29.6%
Video gaming

6.0%

-67.2%
Insurance

5.6%

166.5%
Communities

5.0%

4.0%
Retail

2.9%

-8.9%
Travel & leisure

0.5%

-87.0%

Source: TransUnion TruValidate™

Fraud Comes with a Heavy Cost to Consumers

Consumers faced significant losses due to fraud. Among consumers TransUnion surveyed in 18 countries and regions in November and December 2024, 29% said they lost money due to email, online, phone call or text messaging fraud in the last year. The survey determined that the median amount those consumers said they lost due to fraud in the past year was R32,447. For those who said they lost money due to fraud in South Africa, the median stated amount lost was R12,518[2].

TransUnion came to its conclusions about digital fraud based on intelligence from TransUnion TruValidate.

Specific country and regional data in the report includes South Africa, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Kenya, Mexico, Namibia, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States and Zambia. Download the TransUnion H1 2025 Update to the State of Omnichannel Fraud Report for more information and insights about the global fraud trends.
 

[1] The rate or percentage of suspected digital fraud attempts reflects those which TransUnion customers determined met one of the following conditions: 1) denial in real time due to fraudulent indicators, 2) denial in real time for corporate policy violations, 3) fraudulent upon customer investigation, or 4) a corporate policy violation upon customer investigation — compared to all transactions assessed. The country and regional analyses examined transactions in which the consumer or suspected fraudster was located in a select country or region when conducting a transaction. Global statistics represents every country worldwide and not just the select countries and regions.

[2] Based on the exchange rate on 6 Jan. 2025

Read moreMore Than Two-Thirds of South Africans Said They Were Recently Targeted With Fraud

Action Demanded Following Govan Mbeki Municipality Forensic Report

Location: News

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) demands that action be taken in response to the forensic report on the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality (Secunda, Bethal, Evander, Embalenhle, Kinross, Leandra, Trichardt, Charl Cilliers) that was tabled at the latest council meeting. The investigation by Peyper Forensics revealed widespread and wilful corruption, with more than 16 000 […]

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