Rands and sense: financial literacy in South Africa: briefing report 1

Abstract

Background. As part of on-going efforts by the FSCA to better understand, monitor and promote financial literacy in South Africa, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) has been commissioned to undertake surveys that examine financial knowledge, attitudes and behaviour among adult South Africans. This first round of surveying was conducted in 2010, with replications occurring in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017 and 2020. The surveys consist of nationally representative samples, which mean that the results reflect the views of South Africans aged 16 years and older. The series has been designed to assist with the development of strategies to improve financial literacy levels and inform financial literacy policies. It has also been used to inform the National Consumer Financial Education Strategy (NCFES, 2013). This summary presents select findings from 2012 onwards and illustrates emerging changes over years.