25 Years of Financial Progress: How South Africa’s Middle Class Has Evolved

Loading player...
GUEST: Thabiso Tshabalala, FNB Credit Card Product Head
South Africa’s middle-income earners have changed dramatically over the past 25 years from cash-based consumers to digitally fluent, financially conscious individuals who are saving, investing, and stretching every rand further.
As FNB Premier celebrates its 25th anniversary, new data reveals a generation that’s learned to bank smarter, live within their means, and use technology to drive their goals. More than 90% of customers now bank digitally, earning over R5 billion in eBucks since 2000.
In conversation with FNB Credit Card Product Head Thabiso Tshabalala, we explore how the country’s middle class has evolved who they are today, what financial pressures and opportunities define them, and how FNB is supporting this group through tools, rewards, and responsible credit design that help them build wealth and support their families.
10 Nov 2025 12PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Pivot Point: Shaping Africa’s Energy Future

Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, Founder and CEO of RichAfrica Consulting, shares insights on transforming Africa’s natural resource potential into sustainable economic growth. We explore investment opportunities in oil and gas, the Orange Basin, Namibia’s energy policy, ESG strategies, and how African countries can better leverage natural resources for long-term development.
12 Mar 1PM 38 min

Standard Bank Group Posts Strong 2025 Results

Standard Bank Group has closed 2025 on a strong note, reporting headline earnings of R49.2 billion and a return on equity of 19.3%, hitting the top end of its ROE target range. CEO Simpiwe “Sim” Tshabalala joins us to unpack the drivers behind the bank’s performance, including growth in digital…
12 Mar 1PM 11 min

South Africa’s Mining Sector Off to a Strong Start

Stats SA reports a 4.6% rise in mining output and a 31.7% jump in mineral sales year-on-year for January. Mining analyst Peter Major breaks down which minerals are driving growth, whether gains are linked to prices or volumes, and what these trends mean for investors and the South African economy.
12 Mar 1PM 11 min

INSIDE YOUR POCKET: Retirement Under Pressure: Rising Debt Among Older South Africans

As South Africa’s population ages, more seniors are turning to credit to cover everyday expenses. Andrew Fulton, Director at Eighty20, explores the financial realities for “Humble Elders” and “Comfortable Retirees,” why defaults among seniors are rising, and what this means for families, policymakers, and the broader economy.
12 Mar 1PM 13 min

Sanlam Delivers Strong 2025 Results and Pan-African Expansion

South Africa’s leading financial services group, Sanlam, achieved record new business of R496 billion, with net client cash flows more than doubling. CFO Abigail Mukhuba discusses the group’s operational performance, Pan-African growth strategy, strategic acquisitions like Assupol and Shriram Finance, the launch of the ZARU stablecoin, and how the company…
12 Mar 1PM 11 min