IN CONVERSATION WITH Brenda Van Zyl, Founder and Financial Adviser for Financial Services

Financial literacy among South African youth and students is increasingly urgent, with only about half of the population considered financially literate. For students relying on NSFAS or bursaries, the ability to budget, save, and avoid debt traps is critical to building resilience and preparing for life beyond graduation. In South Africa today, financial literacy is more than just a skill. It is a survival tool. Research shows that nearly 49 percent of South Africans are financially illiterate, with young people among the most vulnerable. For students, especially those supported by NSFAS or bursaries, the challenge is not only stretching allowances but also resisting the pressures of social media and the unrealistic expectations of instant success. Financial literacy is about understanding the basics: budgeting, saving, and managing debt. It means distinguishing between needs and wants, learning how interest works, and recognising the dangers of credit misuse. For many students, this is their first encounter with financial 10:35 independence, and without guidance, they risk falling into debt traps that can follow them long after graduation. Instagram · Twitter