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Opposal to Proposed Rezoning for Planned Solar Farm and Data Centre in Moorreesburg

Location: News

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus), together with local landowners and residents of Moorreesburg, formally lodged an objection against the proposed rezoning of several erven in Hooikraal for the construction of a solar farm, battery energy storage system and data centre. The application is to rezone the relevant erven from residential properties to a special […]

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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

“Sustainable Jet Fuel” Production at Hopefield – A Green Project Posing High Environmental Risk

Location: News

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) openly advocates for renewable energy and transitioning from fossil fuels to so-called “green alternatives”. The only prerequisite, however, is that the ecological pros of producing the “green alternatives” should outweigh those of fossil fuels. This is quite possibly not the case with the planned plant outside Hopefield, where the […]

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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

Ekurhuleni Housing Company Now Has to Table Quarterly Reports

Location: News

The recommendation by the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) that the Ekurhuleni Housing Company should from now on report to the Finance and Human Settlements Oversight Committees every quarter has been adopted during the Ekurhuleni Metro’s latest council meeting. The Freedom Front Plus stressed that Council merely taking note of reports without implementing mechanisms to […]

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Tshwane Could Do More to Boost Community Projects

Location: News

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) commends the communities who have rolled up their sleeves and taken it upon themselves to maintain and gentrify their neighbourhoods under the Tshwane Metro Council’s community upliftment initiative, however, the current administration needs to provide more guidance. This upliftment model’s objective is to empower communities by allowing groups, individuals […]

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Management Issues Hinder Witsand Desalination Plant’s Operations

Location: News

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is deeply concerned about the current state of the Witsand desalination plant, which was initially developed as an innovative solution to the town’s water challenges, but is apparently not fulfilling its intended role. According to information provided to the Freedom Front Plus by stakeholders, the plant itself is not […]

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Public Bear the Brunt Amid Western Cape Roads Function Transfer Dispute

Location: News

The official statement by the Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertius Simmers, regarding the Garden Route District Municipality’s roads function does not accurately reflect the facts. In addition, he glosses over the impact it has on Garden Route residents. The provincial Department announced in March 2025 that the roads function fulfilled by the Garden Route […]

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South African Credit Trends Diverge as Consumers Navigate Affordability Pressures in Q1 2026

Location: Business
  • Personal loans markets continue to split in opposing directions, highlighting clear contrasts between bank and non-bank portfolios
  • Credit cards reflect growing reliance on credit, alongside increasing signs of repayment pressure
  • Vehicle asset finance remains resilient, with momentum shifting toward new vehicles purchases

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.”

Read moreSouth African Credit Trends Diverge as Consumers Navigate Affordability Pressures in Q1 2026

Minibus Taxi Industry Transformation Championed at Western Cape Summit

Location: News

GOOD Councillor Ricardo van der Merwe, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Infrastructure and Planning Services at the Saldanha Bay Municipality, officially attended the Western Cape Minibus Taxi Industry Transformation Summit on Wednesday, 17 June 2026.

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Dr Beyers Naudé Municipality’s Budget Fails Residents

Location: News

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 […]

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We Reject Unfunded Govan Mbeki Budget

Location: News

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) voted against the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality’s budget because it is unfunded and unsustainable. The ANC and EFF approved the budget with a shortfall of approximately R515 million, despite serious concerns about its legality and sustainability in terms of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). The Municipality itself acknowledges […]

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Unregulated and Unregistered Livestock Undermine FMD Control in Gauteng

Location: News

(Debate in the Gauteng Legislature on foot-and-mouth disease) The continued spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Gauteng and the fact that much of the livestock in the province are unregulated and unregistered pose a serious risk to the province’s agricultural sector. Although the Department of Agriculture emphasises the roll-out of vaccines and other control measures, […]

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Infrastructure Investment Welcomed in Johannesburg Budget

Location: News

GOOD notes the approval of the City of Johannesburg’s 2026/27 Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Budget, including a significant multi-year infrastructure investment programme aimed at stabilising and rebuilding the city’s deteriorating systems.

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Ricardo van der Merwe Appointed to the Saldanha Bay Municipality’s Mayoral Committee

Location: News

The GOOD Party welcomes the appointment of Councillor Ricardo van der Merwe to the Saldanha Bay Municipality’s Mayoral Committee, where he will serve with responsibility for Infrastructure and Planning Services.

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