Post-debt counselling data from Sanlam’s 2026 Credit Confidence Index shows what recovery can look like for consumers who seek out structured support for their debt and who use better credit management tools.
It’s a good-news story, and an encouraging message for the millions of South Africans who are looking for ways to ease the financial pressure they’re under.
Of South Africa’s 29.24-million credit-active consumers, 10.54-million — or 36% — are over-indebted and in arrears, according to the National Credit Regulator.
Annual consumer price inflation has also risen to 4.0% (the highest since August 2024), putting additional pressure on already-stretched households.
That’s the bad news. But behind those numbers is the good…