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You are here: Home / Archives for South African

South African

1 November 2026

Mngxitama’s Shocking Statements Regarding Farm Attacks

Location: News

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) will see to it that shocking statements such as those made by the MK Party MP, Andile Mngxitama, regarding farm attacks and the gruesome attack on Mr Donovan Marx, whose ears were hacked off in an attack this week, do not go unpunished. Today in a post on X […]

The post Freedom Front Plus will report Mngxitama to Parliament and HRC for shocking statements regarding farm attacks appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.

Read moreMngxitama’s Shocking Statements Regarding Farm Attacks
27 October 2026

South Africa’s Lion Petting Industry: We Spent Three Years Investigating and Here’s What We Found

Location: News

A three-year study of 34 South African captive lion venues found poor welfare conditions, early separation of cubs from mothers and hours of handling by tourists.

Read moreSouth Africa’s Lion Petting Industry: We Spent Three Years Investigating and Here’s What We Found
26 October 2026

What Gets Fact-Checked? How Politics Shapes the Answer in Four African Countries

Location: News

Many fact-checkers are moving away from declaring claims as true or false, and trying to help people judge information for themselves.

Read moreWhat Gets Fact-Checked? How Politics Shapes the Answer in Four African Countries
21 October 2026

Coalition Leaves Critical Infrastructure in Tshwane Unsecured

Location: News

The governing ActionSA/ANC/EFF coalition in the Tshwane Metro has left critical municipal infrastructure and key facilities completely unsecured, just two weeks before the elections. For the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus), there is only one sensible conclusion: Security contracts were deliberately, or through gross negligence, allowed to lapse so as to pave the way for […]

The post ActionSA/ANC/EFF coalition leaves critical infrastructure in Tshwane unsecured appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.

Read moreCoalition Leaves Critical Infrastructure in Tshwane Unsecured
20 October 2026

South Africa’s Schools Reflect an Unequal Society: What Can Teachers Do About It?

Location: News

South Africa wants teachers to change society. So why are they being trained to fit in?

Read moreSouth Africa’s Schools Reflect an Unequal Society: What Can Teachers Do About It?
19 October 2026

Senior DA Strategist Should Be Dismissed

Location: News

While relations between South Africa and the United States (US) are balanced on a knife-edge, the DA’s chief strategist, Ryan Coetzee, fanned the flames of the ANC’s anti-American sentiments by sharply criticising the US and Western values in general. In response to an important speech by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, on 7 […]

The post Senior DA strategist should be dismissed for attacking the US and Western civilization appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.

Read moreSenior DA Strategist Should Be Dismissed
16 October 2026

More South Africans Report Improved Finances as Consumer Optimism Strengthens in Q3 2026

Location: Business
  • Half (50%) of South Africans said their household finances were better than planned at this point in 2026, up from 43% in Q2 2026.
  • 79% expect their household income to increase over the next year, up from 75% a year ago.
  • 43% plan to apply for new credit or refinance existing products, while 58% believe they would be approved if they needed access to credit.

South African consumers reported improved optimism in their household finances during the third quarter. While concerns about inflation remain widespread, findings from TransUnion’s Q3 2026 South Africa Consumer Pulse Study suggest consumers are becoming more deliberate in how they borrow, spend and manage their money.  

Household financial performance strengthened and income expectations remained positive. At the same time, South Africans continue to face ongoing economic pressures, indicating that consumers are balancing improving financial sentiment with careful financial decision making.

Half (50%) of South Africans said their household finances were better than planned at this point in 2026, up from 43% in Q2 2026. Meanwhile, the proportion of consumers who said their finances were worse than planned fell to 34%, down from 38% one year ago. Financial optimism also improved with 73% of consumers expressing optimism about their household finances in the next 12 months, compared with 68% a year ago.

Improvements in reported household finances and future income expectations were accompanied by positive income trends. More than four in ten consumers (41%) reported an increase in household income over the last three months, while only 16% experienced a decline. Looking ahead, nearly eight in ten consumers (79%) expect their income to increase over the coming year, up from 75% a year ago.

According to Ayesha Hatea, director of research and consulting at TransUnion Africa, the findings indicate that consumers are reporting stronger household financial outlooks and income expectations, while remaining mindful of ongoing economic pressures.

