Nerosha Maseti, Lead Ombud for the NFO’s Banking and Credit Division, warns that allowing others to use your bank account can lead to frozen accounts, fraud listings and long-term financial exclusion, urging consumers to avoid “easy money” schemes and ensure all account activity is legitimate.

Kashif Noor, Head of Retail Distribution at Ashburton Investments, says true financial literacy is about intentional planning and consistency, encouraging individuals to shift from restrictive budgeting to purposeful money management, build safety nets, and invest early to grow long-term wealth.

Cebile Zibi, Head of Trade Marketing at Momentum Advice, says teaching children financial discipline, like saving, delayed gratification and understanding value, is essential to building long-term financial resilience and equipping them to manage money confidently in adulthood.

Annalise De Meillon-Muller, Senior Legal Specialist at PSG, says longevity risk, the risk of outliving savings, can be managed through disciplined financial planning, including maximising contributions, diversifying investments, and adopting sustainable withdrawal strategies.

Lerato Bacela, Financial Director at Old Mutual Insure, says SMMEs should take a proactive and informed approach to regulatory changes, highlighting that new VAT thresholds and infrastructure opportunities can support growth, but require careful planning and professional guidance.

Theo Mabaso, Group Chief AI Officer at Sanlam, says AI will be a key driver of competitiveness and growth, enabling better products, advice and customer outcomes, while emphasising responsible, well-governed adoption to enhance efficiency without replacing the human role in financial services.