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The Cost of Racial Targets Becomes Clear When a Mere 13 000 Vaccines for 15 Million Cattle Gets Government Jumping for Joy

Location: News

(Dr Wynand Boshoff, Freedom Front Plus MP and chief spokesperson on agriculture, provides an overview of factors that contributed to the development of the current foot-and-mouth disease crisis) If anything underscores the inadequacy of government’s response to the foot-and-mouth disease crisis, it is last week’s proud announcement that the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) was able […]

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Read moreThe Cost of Racial Targets Becomes Clear When a Mere 13 000 Vaccines for 15 Million Cattle Gets Government Jumping for Joy

How South Africa’s Fintech Industry Is Driving Financial Wellness Through Responsible BNPL Innovation

Location: Business
  • Rising costs are pushing South Africans to seek smarter ways to manage money. BNPL offers flexible, low-risk relief for monthly budgets.
  • Responsible BNPL isn’t just a payment method; it’s a financial wellness tool.
  • When used responsibly, access to interest-free instalments and transparency help consumers avoid high interest or unaffordable debt and build better habits.

As economic pressure mounts and the cost of living continues to rise, South Africans are seeking new ways to balance their monthly budgets without falling deeper into debt. Within this landscape, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) models are rapidly reshaping how consumers approach spending, offering flexibility and access while encouraging responsible money management.

Industry leaders agree that when used correctly, BNPL can be more than a payment tool; it can be a gateway to financial wellness, empowering consumers to make informed, controlled spending decisions that support long-term stability.

“Financial wellness goes beyond survival,” says Mladen Čolić, Head of Fintech at TransUnion South Africa. “It’s about giving consumers visibility into their financial behaviour and the tools to make better decisions. Responsible BNPL use can play a meaningful role in that journey, helping people manage their cash flow, avoid high cost or unmanageable debt, and build a foundation for long-term financial stability.”

From Financial Stability to Financial Wellness

The most recent TransUnion Q4 2025 Consumer Pulse Study shows that while South African households remain under financial pressure, signs of financial adaptation are emerging. In Q4, 48% of consumers reported that their household finances were better than planned, yet 36% anticipated missing at least one bill or loan repayment, highlighting the continued strain many households face. In response, 51% of consumers reported cutting discretionary spending, while others adjusted budgets and prioritised longer-term financial stability. Within this cautious environment, more consumers are turning to flexible digital credit options like BNPL which, when used responsibly, can offer a manageable form of short-term borrowing to help navigate ongoing affordability pressures.

According to data from Payflex, the South African BNPL market Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) is greater than 80% since 2022, with usage particularly strong in fashion, beauty, and consumer electronics categories. E-commerce platforms continue to drive adoption, and BNPL transactions will account for an estimated R25 billion in annual retail spend by 2026, highlighting its growing role in the formal retail economy.

This shift reflects an evolution in how consumers think about money. Financial stability is about meeting immediate needs, keeping bills paid and food on the table while financial wellness goes further, focusing on sustainable, informed financial behaviours that build confidence and resilience over time.

How BNPL Supports Smarter Spending

BNPL allows consumers to purchase goods or services and repay them over a short, fixed instalment period, typically three or four payments at zero interest when paid on time, offering a structured alternative to other forms of short-term credit. For some consumers, avoiding revolving debt allows them to plan purchases more effectively and smooth out cash flow without the burden of high-interest credit.

“BNPL isn’t about fuelling more debt,” says Tracey-Lee Zürcher-Campbell, Chief Marketing Officer at Payflex. “It’s about giving consumers flexibility and predictability, helping them manage their cash flow responsibly while avoiding the pitfalls of high-interest credit. When used correctly, BNPL can support everyday financial stability and contribute to broader financial wellness.”

She adds that this level of transparency is key to consumer trust: “South Africans are increasingly discerning about the financial tools they use. They want products that help them live better within their means, not overextend them. BNPL works when it’s built around clarity, discipline, and accountability.”

Data, Discipline, and Wealth Creation

Responsible BNPL models, supported by data analytics, affordability checks, and consumer education are essential to keeping the category sustainable. For many, these tools also offer a path toward financial inclusion.

Encouraging on-time repayments and transparent data sharing enables BNPL providers to help consumers build a positive payment history, strengthening their financial reputation over time. “When BNPL data is shared responsibly, every on-time payment becomes a useful indicator of positive financial behaviour,” says Čolić. “These data points help build a more complete view of a consumer’s financial profile, supporting greater access and accountability over time.”