“What stands out this quarter is that consumers appear to be taking a more considered approach to managing their finances. The findings indicate that consumers are paying close attention to their household budgets, inflation, borrowing costs and spending habits.  While many report improved household finances and income expectations, affordability and cost-of-living concerns remain an important consideration.”

Despite improved financial sentiment, South Africans remain acutely aware of ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Almost all respondents (97%) said they remain concerned about inflation, while 79% ranked inflation for everyday goods among the top three concerns affecting their household finances for the next six months. Although more consumers now feel their income is keeping pace with inflation, the cost of living continues to place pressure on household budgets.

The study found that 43% of consumers plan to apply for new credit or refinance existing products over the next year, up from 38% a year ago, while 58% believe they would be approved if they needed access to credit, up from 49% a year ago. Perception of access to credit has improved, with 51% saying they have sufficient access to credit products, up from 42% a year ago.

Consumers are, however, approaching borrowing more selectively. More than half (52%) considered applying for new credit or refinancing but ultimately chose not to proceed, up from 42% a year ago. Among these consumers, the cost of credit was the leading reason for not proceeding, according to 34% of those surveyed. More than nine in ten (92%) said rising interest rates affect whether they will apply for credit in the next 12 months. While these findings were captured before the South African Reserve Bank increased the repo rate by 25 basis points to 7.25%, they highlight that borrowing costs were already a significant consideration for consumers and may become an even more important factor in credit decision-making going forward.

“Consumers are demonstrating a more measured approach to borrowing. Rather than simply seeking access to credit, many are carefully evaluating whether a product meets their financial needs and circumstances. This creates an opportunity for lenders to align products, pricing and experiences more closely with evolving consumer expectations,” said Hatea.

Demand for credit remains broad-based, with the greatest proportion of consumers planning to apply for a new credit card (33%), a new car loan or lease (27%) or buy now, pay later services (25%). Consumers continue to embrace digital financial services, with nearly half (49%) reporting using websites or apps to send or receive money. With the use of digital financial services comes expectations around speed and convenience, and 86% of consumers said that real-time approval is important when applying for digital loans.

The study also points to signs of improving financial resilience. Fewer consumers expect to miss payments on bills or loans (32%, down four percentage points year-over-year), more said they’re paying down debt faster (34%, compared to 32% a year ago), and nearly one-third reported contributing more to emergency savings or stokvels (31%, up three percentage points year-over-year).

As digital adoption continues to increase, trust and security remain important considerations. Six in ten (60%) reported being targeted by email, online, phone call or text message fraud in the last three months, with 11% saying they fell victim to it. In addition, 29% said they were notified that their personal or account information had been compromised in a data breach in the last three months.

“South Africans continue to operate in a challenging economic environment, but the data points to a consumer that is becoming increasingly informed, resilient and deliberate in their financial choices. While reported household financial outlooks and income expectations have improved, affordability, value and long-term financial sustainability remain important considerations. Understanding these evolving consumer behaviours will be critical for organisations seeking to build trust and deliver products and services that meet consumers’ needs,” concluded Hatea.

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

Read moreMore South Africans Report Improved Finances as Consumer Optimism Strengthens in Q3 2026
11 October 2026

Navi Pillay’s Nobel Peace Prize Is a Vote of Confidence in a Global Legal Order Under Fire

Location: News

Recognising Pillay is an affirmation of what has been achieved, but also about what must not be lost.

Read moreNavi Pillay’s Nobel Peace Prize Is a Vote of Confidence in a Global Legal Order Under Fire
10 October 2026

Thabo Mbeki’s Legacy in South Africa: Stronger Government but a Blurred Line Between State and Party

Location: News

Mbeki’s leadership contributed to institutional weaknesses that emerged more fully after he left office.

Read moreThabo Mbeki’s Legacy in South Africa: Stronger Government but a Blurred Line Between State and Party
7 October 2026

Protest Later or Push for Better Planning Now? 7 Actions South African Voters Can Take Before Local Elections

Location: News

Potholes and water outages often begin with bad planning. A town planner explains seven ways South Africans can push municipalities to do better.

