South Africans swipe more, save less as financial strain deepens
The SpendTrend25 report reveals how high interest rates and stagnant incomes are pushing consumers towards credit, loyalty rewards, and early retirement withdrawals.
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Groceries, gadgets and gaps: where two-pot savings are really going
Sanlam reports that most withdrawals came from financially strained members in mid-life, with little evidence that funds were used to reduce debt. Instead, spending patterns suggest pressure to cover everyday expenses.
Retirement pot withdrawals could undermine long-term savings
Danie van Zyl of Sanlam Corporate Investments warns that allowing access to retirement components in retrenchment cases might jeopardise long-term savings and place added pressure on trustees.
SARS’s enhanced compliance efforts add R301.5bn to revenue
The South African Revenue Service outperformed its revised estimates for 2024/25, buoyed by strong personal income tax, VAT, and company income tax collections.
Amended Conduct Standard for section 14 transfers takes effect
The Authority has withdrawn the temporary exemption for retirement fund transfers, signalling the full implementation of updated regulatory requirements.
FSCA discloses approach to regulating a rapidly changing financial sector
Unathi Kamlana says the Authority will support the integration of advanced technologies and strengthen frameworks for consumer protection, cyber resilience, and financial inclusion.
Old Mutual’s operating profit up 4%, led by Insure and Investments
Exceptional underwriting in Old Mutual Insure and a 37% jump in Investments drive overall strength, but Corporate’s life insurance sales slumped 42%.
Two-pot withdrawals linked to surge in used car sales
The Bureau of Market Research discloses what South Africans have done with their savings benefit withdrawals since September 2024.
Alexforbes reports R7 billion in two-pot system withdrawals
It says 47% of members intend to make future claims – with 34% of those who have already claimed planning to do so again.
How to maximise your tax benefits in a two-pot era
Carla Rossouw, head of tax at Allan Gray, discusses what investors need to know about retirement fund products and the looming end-of-tax year deadline on 28 February.
Debt crisis deepens: South Africans using up to 75% of income to repay debt
DebtBusters’ Q4 2024 Debt Index reveals a worsening cash flow crunch, with rising reliance on short-term loans and record-high debt service ratios.
Surrenders and competition challenge the insurance market, says Moody’s
Life insurers are expected to maintain steady profitability, but policy surrenders and competition-driven pricing pressures could impact long-term growth.
SARS anticipates up to R12bn from two-pot withdrawals
This is double the initial estimate of between R5bn and R6bn.
Gross two-pot withdrawals top R43 billion
SARS highlights common errors that can lead to application rejections and warns against attempts to evade tax.
Key regulatory and compliance developments: looking back at 2024 and what’s ahead in 2025
Billy Seyffert unpacks 2024’s major compliance changes, from the two-pot retirement system to cybersecurity standards, offering practical advice to stay ahead in 2025.
Treasury publishes draft amendments to two-pot legislation
The Bill provides for flexibility when provident and provident preservation funds perform the seeding calculation.
Members need advice to navigate two-pot’s complex options
The two-pot system demands members make choices for vested, savings, and retirement components – all with distinct rules and tax implications. This complexity is driving the need for personalised advice and the systemic changes to support members effectively.
