The data suggests this “seasonal dip” isn’t necessarily due to a change in criminal intent, but rather a change in operational patterns. With the closure of schools, offices, and commercial hubs, the sheer volume of targets on the road, and where they are parked, shifts fundamentally at year-end.

The Business vs. Personal Risk Profile

The primary driver behind the December decline was a significant 35% reduction in the theft of business-owned vehicles. This aligns with the slowdown of corporate fleets and logistics operations during the holidays.

However, the risk profile between business and personal vehicles remains distinct:

• Business Vehicles: These are twice as likely to be hijacked than stolen, representing a high-risk “active” threat for commercial operators.
• Personal Vehicles: The split is nearly even, with a slight tilt toward theft (52%) over hijacking (48%).

Regional Anomalies: The Western Cape Outlier

While Gauteng followed the national downward trend, the Western Cape presented a localised spike in crime involving business-owned vehicles. During December, the province recorded its highest levels of both hijacking and theft in the commercial sector.

Analysts attribute this to the Western Cape’s high hospitality and tourism activity during the summer. As deliveries surge to keep up with tourist demand in hotspots, opportunistic criminals pivot their focus toward these active commercial veins, a trend corroborated by recent SAPS quarterly statistics.

Timing the Threat: Peak Hours for Theft and Hijacking

The Tracker Index provides a specific breakdown of when vehicles are most at risk, revealing that criminals operate on highly structured schedules:

The data indicates that hijackings are largely a weekday phenomenon, peaking during the late afternoon and evening “commute” windows. Conversely, vehicle theft peaks during the weekend for personal vehicles and at the close of the business week for commercial fleets.

Recovery and Arrest Metrics

Despite the seasonal fluctuations, the high-volume nature of vehicle crime in Mzansi remains a constant. Tracker reported that in the final six months of 2025 alone, the company recovered 3590 vehicles, leading to 127 arrests and the recovery of 12 firearms.

Duma Ngcobo, Chief Operating Officer at Tracker, warned that while the numbers might dip periodically, vigilance shouldn’t. “While schools and workplaces close, crime hasn’t stopped,” Ngcobo noted. The shift in routine – such as parking in unfamiliar holiday locations or altered driving times – can often create new vulnerabilities that criminals are quick to exploit.

The VIP Grand Opening on 12 September, which we were lucky to also form part of, welcomed top-tier media and influencers to an unforgettable night of competitive games, high-energy DJ sets, dazzling LED dancer performances, and crave-worthy food and drinks.

A New Era of Social Play

Far from just another bar, Shooters blends the thrill of competitive socialising with an elevated dining and cocktail experience — all designed to spark connection. Whilst there you can dive into everything from Crazy Golf and Interactive Darts to Virtual Clay Shooting, Shuffleboard, Beer Pong and more, all under one electric roof.

Shooters also sets the stage for celebrations, from birthdays and team-building events to private functions, and screens live sport in an atmosphere made for cheering, laughing and letting loose.

Food, Drinks and Vibes to Match

With a menu built for sharing – think truffle parmesan fries, sticky Asian rib sliders, and smoky pulled chicken wraps – and a full bar serving cocktails, shooters and bubbles, Shooters delivers on both flavour and fun.

“We created Shooters because people want more from a night out,” said founders Dorita Correia and Gavin Moran. “It’s not just about a drink — it’s about energy, interaction, and experiences that stick with you. There’s a bold, social, and playful spirit in South Africa, and Shooters is built to amplify it.”

Follow the Fun

Shooters invites Jozi to Play. Eat. Drink. Connect. Whether you’re there to win, unwind, or just let loose with friends, Shooters promises belly laughs, stories worth sharing, and a new favourite hangout in the heart of Fourways.

Landing your first job or starting your career is exciting, but let’s be honest; getting around on public transport while building your professional life can be challenging. Anyone who’s stood at a taxi rank at 6 am or missed an important client meeting because the train was delayed knows exactly what I’m talking about. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a young professional climbing the first rungs of the career ladder, having your own car unlocks far more than just convenience. But with car prices what they are, how do you make it work on a young professional’s salary?

The good news is that you don’t need to save for years or rely on family help. WesBank vehicle finance makes car ownership accessible, even for new graduates. The key is understanding your options and choosing the right one for your situation and wallet.

Your First Car Is More Than Just a Ride 

For many, owning a car is a milestone, and honestly, it should be. It’s your entry point into independence and a powerful enabler for career growth. Having safe, reliable transport means you can widen your job search beyond taxi routes, take on that freelance work without worrying about how you’ll get home after dark, attend networking events, and show up for work and personal commitments consistently, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate or load shedding hits the train systems.

