15/11/2024
South Africa has introduced coding and robotics into its school curriculum, preparing people for a tech-driven future. But, as we celebrate this progress, the question remains: why hasn’t financial literacy also been made mandatory?
Financial literacy is more than just knowing how to open a bank account; it involves understanding budgeting, debt, saving, investing and long-term financial planning. Without these skills, many South Africans will continue to struggle with poor financial habits, deepening economic inequality.
The financial choices people make today — whether it’s emergency withdrawals, excessive spending, risky behaviours like gambling or not saving — have long-term consequences. It is evident that without a solid foundation in financial literacy, even those who benefit from such systems may face significant financial difficulties down the line.
Other countries have long recognised the importance of financial literacy in their education systems. The United Kingdom, for instance, made financial literacy compulsory in schools as early as 2014. New Zealand also incorporates financial literacy into its curriculum from primary school onwards. These countries understand that teaching people how to handle money from an early age equips them to make better financial decisions in adulthood.
South Africa, with its high levels of debt, low savings rates and widespread financial insecurity, should follow their lead. By teaching financial literacy, we can lay the foundation for responsible financial behaviour that will benefit individuals and society as a whole.
This skill is crucial not just for personal success but to close the gap between economic survival and prosperity, reduce debt and inequality, and for the count