Don’t allow the ghosts of student debt to haunt your future

Loading player...
GUEST: John Manyike, Head of Financial Education at Old Mutual

Education is the key to a great future, but, like all good things, it can come with a steep price tag. For many graduates, this means shouldering part of the national R16.5 billion student debt and starting a working life with this financial burden.

But, says Old Mutual, it’s not all bad news. Having a diploma or degree is an investment that can offer rich returns for the rest of your life, says John Manyike, Head of Financial Education at Old Mutual. Yes, you may have debt, but how you manage it will be key. “Student debt is a serious issue in South Africa. Debts accumulated by young people are increasing. For many, taking a student loan is often the only way to realise their dreams. “

“For parents, the obvious thing to consider is an education plan that matures when a child is due to enter a tertiary institution. If contributions keep pace with education inflation, this could guarantee a paid-up place at a university. Even if the amount realised falls short, it could reduce the loan size needed to get that qualification.
21 Feb 2023 3PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Affordability, Chinese Brands & NEVs: Cars.co.za Report

Cars.co.za’s Alan Quinn breaks down the Motor Industry Report 2026, revealing the biggest behavioural and affordability shifts in South Africa’s vehicle market. From the 72% surge in Chinese brands, to NEV momentum, to the dominance of price and fuel efficiency in buyer decisions — this episode offers essential insights for…
17 Sep 1PM 21 min

How Impact Finance Network Unlocks Entrepreneurial Growth

Anglo American’s Emma Parker breaks down how the Impact Finance Network (IFN) is reshaping access to capital for South African entrepreneurs. With 162 businesses supported, R1.8 billion mobilised, and 46,000 livelihoods sustained, IFN is proving that connection, capability and catalytic capital can unlock real growth. A practical conversation on investment…
17 Sep 12PM 12 min

Momentum’s R7bn Breakthrough: Inside the Record Results

Momentum Group CEO Jeanette Marais unpacks the Group’s record R7.06 billion earnings, delivered a year ahead of target. We explore the improved quality of earnings, the five business units now delivering over R1bn each, the surge in sales to R93.8 billion, and how the Group’s Impact strategy is reshaping performance…
17 Sep 12PM 14 min

ETFSA Navigator: Your Guide to Smarter Retirement Investing

Nerina Visser, Director and ETF Strategist at ETFSA, helps South Africans cut through the noise and make confident long‑term investment decisions. She explains how investor behaviour has changed over 30 years, why choice overload is paralysing many savers, and what questions every investor should ask before choosing a retirement product…
16 Sep 2PM 13 min

PayInc Economic Index: August Recovery, Fragile Outlook

After a difficult second quarter, South Africa’s economic activity improved in August — rising 0.8% month‑on‑month, with July revised upward to 0.6%. But the outlook remains fragile. Independent Economist Elize Kruger joins Kaya Biz to unpack the latest PayInc Economic Index and explain what the data reveals about consumer behaviour,…
16 Sep 1PM 12 min