Author: Rolivhuwa Muswede

In today’s world, understanding money and how to manage it wisely is more important than ever. For young South Africans, especially those just starting to earn or manage their own finances, financial literacy is a crucial skill. Fortunately, several free platforms and programmes are dedicated to teaching South African youth about money — from budgeting and saving to investing and understanding credit. These resources are designed to be easy to access and understand, no matter where you live or your background. Here’s a closer look at some of the best free financial literacy platforms available to South African youth, and…

If you’re a contract worker in South Africa, you might be wondering whether you can claim benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). The UIF is a government initiative that offers financial support to workers who find themselves unemployed, ill, on maternity leave, or facing other challenges that affect their income. But does UIF apply to contract workers? Let’s break it down in simple terms. What is UIF? The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) is designed to provide short-term financial relief to workers who lose their jobs or cannot work due to certain circumstances. It acts like a safety net, giving…

Applying for government-subsidised housing, like RDP or BNG homes, is an important step towards securing a safe and affordable place to live. But once you’ve applied, it’s natural to want to know: What’s happening with my application? How can I track my housing needs application? In this article, we’ll explain clearly how you can check your housing application status in South Africa and what to do if you need help. Whether you live in Gauteng, the Western Cape, or anywhere else, you will find practical ways to track your application and stay informed. Why Track Your Housing Application? When you…

Mental health is an important part of our overall well-being. Sometimes life gets overwhelming, and we all need someone to talk to — especially when facing stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma. The good news is that in South Africa, there are free mental health counselling services available to support you, no matter where you live or what your situation is. This article will guide you through trusted free counselling options in South Africa and online, so you know where to turn when you need help. Why Free Mental Health Counselling Matters Many people worry about the cost of counselling and…

If you’re a South African student relying on NSFAS funding for your studies, seeing a “NSFAS NSF-Blocked” status on your profile or wallet can be stressful. It means you currently don’t have access to your NSFAS funding or allowances. But what exactly does “NSFAS NSF-Blocked” mean? And how can you fix it quickly so you can continue focusing on your studies? This article will explain everything you need to know. What Does NSFAS NSF-Blocked Mean? When your NSFAS profile or wallet is “blocked,” it means NSFAS has temporarily restricted your access to your funding. This could be because of a…

Losing a job can be tough, and understanding your rights and benefits during this time is very important. In South Africa, two main types of financial support are available to employees when their employment ends: the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and severance pay. While they both aim to help workers who lose their jobs, UIF and severance pay are very different in how they work, who pays them, and who qualifies for them. If you’re unsure about the difference between Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and severance pay, this article will help you understand both clearly so you can know what…

In South Africa, many families and individuals face tough financial challenges every day. The Department of Social Development (DSD), together with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), plays an important role in helping vulnerable groups by providing social grants. These grants give much-needed financial support to millions of South Africans who cannot fully support themselves, helping to reduce poverty and inequality. If you or someone you know needs assistance, understanding the types of social grants available is important. Here’s a simple guide to the main social grants offered by the DSD in 2025. 1. Old Age Grant The Old…

Every parent wants their child to do well at school and enjoy learning. But sometimes, children struggle with their schoolwork or social life at school, and this can be worrying. If your child is having a hard time at school, don’t panic. There are practical steps you can take to help them get back on track. Understanding Why Your Child Is Struggling Children can face difficulties at school for many reasons. It might be because of learning problems like difficulty reading or understanding maths. Sometimes, children have trouble paying attention in class or staying organised. Health issues like asthma or…

In today’s digital world, having reliable data is essential for staying connected with family, friends, work, and entertainment. But for many South Africans, especially those on a budget, buying data bundles that are both affordable and last longer can be tricky. The good news is that with the right tips and choices, you can stretch your data and save money. Here’s a simple guide on how to buy cheap data bundles that last longer. 1. Choose Data Bundles Without Expiry or with Longer Validity One of the biggest frustrations with many data bundles is their short expiry period. You might…

Prepaid water meters are becoming a common way for many South African households to manage their water usage. Instead of receiving a monthly bill, you buy water tokens in advance and load them onto your water meter. This helps you keep control of your water consumption and budget better. But if you’re new to this system, loading prepaid water tokens can feel tricky. Don’t worry! This guide breaks down the entire process step-by-step so you can load your water tokens easily and avoid any interruptions in your water supply. What is a Prepaid Water Token? A prepaid water token is…