MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Parks do more than cool cities. They also help people work together to cope with climate change, but only if local communities help design, manage and care for them.
Solar farms can bring jobs, but the story of one South African community shows that rural residents who give up their land need more say in how benefits are shared.
Recognising African agency in colonised territories allows us to rethink borders and revise history.
Parliamentary replies to questions from the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) regarding murders committed with legally licensed firearms versus illegal firearms over the past four years provide an irrefutable argument in the debate on disarming law-abiding citizens. Statistics provided by the acting Minister of Police, Prof. Firoz Cachalia, clearly show that South Africa’s firearm crime […]
The post Legal firearms not the problem, according to police data appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Gender-based violence responses must include energy access as a structural intervention, not an add-on.
Studying the mineral olivine in kimberlite sheds some light on diamond origins.
South African consumers are facing sustained financial strain, with nearly four in ten (39%) expecting to miss at least one bill or loan repayment, according to TransUnion’s Q2 2026 Consumer Pulse Study (CPS). Persistently high inflation continues to reshape how households spend, borrow and save, driving more cautious financial behaviour and softer optimism.
The findings point to a consumer environment marked less by recovery and more by ongoing adjustment. While many households remain financially active, their ability to absorb additional pressure is narrowing, with affordability constraints increasingly shaping everyday decisions.
“Consumers are still managing, but the margin for error is shrinking,” said Ayesha Hatea, director of research and consulting at TransUnion South Africa. “Even modest increases in essential costs are forcing difficult trade-offs, which is reflected in lower confidence and more cautious credit behaviour.”
Financial Pressure Persists as Optimism Declines
Household finances remain under pressure, with mixed signals pointing to continued strain. In Q2 2026, 43% of South Africans said their household finances were better than planned, down slightly from 44% in Q2 2025. At the same time, 40% said their finances were worse than planned, pointing to persistent pressure rather than a clear recovery trend.
Forward-looking sentiment softened more noticeably. Financial optimism declined to 66%, down from 71% in Q2 2025, while pessimism increased to 19% from 15%. Income expectations also weakened, with 70% of consumers expecting their household income to increase over the next 12 months, compared to 75% a year ago.
A key driver of this shift is the widening gap between income growth and rising living costs. Only 37% of consumers believed their income was keeping up with inflation, while 41% disagreed. Inflation for everyday goods, including groceries and fuel, remained the dominant household concern, ranking among the top three worries for 79% of respondents.
This imbalance is increasingly affecting liquidity, which underscores the extent to which cost pressure continues to affect monthly cash flow and raise the risk of missed payments.
“Inflation remains the single biggest pressure point for households. Even where incomes are rising, essential costs quickly absorb that relief. This makes budgeting discipline and financial awareness more important, because households need to know where they can adjust when pressure rises,” said Hatea.
Households Cut Discretionary Spend to Stay Afloat
In response, South Africans are making practical adjustments to their household budgets. More than half of consumers (53%) said they had cut back on discretionary spending such as dining out, travel, and entertainment over the past three months. A further 28% cancelled subscriptions or memberships, while 24% cancelled or reduced digital services such as wireless, cable TV, or internet.
Debt and savings behaviour also reflect caution. Around 32% of consumers said they had paid down debt faster, 27% saved more in an emergency fund or stokvel, and 20% saved more for retirement. At the same time, 14% cut back on retirement savings, 14% increased their use of available credit, and 13% used their retirement savings, signalling that financial resilience is uneven and for some, deteriorating.
Looking ahead, consumers expect essential categories to remain under pressure. Over the next three months, 37% expect their spending on bills and loans to increase, while 33% expect higher spending on medical care and services. Around 36% expect to increase contributions to retirement funds or investments, although 16% expect to decrease spending in that category.
“These findings show how carefully households are trying to manage trade-offs. Some consumers are still building buffers and paying down debt, while others are drawing on savings or credit to get through the month. That is why the broader picture is one of sustained financial adjustment rather than simple improvement,” said Hatea.
Consumers Want Credit but Few Are Willing to Apply
Credit remains a critical financial tool, but engagement is becoming more selective. The study found that 92% of South Africans view access to credit and lending products as important to achieving their financial goals, unchanged from a year ago. Perceptions of access improved, with 45% believing they have sufficient access to credit, up from 38% in Q2 2025. Around half (50%) of consumers believe they would be approved if they applied.