Read moreProtest Later or Push for Better Planning Now? 7 Actions South African Voters Can Take Before Local Elections
30 September 2026

Affordability Reshapes South Africa’s Credit Market in Q2 2026

Location: Business
  • Retail credit originations declined across clothing, revolving and instalment products, with each segment showing increasingly distinct consumer behaviours
  • Despite significant growth in new vehicle sales during the quarter, vehicle asset finance growth slowed as consumers shifted focus to long-term affordability rather than simply accessing credit
  • Bank and non-bank personal loan markets continued to grow, with distinct performance outcomes

As many South Africans continue to feel the pressure of rising living costs, affordability is affecting popular credit products in diverse ways as consumers adapt their borrowing strategies rather than stepping away from credit altogether. The latest TransUnion Q2 2026 South Africa Industry Insights Report shows that households are becoming more selective about how they borrow, with consumers prioritising products that align with their needs while carefully managing affordability.

Acquisition Slowed as Portfolio Outcomes Diverged

Growth in retail credit originations (new accounts opened) declined across all major retail lending products during the quarter. New clothing accounts fell 7.8% year-over-year (YoY), retail instalment originations declined 10.3%, and retail revolving originations decreased 12.2%.

While all three credit products experienced lower new account volumes, the underlying customer and portfolio trends across these products tell very different stories.

Despite new account acquisition falling significantly, the clothing account portfolio continued to demonstrate stability, supported by existing customer relationships. Total credit lines increased by 12.4% YoY, outpacing balance growth of 8.0% YoY. This may reflect ongoing line management among existing customers, while the slower increase in balances suggests that consumers are using the additional capacity selectively, using only the credit they need to support day-to-day consumption in a challenging economic environment.

Clothing account performance improved slightly, with serious account-level delinquency (3+ months in arrears, or MIA) decreasing by eight basis points (bps) YoY to 26.5%. However, balance-level delinquency deteriorated by 67 bps, suggesting that repayment pressure is becoming more concentrated among customers carrying larger balances.

The retail revolving credit segment followed a different trajectory. Account volumes declined by 4.5%, the number of active consumers fell 4.4% YoY and outstanding balances decreased 1.9% YoY, indicating continued market contraction. Despite weaker acquisition (origination volumes dropped by 12.2% YoY) and lower participation, performance improved materially, with account-level delinquencies improving by 135 bps YoY to 16.0%. These trends suggest that while the portfolio may be shrinking in size, quality has improved, as tighter lending and portfolio rationalisation have yielded a more resilient borrower base.

Retail instalment lending presented yet another picture. Origination volumes declined by 10.3% YoY and the number of consumers carrying balances fell by 13.9% YoY, yet outstanding balances increased by 12.0% YoY and average balances rose by 9.8% YoY. Serious delinquency deteriorated across all measures: account-level delinquency increased by 146 bps, with similar deterioration for consumer-level and balance level delinquency, pointing to mounting repayment pressure among remaining borrowers.

For lenders, the combination of fewer consumers, higher average balances and broad-based delinquency deterioration reinforces the need to assess affordability carefully at origination and monitor existing portfolios closely for emerging signs of stress, particularly among retail instalment customers.

These trends align with findings from TransUnion’s Q2 2026 Consumer Pulse Study which showed that 52.7% of consumers said that they had cut discretionary spending in recent months, while nearly two thirds (63.4%) said that they actively sought sales and discounts when shopping, to make ends meet.

“South Africa’s retail credit market continued to fragment during the quarter under review, with clothing, retail revolving and instalment lending following increasingly different trajectories,” said Ayesha Hatea, director of research and consulting at TransUnion South Africa. “While all three products experienced lower origination activity, the underlying performance and portfolio trends suggest consumers are becoming more selective in how they use retail credit and lenders are responding differently across product types. As a result, retail credit can no longer be viewed as a single market, but rather as a collection of products serving distinct consumer needs and risk profiles, each of which may be experiencing varying levels of financial strain or resilience.”

