Kaya 959 Kaya Biz

Half of South Africa’s deskless workers have no savings, and things are getting worse.

Loading player...
GUEST – Nonsuku Thimkhulu, Head of Customer at Jem HR
South Africa’s frontline workers are under mounting financial pressure. These are the people who keep our shops stocked, streets clean and buildings safe.

According to Deskless Worker Pulse 2025, the second annual study from Jem HR, 51% of frontline workers have no savings, up from 44% last year. Nearly three-quarters (73%) have less than R500 saved, and almost half (48%) run out of money before month-end, every single month.

These are sobering statistics, made even more eye-opening when you consider that 97% of deskless workers reportedly enjoy their jobs.
13 Nov 2025 3PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

CAREERS CORNER: Rebuilding job prospects after long-term unemployment

Long-term unemployment remains one of South Africa’s most serious labour market challenges, with millions of people out of work for a year or longer. Extended time away from employment can make it harder for job seekers to re-enter the workforce, but experts say there are ways to rebuild confidence and…
16 Mar 4PM 19 min

When can pension benefits be withheld?

Employers sometimes pursue civil or criminal action against employees accused of fraud or dishonesty, but can pension benefits be withheld while those cases are still pending? The law allows pension funds to withhold benefits in certain circumstances, provided trustees exercise their discretion carefully and fairly. Thato Makoaba, associate at Cliffe…
16 Mar 4PM 12 min

Skills needed to tackle South Africa’s water crisis

South Africa’s growing water crisis is not only about ageing infrastructure but also about the shortage of skilled professionals to manage and maintain critical systems. Training, technical expertise and workforce development are increasingly seen as key to strengthening water security. Dr Mmaphefo Thwala, Water Sector Manager at EWSETA, joins KayaBiz…
16 Mar 4PM 17 min

COSATU calls for urgent fixes to UIF and social grants

South Africa’s labour federation COSATU is warning that urgent action is needed to support struggling workers and businesses. The organisation is calling for improvements to the UIF Temporary Employment Relief Scheme, expansion of the Presidential Employment Stimulus, and adjustments to social grants to keep pace with inflation. COSATU parliamentary co-ordinator…
16 Mar 4PM 14 min

MTN returns to profit after difficult year

Africa’s largest telecoms operator, MTN Group, has staged a remarkable turnaround, reporting a profit of R27.4 billion for 2025 after a loss the previous year driven largely by currency volatility in Nigeria. The group has also surpassed 300 million customers and continues to invest heavily in network expansion and digital…
16 Mar 4PM 13 min
All episodes