However, this confidence is not translating into increased demand. Only 36% plan to apply for new credit or refinance existing credit in the next 12 months, broadly unchanged year-over-year (YoY). Among those who considered applying for credit or refinancing, 45% ultimately abandoned their plans.
Cost remains the largest barrier, cited by 30% of consumers who abandoned applications. Credit history was cited by 23%, while 22% pointed to income or employment status. This suggests that while consumers still recognise the importance of credit, many remain cautious about taking on new commitments.
“Credit demand has not disappeared, but consumers are becoming more selective about the obligations they take on. For many households, access is not only about whether credit is available. It is also about whether the cost, repayment terms and approval process feel manageable,” said Hatea.
Where consumers do plan to apply, demand is shifting toward shorter-term and more flexible products. Among those planning new credit or refinancing activity, 34% intend to apply for a new personal loan, up from the previous quarter, while 29% plan to apply for a new credit card. A further 27% plan to use buy now, pay later services.
Fraud Exposure Rising as Digital Use Expands
Digital channels are also playing an increasingly important role in financial participation. Of the 30% who said they used digital banking services, around 46% reported using a digital bank, 56% used buy now, pay later services, and 23% engaged with digital or FinTech providers. This points to continued demand for speed and convenience, alongside the need for clear, responsible credit information.
As digital financial activity grows, identity protection remains an important concern. Around 56% of consumers reported being targeted by online, email, phone call, or text message fraud attempts in the past three months.
Among those targeted, the most common schemes were vishing (34%), smishing (33%), and phishing (31%). The study also found that 26% of consumers had been notified in the past three months that details about their identity or online accounts had been compromised in a data breach.
Consumers are taking some protective steps. In the past 60 days, 53% changed passwords because of cybersecurity concerns, 37% checked their credit reports, and 12% purchased internet security, anti-virus, or anti-malware protection. Yet uncertainty remains a barrier. Among consumers who took no action despite cybersecurity concerns, 56% said they were overwhelmed by what to do.
“As digital financial participation increases, security becomes a core part of financial confidence. Consumers need clear, practical guidance on how to protect their information and respond effectively when risks arise,” said Hatea.
Consumers Seek Control Amid Ongoing Financial Strain
Despite ongoing challenges, South African consumers remain financially engaged and active. Around 34% monitor their credit reports monthly, 13% weekly, and 6% daily. More than half (52%) believe their credit score would improve if businesses used information not found on standard credit reports, such as rental payments, short-term loan history, and buy now, pay later loans.
This reflects a broader shift toward financial visibility, as consumers look for tools and information to better manage their financial position in an uncertain environment.
The Q2 2026 Consumer Pulse Study highlights a market that is resilient but increasingly constrained. Households are adjusting spending, managing debt carefully, and seeking greater control, but persistent cost pressures are testing their capacity to absorb shocks.
“Consumers are doing their best to stay in control in a difficult environment,” Hatea concluded. “For lenders and financial service providers, the opportunity lies in supporting that effort, through transparent pricing, responsible access to credit, and tools that help consumers anticipate and manage financial stress before it escalates.”.
Consumers can get their free annual credit report from TransUnion here.
Youth employment programmes need to be built around real jobs, capable institutions and the young people they are meant to serve.
Africans are often sold as physically strong with raw talent, but lacking in discipline and technical refinement.
A powerful Super El Niño is looming. Africa has learned hard lessons from past climate disasters that could help the world prepare.
Power and pleasure collide with Black hopes and dreams in the show that has sparked global conversation.
South African consumers are reshaping how they access and use credit as affordability pressures persist, according to TransUnion’s Q1 2026 South Africa Industry Insights Report. The report’s findings show that credit demand remained resilient, but diverging risk dynamics are increasingly evident across products and providers. Consumers are relying more heavily on existing credit facilities while also shifting toward more accessible lending options that are typically employed by higher risk borrowers to manage short-term liquidity needs.
Diverging Trends in Bank and Non-Bank Personal Loans
Personal loan markets continued to show distinctly different trajectories during the quarter. Bank personal loan originations recorded modest growth of 2.5% YoY, while the number of active accounts increased by 1.4% over the same period. Looking below this headline growth reveals a shift in lending mix by borrower risk profiles, with below-prime originations rising by 5.0% while prime and above segments declined by 3.8%. Gen Z participation also increased significantly, with originations among this segment rising 21% YoY, bringing their share to 23% (up from 19.5% in Q1 2025) of total bank personal loan originations.
