consumer confidencelatest news & developments
With fuel prices set to rise again, inflation expected to climb and borrowing costs increasing, electric and hybrid vehicles could offer South African consumers a way to reduce their monthly transport costs.
ELECTRIC CARS

Could EVs be South Africa’s answer to rising fuel, power and borrowing costs?

Are rising costs starting to tip the maths in an EV's favour?

  • Ashley Lechman
7 min read
Consumers face mounting pressure.
GDP

GDP contraction puts pressure on South African consumers

South Africa’s latest economic number tells a bigger story.

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
South African motorists face sharp September fuel increases, with diesel rising by up to R3.15 a litre and petrol increasing by R1.34.
FUEL CRISIS

Fuel prices rise sharply as South African motorists face higher September costs

South African motorists face sharp September fuel increases, with diesel rising by up to R3.15 a litre and petrol increasing by R1.34.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
Cashbuild said the short term economic and financial outlook for its mainly cash-paying customers was likely to be unchanged in the short term, but the company is planning to open 15 new stores in the new financial year, which will help boost company performance.
BUILDING MATERIALSCASHBUILD

Cashbuild revenue rises 5.5% as retailer plans 15 new stores

Cashbuild reported higher revenue and gross margins for the year to 28 June 2026, while warning that affordability pressures continue to weigh on customers.

  • Edward West
3 min read
South Africa’s energy crisis is shifting from electricity shortages to affordability, with rising electricity, petrol and paraffin costs placing vulnerable households under growing financial pressure.
CONSUMER

South Africa’s energy poverty crisis deepens as rising costs push consumers further into debt

South Africa’s energy crisis is shifting from electricity shortages to affordability, with rising electricity, petrol and paraffin costs placing vulnerable households under…

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
A new Wonga survey shows 41% of South Africans use credit every month for essentials, while 32% have borrowed from informal lenders amid mounting financial pressure.
LOAN MARKET

South Africans turning to loan sharks as cost of living crisis deepens

A new Wonga survey shows 41% of South Africans use credit every month for essentials, while 32% have borrowed from informal lenders amid mounting financial pressure.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
With household finances under pressure, South African consumers are increasingly using AI to research products, compare prices and assess whether brands are delivering genuine value.
AI

South African shoppers using AI to get more value

Amid rising living costs, South African consumers are turning to AI to make smarter shopping decisions, but are brands keeping up with their expectations?

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read