As South Africa looks to expanding regulation to support BNPL, the financial sector is showing growing alignment around the principles of transparency, affordability, and responsible innovation. From credit bureaus and FinTechs to retailers and regulators, the shared goal is to ensure that digital credit tools enhance rather than undermine consumer wellbeing.

“The FinTech industry has a collective responsibility to innovate with purpose,” says Zürcher-Campbell. “That means designing products that empower South Africans to make better financial decisions, not just more transactions. When people understand and control their financial choices, they can move from survival to real wellness.”

Read moreHow South Africa’s Fintech Industry Is Driving Financial Wellness Through Responsible BNPL Innovation

Hat-Trick of Honours: TransUnion Commitment to a People-First Culture in Africa Shines

Location: Business

TransUnion’s South Africa, Kenya and Global Capability Centre Africa (GCC Africa) have again been certified as Top Employers in Africa by the Top Employers Institute (TEI). This recognition reaffirms the global information and insights company’s commitment to a people-first culture, continuous growth and a high-performance workplace. It also marks the sixth consecutive year of recognition for South Africa and the fourth for Kenya and the GCC Africa — clear evidence of sustained investment in people, leadership and culture.

“Being recognised for the sixth year in South Africa is a strong endorsement of our consistent people practices,” said Lee Naik, CEO of TransUnion Africa. “We remain focused on building a culture grounded in trust, inclusion and leadership development because business success starts with empowered people.”

The TEI certification follows a rigorous HR Best Practices Survey across six domains and 20 topics, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Wellbeing. TransUnion’s recognition reflects a people strategy deeply aligned with its business objectives and purpose. Employees play an active role in shaping strategies through structured engagement, continuous listening and feedback loops that build trust and alignment across the organisation.

Agile workforce planning helps anticipate future skills needs, ensuring employees are supported to build capabilities that allow them to thrive in a fast-changing environment. Flexibility and trust remain central to the work experience. Employees are empowered to manage how and where they work, guided by clear hybrid policies and supported by collaborative spaces that encourage connection and innovation.

Wellbeing is embedded in everyday work design. Initiatives include wellness days, protected time to disconnect and wellness weeks focused on holistic health. Regular assessments ensure these programmes remain relevant and responsive. Psychological safety is also a priority, in an environment where employees feel free to speak up, share ideas and collaborate openly, fueling innovation and belonging.

Leadership development is a cornerstone of TransUnion’s approach in which a clear strategy and competency framework guide growth, supported by measurable outcomes and feedback. Career development is actively promoted through internal mobility, mentoring and sponsored learning opportunities. In 2025, more than one in ten employees advanced through internal promotions, underscoring the company’s commitment to building long-term careers. Within the GCC Africa, investment in learnerships and early-career programmes continue to nurture future leaders and expand access to employment opportunities, strengthening talent sustainability.

“Our people are central to how we deliver impact at scale,” said Shobana Maikoo, Head of GCC Africa. “This recognition reflects our focus on growing skills, developing leaders and creating an environment where individuals feel supported and connected.”

Continued certification across South Africa, Kenya and GCC Africa highlights a consistent, integrated approach to people strategy and workplace culture across regions. In 2026, the Top Employers Institute certified more than 2,400 organisations in 125 countries, positively impacting over 13 million employees worldwide. TransUnion’s inclusion among this group underscores its commitment to excellence in people practices across Africa.

Read moreHat-Trick of Honours: TransUnion Commitment to a People-First Culture in Africa Shines

Johannesburg Sabotages Solar Users

Location: News

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) strongly condemns the Johannesburg Metro’s intention to force residents with prepaid meters who have invested in solar power to switch back to conventional meter readings and billing systems. Should the ANC-led Metro administration proceed with this plan, it may be time to approach the courts. This amounts to consumer […]

The post Johannesburg’s sabotage of solar users strongly condemned appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.

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TransUnion Continues to Lead with Innovative People Practices in Africa

Location: Business

Global information and insights company TransUnion (NYSE:TRU) has once again been recognised as a Top Employer in Africa by the Top Employers Institute (TEI). This marks the fifth consecutive year that TransUnion South Africa has received this prestigious certification, with TransUnion Kenya and the TransUnion Global Capability Centre (GCC) Africa being honoured for the third consecutive year.

"Leading TransUnion Africa across eight countries has taught us that true transformation happens when we invest in people first. Our commitment to solving problems that matter has delivered tangible positive impact. This year we launched a groundbreaking middle manager development programme with Duke Corporate Education for high-performing associates, we advanced financial inclusion initiatives reaching millions across Africa and achieved 55% women representation across our employee base. Additionally, we've strengthened mental health support systems for our teams. The impact on our culture, innovation, relevance, and results is tightly correlated with our investment in making our business a great work environment for our employees and prospective recruits," said Lee Naik, CEO of TransUnion Africa.