Credit performance improved in the bank personal loan segment, as account-level delinquencies (3+ months in arrears, or MIA) decreased by 256 basis points to 26.7%. This reflects tighter underwriting, portfolio stabilisation, and improved repayment behaviour following earlier periods of financial stress.
In contrast, non-bank personal loans continued to expand rapidly. Originations grew by 19.0% YoY, while active accounts increased by 27.6%. This growth was driven largely by younger consumers, with Gen Z accounting for 53% of originations in the quarter.
At the same time, lending dynamics for non-bank personal loans have evolved. Declining average loan sizes and balances point to a shift toward smaller value and more frequent borrowing patterns. This reflects a combination of lender appetite for smaller, shorter-term exposure and continued consumer demand for accessible liquidity, with these products increasingly used to support short-term cash flow needs rather than larger, structured borrowing.
However, this rapid growth has been accompanied by rising risk. Account-level delinquencies increased by 193 bps to 49.8%, with delinquency levels now approaching half of all active non-bank personal loans. This highlights elevated stress within the segment and points to increasing pressure among higher-risk borrowers.
“Bank personal loans are entering a more stable phase characterised by controlled growth, targeted expansion into younger and moderate-risk segments and improved credit performance,” said Ayesha Hatea, director of research and consulting at TransUnion South Africa. “While non-bank personal loans are expanding financial inclusion and access to liquidity, this growth is being driven by higher-risk and more financially vulnerable segments experiencing rising credit stress, raising important considerations around sustainability and risk management.”
Reliance on Credit Cards Increased as Repayment Pressure Grew
The credit card market also showed a clear shift in growth dynamics, with balance expansion increasingly driven by existing accounts rather than new cards issuance. Originations volume declined by 9.5% YoY, alongside a 4.1% YoY reduction in average credit limits, reflecting a more cautious lending environment.
Despite this, outstanding balances grew by 8.8% YoY, supported by increased utilisation as well as emerging repayment pressure which reduced card repayment levels. The number of active consumers rose by 6.4%, while average balances per account increased by 2.5%.
Delinquencies also rose YoY, with account-level delinquencies increasing by 66 basis points to 13.6%, while delinquent balances increased by 16% YoY. As a consequence of increased delinquencies, lower repayment levels contributed to the rise in total account balances over the past year.
“While increased utilisation is contributing to balance growth, the faster rise in delinquent balances indicates that repayment pressure is becoming a more persistent driver,” said Hatea. “Credit cards are playing a dual role in the current environment. They are both a liquidity tool, supporting short-term cash flow needs, and a channel where financial pressure is becoming more visible through rising delinquency.”
Resilient Demand for Vehicle Asset Finance Supported by Increased Access to New Vehicles
Vehicle finance continued to demonstrate steady growth, supported by strong participation from younger consumers. Gen Z and Millennials now account for two-thirds (66%) of all originations, which increased by 11.6% YoY. This reflects sustained demand for mobility while highlighting the growing role that first-time and early-life stage borrowers play in sustaining market activity.
At the same time, there is a clear shift in the composition of financing, with the ratio of used to new vehicles declining to 0.93. This indicates that more new vehicles are now being financed than used, structurally elevating average origination values. Notably, this trend occurred even as more affordable new entrants, particularly Chinese brands, gained traction in the market, with one in five vehicles sold now coming from these manufacturers.
On the risk side, subprime originations have increased significantly, rising by over 33.5% YoY and now accounting for a quarter (25%) of all new vehicle finance. This suggests that growth is increasingly being driven by higher-risk segments, as lenders balance expansion with the need to sustain volumes.
Despite this increase in borrowing by riskier consumers, repayment performance improved, with account-level 3+ MIA delinquencies declining by 80 bps to 7.1%, indicating relatively strong borrower management of vehicle loans.
“Overall, the vehicle asset finance market reflects a complex but resilient environment. Demand remains strong, supported by younger consumers and improved access to new vehicles. However, rising exposure to higher-risk borrowers and increasing loan sizes will require enhanced early risk detection tools going forward to enable mobility and inclusion,” said Hatea.
