Savings secrets from successful South Africans

Published on 9th July, 2026 at 02:06 pm

Building financial security isn’t about earning the biggest salary. It’s often about making consistent money decisions over time.

We spoke to three successful South African business leaders about the money habits that help them save, invest and plan for the future. Their experiences offer practical lessons anyone can apply, whether you’re working towards a short-term goal, building long-term wealth or simply trying to make smarter financial decisions.

Reading time: 5 minutes

In this article, you’ll learn:

• Why saving habits matter more than income
• How to balance saving and investing
• The role of professional financial advice
• Ways to stay disciplined with your money
• How to manage debt and plan for the unexpected

1. Start with strong money habits

Leboneng Mathebula, CEO of Gridbow Engineers and Technical Services, emphasises the importance of lessons learned in childhood.

“I was taught how to save from an early age, even though it’s still not the easiest thing to do. I’d receive my school allowance money once a month and how I spent it was up to me. At first, my money was finished before the end of the month. Then I decided to invest the money: I bought a packet of sweets that I sold at school; that’s how I saved to buy my first phone. I carry that childhood lesson with me to this day in business: to invest in assets that can generate income.”

Takeaway: Financial confidence often starts with small habits. Learning to delay spending, save consistently and look for opportunities to grow your money can make a meaningful difference over time.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Get professional help

“I have a financial planner on board who’s always available when I need them, which is very important to me. When choosing a planner, the main things I look for are their qualifications, references and if they understand my current financial position, where I desire to be and how to bridge that gap. I also educate myself by attending financial boot camps that teach me how to be financially savvy.”

Kurt Moore, CEO, South African Liquor Brand Owners’ Association shares the importance on getting advice from someone you trust.

“Finding a good financial planner who made it their business to understand the complex environment of finances was a critical part of securing my financial future. I meet with mine at least once a year to discuss my investment plans and whether or not I’m on target to meet my objectives.”

Beverly Gumbi, Founder and Managing Member, Isivuno Containers

Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help

“I have a business financial adviser as well as a personal financial adviser.”

“At the end of each month, these advisers help me read my bank statements and explain anything that I don’t understand so that when I’m alone at home, I can effectively track my finances and see where I’m going wrong, or whether I’m meeting my financial goals.”

3. Save with a purpose

Be clear on your different savings goals

“I use my savings as a guard for the future, in case any hiccups arise. I also have various savings accounts for holidays, family and any general costs.”

“I view investments as something the next generation can benefit from and something that can generate income and profit.”

“My greatest investments are my children’s education and assets that will help my company grow, from vehicles to tools and other essential components of my business.”

Save differently based on your objectives

“I view saving as more of a short-term process, like saving for a rainy day in an interest-bearing account.”

“When it comes to investing, I see it as more of a long-term process where I can take some risks, such as investing in a combination of shares, bonds and offshore investments.”

“When it comes to your rainy-day savings, having these funds accessible in case of emergency is more important than yielding high returns.”

Takeaway: Saving and investing serve different purposes. Savings help you prepare for near-term goals and unexpected expenses, while investing can help grow your wealth over the long term.

4. Make saving easier through automation and accountability

Not disciplined? Use debit orders

“If you struggle with saving, setting up a monthly debit order is a great way to kickstart your savings journey. It’s also important to set up a monthly budget and stick to it.”

Use different accounts (and your friends!) to keep you accountable

“I open savings accounts for expenses I know are coming up, such as for my daughter’s education.”

“A group of my friends has created a travel club where we save money in an interest-bearing account for a specific trip abroad. Not only does this help me stay committed – and keep me accountable! – it also helps me keep track of everything.”

Takeaway: Removing the temptation to spend first can help you stay consistent. Automating your savings and creating separate accounts for specific goals can make it easier to stay on track.

5. Use debt strategically

Take calculated risks

“When it comes to debt, you must consider if there are good enough long-term benefits in order to justify taking on debt.”

Be cautious about debt

“Debt for things like buying a house is unavoidable for most people. Managing that debt and making sure your payments are made timeously is important.”

“Get to understand how credit works: what is the most cost-effective credit available?”
“A credit card is handy, but pay the full amount when it’s due, otherwise you can pay exorbitant interest.”

6. Prepare for life’s unexpected moments

Plan for the worst

“One of my main investments is property as it helps to safeguard my business in case something goes wrong and we need to sell one of our assets.”

Be honest with family

“I am always transparent with my family so that they know what it is I can do, and what it is I cannot do financially.”
“Set clear expectations to safeguard yourself and them.”

Takeaway: Financial resilience is about more than growing wealth. It’s about having plans, savings and honest conversations that help you manage life’s uncertainties with confidence.

The experiences of these business leaders show that financial success isn’t built overnight. It comes from developing healthy money habits, staying disciplined, seeking expert guidance when needed and making decisions that support your long-term goals.
As a Sanlam Reality member, you can access expert financial guidance to help you make more informed saving and investing decisions.

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