It’s not just about getting from A to B, it’s about controlling your time, energy, and future.

This is exactly why choosing the right finance option can make the difference between struggling with repayments or comfortably managing your budget. Working with our friends at WesBank, we’ve put together what every first-time buyer should know about the most common types of vehicle finance in South Africa.

Traditional Instalment Sale 

This is the most straightforward option. You borrow the full amount for the car and pay it back monthly, typically between four and six years. Once you’ve made your final payment, the car is entirely yours with no further obligations.  

For example, if you’re looking at a car that costs R200 000, your monthly repayment might come in at R4 200 per month for 60 months, depending on interest rates. After five years, you own the car outright. 

Best for young professionals and first-time buyers who plan to keep their car for many years and want to build equity in the vehicle.  

Instalment Sale with Balloon Payment 

This option lowers your monthly instalment by setting aside a chunk of the car’s cost (the “balloon”) to the end of your contract. The idea is that by reducing the amount financed each month, the vehicle becomes more affordable in the short term.  

Using the same R200 000 car as an example, but with a R60 000 balloon payment. This would reduce your monthly instalment to roughly R2 800, but you’ll need to pay that R60,000 at the end of your finance term  either in cash, through refinancing, or by trading in the car. 

Best for buyers who expect their income to grow over time or have a solid plan in place to deal with the balloon payment down the line. 

Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) 

GFV is a flexible, risk-managed financing solution. Here, the lender guarantees what your car will be worth at the end of your contract (usually between three and four years). You only finance the difference between the purchase price and this guaranteed value. 

Let’s say the car you’re interested in costs R200 000 with a guaranteed future value of R80 000. This means that you would only finance R120 000, so your monthly payments are significantly lower at around R2 200, depending on your agreement. At the end of the term, you have the option to trade in the car, keep it by paying the R80 000, or simply return it without further obligation. 

Best for first-time buyers who aren’t ready to commit long-term and want the flexibility to change vehicles as their career and lifestyle evolve. 

GFV is growing in popularity as it keeps your monthly repayments manageable, lets you avoid the stress of resale value and depreciation, and gives you several options at the end of the term. And if you’re like us, we’re big fans of it as it also helps you stay current with newer models and tech – something increasingly important in a fast-changing automotive market. 

WesBank’s Graduate Finance 

Now, here’s where things get interesting for recent graduates. While this article helps all young professionals understand their finance options, there’s a specific solution for those facing what might be the most frustrating catch-22 in personal finance.

You need credit to get financing, but you also need financing to build credit. It’s enraging, right?

WesBank’s Graduate Finance solution is designed specifically to break that loop. Instead of just looking at your financial history (or lack thereof), it focuses on your future potential. If you’ve completed a degree or diploma and earn a stable income, you may qualify, even if traditional banks have turned you down.

As Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank, explains: “For young South Africans, a vehicle is often more than just transport. It’s a critical enabler for career advancement and entrepreneurial pursuits, opening doors to new opportunities.”

We know getting your first car is an exciting and empowering milestone, but it’s also a major financial commitment. The right finance option can make the process smoother, more affordable, and better aligned with your lifestyle.

Here’s a Reality Check Every First-Time Buyer Need

It’s important to calculate your budget realistically. This includes not just the car payment, but insurance (comprehensive is non-negotiable in SA), fuel costs that seem to climb every month, regular maintenance, and those often-forgotten expenses like parking fees and e-tolls.

Don’t chase the lowest monthly instalment at all costs as that’s a mistake many first-time buyers make. Instead, choose the solution that gives you long-term value, flexibility, and peace of mind.

With the right planning and the right finance partner, your first car won’t just get you from point A to B, it’ll help drive your future forward.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you’re a recent graduate with a steady job and a dream to own your first car, WesBank’s Graduate Finance is built just for you. Click here to explore your options and see if you qualify. Your journey to independence might be closer than you think.

Over the past 12 months, the mall’s team has let 20 783 square metres of retail space and renewed leases for over 150 existing tenants. The leasing approach has been driven by a strategic focus on the evolving needs of its upwardly-mobile shopper base, resulting in the introduction of several on-trend, convenient and purposeful stores and leisure activities.

Almost a decade after its original departure, Spur, one of Mzansi’s most recognisable and beloved restaurant franchises, has re-joined the Fourways Mall line-up, much to the delight of the Fourways community. The response to Spur’s return has exceeded expectations, reflecting the appreciation the mall’s shoppers have for home-grown, family-focused offerings.