Championing Diversity and Inclusion

“TransUnion GCC Africa, a fully virtual employer, has grown to almost 1,000 employees in just under four years. The TEI certification acknowledges our commitment to excellence in every aspect of our operations. We have built a highly skilled and motivated team by continuing to invest significantly in our people through initiatives such as sponsored education and learnerships. To date, we’ve spent R12+ million on sponsored education and external training, and had 278 learners go through our learnership programme — 55% were female, 68% have either been absorbed into full time employment or are currently finishing the programme. This creates career growth opportunities while supporting our mission to deliver premium experiences for TransUnion’s clients and consumers in 30+ countries," said Shobana Maikoo, Head of the GCC Africa.

Benchmarking Excellence in HR Practices

The Top Employers Institute programme certifies organisations based on the participation and results of their HR Best Practices Survey. This survey covers six HR domains consisting of 20 topics including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Wellbeing and more. TransUnion's consistent recognition by TEI reflects its commitment to excellence and continuous improvement in HR practices.

The programme has certified and recognised only 2,400 Top Employers in 125 countries/regions across five continents.

Read moreTransUnion Continues to Lead with Innovative People Practices in Africa

TransUnion Africa Appoints Lindani Dube to Spearhead HR Leadership

Location: Business

Global information and insights company TransUnion Africa is pleased to announce the appointment of Lindani Dube as Chief Human Resources Officer and Vice President of TransUnion Africa, leading TransUnion’s operations across Africa, effective 6 January 2025.

Dube brings over 20 years of experience driving growth, HR effectiveness, and cultural transformation for multinational organisations across Sub-Sahara Africa, East and West Africa, and Europe. Her strategic leadership, combined with her passion for people development, positions her as a dynamic force in spearheading innovation and growth at TransUnion in Africa.

In her new role, Dube will oversee all HR functions across TransUnion’s Africa-based markets and centres, including GCC Africa, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s vision and business goals.

In her distinguished career, Dube has held executive HR roles at LafargeHolcim, MultiChoice, General Electric, Worley Parsons, and Howden Africa Holdings. She has led essential cultural transformation initiatives, significantly improved organisational performance, and championed diversity, equity, and inclusion programmes. Notably, her strategic acumen has delivered measurable results, including optimising workforce structures, negotiating impactful agreements, and driving business efficiencies.

Lee Naik, CEO of TransUnion Africa, commented: “Lindani is an extraordinary leader with a proven track record of aligning HR strategies to business outcomes. Her innovative approach to unlocking talent and driving cultural transformation will undoubtedly elevate TransUnion’s mission of delivering ‘Information for Good.’ We look forward to the energy and expertise she will bring to our teams across Africa.”

Dube is equally enthusiastic about her new role, saying: “I am excited to join an organisation that prioritises growth, innovation, and people development. I look forward to contributing to TransUnion’s vision by driving impactful HR strategies that build a culture of excellence, inclusion, and empowerment.”

Dube holds a Master’s in Business Leadership (Strategic HR Management) from UNISA School of Business Leadership and a postgraduate business management diploma. She is an accredited coach and an active member of professional bodies, including the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA).

Read moreTransUnion Africa Appoints Lindani Dube to Spearhead HR Leadership

New Telco-Powered Credit Score Set to Transform Access to Finance for Millions of South Africans

Location: Business
  • TransUnion Africa, MTN and its digital platform business, Chenosis, are collaborating to harness mobile network data, setting a new standard for financial inclusion and responsible lending
  • A new alternative scoring solution, powered by Call Data Records (CDR), will help millions of financially excluded South Africans gain access to credit
  • By incorporating non-traditional data based on consumer consent, lenders can make more accurate and fair credit decisions, reducing risk while increasing approval rates

TransUnion Africa, in partnership with MTN and Chenosis, has launched CreditVision® Telco Data Score, a first-of-its-kind credit scoring solution that uses mobile phone call data records to help millions of South Africans with limited or no formal credit history gain access to financial services.

This alternative data scoring model leverages Call Data Records (CDR), which reflect patterns in mobile phone network usage behaviour and correlates it to an individual’s financial behaviour. By using telco data as a proxy for financial reliability, the CreditVision Telco Data Score enables lenders to accurately assess New-to-Credit (NTC) consumers and expand access to safe, affordable credit.

Helping the Financially Excluded

According to TransUnion estimates, over 1.4 million credit-invisible South Africans open new credit accounts each year, contributing to more than four million new accounts over the past three years. Yet traditional scoring models often fail to assess this segment accurately, leaving more than 16 million adults outside the formal credit system.