Table 1: Key South African Consumer Credit Market Metrics (Q1 2025 vs Q1 2026)
|
Product |
YoY origination growth |
Serious account-level delinquency rate* |
YoY basis points (bps) change in delinquency rate |
| Credit card |
-9.5% |
13.6% |
+66 bps |
| Bank personal loan |
2.5% |
26.7% |
-256 bps |
| Non-bank personal loan |
19.0% |
49.8% |
+193 bps |
| Clothing accounts |
11.0% |
26.2% |
-1 bps |
| Retail instalment |
-1.7% |
26.6% |
-89 bps |
| Retail revolving |
-7.1% |
16.8% |
-126 bps |
| Home loans |
11.4% |
7.7% |
+10 bps |
| Vehicle finance |
11.6% |
7.1% |
-80 bps |
*Account-level serious delinquency rate, measured as a percentage of accounts three or more months in arrears
“South Africa’s Q1 2026 insights highlight a credit landscape that remains active but increasingly segmented. While demand for credit persists, affordability constraints are reshaping how consumers borrow, with greater reliance on short-term liquidity and higher-risk products,” said Hatea. “These trends underscore the need for lenders to balance growth with prudent risk management while supporting sustainable access to credit across the market.”
The City of Cape Town is making it progressively less affordable for ordinary residents to live here, by choice, while its own books show it doesn't need to.
The post CAPE TOWN BUDGET MK II: OVER-EXTRACTIVE AND UNDER-EXPLAINED appeared first on For Good.
Mpumalanga’s public healthcare system is under severe pressure due to poor management and administrative neglect, despite a healthcare budget of R21.1 billion for the 2026/27 financial year. The province is grappling with a critical staffing shortage that has resulted in dangerously high nurse-to-patient ratios. According to data analysed by healthcare organisations, Mpumalanga’s general ratio stands […]
The post Mpumalanga: Mismanagement, not lack of funds, causing healthcare to collapse appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Understanding how female baboons benefit from social bonds helps humans understand their own origins.
South Africa’s passenger vehicle market remained resilient in the first quarter of 2026, but demand is evolving. Rising affordability pressures, higher fuel costs, the growth of Chinese brands and shifting powertrain preferences are reshaping the automotive landscape.
According to TransUnion’s Q1 2026 Mobility Insights Report, passenger vehicle sales reached 114,517 units in Q1 2026, slightly higher than the 114,246 units recorded in Q4 2025. Year-on-year (YoY) growth eased to 12.6%, down from the stronger performance seen during parts of 2025, but demand remained elevated despite a more uncertain macroeconomic environment.
A Stronger Start, But Growing External Pressures
The report, which provides a first quarter overview, indicates that South Africa entered 2026 on a stronger economic footing. This was supported by easing inflation, lower interest rates over the previous year, reduced load-shedding, and improved financial conditions.
However, rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the associated oil price shock have heightened downside risks. In March 2026, inflation increased from 3.1% to 4.0% in April 2026, while the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) recently raised the prime lending rate by 25-basis points in May 2026. Combined with higher fuel and transport costs, these factors are expected to place renewed pressure on affordability and consumer spending.
“Vehicle demand has not collapsed, but the market is moving into a more selective phase,” said Ayesha Hatea, director of research and consulting at TransUnion South Africa. “Consumers are still buying vehicles, but affordability is no longer only about the purchase price. Fuel costs, financing costs, insurance, servicing, and total cost of ownership are becoming central to the decision.”
Residual Value and the True Cost of Ownership
The report found that residual values are becoming an increasingly important component of vehicle affordability. As finance terms extend beyond six years for many buyers, depreciation and resale performance play a growing role in ownership economics, giving brands that retain value more effectively a competitive advantage.
The shift towards longer financing terms and the use of balloon structures reflects a growing focus on monthly affordability and cash-flow flexibility. However, this trend also increases exposure to residual value risk. Where vehicle values underperform expectations, consumers may face refinancing pressure or negative equity at trade-in, making used vehicle market performance an increasingly critical consideration.
Chinese Brands Reshape the Competitive Landscape
One of the most notable structural shifts is the continued rise of Chinese automotive brands. Chinese car sales grew by 75% YoY in Q1 2026, significantly outpacing traditional OEM growth of 2% and the broader passenger and light commercial vehicle (LCV) market growth of 12.7%. As a result, Chinese brands accounted for more than 19% of new passenger and LCV sales nationally, meaning nearly one in five new vehicles sold in South Africa was from a Chinese manufacturer in Q1 2026.
The shift is no longer driven solely by entry-level pricing. Chinese brands are increasingly competing on technology, features, fuel efficiency, range, warranty offerings, and perceived long-term value. On a combined portfolio basis, Chery Group, including Chery, Jetour, Omoda, and Jaecoo, recorded combined sales of 16,094 units in Q1 2026, positioning itself as a top three automotive player.
