School fees, December getaways and festive shopping all arrive in the last quarter of the year, and Zero Debt wants South African households to check their finances now, before those costs pile up. The debt counselling company, which is registered with the National Credit Regulator (NCR), has four free online calculators on its website. It recommends them as a simple first step for anyone who thinks their debt may be getting out of hand. Using the calculators costs nothing and requires no registration. They show people exactly where their income is going. Some users will find that a few changes to their budget will do. Others will see that it makes sense to talk to a debt counsellor about Debt Review. What each calculator does All four calculators sit on one tools page on the Zero Debt site, and each one answers a different question. Budget Calculator. The user types in their monthly take-home pay, and the tool shows national averages for the main spending categories: giving, savings, food, utilities, housing, transport, insurance, household items, debt, retirement and entertainment. They then add their own amounts to compare income with spending. The tool recommends treating the averages as a guide. If a category does not apply, for example debt payments, that money can go towards personal goals instead. Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator. This ratio is what someone owes divided by what they earn, and lenders use it to decide how risky it would be to lend that person more. The user enters monthly payments for a home loan, vehicle finance, student loans, credit cards, personal loans and any other debt, plus their gross monthly income. The calculator then gives the ratio as a percentage. Debt Snowball Calculator. This calculator lets users plan the order in which to pay off several debts, so that progress builds as each one is cleared. Debt Calculator. A general tool that puts all of a person's debt figures in one place so they can work through …
Pawn Your Car and Still Drive It Keeps Gauteng on the Road
When a household budget takes an unexpected knock in October, the timing rarely feels convenient. The school year is entering its last term, spring has brought longer days and fuller diaries, and plenty of families are already planning for December. Then the geyser bursts, a medical bill arrives, or a client is late settling an invoice. For vehicle owners in Gauteng facing that kind of shortfall, Pawn Your Car and Still Drive It is pointing out that a car with no outstanding finance can help cover the gap while it stays parked in the owner's own driveway. The thinking behind the service is straightforward. A paid-up car holds real value, yet it is also the thing most people rely on to commute, fetch children, do the shopping and keep a small business going. With a conventional pawn deal, the vehicle normally stays behind with the lender. This Gauteng-based short-term lender takes a different route: the owner borrows cash against what the car is worth and continues to drive it for as long as the loan agreement runs. Why keeping the car matters People who look online for phrases like pawn car and still drive it are often less concerned about borrowing than about being stranded without transport. A vehicle locked away in a storage yard is no help with the morning school drop-off or with getting a sales rep to an appointment. Spring tends to be a busy stretch, full of outdoor plans and, for many businesses, a final push before year end. Giving up a car in October can easily turn one problem into two. Here, the car never leaves its owner. The team assesses the vehicle, proposes a cash loan in line with its value, and the owner leaves with the money and the keys. The company says it aims to be compassionate and understanding, helping clients get through a temporary setback and back on their feet. Three simple steps Getting a loan involves three steps. The owner brings the vehicle in, the team carries out an evaluation, and once that is done the cash can be paid …
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Top SA Banks and Debt Counsellors Recognised at 2026 Debt Review Awards
Cape Town: South Africa’s debt review industry will come together in Cape Town on Friday, 16 October 2026, for the annual Debt Review Awards, celebrating the people and organisations helping South African consumers get out of debt with dignity. The modest but fun gala event recognises excellence in the fields of debt review and debt counselling, with the top performing banks, credit providers and Debt Counsellors for 2026 being announced during the afternoon. Unlike many traditional awards programmes, the Debt Review Awards results are based on an extensive industry-wide peer review process. Throughout the year, participants in the debt review industry are invited to review the organisations and individuals they work with, providing feedback on service, cooperation, communication and professionalism. The annual Awards provide an opportunity to recognise those who consistently go the extra mile to make the debt review process work well for consumers. Guests