Other vibrant new stores that have opened their doors include Huawei, Levisons, Mochachos, Pet Shop Science and proudly South African brand ZuluZenith. Financial service offerings African Bank and Travelex have moved to more convenient positions in the mall. Several new entrants are currently in shopfitting stage, each hand-picked to suit the Fourways shopper base.

Additionally, another long-anticipated feature is also coming to life. The airplane that was brought into the mall years ago is currently being refurbished and the surrounding area upgraded. Once open to the public, this will become the vibrant attraction it was always meant to be.

Fresh experiences and strong retail appeal

As part of its ambition to cement its position as a healthy lifestyle destination, Fourways Mall is actively broadening its entertainment and fitness options. The recently opened Match Padel features eight rooftop padel courts, complete with a café and sweeping views across the West Rand. Already proving popular among locals, this addition caters to the growing interest in accessible social sports. Other wellness-led additions include High Performance Training, a Hyrox-affiliated fitness studio, as well as Beauty on Tapp, The Fitz and Wellness Warehouse, bringing a strong health-focused bouquet to the centre.

Further entertainment and leisure options are also on the cards. Total Ninja, Urban Playground, Planet Fitness and Bloc 11 are all set to open soon, elevating the centre’s positioning as a multi-purpose shopping, fitness and leisure space. These new experiences will provide even more variety to multi-generational shoppers and super-serve the growing need for experiential offerings in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs.

Upgrades and sustainability

Alongside these new attractions, work is underway on a large-scale solar energy system that will see an entire section of the roof decked in solar panels. This renewable energy drive supports a longer-term strategy to reduce the centre’s environmental impact and to ensure consistent energy supply.

“The strong performance of our new tenants confirms that our leasing strategy is on the right track and we are delighted to have made significant improvements in the overall shopper experience,” said Juan Palm, Fourways Mall Centre Manager. “We’re committed to improving the quality of life for everyone who visits our mall by housing greater variety, joyful experiences and access to the brands and services they know, love and need,” he added.

Fourways Mall’s leasing momentum, energy upgrades and the return of beloved tenants such as Spur highlight a strategy that is both commercially strong and locally relevant. With more stores opening and several large-format attractions on the way, the centre is well-positioned for continued growth as a leading retail and lifestyle destination in Johannesburg.

The new center is equipped with 35 computers, a server, and an interactive whiteboard, providing learners with access to state-of-the-art technology for their educational needs. This is particularly important for students who may not have access to laptops or devices at home.

“The multimedia center will open up a world of possibilities for our learners,” said Arthur Mukhuvha, General Manager of the MTN SA Foundation. “They will be able to use the facilities for everyday assignments, basic programming, problem-solving, and accessing educational materials that were previously inaccessible.”

Mukhuvha emphasized the importance of reducing the digital and educational divides that hinder the potential of those without access to quality education. “Their loss is also the nation’s loss,” he noted.

Showmax, which is aiming to become Africa’s leading streaming service, and Capitec, the biggest digital bank in South Africa, have joined forces to make entertainment and sport more affordable.  

• 50% discount on Showmax streaming vouchers for 12 million Capitec app users   
• Showmax Entertainment Mobile priced at R22, Showmax Entertainment all devices at R49 and Showmax Premier League mobile at R34 per month 
• Less than R1 a day for entertainment on mobile  
• Capitec clients can also get 5 GB of Capitec Connect data to stream at only R145  

“We are proud to have joined forces with Capitec to make entertainment even more accessible and affordable. We’re kicking off this partnership with incredible pricing that we believe will make customers smile, giving South Africans access to the stories they love from across South Africa, the continent, the world and live football from the Premier League. Get ready for a streaming marathon!” says Marc Jury, CEO of Showmax.  

Henk Lourens, Group Executive for Strategic Initiatives at Capitec says, “At Capitec we understand our clients’ needs and have partnered with someone that shares our proudly South African vision.  We want to make entertainment available anywhere and anytime at very affordable rates. We’ve partnered with Showmax to disrupt the entertainment landscape and create value to our clients. Our clients will have access to entertainment from less than R1 a day, and this is only the start of a very exciting journey with much more disruption to come!” 

The Showmax discounted vouchers are now available to all Capitec clients via the Capitec banking app. In the month of August, Showmax customers can enjoy nine new Showmax Originals, including Durban-based reality show The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice. International fans can look forward to hit HBO series like House of the Dragon, currently IMDb’s most popular series globally, and Talk To Me, named Best Horror Movie at the 2024 Critics Choice Super Awards. On Showmax Premier League, the new Premier League football season kicks off on Friday, 16 August and reigning champions Manchester City take on previous champions Chelsea on Sunday, 18 August.  