Approximately 35% of New-to-Credit consumers are under the age of 25, many of whom are new to the workforce and often use credit to buy clothing for work, highlighting the need for innovative tools that support younger, digitally active individuals who may lack a conventional credit footprint. Successfully integrating these and other excluded consumers into the economy could add approximately R173 billion1 to South Africa's GDP.

“With over 500 million2 people across the continent excluded from formal financial systems, the scale of the challenge is undeniable. Traditional data models fail to reflect the realities of African consumers, leaving millions without access to credit and the opportunities it enables. Financial inclusion isn’t just part of our mission, it’s our mandate,” said Lee Naik, CEO of TransUnion Africa. “That’s why we believe the only way forward is to think differently, to lead with bold, African-born solutions. Innovations like CreditVision Telco Data Score, designed for Africa, by Africa, are helping us responsibly harness mobile data at scale. In doing so, we’re not only expanding access to credit, but we’re also unlocking economic potential, accelerating inclusive growth, and reshaping the future of finance across the continent.”

Creating Opportunity with Consent and Compliance

The use of CDR data is subject to explicit consumer consent and is managed in compliance with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). MTN is responsible for consent management and will ensure that Chenosis, MTN’s API marketplace, facilitates the connection between MTN’s data ecosystem and partners like TransUnion in a secure and scalable manner.

“This partnership demonstrates how mobile technology and secure data sharing can support positive change in the financial sector and unlock new opportunities for millions of South Africans,” said Selorm Adadevoh, Group Chief Commercial Officer, MTN Group. “We are committed to ensuring that data is used responsibly, with the customer’s interests at the forefront. This is a model of what responsible innovation can look like.”

Empowering Lenders and Growing the Economy

For lenders, the CreditVision Telco Data Score has demonstrated a 25–35% improvement in predictive performance over previous alternative data models, based on recent pre-launch validations across the retail and banking sectors.

By adopting CreditVision Telco Data Score, lenders can better predict user behaviour and support responsible lending by ensuring that credit users at risk of default are not overexposed and can be effectively supported throughout their credit journey.

Importantly, the product also helps New-to-Credit consumers establish and build their credit footprint over time. According to TransUnion data, low-risk individuals significantly increase their credit exposure within 18 months of becoming credit active, underscoring the long-term benefits of responsible financial inclusion strategies.

“With Chenosis, we enable collaboration between mobile operators and solution providers while maintaining high security and compliance standards,” said Waseem Amra, Head of Products and Platforms, Chenosis. “This partnership highlights how secure data access can support innovation in financial services that can transform lives.”

This partnership between TransUnion Africa, MTN, and Chenosis reflects the growing trend of using diverse data sources to create more accurate and inclusive financial access. Integrating mobile network insights into credit scoring provides a practical and scalable way to reach more individuals, while maintaining high standards of privacy and compliance.

“With this inclusive innovation, TransUnion has taken the lead in creating an impactful solution to one of the continent’s most pressing challenges – finding responsible pathways to greater financial inclusion that will unlock opportunities for individual and national growth. By turning mobile data into meaningful opportunity, we have set the standard in making transformation possible by showing how technology can be used in groundbreaking alternative ways. Together with MTN and Chenosis, we are building a future where every South African, regardless of their financial history, has the chance to be seen, to be trusted, and to thrive,” Naik concluded. “When financial institutions can measure risk more effectively, they can lend more confidently, and more consumers can access opportunity, and that’s a win for everyone.”

1. Based on TransUnion’s modelling and interpretation of economic market dynamics. 2. Source: The Global Findex Database 2021

Read moreNew Telco-Powered Credit Score Set to Transform Access to Finance for Millions of South Africans

Foot-And-Mouth Disease Out of Control

Location: News

While the economy is slowing down and South Africans look forward to spending the festive season with family, livestock farmers face a bleak festive season as foot-and-mouth disease causes massive financial losses. The Department of Agriculture is dragging its feet with enforcing legislation while more and more farmers are struggling to keep their heads above […]

The post Foot-and-mouth disease out of control: Dark times ahead for livestock farmers appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.

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TransUnion Announces Minority Investment and Strategic Partnership with Omnisient to Accelerate Alternative Data Adoption

Location: Business

TransUnion today announced a minority investment and broader strategic partnership with Omnisient, a South Africa-founded FinTech operating internationally that offers a privacy-preserving data collaboration and advanced analytics platform. The Omnisient platform empowers businesses to safely access high-value consumer data ecosystems and rapidly integrate alternative data sets to drive intelligent decision-making. As part of the investment, a TransUnion representative will join Omnisient’s board of directors.

