Wesbank

South Africa’s new vehicle market closed the third quarter on a strong note, with September sales rising 12.7% year-on-year to 61,645 units, despite affordability pressures and the recent 25 basis point increase in the repo rate to 7.25%. The result compares with 54,706 units sold in September 2025, according to naamsa. Passenger vehicle sales increased …

Most of us know the feeling. The car goes in for something small; the workshop calls back and the quote lands well above what you had budgeted for. A few months later it happens again. Somewhere between the second and third invoice, the thought arrives: is it time to let this one go? It is …

We’re into the second half of the year. That means we have more than six months of data on our spending, saving and borrowing decisions. As we approach an expensive stretch of the year (school fees, holidays and festive-season costs are around the corner), taking an honest look at where our money has gone, measured …

South Africa’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) market is entering a pivotal phase. Government support for local manufacturing is moving from policy intent to implementation, investment in charging infrastructure continues to build, and businesses face growing pressure to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. For fleet operators, the conversation has shifted towards implementation. The focus now sits …

Public discussion of South Africa’s Electric Vehicle (EV) White Paper has largely focused on how quick motorists will adopt electric vehicles. This misses the central purpose of the policy. The White Paper is fundamentally an industrial strategy designed to preserve South Africa’s automotive manufacturing base, protect export competitiveness, and secure investment as the global industry …

On the first of July 2026, WesBank welcomed a new cohort of graduates and interns to its headquarters in Fairland as they begin their journey through the organisation’s FirstJob programme, an initiative designed to equip young South Africans with meaningful workplace experience, professional development and the confidence to build successful careers. The induction marks the …

South Africa’s new vehicle market maintained its impressive momentum in June, recording its strongest June sales performance since 2007 despite mounting economic headwinds. According to The Automotive Business Council, naamsa, aaggregate domestic new vehicle sales reached 54 482 units, representing an increase of 15,3% increase from the 47 269 units sold in June 2025. Meanwhile, …

South Africa’s economy grew by 1.1% in 2025, reflecting modest progress, yet more than triple the pre-pandemic 2019 average growth rate of 0.3% and an improvement from 0.5% growth recorded in 2024. By sector, agriculture led the way, contributing the most among goods-producing sectors, with growth of 17.4% in 2025. Mining bounced back and gained …

South Africa’s new vehicle market extended its recovery in May 2026, recording the strongest monthly sales performance since 2013 even as a shifting economic environment introduced new considerations for consumers and the industry alike. According to naamsa | the Automotive Business Council, aggregate new vehicle sales increased 12,8% during the month to reach 51,071 units …

For an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) entering South Africa, the product is rarely the challenge. The ecosystem is. Establishing a foothold in South Africa’s automotive market demands more than a competitive vehicle line-up. It requires an understanding of local consumer behaviour, a dealer network capable of converting interest into sales, and financial solutions that make …

Getting approved for vehicle finance can feel like the hardest part is over. In reality, approval marks the beginning of a financial commitment that will shape your budget for the next five or six years, and in some cases, longer. Understanding what you are agreeing to before you sign a vehicle finance agreement (VAF) is …

South Africans have felt the impact of fuel price increases once again. While there may be occasional relief in the months ahead, the bigger picture is clear. Fuel price volatility is something businesses will need to actively manage for the foreseeable future. For commercial operators, this is not just a cost line item. It is …

South Africa’s new vehicle market delivered its strongest April performance in 13 years, with domestic sales rising 13,0% year-on-year to 47,979 units. The result confirms that underlying demand remains resilient, even as rising fuel costs, inflation risk and a more cautious interest rate outlook begin to test affordability. According to naamsa | The Automotive Business …

South Africa’s automotive industry is being quietly but materially reshaped. A growing influx of lower-cost Chinese vehicle brands is changing the affordability equation for consumers, with many buyers now able to purchase a brand-new vehicle at a price once associated with the used market. For households under financial strain, that is an attractive proposition. For …

For many South African graduates, the hardest part of finding a job isn’t their qualification, it’s a lack of real-world experience. In response to this growing challenge, WesBank is opening its doors to tertiary students before they graduate by offering early exposure to the world of work as a practical step toward improving employability. This …

Fuel price increases are hitting South Africans where it hurts most, in their monthly budgets. And while the reasons behind these increases are often global and out of our hands, there are still practical ways to manage the impact without completely overhauling your lifestyle. Understand where your money is going Fuel is not just about …

Before the photos. Before the applause. Before the proud walk across the stage there are stories most people never see. Stories of loss, of sacrifice and of choosing to keep going when stopping would have been easier. For Siyanda Kepadisa and Tusekile Zungu, graduation wasn’t just a milestone. It was a fight against poverty and …