Despite improved sentiment, consumers still face financial strain.

Loading player...
GUEST - Benay Sager - Executive head of DebtBusters.

Although consumer sentiment continues to improve in 2025, consumers are still under severe financial strain.

This is revealed in DebtBusters’ Q3 2025 Debt Index, a quarterly evaluation of debt counselling applications. Executive head of DebtBusters, Benay Sager, says that successive interest rate and petrol price reductions have helped consumers better deal with debt, however, finances are still seriously strained.

Sager explains that over the past nine years, income growth has not kept up with significant cost increases, and consumers are using short-term unsecured credit and personal loans to make up the shortfall.
18 Nov 2025 3PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

BofA Slashes SA Growth Forecast as Inflation Surges

Bank of America has cut South Africa’s 2026 GDP growth forecast to 1.3%, warning that higher oil and fertilizer prices will keep inflation above 4% for most of the year. Economist Tatonga Rusike explains
23 Apr 3PM 11 min

Understanding SA’s First Wealth Score

Franc unveils South Africa’s first-ever Wealth Score, revealing that financial habits—not income—are the strongest predictor of financial health. We unpack why SA’s national score is 45/100 and the behavior gap between knowing and doing with Dr. Thomas Brennan, founder and CEO of Franc.
23 Apr 3PM 13 min

Clicks Lifts HEPS 8% Despite Warehouse Disruptions.

Clicks delivered firm interim results with diluted HEPS up 8.1%, even as warehouse system delays cost an estimated R175 million in lost sales. CEO Bertina Engelbrecht discusses pharmacy growth, trading margins, and festive‑season competition.
23 Apr 2PM 16 min