“The Omnisient platform allows multiple clients to use built-in advanced analytical tools to simultaneously evaluate the utility of diverse data sets, identifying those that deliver measurable value. Through this collaboration, TransUnion expects to gain access to a broader range of alternative data sources and privacy preservation capabilities. By accelerating the integration of high-impact data into our ecosystem, we intend to enhance existing solutions and develop new, market-relevant products that better meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Lee Naik, Regional President/ CEO of TransUnion Africa. 

“Traditional data models often fail to reflect the lived realities of African consumers, leaving millions without access to credit and the opportunities it enables,” said Naik. “Financial inclusion is central to unlocking economic growth across the continent. That’s why we’re committed to leading with bold, African-born solutions designed to see the unseen and serve the credit invisible by integrating alternative data sets alongside traditional credit data in ways that reflect uniquely African contexts and realities. By incorporating non-traditional indicators of financial behaviour, this approach broadens access to credit and helps us reach more underserved communities. We believe accelerating the adoption of alternative data is critical to closing the credit gap at scale, enabling faster, fairer and more inclusive access to financial services for millions across the continent."

“Our privacy-preserving data collaboration platform brings financial services and consumer brands together, allowing them to discover, validate and commercialise new alternative sources of consumer behavioural and transactional data without having to exchange sensitive personal information,” said Jon Jacobson, co-founder and group CEO of Omnisient. “This data allows financial institutions to make better risk decisions with more confidence and security, unlocking the potential to grow financial inclusion for hundreds of millions of people around the world.”

This collaboration marks a natural progression in TransUnion’s strategy to expand financial inclusion across Africa. By leveraging privacy-enabled alternative data sets through Omnisient’s platform, TransUnion intends to strengthen its ability to help address the challenge of bringing an estimated 500 million* financially excluded Africans into the formal financial ecosystem. By responsibly harnessing alternative data at scale, TransUnion sees the opportunity to bring millions of new-to-credit and credit-underserved consumers across Africa into the financial mainstream. This enables individuals to begin building a credit profile, many for the first time, laying the foundation for long-term economic empowerment. It’s a powerful demonstration of TransUnion’s commitment to using Information for Good® to drive measurable impact at scale: expanding access to credit, unlocking economic potential and reshaping the future of finance across Africa.

Global demand is rising for alternative data solutions that protect privacy, build trust and unlock value. Omnisient’s platform meets this need with technology that enables secure, privacy-preserving data collaboration. Instead of transferring raw data, Omnisient uses tokenised keys to represent personal information in the data set, ensuring privacy is maintained throughout the process. As a leading provider in Africa of secure, many-to-many data connectivity between banks, financial institutions and third-party sources, Omnisient is driving innovation in data collaboration.

*Source: The Global Findex Database 2021

Read moreTransUnion Announces Minority Investment and Strategic Partnership with Omnisient to Accelerate Alternative Data Adoption

Gauteng’s Future Hangs in the Balance

Location: News

(Debate in the Gauteng Legislature on the Department of Agriculture’s annual report) Gauteng’s future could be bleak if the province does not take urgent and decisive action to address the growing agricultural and environmental crisis. The latest annual reports of the Departments of Environmental Affairs and Agriculture and Rural Development confirm the scale of the […]

The post Gauteng’s future hangs in the balance: Agriculture and environmental crisis warrants immediate intervention appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.

Read moreGauteng’s Future Hangs in the Balance

TransUnion Unlocks Smarter, Faster Financial Services for SMMEs and FinTechs With API Marketplace

Location: Business
  • TransUnion’s new API Marketplace gives SMMEs and FinTechs instant, self-service access to credit, identity, and fraud prevention tools
  • The platform simplifies integration, accelerates decision-making, and supports inclusive, data-driven financial services
  • Designed for agility and scale, it empowers smaller businesses to compete and innovate in South Africa’s growing digital economy
  • Improved access to accurate data enables businesses to better serve underserved communities, advancing equitable access to financial services

Global information and insights company TransUnion Africa has launched its API Marketplace, a streamlined digital platform designed to give small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) as well as FinTechs direct, self-service access to a wide range of credit, identity and fraud prevention solutions. The platform aims to simplify integration, strengthen risk assessment, and support the delivery of faster, more personalised financial services across the country. The API Marketplace helps reduce technical complexities, enabling companies to quickly incorporate credit checks, identity verification, and fraud detection into their operations for faster, more accurate decision-making.

