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 3PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

SA Outlook: Is Investment Grade Back Within Reach?

Could South Africa regain investment-grade status by 2028? Investec's Osagyefo Mazwai explains why the country's fiscal position, institutional reforms and improving credibility are shifting the ratings conversation. We explore the remaining obstacles, the importance of the MTBPS and what investors should watch next.
20 Oct 1PM 16 min

Borrowing To Survive: South Africa's Money Squeeze

The latest Money & Me survey paints a worrying picture of household finances, with more consumers borrowing before month-end, dipping into retirement savings and turning to side hustles to stay afloat. Sarah Nicholson of JustMoney unpacks what the data reveals about financial stress, debt burdens and economic resilience among South…
20 Oct 1PM 17 min

NBI on Powering Pathways To South Africa's Green Jobs Future

South Africa's green transition could unlock hundreds of thousands of jobs, but only if skills development keeps pace. Gugu McLaren-Ushewokunze from the National Business Initiative discusses the new Skills Development Zones model, the future of green employment, and how South Africa can ensure young people and underserved communities benefit from…
20 Oct 1PM 16 min

-DELETED- Borrowing To Survive: South Africa's Money Squeeze

The latest Money & Me survey paints a worrying picture of household finances, with more consumers borrowing before month-end, dipping into retirement savings and turning to side hustles to stay afloat. Sarah Nicholson of JustMoney unpacks what the data reveals about financial stress, debt burdens and economic resilience among South…
20 Oct 1PM 17 min

NBI on Powering Pathways To South Africa's Green Jobs Future

South Africa's green transition could unlock hundreds of thousands of jobs, but only if skills development keeps pace. Gugu McLaren-Ushewokunze from the National Business Initiative discusses the new Skills Development Zones model, the future of green employment, and how South Africa can ensure young people and underserved communities benefit from…
20 Oct 1PM 16 min