Stories
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.
Truffle Money fo’sho July 2025 I had an opportunity of training the community in the City of Tshwane Municipality (Mamelodi & Bronkhorstspruit) on financial literacy. The groups agreed on finding it difficult to do budgeting properly, and saving for emergencies. Most of the people admitted that they lived from pay check to pay check, and some even borrowed money at high interest rates from loan sharks. All sessions were interactive. Participants shared their real-life money challenges like often running out of money before month-end or immediately after pay day. The participants were encouraged to draw a realistic budget, showing how even small amounts set aside for savings could grow over time. Responsible borrowing of money, as well as the cost of higher purchase and safer credit options through registered financial institutions was explained to the participants. What made the training impactful was that we used examples people could relate to. Participants learned how to track expenses, and set financial goals. I believe that financial literacy is not just about numbers it is about empowering the communities. With the right tools and knowledge, people can make smarter decisions, support each other, and slowly break cycles of poverty.
Truffle assets took place mostly in Khayelitsha. Most SANCO leaders requested this training. They wanted to know more about consumer financial education. It was really interesting how the interacted and engaging. Some of them were really challenging each other. They saw this kind of training as one of the tools that will transform lives better. It was really emotional to see some of them breaking in tears, thinking how much money they've wasted. It was then concluded that they will share this kind of knowledge with their family and friends.
The partnership between Avovision and Sanlam has been a great experience not only for me but for participants as well. I had the privilege to conduct worksite training with the department of health Mangaung Metro, of which a number of financial issues were highlighted by participants that includes administration,debt counseling and debt review. Some participants applied for debt review and counselling without proper understanding of how it works, but their consent has to get their debts restructured in order for them to attend to their other financial obligations. But what they've noticed after the session was that they had the chance to restructure their debts on their own without applying for debt review and counselling. And worse their debts were paid off but those accounts were not rescinded and paid up letters still not issued though their balances are R00.00. After the training that's when they realise the importance of having a good relationship with their creditors and banker, that could have avoided them from applying for debt review.
Truffle MFS took place at Villiersdorp community, it was a great opportunity opportunity for the learners, as we were finishing Truffle MFS in rural areas of the Western Cape, people were so excited and the willingness of changing their lives, you could see their faces, the most important thing for them was, since they are working seasons, they are so interested on doing businesses which they were not aware where to start,but by the assistance of Avocado Vision to get this training it has bring bright future to them and they want more such as entrepreneurship skills, which can take them to another level, the only challenge in the rural areas is the, vanue to do trainings, and lack of jobs,especially for those who are working in the Farms, because after the season they are struggling to pay their debts and the insurances, at least now they acknowledge where they lack, which they are going to start saving their money in the next season,this was really a great opportunity for the community of Villiersdorp.