“Chinese brands have moved beyond the role of price disruptors. They are becoming structural industry players, influencing dealer networks, financing ecosystems, ownership perceptions, and the wider discussion around localisation and industrial competitiveness,” said Hatea.
Diverging Trends Across New and Used Markets
The new and used vehicle markets continued to show differing trends. NaTIS data indicates that new vehicle registrations increased by 11.6% YoY in Q1 2026, marking a sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. In contrast, used vehicle registrations increased by 2.6%, suggesting a modest recovery in the secondary market, although it still trails the stronger momentum seen in new vehicle sales.
The used-to-new registration ratio declined to 2.3 in Q1 2026, the lowest level recorded over the reporting period. While used vehicles still make up the majority at 69% of total registrations, the share of new vehicles has risen to 31%, up from 23% in Q4 2025. This shift has been supported by favourable pricing dynamics, with new vehicle inflation falling to 0.8%, while used vehicle prices remained in deflation at -1.3%.
Confidence Rises, But Caution Remains
Dealer sentiment also reflects the stronger demand environment. New vehicle dealer confidence increased to 67 in Q1 2026, its highest level in 13 years. However, the report cautions that increasing fuel costs, inflation risk, and rising operating expenses could create more challenging conditions in the quarters ahead.
Forward-looking consumer data remains constructive. TransUnion’s Consumer Pulse Survey found that consumers likely to purchase a vehicle in the next few months increased from 19% in Q4 2025 to 22% in Q1 2026. Short-term purchase intent is strongest amongst younger consumers, with 26% of Gen Z and 24% of Millennials indicating plans to buy.
A Gradual Shift in Powertrain Preferences
Powertrain preferences are also evolving. Internal combustion engine vehicles remain the most popular choice, preferred by 49% of consumers in Q1 2026. However, interest in hybrid electric vehicles has grown significantly to 39%, up from 30% in Q4 2025, making hybrids the leading electrified option. Interest in both battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids also increased, with each reaching 26%.
“Hybrids are emerging as a practical transition pathway for South African consumers. They offer fuel savings and lower running costs without full dependence on charging infrastructure, which makes them relevant in a market where affordability and operating certainty remain critical,” said Hatea.
A Market Entering Its Next Phase
While domestic demand continues to support the industry, passenger vehicle exports remain under pressure amid trade uncertainty, geopolitical disruption, protectionism, and changing decarbonisation requirements.
“The South African automotive market is not reverting to its previous structure. The next phase will be defined by affordability, value, access to finance and how effectively industry players respond to evolving consumer behaviour,” said Hatea.
The hourglass is running out for South Africa, which has ignored the five American conditions for normalizing relations between the two countries with contempt for a year. These conditions were handed to the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) exactly a year ago during the party’s historic visit to Washington and the White House, to be […]
The post ANC’s contempt for America’s conditions to normalize relations begins to show serious consequences after a year appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Scientists have extracted atoms from eggshells that are 15 million years old which reveal how plants responded to high levels of carbon dioxide.
Different social realities lead to different forms of vaccine hesitancy.
The GOOD Party says the City of Cape Town's 2026/27 budget, expected to be approved by the DA majority on 29 June 2026, will deepen the financial pressure on ordinary households.
The post CAPE TOWN RESIDENTS MUST NOT BE MADE TO PAY FOR DA MAYOR HILL-LEWIS’ MUNICIPAL AMBITIONS appeared first on For Good.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) cannot support the proposed 2026/27 budget and Integrated Development Plan (IDP) of the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality due to fundamental shortcomings that undermine the legitimacy of the process, jeopardise financial sustainability and are detrimental to residents. The Municipality’s own mid-year reports and audit findings already reveal a pattern […]
The post Dr Beyers Naudé Municipality’s budget fails residents appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
From Cape Town’s kelp forests to debates over hunting and sharks, human relationships with wildlife are reshaping conservation across South Africa.
Understanding what drives recruitment into these academies is not a defence of fraud. It is a precondition for dismantling it.
It is clear from the latest findings of the Eastern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Zolile Williams, and the national Deputy Minister, Dr Dickson Masemola, that the administration and financial management of Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM) are in free fall. In just two years, irregular expenditure shot up from approximately […]
The post Nelson Mandela Bay sinks deeper into administrative and financial chaos appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.