The Financial Aid Unit, in collaboration with Capitec Bank, successfully hosted a Financial Literacy Workshop aimed at equipping students with essential financial and life skills. The workshop took place on 20 and 21 April 2026 in Durban and continued 23 and 24 April 2026 in Pietermaritzburg.
The purpose of the event was to support students through a Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative focused on empowering them with practical knowledge on financial wellness, employment readiness, and responsible decision-making. The programme aimed to prepare students for life beyond university by encouraging them to develop sound financial habits early on.
The session was facilitated by Greer Groenewald and Mpho Tsotetsi, Regional Manager at Capitec, who guided students through a series of interactive discussions and activities. Encouraging active participation, she emphasised that the workshop was a safe learning space.
To keep students engaged throughout the sessions, facilitators regularly posed questions and encouraged participation. Students who actively responded were rewarded with gifts from Capitec, creating an energetic atmosphere that motivated attendees to listen attentively and engage throughout the workshop.
During the workshop, students were taught how to use money wisely through practical strategies such as budgeting, saving, and responsible spending. Emphasis was placed on the importance of managing finances regardless of how little money one has, with facilitators encouraging students to develop a habit of saving consistently. They highlighted that even small amounts can grow over time if managed properly, reinforcing the idea that financial discipline starts early.
Facilitators created an engaging environment where students explored key financial concepts, including the money personalities, which helped them reflect on their spending and saving behaviours. These ranged from savers, spenders, risk-takers, avoiders, allowing students to better understand their relationship with money.
The workshop also unpacked the five elements of wellness career, financial, physical, psychological, and social highlighting the importance of balance in achieving overall well-being. Students were encouraged to set goals, manage stress, and make informed financial decisions such as budgeting, saving, and borrowing responsibly. Groenewald cautioned against unnecessary debt driven by social media influence, “You do not borrow money for things like outfits or lifestyle upgrades those are things you plan and save for,” she said.
A key highlight of the session was the introduction of the MoneyUp Chat platform, an interactive WhatsApp-based tool designed to provide accessible, bite-sized financial education. Through this platform, students engaged in practical activities covering saving, investing, and identifying scams. The discussion on phishing and online fraud equipped students with tools to protect their personal and financial information.
Groenewald further encouraged students to begin saving early, even with small amounts, stressing the long-term benefits of consistency, “You do not have to wait until you are earning a salary starting small now can make a big difference in the future,” she said.
Reflecting on the workshop, Amanda Kunene, a second-year Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology student, shared her excitement about being part of the programme. “I am really grateful for this workshop because it has helped me understand how to use my money better. I have learned the importance of saving and budgeting, even when you do not have much. It showed me that small amounts can make a big difference if you are consistent,” she said.
The workshop concluded on a high note, with students expressing appreciation for the practical knowledge and interactive approach. The initiative not only empowered students to take control of their financial futures but also encouraged them to share what they had learned within their communities, contributing to broader financial awareness and well-being.
Pictured: Students engaging in discussions at the Financial Literacy Workshop.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Sinamile Sithole
