Marc Beckenstrater, Fund Manager at PSG Asset Management, says bond investors face rising inflation and global uncertainty, making flexible fixed-income strategies, disciplined risk management and capital preservation increasingly important in a volatile market environment.

Pieter Albertyn, Head of Product Solutions at Momentum Savings, says gig workers face unique financial challenges, particularly around retirement planning, income security and access to benefits, highlighting the importance of building long-term savings habits and seeking financial guidance despite the demands of self-employment.

Dr Fred Philippou, Financial Planner at Liberty, says rising unemployment, economic uncertainty and increasing household financial pressures are making financial protection more important than ever, with income protection, disability, critical illness and short-term insurance helping families maintain financial stability when unexpected events disrupt their ability to earn an income.

Liberty paid out R12.63 billion in claims during 2025, supporting thousands of South Africans and their families through death, disability, critical illness and income protection benefits, while claims data highlighted the growing financial impact of cancer, cardiovascular disease and long-term disability.

Momentum Life Insurance paid R6.88 billion in claims during 2025, with rising critical illness, disability and income protection claims highlighting growing financial risks for working-age South Africans and the need for comprehensive financial protection.

New data from TransUnion reveals a definitive, structural shift in consumer behaviour. The modest financial recovery we saw at the start of 2026 has officially stalled. Driven by a perfect storm of a 4.0% inflation spike, a crippling R5,452.09 average monthly food basket, and rising fuel costs, South Africans are officially shifting from "cautious optimism" to a defensive "survival mode.