at the 2026 event will include representatives from the National Credit Regulator (NCR), National Consumer Tribunal (NCT), Banking Association South Africa (BASA), Credit Association of South Africa (CASA) and Debt Counsellors Association of South Africa (DCASA), together with representatives from banks, credit providers, Debt Counselling practices and other industry stakeholders. Keynote speakers will include newly appointed NCR CEO Otsile Maseng and National Consumer Tribunal Chairperson Trevor Bailey. While the Awards recognise industry excellence, the event also highlights the important work being done every day to help financially distressed consumers regain control of their finances. Debt review has helped many South Africans restructure unaffordable debt repayments, protect important household assets and work towards eventually becoming debt free. For those unable to attend in person, the 2026 Debt Review Awards will also be livestreamed on YouTube, allowing industry members and …
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Debt Review Scams, How to Spot Them & Stay Protected as 216 Under Debt Review Without Consent
A R1 million fine handed down by the National Consumer Tribunal last month has exposed how 216 South Africans were placed under debt review without their knowledge or consent. Thousands of South Africans could be trapped under debt review without their knowledge, or see opportunistic fraudsters target their valid payment plans, National Debt Advisors (NDA) warns. The warning follows two major legal developments: the National Consumer Tribunal striking off a Cape Town debt counsellor for fraudulently enrolling 216 people, and a Western Cape High Court ruling protecting payment arrangements on over 44,000 accounts. Sebastien Alexanderson, Head of NDA, warns that industry disruption creates a perfect storm for scammers. "Debt review relies on certainty. You must know exactly who you are paying and why," says Alexanderson. "When that certainty is shaken, whether by a rogue operator or a corporate portfolio transfer, scammers step into the gap." Scam callers often possess basic account details to trick victims. They demand OTPs, urge consumers to halt legitimate payments, or claim an upfront fee is needed to update or clear their profile. "Legitimate processes never work through high pressure, unexpected phone calls," Alexanderson emphasises. 216 Victims and a R1 Million Fine The National Consumer Tribunal recently issued a severe sanction against debt counsellor Bongolethu Gedeza, fining her R1 million and stripping her registration. Gedeza placed 216 consumers under debt review without consent while falsely claiming to act for the National Credit Regulator (NCR). Court filings show her practice levied R3.06 million in unauthorised legal fees in a single month. "Consent is non-negotiable," says Alexanderson. "If you never signed a Form 16, a legal process was started in your name unlawfully. Check your credit report today, even if you are sure you never applied." Court Protects 44,000 Accounts In a separate matter, the Western Cape High …
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Global Tax Recovery Reclaims Norway, Finland Dividend Tax
Two Scandinavian markets, Norway and Finland, are the focus of fresh guidance from Global Tax Recovery as 2026 enters its closing quarter. The firm, which concentrates on recouping tax that has been over-deducted from cross-border dividends and interest, points out that each country applies withholding to payments made to non-resident shareholders at levels that frequently exceed the ceiling permitted under a treaty. Each also maintains its own paperwork, forms and proof requirements for clawing back the surplus. Anyone holding Norwegian stock faces an extra pressure: dividends paid out in 2021 generally hit their refund cut-off on 31 December 2026. Across September and October, Global Tax Recovery issued a run of guides dedicated to these markets, dealing with Norwegian treaty rates, the paperwork demanded by the Norwegian Tax Administration, Finland's TRACE system and the part played by authorised intermediaries. The present statement pulls those pieces into one place for institutional and private investors with Nordic holdings who want to see where unclaimed value might be lodged. Why Norway matters before the year closes As a rule, Norway strips 25% dividend withholding tax from payments going to overseas shareholders. A treaty can trim that charge, and the Norwegian Ministry of Finance records an ordinary dividend rate of 15% for those resident in the United Kingdom, the United States and South Africa, each subject to the terms of the relevant treaty. Whatever gap exists between the rate taken at the point of payment and the rate an investor can prove is the sum that stands to be reclaimed. What makes this quarter decisive is timing. The Norwegian Tax Administration's refund guidance states that a standard refund application cannot go in until the paying company's correction window has closed, with the refund deadline arriving five years after the close of the dividend year. Put plainly, 2021 dividends normally have to be claimed no later than 31 …