Check here for more info.

In the African context, the Communications, Utilities, and Government/Military sectors are identified as the most targeted industries, with Financial Services closely following. Among the most targeted countries in Africa are Ethiopia (2nd) and Nigeria (10th), showcasing the region’s vulnerability to malware attacks.

South Africa, ranked 70th globally, stands out as a focal point in the report. The country’s cybersecurity landscape is in the spotlight as organizations need to be vigilant against emerging threats. The Check Point report emphasizes the significance of a preventative approach to endpoint security and the necessity for due diligence on email origins and intent.

The threat landscape in December saw the resurgence of Qbot malware, employed in limited-scale phishing attacks targeting the hospitality sector. Meanwhile, JavaScript downloader FakeUpdates claimed the top spot globally, impacting 2% of organizations. South African organizations should take note of these developments to bolster their cybersecurity defenses.

The report also highlights the most exploited vulnerabilities globally, with South African organizations urged to pay attention to potential weaknesses. Notably, the report emphasizes the importance of staying informed about emerging mobile malware threats, with Anubis maintaining its position as the most prevalent mobile malware.

GFV has been tailored to cater to clients seeking both flexibility and peace of mind throughout their vehicle ownership journey. This unique financing solution empowers customers with the choice to trade-in, retain, or return their vehicle at a predetermined price once the finance term concludes.

One standout feature of GFV is the seamless transition it offers for those eyeing their next vehicle. Clients have the option to renew their GFV contract, eliminating the hassle of negotiating the residual value when the finance term ends. This not only streamlines the process but also ensures a hassle-free experience.

With relatively shorter finance terms, typically ranging between 36 and 48 months, GFV enables clients to upgrade their rides more frequently. This means always driving a vehicle with full manufacturer service and maintenance backing, providing the pleasure and reassurance that comes with it.

Viola Rossouw, Network Development and Performance Director at JLR South Africa, highlights the convenience GFV brings: “At the end of the GFV contract, the client may elect to trade the vehicle in for another new model in the Range Rover, Defender, Discovery, and Jaguar collection. The residual value of their vehicle would have been predetermined at the inception of the GFV contract, negating the need for lengthy negotiations for the best trade-in deal.”

A major advantage of GFV is the predetermined residual value, ensuring a smooth experience for clients who choose to return the vehicle at the end of the term. Rossouw adds, “With no potential for a shortfall at the end of the contract term, the client can simply return the vehicle to their preferred JLR retail agent when the contract term expires, provided that the conditions of use have been met.”

Favourable interest rates sweeten the deal, making GFV an even more attractive vehicle finance option. Rossouw notes, “Depending on the client’s credit score, GFV generally offers a more favourable interest rate, payable over a shorter term.”

Highlighting the inherent flexibility of a GFV contract, clients also have the option to purchase their vehicle at the end of the term. Rossouw explains, “Unlike a conventional lease agreement, which can be viewed as a long-term rental, GFV allows clients at the end of their contract to buy the vehicle at the agreed residual value. This suits clients who perceive value in the long-term ownership of a vehicle.”

Christelle Pretorius, CEO of Personal Core Banking at FNB, says, “Even though many people still need cash for multiple reasons, it is risky to rely on cash. Digital payments, on the other hand, are more convenient because they have strong security measures to keep transactions safe, and every payment is recorded. This is why an industry solution such as PayShap is important, and we’re delighted to see many of our customers capitalising on our free transactions below R100, as this helps to facilitate financial inclusion by minimizing barriers to entry into financial services.”

The sentiment is echoed by Ravi Shunmugam, CEO of EFT Product House at FNB, who says, “The widespread mobile penetration in the country supports the uptake of digital payments, empowering millions in South Africa to participate in the formal economy safely and conveniently. Therefore, we see PayShap as an integral part of our payment ecosystem and are encouraged by the positive response we see among all income segments.

In addition to PayShap, FNB provides a range of digital payment solutions including:

• Instant Payment: FNB and RMB Private Bank customers can send money to family and friends in real-time to participating banks in South Africa, by simply entering their card number.
• Bill Payments: FNB customers can conveniently settle municipal rates, medical, and electricity bills through the FNB App, using their card and maximizing rewards.
• PayMe: FNB customers can digitally request funds from family or friends, with the process easily initiated on the FNB and RMB Private Banking Apps or through cellphone banking (USSD). The payer receives a notification and follows a few prompts to complete the transaction.
• eWallet: FNB customers can instantly send money to any South African cellphone number through eWallet. Recipients are not charged a fee and can utilize the funds for purchases or withdraw them conveniently at selected SPAR, SUPERSPAR, KWIKSPAR, and Tops stores at SPAR, as well as FNB ATMs.