Simplifying Access to Trusted Data Solutions

For many SMMEs and FinTechs, limited access to reliable credit data, time-consuming verification processes, and the burden of manual fraud checks can slow growth and undermine customer trust. The TransUnion API Marketplace addresses these pain points by allowing businesses to discover and embed TransUnion’s trusted data solutions directly into their systems, without lengthy onboarding processes or complex development cycles.

“With the launch of the TransUnion API Marketplace in South Africa, we’re empowering SMMEs and FinTechs with the tools they need to thrive in the digital economy,” says Dee Chetty, Chief Product Officer at TransUnion Africa. “It’s about lowering barriers to entry for businesses aiming to innovate quickly, deliver inclusive financial services, and make smarter decisions, while upholding the highest standards of data integrity and security.”

The platform offers real-time access to insights that support key business functions, from identity verification during customer onboarding to fraud flagging and credit risk assessment throughout the customer lifecycle. This is particularly powerful for SMMEs and FinTechs, which often operate with lean teams and need to maximise efficiency without compromising on due diligence.

Supporting Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth

According to the latest Mastercard SME Confidence Index, 90% of South African SMMEs have adopted digital payments in recent years, demonstrating the sector’s appetite for modernisation. However, many still lack access to the kind of scalable, reliable infrastructure that larger organisations take for granted. The API Marketplace bridges that gap, enabling smaller firms to leverage TransUnion’s capabilities in a cost-effective and agile way.

Crucially, the offering also supports national priorities around financial inclusion. Improving the flow of accurate credit and identity data enables businesses to offer more tailored products to underserved consumers, particularly in emerging markets and low-income communities. This helps create a more transparent and equitable financial ecosystem, where access to funding and services is based on real, data-driven insights.

“The API Marketplace is not just a product, it’s an enabler of impact,” adds Chetty. “We know that the future of inclusive finance in South Africa depends on access: to data, to tools, and to trust. This platform delivers on all three, helping more businesses deliver safe, responsible, and responsive financial products.”

Developer-Friendly Design for Rapid Deployment

Digitising integration through the API Marketplace enhances operational efficiency and significantly shortens development timelines. The platform includes a wide range of features designed for accessibility and ease of use. It offers a searchable API catalogue, developer-friendly documentation, and robust security protocols, all designed to reduce friction and accelerate deployment. A structured onboarding process is already in place, with plans to introduce full self-service and digital onboarding in the next phase of development.

Looking ahead, TransUnion sees the API Marketplace as a critical lever for economic resilience and innovation, particularly as the South African FinTech sector continues its rapid growth. The local FinTech market is projected to reach USD 14.86 billion by 2033, with APIs playing a foundational role in scaling new financial solutions.

Visit TransUnion’s API Marketplace for more information.

Read moreTransUnion Unlocks Smarter, Faster Financial Services for SMMEs and FinTechs With API Marketplace

Be the Reason: A Movement in Partnership with TransUnion and the International Finance Corporation to Unlock Financial Opportunity for All

Location: Business

TransUnion, a global information and insights company, has launched a bold new campaign, ‘Be the Reason Things Change’, aimed at making financial inclusion a reality for more South Africans. This powerful initiative calls on individuals, communities, businesses, and institutions to join a movement for change, one that ensures every person is seen, supported, and given the tools to participate in the formal financial system.

In a country known for both its beauty and inequality, where access to formal credit remains out of reach for many, ‘Be the Reason Things Change’ seeks to break down the barriers that keep people excluded, by focusing on consumer education, innovation, and community engagement. The campaign is designed to help South Africans take control of their financial futures, regardless of who they are or where they come from, whilst also advocating for businesses to embrace alternative data and innovative scoring solutions to see and serve the unseen. By doing so, they too can empower the disempowered, expanding access and inclusion, and enabling more people to participate meaningfully in the financial ecosystem and live the lives they deserve.

“At TransUnion, we believe in a world where the impossible becomes possible, where the unseen are finally seen, and where every South African deserves the opportunity to participate fully in the economy,” says Lee Naik, CEO TransUnion Africa.

’Be the Reason Things Change’ is more than a campaign slogan; it’s a call to action to take part in building a more inclusive financial system. Through innovative data solutions and consumer education, we aim to spark a national conversation about breaking down barriers in the credit landscape and ensuring financial empowerment is accessible to all. Ultimately, we want more South Africans to be included in the formal financial economy, empowering them to understand how access to credit can transform their lives and enable them to uplift their communities,” says Naik.