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The Adviser of the Future: Where AI Meets Human Expertise
Cape Town: The rapid and widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) will not replace financial advice, but it will fundamentally change how investors prepare for -important financial planning conversations and the services they are prepared to pay for. Held over three days in George, Western Cape, the Old Mutual Wealth Investival 26 conference brought together advisers, investment professionals and thought leaders to challenge thinking, exchange perspectives and explore the future of wealth and advice. One of the topics unpacked explored how the emergence of AI financial planning tools could reshape adviser-client relationships. Dan Haylett, CFP® and director for TFP Financial Planning in the United Kingdom, explained that AI was becoming “quite good” at aspects of financial planning, with many investors attending advice meetings with a pre-plan developed by AI tools, and then asking their adviser to ‘sense check’ it. “Investors of the now and the future are acting very differently to those of three, four or five years ago; we need to understand that they are sense checking our work in ways that can pull it apart,” Haylett said. Francois du Toit, CFP® and founder of PROpulsion, suggested that advisers were increasingly using AI tools to get a second opinion on aspects of their financial advice and completed financial plans. Investors are already using large language models (LLMs) to research financial solutions, and then nodding sagely during advice meetings, saying: “Yeah. Claude told me that too”. They want their advisers to acknowledge the research they have done and use it as a foundation for further discussion, rather than dismiss it. Over time, investors will migrate to planners who hold similar views on how AI and human advice can overlap. Du Toit noted that LLMs such as ChatGPT and Claude were becoming mainstream tools for young and old. He observed that many prefer the collaborative experience of exploring financial planning solutions …
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WiMSA Symposium Reinforces the Power of Women Leading Mining’s Next Transformation
The mining industry is undergoing profound change as technological innovation, sustainability and workforce transformation reshape the sector. Against this backdrop, the 2026 Women in Mining South Africa (WiMSA) Annual Symposium in late July brought together industry leaders, professionals and partners to explore how women are driving meaningful change across the mining value chain. As a proud sponsor of this year’s symposium, Lesaka Payouts welcomed the opportunity to engage with mining companies, suppliers and industry stakeholders while gaining valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges facing women in the sector. Women leading the next mining shift Held under the theme ‘Women Leading the Next Mining Shift: Innovation, Partnerships and Impact’, the symposium showcased the experiences of women who continue to redefine leadership within one of South Africa’s most important industries. “The symposium was incredibly inspiring,” comments Amelia Williams, Head of Lesaka Payouts. “Listening to the women on the various panels, it was impossible not to be struck by their resilience, determination and leadership. Their personal journeys reflected not only the barriers they have overcome, but also the significant contribution they continue to make in shaping the future of mining.” The discussions also highlighted the progress organisations are making in creating more inclusive workplaces, expanding opportunities for women and ensuring diverse voices are represented in leadership and decision-making. Building stronger partnerships through meaningful conversations While the formal programme provided valuable strategic insight, the symposium also created opportunities for meaningful engagement beyond the conference sessions. For Lesaka Payouts, these conversations strengthened relationships with mining companies and their suppliers while providing a deeper understanding of the operational realities, priorities and challenges facing the …
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Bootstrapping vs Venture Capital: Choosing the Right Path
