يحاول ذهب - حر
SA graduates in their 30s unleash R1 trillion spending power
October 07, 2025
|Cape Argus
SOUTH Africans aged 30 to 39 with tertiary qualifications now represent a staggering R1 trillion in spending power, according to new research from the UCT Liberty Institute of Strategic Marketing.
The findings, published in the 2025 edition of the First 100 Paychecks Report: An Investigation into South Africa's New Professionals, offer a detailed look into the financial journeys of 700 graduates, tracking their progress from graduation to their 100th salary slip.
The report paints a compelling picture of how education, income, and financial behaviour shape South Africa's emerging professional class. It confirms that higher education remains the strongest predictor of financial success, with graduates consistently outperforming their peers in income, employment, and asset ownership. However, it also lays bare the persistent gender pay gap and structural barriers that continue to undermine equity in the workplace.
Zandile Makhoba, lead specialist of research & Insights at Liberty, says: "With the First 100 Paychecks Report, we wanted to go beyond the statistics and truly understand the financial journeys of South Africa's new professionals. This research confirms the transformative power of education when it comes to financial gain, but it also highlights the gaps that need to be addressed if we are to unlock the full potential of our graduates." The study draws on a robust mix of academic literature, national datasets, including NIDS, GHS, Stats SA, and DHET, as well as qualitative interviews with 700 graduates aged 30-39, alongside 60 students and recent graduates. Video interviews were also conducted to capture personal stories and lived experiences, adding depth to the data.
هذه القصة من طبعة October 07, 2025 من Cape Argus.
اشترك في Magzter GOLD للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة، وأكثر من 9000 مجلة وصحيفة.
هل أنت مشترك بالفعل؟ تسجيل الدخول
المزيد من القصص من Cape Argus
Cape Argus
Victor could seize the league, says Vilakazi
FORMER Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates midfielder Benedict Vilakazi believes the winner of tonight's Betway Premiership blockbuster between the Buccaneers and the Brazilians could carry the momentum all the way to lifting the league title in May.
2 mins
February 18, 2026
Cape Argus
Forced entry: Know your rights during police raids
WHEN police break down doors during raids, the damage can go beyond shattered locks.
3 mins
February 18, 2026
Cape Argus
Bad Bunny, Bafana Bafana and the universal beat
DURING my time covering the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in 2008 and 2015, the draw always seemed to send Bafana Bafana to the most rural of towns and cities.
3 mins
February 18, 2026
Cape Argus
Cape's record employment numbers mask weak job market
WHILE the DA and the City have celebrated the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) results which shows 93000 jobs were created in the province in the fourth quarter of last year and unemployment declined to 18.1%, opposition parties challenge it stating the broader labour market picture remains deeply concerning.
2 mins
February 18, 2026
Cape Argus
Hunt targets home advantage for Stellenbosch
STELLENBOSCH FC will be hoping to turn the page on recent disappointment when they return to familiar surroundings to host Magesi FC at the Danie Craven Stadium this evening (7.30pm kickoff).
2 mins
February 18, 2026
Cape Argus
UCT extends deadline as debt blocks 1400 students from registering
NEARLY 1 400 students at UCT remain unable to register due to outstanding debt, despite the university confirming that 2883 students have already ben-efitted from fee debt relief measures following recent protest action.
1 mins
February 18, 2026
Cape Argus
Hands-on leadership needed to end decline in municipal services
PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa's urgent deployment of Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa to tackle Johannesburg’s worsening water crisis, prioritising action over attending the State of the Nation Address, was a necessary and welcome move.
1 min
February 18, 2026
Cape Argus
TYGERBERG HOSPITAL REFUTES NEGLIGENCE CLAIM
Parents consider legal action over newborn
2 mins
February 18, 2026
Cape Argus
India discussing restrictions with social media platforms
INDIA is discussing age-based restrictions with social media companies, IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said yesterday, following moves by Australia and other countries to ban young teens from popular platforms.
1 mins
February 18, 2026
Cape Argus
PA is failing the very communities it claims to champion
THERE is a growing contradiction that can not be ignored.
2 mins
February 18, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size