Consumers’ Mobility Choices Influenced by Long-Term Affordability

Despite new passenger vehicle sales increasing strongly during Q2 2026 according to TransUnion’s Q2 2026 Mobility Insights Report, the vehicle finance market recorded modest growth in Q2 2026, continuing to demonstrate demand despite a more challenging affordability environment. Outstanding balances increased 8.0% YoY, supported by a 5.5% YoY increase in average new loan values, while origination volumes grew modestly by 1.1% YoY. Importantly, credit performance continued to improve, with serious account-level delinquencies decreased by 115 bps, indicating that growth continues to be accompanied by relatively strong portfolio performance.

This resilience is particularly noteworthy given shifts occurring elsewhere in the automotive market. According to the Mobility Insights Report, vehicle purchase intentions softened during Q2 2026, particularly among lower- and middle-income consumers. Affordability, financing costs, fuel efficiency and total cost of ownership have become increasingly important considerations in vehicle selection.

At the same time, consumers showed growing interest in technologies that could reduce long-term ownership costs, with hybrid vehicles emerging as an increasingly attractive alternative for consumers focused on fuel efficiency and operating costs. These developments suggest that demand is being reshaped by more value and affordability considerations, rather than disappearing altogether.

“Consumers are increasingly evaluating not only whether they can finance a vehicle, but also whether they can comfortably own and operate it over the longer term. This shift is likely to influence vehicle choice, financing structures and portfolio composition as the market continues to evolve,” said Hatea.

“Affordability pressures appear to be changing the structure of demand rather than reducing participation in the market. Consumers remain interested in mobility solutions but are becoming more selective about how their needs are met. Lenders that can balance access, affordability and risk management are likely to be best positioned to support sustainable growth in the vehicle finance market,” she added.

Personal Loan Trends Continued to Diverge

South Africa’s personal loan market continued to expand during Q2 2026, but the underlying trends diverged sharply between bank and non-bank lenders. While both segments recorded growth, differences in loan size and credit performance point to distinct borrower needs and risk outcomes.

Bank personal loan originations increased 7.7% YoY, outstanding balances grew 8.9% YoY and average new loan amounts increased 9.2% YoY, indicating continued demand for larger-value unsecured credit. These gains were accompanied by improved performance, with account-level delinquency improved by 194 bps YoY to 26.5% and balance-level delinquency improved by 342 bps YoY to 29.3%. Together, these trends suggest that banks found growth opportunities among consumers with the capacity to manage larger borrowing commitments while maintaining disciplined risk management and portfolio quality.

Non-bank personal loan originations increased by 21.3% YoY and the number of consumers carrying balances rose by 12.7% YoY, significantly outpacing the bank personal loan market. However, average new loan amounts declined by 5.9%, indicating that growth was increasingly concentrated in smaller-ticket lending. This points to continued demand for accessible liquidity and short-term credit solutions, particularly among consumers seeking smaller borrowing amounts.

While this supports broader access to credit, the non-bank personal loan segment also experienced a deterioration in credit performance. Serious account-level delinquency increased by 32 bps YoY to 48.3%, while balance-level delinquency rose by 636 bps YoY to 54.6%.

Lenders across these products target different risk groups: bank personal loan originations have tilted modestly towards subprime over the last two years, reaching 56.6% in Q2 2026 compared to 53.8% two years prior. In contrast, subprime non-bank personal loan customers account for 71.3% in Q2 2026, compared to 68.3% two years prior. This suggests that banks are widening access selectively, without dramatically changing their credit posture, while non-bank lenders are servicing the highest risk, highest need consumers – a dynamic that explains the sharp divergence in delinquency trends across the two segments.

“The contrast between bank and non-bank personal lending shows why growth must be assessed alongside loan value and credit performance,” said Hatea. “Understanding which consumers are driving expansion, and whether that growth is sustainable, is becoming increasingly important for lenders.”

