Instilling a cultutre of saving in South Africa

Abstract

South Africa is pro-consumption and as a result, the level of saving has declined. This research focused on savings by household sector. The study started by assessing the reasons for the high consumption culture and a nonexistent savings culture in South Africa. The second question was to review the initiatives by government, corporate sector (especially financial institutions), and the South African Savings Institute, to encourage savings culture within South Africa. The methodologies followed were an unstructured interview with an industry expert, focus group and survey. The research concludes by highlighting the need for education on saving at basic levels, the initiatives by government to cater for all different LSMs.