79% of South African Consumers Say Household Income Negatively Impacted by COVID-19

Loading player...
TransUnion research findings on the impact of COVID-19 on South African consumers;

·Eight in 10 (79%) said their household income has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

·An additional 7% of South African adults said they expect that their household income will suffer in the future.

·46% report that they will not be able to pay their utilities (electricity, water, etc.),

o42% will not be able to make their rent repayment,

o39% report that they will not be able to pay their cell phone bill, and

on average, respondents said they will be short about R7,000 soon.

·Approximately (32%) of those impacted said their work hours were reduced and one in ten (10%) lost their job.

·89% of consumers who have had their household income impacted by COVID-19 are concerned about paying their bills. The strain is even more pronounced for Millennials (92%) and Gen X (95%).

·One in ten (10%) of impacted respondents have already lost their job as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic;

o12% for the Western Cape,

o11% for the North West,

o10% for Kwa-Zulu Natal, and

o10% for Gauteng.

· In response to the financial challenges caused by COVID-19,

o29% of South African consumers said they planned to use their savings to pay current bills,

o22% said they would borrow money from a friend or family member,

o27% do not know how they are going to pay their bills or loans, and

o33% will only pay a partial amount that they can afford.

·Two in five (40%) people financially impacted by the pandemic said they had already reached out to companies they have accounts with to discuss payment options.
20 Apr 2020 4AM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Mine 2026: The New Battleground for Global Mining

PwC’s Mine 2026 report shows miners posting record profits — yet facing unprecedented structural pressures. Energy Utilities and Resource Assurance Partner Vuyiswa Khutlang breaks down the three imperatives reshaping mining: policy stability, capital mobilisation, and technology‑driven productivity. We explore copper’s surge, coal’s decline, selective M&A, and why geology alone no…
29 Jun 2PM 16 min

How Middle East Shocks Hit Africa’s Politics & Economy

The Middle East ceasefire may hold — or unravel. Either way, Africa is already feeling the tremors. Political analyst Jervin Naidoo maps how geopolitical shocks strain fiscal balances, fuel inflation, election stability, capital flows and sovereign risk premiums across the continent. A deep dive into Africa’s political vulnerability and the…
29 Jun 2PM 18 min

R316 Million for Impact: How E Squared Is Rewiring Entrepreneurship

E Squared’s 2025 Impact Report showcases a powerful model of patient capital, responsible entrepreneurship and transformation-driven investing. CEO Gladwyn Leeuw explains the shift to “lives meaningfully improved", the pipeline‑to‑scale approach, backing Black and female founders, and building businesses that endure — all while delivering commercial and social returns.
29 Jun 2PM 14 min

Inside Siyakhokha: How Ekurhuleni Is Modernising Municipal Payments

Ekurhuleni’s finances — and its ability to deliver reliable services — depend on a strong partnership with residents. MMC for Finance Alderman Jongizizwe Dlabathi explains how the City’s Siyakhokha platform is transforming municipal payments through convenience, security and digital efficiency. From registering online to logging queries and making payment arrangements,…
25 Jun 1PM 15 min

African Bank sees R624mn half-year loss, Capital ratio 25.8% keeps ops standing

African Bank has entered a new chapter shifting from years of acquisitive expansion to a disciplined phase of consolidation. Interim Group CEO Zweli Manyathi breaks down the R624m loss, the credit environment, cost‑to‑income pressures, and the bank’s strategy to unlock value from its diversified platform.
25 Jun 1PM 21 min