Table 1: Key South African Consumer Credit Market Metrics (Q2 2025 vs Q2 2026)

Product YoY origination growth Serious account-level delinquency rate* YoY basis points (bps) change in delinquency rate
Credit card -16.8% 13.1% +22 bps
Bank personal loan 7.7% 26.5% -194 bps
Non-bank personal loan 21.3% 48.3% +32 bps
Clothing accounts -7.8% 26.5% -8 bps
Retail instalment -10.3% 27.3% +146 bps
Retail revolving -12.2% 16.0% -135 bps
Home loans -10.5% 7.2% -52 bps
Vehicle finance 1.1% 6.4% -115 bps

*Account-level serious delinquency rate, measured as a percentage of accounts three or more months in arrears

“For lenders, sustainable growth will depend on looking beyond volume to the affordability, risk and repayment capacity behind each credit decision,” said Hatea. “Those that can identify where consumers have the capacity to take on credit responsibly, while responding early to emerging stress, will be best positioned to grow without compromising portfolio quality."

Read moreAffordability Reshapes South Africa’s Credit Market in Q2 2026
25 September 2026

South Africans and Migrants: Study Tracks the Barriers to Being Good Neighbours

Location: News

Mutual suspicion and prejudice continue to undermine relations between South Africans and African immigrants.

Read moreSouth Africans and Migrants: Study Tracks the Barriers to Being Good Neighbours
24 September 2026

Today’s Political Struggle in South Africa Is Inextricably Linked to the Heritage of Future Generations

Location: News

Today’s political struggle in South Africa is inextricably linked to the heritage of future generations. Just like every parent has the responsibility to ensure, through their words and actions, that their family’s and nation’s cultural heritage is kept alive and honoured, so every person has a duty and responsibility to safeguard and build the future […]

The post Today’s political struggle in South Africa is inextricably linked to the heritage of future generations appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.

Read moreToday’s Political Struggle in South Africa Is Inextricably Linked to the Heritage of Future Generations
24 September 2026

MPC Rate Hike Intensifies Existing Affordability Pressures on South African Households

Location: Business

TransUnion South Africa says today's decision by the South African Reserve Bank's Monetary Policy Committee to increase interest rates by 25 basis points reflects ongoing concern around inflation risks and inflation expectations. However, the increase comes at a time when many households remain under significant affordability pressure.

The 25-basis-point increase adds to a range of affordability pressures that have steadily eroded purchasing power throughout 2026. While inflation has moderated, many households have yet to experience meaningful relief in their monthly finances.

According to the South African Reserve Bank's June 2026 Quarterly Bulletin, household debt-to-disposable income increased from 61.8% in Q4 2025 to 62.2% in Q1 2026, while debt-service costs remained elevated at 8.4% of disposable income.

Statistics South Africa's Quarterly Labour Force Survey reported that unemployment increased to 33.6% in Q2 2026, while youth unemployment reached 47.4%, highlighting the continued pressure on income growth and household resilience.

According to TransUnion's Q2 2026 Consumer Pulse Study, consumers continue to adapt to financial pressure through behaviourial changes. 52.7% of consumers have reduced discretionary spending, 63.4% actively seek discounts and promotions, 44.2% shop at lower-cost retailers, 38.8% expect difficulty paying future bills and loans, while a proportion are drawing down savings and increasingly relying on credit products and flexible payment solutions to manage daily expenses

"Consumers have demonstrated remarkable resilience, but affordability remains fragile and increasingly sensitive to further cost increases. Today's rate increase adds pressure to households already facing elevated fuel costs, transport expenses and ongoing affordability challenges,” says Lee Naik, chief executive officer and regional president, TransUnion Africa. “Consumers are not facing a new problem, but a deepening of pressures that already exist”

TransUnion notes that affordability pressures have intensified through much of 2026. High unemployment continues to constrain household income growth and weaken financial resilience, contributing to cautious spending behaviour and increased demand for credit.

What the Decision Means for Consumers

A 25-basis point increase is expected to raise monthly repayments on a R1 million home loan by approximately R160 to R170 per month, while repayments on a R2 million home loan could increase by around R320 to R340 per month. A consumer financing a R400,000 vehicle could see repayments increase by approximately R65 per month.

Although relatively modest in isolation, these additional costs arrive at a time when households are already contending with high living expenses and tighter budgets.

TransUnion expects consumers to respond by reducing discretionary spending, reassessing household budgets and delaying major purchases, prioritising debt obligations and essential expenses. Demand for flexible credit solutions and financial management tools may also increase as households seek to preserve cash flow.