Johannesburg: For entrepreneurs trying to turn promising ideas into sustainable businesses, securing external investment can appear to be an obvious marker of progress. Headlines celebrating major funding rounds and rapidly growing startups have strengthened the perception that attracting venture capital is something every ambitious founder should pursue. The reality is considerably more nuanced. According to Dr Farai Nyika, Academic Programme Leader at the MANCOSA School of Public Administration, entrepreneurs should first determine what kind of business they are building before deciding how it should be financed. “The first question should not be, ‘How do I raise money?’ It should be, ‘Should I raise money, and what exactly would that money enable the business to achieve?’” says Nyika. Bootstrapping Offers Something Money Cannot Buy Bootstrapping is sometimes overshadowed by the excitement surrounding venture-backed startups. Yet for many businesses, Nyika argues, self-funding can be the more appropriate strategy. Its greatest advantage is ownership. That extends beyond retaining equity. Entrepreneurs financing their own growth maintain control over strategic direction, company culture, hiring decisions and the speed at which the organisation develops. A bootstrapped founder is principally accountable to customers and the market. There are no external investors demanding accelerated expansion or applying pressure to change direction before the business is ready. That freedom does, however, come with discipline. A bootstrapped company can generally spend only what it earns, making revenue, profitability and cash flow immediate considerations. This can force founders to build carefully rather than chasing growth for its own sake. Venture Capital Buys Speed Venture capital offers a fundamentally different advantage: it can compress time. Certain businesses operate in markets where speed is crucial. Technology platforms, fintech …
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King Price Secures Significant Investment for Accelerated Growth
King Price secures significant investment for Accelerated Growth Orient Victoria Capital (OVC) has acquired a stake in King Price Financial Services (King Price), providing strategic capital to accelerate growth. King Price has secured a significant strategic investment from Singapore-based OVC. The transaction sees Orient Victoria Capital acquiring a significant stake in King Price through a combination of a capital raise and the acquisition of shares from existing shareholders. Importantly, all existing shareholders remain invested, reaffirming their long-term commitment to the insurance group’s future. “We have differentiative products, and we’re only warming up. OVC sees King Price as a disruptor. They’re backing our team, our culture, and our ability to execute on the South African opportunity. OVC brings strong experience in software platforms, mathematical modelling and operational excellence.” says Gideon Galloway, the founder and CEO of King Price. Founded as a direct personal line insurer, King Price has grown into a fully-fledged insurance group. Since 2014, it has achieved an average annual growth rate of approximately 53% and a compounded gross written premium growth rate of 43%. The group currently writes more than R7 billion in annual premiums. OVC is the investment vehicle of Zak Calisto’s family office in Singapore. The Calisto family has been living in Singapore for over 12 years and their family office is registered with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. Author: Nhlalenhle Dlangalala from Hlanzekile River and Ocean Cleaning on behalf of King Price Insurance. …
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A.P. Moller Capital to Exit Its Impala Investment Through Sale of Powergas to Ardova Plc
A.P. Moller Capital, through Impala Energy Holdings, has agreed to sell its investment in Powergas to a consortium including Ardova Plc and Diadem Energy. Powergas operates critical gas infrastructure in Nigeria, distributing compressed natural gas through a virtual-pipeline network to industrial and commercial customers beyond the reach of the gas pipeline network. During A.P. Moller Capital's ownership, Powergas Ebedei Limited progressed from development to full production, expanded distribution across southern Nigeria and increased access to reliable domestic gas, while reducing gas flaring and helping customers to replace diesel-fired power generation. (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A.P. Moller Capital today announced that, through its Africa Infrastructure Fund I (“AIF I”), and Impala Energy Holdings (“Impala”), it has entered into an agreement under which a consortium led by Ardova Plc (“Ardova”) and including Diadem Energy (“Diadem”) will acquire Powergas Global Investments Nigeria Limited and Powergas Ebedei Limited (“PEL”), together known as “Powergas”, one of Africa’s largest Compressed Natural Gas producers and virtual pipeline distributors. Ardova Plc is a Nigerian integrated energy and infrastructure company with a nationwide footprint across retail fuels, liquefied petroleum gas, shipping, aviation fuel, lubricants and logistics. The transaction adds a natural gas platform to Ardova’s established petroleum products and LPG businesses. Powergas was founded in 2013 by the Clean Energy Group, which pioneered its model of taking natural gas beyond the pipeline, supplying natural gas to industrial and power customers through compression facilities and virtual pipeline networks, enabling delivery beyond the fixed pipeline grid. Its Ebedei flare gas monetisation project, developed with investment from A.P. Moller Capital, converts otherwise flared gas into productive energy for commercial and industrial use. A.P. Moller Capital invested in PEL through …