YOUTH & DEBT- With 6.7 million youth aged 18-24, only 1 million are credit active.

Loading player...
GUEST - Andrew Fulton – Director at Eighty20

South Africa's youth are grappling with deepening financial challenges, including crushing unemployment, limited asset ownership and mounting debt levels. Eighty20, South Africa’s leading consulting, analytics and research company analyses those aged 24 and younger, who make up 44.5% of the population—bearing the brunt of economic hardship, reflecting broader structural issues in the country’s economy.

Eighty20's National Segmentation reveals that of the 6.7 million youth aged 18-24, only one million are credit active. Yet among these credit users, nearly half have defaulted on their loans. With an average monthly income of R3,400 (less than half the national average of R7,000) and a youth unemployment rate of 62.4%, financial strain is widespread in this age group.
17 Jun 2025 5AM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

The Unseen Household Tax of Global Tensions

Old Mutual’s Financial Education Programme Manager, Thabo Hollo explains how global geopolitical tensions — from oil supply shocks to inflation risks — are silently eroding household budgets. He outlines the four steps consumers should take now to protect their financial wellbeing.
30 Apr 4PM 9 min

How Online Gambling Is Reshaping SA Spending

Online betting has overtaken casinos as South Africa’s biggest gambling channel. Reona Chetty from Vouch SA explains the data behind the boom, the behavioural patterns emerging in card transactions, and the financial red flags households should watch for.
30 Apr 4PM 15 min

How to Stay Financially Afloat in 2026

With inflation rising, fuel costs climbing, and real salaries slipping, more households are using credit just to get through the month. Momentum’s Salem Nyati breaks down the behavioural shifts, the warning signs of debt distress, and the practical steps families can take to regain control.
30 Apr 4PM 9 min

SA Salary Index: Why Real Earnings Are Falling Behind

South Africans are earning slightly more on paper — but losing ground in reality. Economist Elize Kruger unpacks the latest PayInc Net Salary Index, the 1% real decline in earnings, and why rising fuel prices and corporate caution could squeeze households even further in 2026.
30 Apr 4PM 15 min

How Currency Volatility Is Hitting South African SMEs

A new Verto report warns that currency volatility is now a bigger threat to SME margins than logistics. Rumbi Shoniwa from Verto SA explains how FX swings erode profits and the practical steps SMEs can take to protect themselves.
29 Apr 3PM 11 min