While vehicle finance and mortgage repayment performance have remained relatively resilient, TransUnion cautions that additional monetary tightening could place renewed pressure on repayment performance, particularly within unsecured lending segments where delinquency rates remain elevated.

"South Africans have shown remarkable resilience, but affordability remains fragile. The increase reinforces the need for consumers to proactively manage debt, preserve liquidity and maintain healthy credit profiles," says Naik.

Looking Ahead

TransUnion expects affordability to remain a defining issue for consumers through the remainder of 2026. Elevated fuel and transport costs, weak economic growth, rising unemployment and pressure on household budgets are expected to continue shaping consumer spending and borrowing behaviour.

Statistics South Africa reported that GDP contracted by 0.2% in Q2 2026, while the RMB/BER Business Confidence Index fell to its lowest level since 2024, reflecting continued pressure on economic activity, employment growth and consumer confidence.

The key risk for households is not any single affordability shock, but the cumulative impact of multiple pressures occurring simultaneously, including fuel inflation, constrained income growth, elevated unemployment and increasing reliance on credit to manage day-to-day expenses.

"Whether rates remain unchanged or increase, the reality for many households remains the same: consumers are focused on preserving cash flow, protecting repayment performance and managing essential expenses in a challenging economic environment," says Naik. "Affordability will continue to shape how South Africans spend, save and borrow in the months ahead."

Read moreMPC Rate Hike Intensifies Existing Affordability Pressures on South African Households
23 September 2026

South Africa’s Minibus Taxi Industry Has Lessons for Policymakers on How Informal Systems Work

Location: News

South Africa’s minibus taxi industry contains extensive knowledge, organisation and social practices developed by the people who work in and depend on it.

Read moreSouth Africa’s Minibus Taxi Industry Has Lessons for Policymakers on How Informal Systems Work
21 September 2026

Teenage Girls May Know How to Prevent Pregnancy – That Doesn’t Mean They Have the Power to Do It

Location: News

Teenage pregnancy makes visible the pressures, relationships and reproductive conditions that shape young people’s lives across southern Africa.

Read moreTeenage Girls May Know How to Prevent Pregnancy – That Doesn’t Mean They Have the Power to Do It
16 September 2026

Rubio’s Message Is Clear: No More Delays in Addressing the USA’s Conditions

Location: News

The contempt that President Cyril Ramaphosa and his administration have demonstrated in ignoring the conditions set by the United States (US) for normalising relations between the two countries for more than a year is now leading to serious and direct consequences. The new policy recently announced by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, aimed […]

The post Rubio’s message is clear: no more delays in addressing the US’s conditions appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.

Read moreRubio’s Message Is Clear: No More Delays in Addressing the USA’s Conditions
15 September 2026

South Africans Aren’t Giving Up on Car Ownership. They’re Just Buying Differently

Location: Business
  • TransUnion's Q2 2026 Mobility Insights Report reveals new passenger vehicle sales grew 15.8% year-on-year, the strongest annual growth in three quarters.
  • Used-to-New Ratio declines from 3.2 to 2.7 year-on-year, reinforcing the shift towards new vehicles
  • Vehicle purchase intent declined from 22% to 19%, as households became more cautious amid rising affordability pressures.

Despite continued fuel price pressure, rising living costs and ongoing strain on household finances, South Africans continue to prioritise vehicle ownership. According to TransUnion's Q2 2026 Mobility Insights Report, new passenger vehicle sales increased 15.8% year-on-year during the quarter, marking the strongest annual growth recorded in the past three quarters despite challenging economic conditions.

Beneath this growth, however, a significant shift is underway. Consumers are showing renewed interest in used vehicles and more affordable options as affordability becomes a more important consideration. The changing dynamics are reflected in vehicle registration patterns.

The used-to-new ratio declined from 3.2 in Q2 2025 to 2.7 in Q2 2026, indicating that new vehicles gained market share over the past year. While the ratio increased from 2.3 in Q1, the year-on-year movement confirms that the broader shift towards new vehicles remains intact.

"One of the most encouraging findings from this quarter's report is that South Africans have not stepped away from vehicle ownership despite a more challenging economic backdrop," says Ayesha Hatea, director of research and consulting at TransUnion Africa.