Addressing South Africa’s Financial Inclusion Challenge

Many South Africans continue to face obstacles in accessing formal credit and quality financial services. Traditional systems often feel exclusive or out of reach, especially for underserved individuals and small businesses, because they rely heavily on past borrowing behaviour as the primary measure of creditworthiness. According to TransUnion’s CreditVision® Telco Data Score data-modelling, over 1.4 million credit-invisible South Africans open new credit accounts each year, contributing to more than four million new accounts over the past three years*. Yet traditional scoring models frequently fail to assess these consumers accurately, leaving over 16 million adults outside the formal credit system. Successfully integrating these and other excluded consumers into the economy could contribute an estimated R173 billion to South Africa’s GDP.

A significant portion, approximately 35% of new-to-credit consumers are under the age of 25, many entering the workforce for the first time and using credit to cover essentials such as work clothing. This highlights the urgent need for innovative, inclusive tools that better reflect the realities of younger, digitally active individuals who may lack a conventional credit footprint.

TransUnion is shifting the paradigm by embracing alternative data, creating new scoring capabilities, and ensuring that individuals who were once unclassifiable can now be assessed fairly and accurately. Its “Be the Reason Things Change” campaign responds to this need by equipping the public with practical tools, credit education, and the confidence to take charge of their financial futures.

Collaborative Effort with Global Partners

The campaign is supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, has played a key role as a technical advisor and promotor of credit information tools in South Africa, reinforcing the global imperative to expand equitable access to financial services.

“We are proud to support TransUnion’s ‘Be the Reason Things Change’ campaign, which aligns closely with our mission to advance inclusive economic development,” says Cláudia Conceição, IFC Regional Director for Southern Africa. “By removing barriers to credit access, this initiative empowers individuals and communities to build financial resilience and unlock economic opportunity, key pillars of long-term social impact.”

This collaboration highlights the value of cross-sector partnerships in tackling systemic financial exclusion, combining local insights with global best practices to deliver scalable solutions.

Empowering Through Education, Innovation, Investment and Africa Firsts

‘Be the Reason Things Change’ will see TransUnion roll out a fully integrated marketing campaign designed to demystify the credit system and empower people from all walks of life. Key pillars of the campaign include:

  • A first-ever interactive peelable billboard in Africa, installed at Melrose Arch, located by the entrance off Corlett Drive in Johannesburg. 
  • A first-ever digital billboard aimed at reaching audiences beyond the Johannesburg area.
  • Transformational stories from campaign ambassadors include Springbok rugby stars Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am, as well as fashion entrepreneur Tshepo Mohlala
  • Springbok, Lukhanyo Am and fashion entrepreneur, Tshepo Mohlala will be launching the campaign at Melrose Arch on 21 August 2025 where they will peel the first layers of the billboard and share their own personal journeys.
  • Over R10m valued in sponsorship and investment in e-learning credit courses for over 5,000 South Africans.
  • Practical education: Simple, clear resources to help people understand credit scores, manage debt, and make informed financial choices.
  • A unique AI-powered digital film piece.
  • Innovative Solutions: New offerings to help enable lenders to see consumers previously unseen, empowering consumers to access new credit opportunities

‘Be the Reason Things Change’ is about rewriting the story around credit and creditworthiness,” says Naik. “We want every South African to understand how credit works, what their score means, and how they can maintain and improve it. More importantly, we want them to believe they can be the reason things change.”

Campaign Execution Partners

The campaign was brought to life through a dynamic collaboration with creative agency 1 Over One, who led the conceptual development; local production partner Run Jump Fly, who delivered a unique AI-powered digital film piece, FleishmanHillard South Africa and Capacity Relations who provided strategic PR, media and activation support to amplify the message and ensure meaningful engagement across key audiences.

Join the Movement

TransUnion invites all South Africans to join the movement for financial inclusion. To learn more, participate in the campaign, and access educational resources, visit www.transunion.co.za/bethereason.

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

* The three-year period refers to an analysis of the TransUnion Credit Bureau database over the period for January 2022 – December 2025.

Read moreBe the Reason: A Movement in Partnership with TransUnion and the International Finance Corporation to Unlock Financial Opportunity for All

South Africa’s Automotive Market Accelerates to 11-Year High as Value Brands and Younger Buyers Drive Momentum

Location: Business
  • 111 697 new passenger vehicles sold in Q3 – up 23.4% year-on-year, the highest quarterly total since 2014
  • Chinese brands captured a record 15%+ market share, growing almost nine times faster than the market average
  • Passenger-vehicle exports rebounded 4.1% year-on-year, powered by a 63.7% September surge to a six-year high

South Africa’s automotive market shifted into top gear in the third quarter of 2025, posting its strongest sales performance in more than a decade as greater macro-economic stability, easing interest rates and a firmer rand supported renewed consumer demand. According to TransUnion’s Q3 2025 Mobility Insights Report, total new-passenger-vehicle sales reached 111 697 units, 23.4% higher year-on-year (YoY), while new vehicle inflation dropped to a record low of 1.5% (since tracking began in 2008), creating one of the most competitive pricing environments in recent memory.

