Stories
I had the privilege of training employees from various corporate sectors on the critical skills of boosting income, budgeting, and managing debt. The trainings provided valuable insights that not only impacted their personal finances but also enhanced their overall financial literacy, enabling them to take more control over their economic well-being. By the end of the sessions, it was evident that the training had a profound effect on participants, fostering greater financial confidence and a renewed sense of purpose in their approach to budgeting, increasing income, and managing debt.
I had the privilege of training employees from various corporate sectors on the critical skills of boosting income, budgeting, and managing debt. The trainings provided valuable insights that not only impacted their personal finances but also enhanced their overall financial literacy, enabling them to take more control over their economic well-being. By the end of the sessions, it was evident that the training had a profound effect on participants, fostering greater financial confidence and a renewed sense of purpose in their approach to budgeting, increasing income, and managing debt.
Avocado Vision in partnership with Sanlam we have manage to reached out 120 workers at Slulumanzi to contribute towards make better decisions in Managing their debt better and buying the big ticket (the Car and a house). It may sound as general term but has come to my realizing while conducting this session, interacting with participants that most of them lack financial life skills more especially in debt management. Thobeka Mhlanga said "When we succeed in loan or credit application it comes to my understanding of our ignorant in terms and conditions as they are not well explained to us by creditors that affects our future payments for an example the reporate interests rate . For my experience its not a well explained path by creditors . Thanks for this program to open our eyes towards what are the considerations that creditors look at when give you credit including: credit profile, credit score and the need of reflecting in credit bureau as someone once had a credit that assist you when buying a big ticket". Financial life skills training programs its highly in demand to most worksite space, because if 120 workers have financial management challenges how many more have the same challenge out there.
On the 26th of September 2025, I had another great opportunity of training the youth of Vukani Community Project, at Umlazi section C. The number of participants was less than expected, but those who attended were very much impressed with the knowledge they gained. I trained them on two modules, Money safety and Managing debt, which was very important as most of them have not started their financial journey. they were very excited to learn about different types of scams and promised to be vigilant when they start earning their own money. One of the older ladies shared her story where she was called by scammers, pretending to be from her cellphone network, luckily, she discovered that she was being tricked to reset her sim card. They participated enthusiastically, working in groups with excitement. They came up with amazing ideas of keeping the money safe. They requested more sessions in future as they believe they needed more information on money management before they start working. It's good to see young people interacting in financial literacy sessions.
The day was the 29th of August 2025,I was doing a worksite training for Sanlam/Assupol.I had a group of Health workers From Greys Hospital,the day was scheduled to be a Women's day celebration,where women are recognized as the backbones of families and some also in their work space.So the financial literacy part was added as a part where women are given the tools in terms of information and skills to be able to manage their finances properly because they are the people who keep their households running.The message of the day was that,if women do not have money,nothing happens,in their families,so the aim was to keep women motivated and upskilled on how to manage their finances,no matter how little of money you earn,you make it work for you.So we covered how to find money in their budget,how to save and invest that money and also how to manage debt.The session was very fruitful for them,they asked relevant questions,they also shared their experiences with me,they also wanted to invest right away and luckily we had Assupol staff on site,who were happy to answer any questions they had about insurance and investments. They were very happy with the session and they wanted more sessions,they felt the time allocated for the sessions was really not enough.
On the 9th and 10th of September 2025, Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality hosted a Worksite Consumer Financial Education by Sanlam for its employees, covering various modules that focused on financial literacy, responsible decision-making, and practical money management. The atmosphere was lively as participants engaged with topics that spoke directly to their everyday lives - ranging from budgeting to saving and long-term financial planning. As the training unfolded, one session stood out above the rest; the discussion on black tax. This topic struck a deep chord with many in the room. Participants shared heartfelt stories about the pressure of supporting extended families while trying to pursue their own financial goals. Emotions ran high as participants reflected on how black tax, while rooted in care and responsibility, can sometimes leave individuals feeling stagnant and unable to grow. I, as a facilitator guided the group into unpacking the issue, acknowledging both the cultural significance of supporting family and personal challenges it brings. Together, the room explored harmonious strategies to minimise the weight of black tax without neglecting family ties. Ideas such as open family budgeting, setting clear boundaries, encouraging self-reliance among dependents, and prioritising savings were discussed in depth. By the end of the training, participants expressed a sense of relief and empowerment. The day closed in a hopeful note, with participants committing to applying the lessons learned to improve both financial wellbeing and family relashionships. The consumer education training was more than a workshop- it became a safe space for reflection, growth , and solidarity.
Over the past month, I was honoured to conduct financial literacy training sessions aimed at both members of my local community and the working class. The training focused on essential financial skills such as budgeting, funding a funeral, saving, debt management, and setting financial goals. Participants engaged actively throughout the sessions, asking questions and sharing real-life financial challenges. One of the key outcomes of the initiative was the issuing of certificates of completion, which many participants have since used to strengthen their CVs. For some, these certificates have already improved their chances of securing employment by demonstrating their commitment to personal and professional development. The overall impact of the program has been highly positive, empowering individuals with both the knowledge and the credentials to improve their financial well-being and job prospects. This initiative has also helped foster a culture of financial responsibility within the community.
Training Money Smart week The training was so very emotional to most f the people who attended , when budget was introduced, we then went indephth covering and finding money that can be saved , the learners committed themselves to practice the budget and separate their expenses. Others spoke about module 5 to start side hustle and them to business
On the 12th of August 2025, I visited a deep rural part of Umthwalume at Qoloqolo Tribal Court for an Assupol/Sanlam worksite training of the members of the local Tribal Authority. I trained them on 2 sessions, ie. Module 1, My Budget, and Module 2, Saving and Investing. They requested these sessions to be equipped with the relevant financial skills, as they have started an organisation, Isivivane Sakwa Qoloqolo Heritage Organisation that will sustain them and their generations. Most of them had low level of education, but that didn't stop them from participating enthusiastically. Both sessions went well, they enjoyed all the activities, but most of all, they gained the much-needed information. They worked well in groups and participated in presentations. They were so happy that they requested more sessions on financial literacy.
On the 4th of September 2025 We had a privilege of training Bafokeng Young people at Phokeng Village just outside the City of Rustenburg in the North West Province of RSA. Young People came in numbers and one of the topics of the day was Boosting my Income, Money Modular No.5 Firstly, boosting income provides financial stability by enabling you to cover your living expenses and save for the future. Secondly, boosting income opens up opportunities for a better quality of life, allowing you to afford things that bring you joy and fulfillment. Moreover, boosting your income provides a sense of security in case of unexpected expenses or emergencies. We also challenged our participants to use their talents and skills to boost their income and showed them how. "The training was so impactful and life changing" Mr Mpotseng Mputle one of the participants who attended the training.