"What we are seeing instead is a more pragmatic consumer. Mobility remains essential, but consumers are carefully weighing affordability, financing costs, fuel efficiency and long-term ownership expenses before making purchasing decisions."

As consumers increasingly turn to used vehicles, alternative financing structures, rental models and digital purchasing journeys, the industry's risk profile is evolving alongside these opportunities. Fraud is no longer confined to traditional vehicle-finance applications. Businesses face growing exposure to identity fraud, synthetic identities, document manipulation, income misrepresentation, ownership fraud and payment fraud across multiple points of the automotive ecosystem.

Affordability Reshapes the Market

One of the clearest indicators of changing consumer priorities is the rapid rise of Chinese automotive brands. These brands now account for more than one in every five (22.4%) passenger and light commercial vehicles sold in South Africa, highlighting the growing importance of affordability, technology and overall value in purchasing decisions.

"Affordability has become one of the defining themes of South Africa's mobility market," says Hatea. "Consumers are increasingly looking for the best overall value proposition rather than simply the lowest price. Brands that combine affordability, quality, technology and lower running costs are proving particularly attractive in the current environment."

Consumers Remain Engaged but More Cautious

Data from TransUnion's Q2 2026 Consumer Pulse Survey points to a more measured outlook among households.

The proportion of consumers intending to purchase a vehicle within the next three months declined from 22% in Q1 to 19% in Q2. The decline was most pronounced among lower- and middle-income households, while purchase intent among higher-income households increased from 24% to 27%.

Importantly, this moderation should not be interpreted as weakening demand. Rather, it suggests consumers are becoming more deliberate as affordability pressures intensify.

The continued strength in vehicle sales indicates that vehicle ownership remains a priority for many South Africans. However, consumers are increasingly focused on achieving the right balance between affordability, reliability and long-term value.

Hybrid Vehicles Gain Momentum

The same practical mindset is shaping attitudes towards vehicle technology. While internal combustion engine vehicles continue to dominate the market, hybrid vehicles have emerged as the preferred route to electrification. According to the report, 45% of consumers now consider hybrid vehicles when evaluating their next purchase, making them the most attractive electrified vehicle option in South Africa.

Rising fuel costs, concerns around charging infrastructure and growing awareness of operating expenses are encouraging consumers to seek greater efficiency without compromising convenience.

"South Africa's mobility transition is likely to follow a distinctly local path. Consumers want lower running costs and greater efficiency, but practicality remains paramount. Hybrid technology offers a compelling middle ground between affordability, convenience and sustainability.”

"As automotive customer journeys become increasingly digital, businesses need to connect identity, device, behavioural and financial intelligence to distinguish legitimate customers from higher-risk activity without adding friction to the customer experience," adds Hatea.

Value Will Define the Next Phase of Growth

Despite a more challenging outlook for households and businesses, the report suggests the underlying fundamentals supporting vehicle demand remain intact.

For OEMs, dealers, financiers and insurers, future growth opportunities will increasingly depend on their ability to meet consumer expectations around affordability, convenience and efficiency. Organisations that can help consumers navigate a constrained economic environment through competitive pricing, flexible financing solutions and lower-cost mobility options will be better positioned to respond to demand.

Growth, however, must be supported by intelligent risk management. Traditional verification approaches are increasingly being complemented by layered fraud prevention capabilities that connect identity, device, behavioural, financial and regulatory signals. This helps organisations identify higher-risk activity earlier while reducing friction for legitimate customers.

"The South African vehicle market continues to demonstrate resilience, but success in the next phase of growth will depend on understanding a more selective and value-driven consumer," concludes Hatea. “The ability to deliver affordability, efficiency, trust and long-term value will increasingly determine which brands and businesses succeed in the market.”

Read moreSouth Africans Aren’t Giving Up on Car Ownership. They’re Just Buying Differently
14 September 2026

AI Has Arrived in South Africa’s Boardrooms – But Company Law Hasn’t Caught Up

Location: News

Clear rules are urgently needed to prevent a legal vacuum in South African boardrooms.

Read moreAI Has Arrived in South Africa’s Boardrooms – But Company Law Hasn’t Caught Up

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