“Affordability and choice are redefining South Africa’s automotive landscape,” says Lee Naik, CEO TransUnion Africa. “Consumers are seeking greater value and flexibility and manufacturers that meet this demand through innovation and pricing discipline are winning the race for growth.”

Affordability Drives Record Growth and Market Realignment

Although established OEMs returned to positive growth in Q2 and Q3 2025, the market’s transformation is being led by Chinese manufacturers expanding nearly nine times faster than the overall market, with YoY growth of 89% in Q2 and 88% in Q3.

Their combined share has quadrupled since 2021 to more than 15%, powered by competitively priced, feature-rich SUVs and sedans that appeal to cost-conscious yet tech-savvy buyers. Top-performing value brands YoY included JAC (67% volume increase), GWM (54%), Mahindra (42%) and Chery (35%), while BMW (27%) proved that premium marques can still thrive by combining desirability with strong product pipelines.

“This isn’t a short-term surge, it’s a structural reset,” adds Naik. “The success of value-driven models shows how affordability, technology and trust are now the true levers of brand growth in South Africa.”

Younger and High-Income Buyers Sustain Demand

Despite surging sales, TransUnion’s recent Consumer Pulse Survey shows a modest easing in purchase intent, with the share of respondents likely to buy a vehicle in the next three months declining from 19% in Q2 to 17% in Q3. The report suggests that current sales momentum is being driven primarily by pent-up demand, dealer incentives and fleet renewals, rather than broad-based consumer confidence.

Purchase behaviour also remains sharply segmented across both age and income groups. Younger consumers continue to lead intent, with 21% of Gen Z and 19% of Millennials planning to buy a vehicle in the next three months, compared to 13% of Gen X and 8% of Baby Boomers. From an income perspective, high-income households earning R200 000 or more per month show the strongest intent at 34%, while middle- and lower-income consumers remain significantly more cautious in their purchasing outlook.

Electrification: A Tale of Price and Generation

Internal-combustion vehicles (ICE) remain the single largest category in consumer purchase intent, accounting for 42% of consumer preference, while interest in hybrid (39%) and plug-in hybrid (24%) models is steadily increasing. The shift toward electrification is most pronounced among Gen Z consumers, with 55% favouring hybrids and 32% considering battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).

This generational shift toward greener technology is evident among high-income buyers, with 75% considering plug-in hybrids, driven primarily by their perceived affordability. In contrast, preference for ICE vehicles remains largely affordability-based among lower-income segments. Higher budgets within affluent households enable greater consideration of hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and battery electric vehicles (BEV), reinforcing an emerging “electrification divide.” This dynamic presents a significant opportunity for OEMs and financiers to tailor product offerings and financing strategies to meet the distinct needs of different age and income segments.

Connected Cars: Data Becomes the New Engine

Q3’s Mobility Insights Report special feature, The Connected Road, explores how connected-car technology is transforming mobility. Connectivity is now standard in most post-2015 vehicles, enabling real-time navigation, predictive maintenance, remote access, and advanced safety systems. Yet global data warns of “connectivity fatigue”: Over three quarters (76%) of drivers internationally don’t subscribe to connected services, mainly due to cost.

Naik says: “South Africa has a chance to leapfrog global missteps by focusing on value-adding applications, safer driving, cheaper insurance and smarter maintenance rather than gimmicks.”

Exports Rebound and Dealer Confidence Climbs

Passenger-vehicle unit exports rose 4.1% YoY after a steep Q2 contraction, driven by a 63.7% September surge that lifted shipments to a six-year high. Meanwhile, the RMB/BER Motor Traders Confidence Index advanced to 54, marking its second net-positive reading of 2025 and notably placing it above the neutral 50-point mark, which signals growing dealer optimism amid sustained sales momentum and improving export conditions.

Balancing Value and Transformation

The convergence of affordability, segmentation, electrification, and connectivity signals a pivotal shift in the automotive industry. “The future belongs to brands and financiers that master both the value-driven present and the connected, electrified future,” concludes Naik. “Data-led insight will be the bridge that connects today’s strategies with tomorrow’s innovation

Read the full TransUnion South Africa Q3 2025 Mobility Insights Report here.

Read moreSouth Africa’s Automotive Market Accelerates to 11-Year High as Value Brands and Younger Buyers Drive Momentum