Registering for PayShap is easy for FNB customers; all that is required is an active bank account number and a cellphone registered in their name. Creating a ShapID is as simple as logging into the FNB App, selecting ‘Pay,’ clicking on ‘Payments Settings,’ and following the on-screen prompts.

Jacques Celliers, CEO of FNB, said, “We are pleased to join forces with MTN to deliver even greater value to all our customers. This collaboration is consistent with our efforts to leverage reliable network infrastructure in the market to accelerate our delivery of cost-effective data and voice plans and other ICT services. Telecommunications and ICT services are central to the integrated value propositions we offer our customers across financial and lifestyle services. Our ability to help customers manage both their finances and telco needs through our trusted single digital platform is unique, consistent with our aim to provide helpful, easily accessible, and innovative solutions.

“Reliable connectivity is a powerful enabler for individuals, families, and businesses. In the months ahead, we will expand our range of services by introducing more cost-effective and tailored solutions for both individual and business customers. This includes IoT (Internet of Things) solutions that empower businesses to improve efficiency and productivity. We will also offer fibre, 5G, and LTE for faster internet speeds and reliable connectivity for both residential and commercial customers,” adds Celliers.

MTN South Africa CEO, Charles Molapisi said, “The partnership is part of our broader efforts to support MVNOs and other institutions that recognise the value of connectivity and internet services for their customers. This partnership marks a significant milestone for both FNB and MTN, which have been instrumental in innovation in the South African market and is a further endorsement for MTN as the network of networks. By combining our strengths, we are poised to create a truly exceptional network experience for FNB Connect users while also enabling access to a broader range of ICT services, beyond just connectivity, for FNB customers. We look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on the South African telecommunications and financial services landscape.

FNB Connect recently disclosed that it rewarded customers with over R300 million in free data and phone minutes in the first half of the financial year 2023. Moreover, the MVNO sold about R400 million in digital devices through the FNB App within the same period.

Jacques Celliers, CEO of FNB, says, “We are pleased and humbled that eBucks has been honoured at the International Loyalty Awards once again. This achievement underscores our commitment to offering our customers great value and cutting-edge solutions. In a time when the cost of living is putting pressure on households and businesses, rewards have been an important buffer for customers. Our aim is to ensure that customers get value from the programme while embracing our advice-led approach to helping them better manage their money.”

The sentiment is echoed by Johan Moolman, eBucks Rewards CEO, who says, “The high levels of participation among FNB and RMB Private Bank encourage us to deliver the best programme in the market. In addition, our partners across the full range of categories we offer have provided phenomenal support for our efforts to ensure that the programme benefits are in line with customers’ needs. In true behavioural style, eBucks continues to drive customers’ engagement with FNB’s digital channels, such as the FNB App, where customers can access programme benefits, tips, and manage their money and rewards easily and safely.”

Since its inception, eBucks has paid out over R19.2 billion and has an average earn-to-spend ratio of 95%, with most customers spending their eBucks within 30 days. Millions of South Africans continue to rely on the programme to alleviate financial constraints for necessities such as fuel and food, travel expenses, and daily essentials like airtime and data. In the past year, FNB enabled its customers to use their eBucks to pay for some of their bank fees, and many customers have used this benefit to the value of R92 million since its introduction.

“We encourage customers to take advantage of our benefits to free-up some financial pressure. We are grateful for our eBucks members’ willingness to allow us to help them with their financial behaviour while also taking care of their lifestyle demands,” concludes Moolman.

Lucky enough to also form part of the proceedings, Slikour hosted industry colleagues, media and close friends at The Venue in Melrose Arch on Tuesday, 31 May, where he officially unveiled The Unites States of Creatives, a project he’s been working on for nearly half a decade, which includes two cutting-edge financial technology platforms: SOLDistro and SOLWallet. 

SOLDistro, an online music distribution platform, enables artists to effortlessly release their songs on all major streaming platforms and stores, with unlimited free music uploads. While also introducing an artist investment fund overseen by Prowess. This platform also offers promotional and financial tools to help artists build their careers while taking only a modest royalty fee. 

Complementing SOLDistro is SOLWallet, an advanced transaction platform tailored to the needs of African creatives. Artists using international DIY distribution platforms who get paid their royalties through global fintech companies normally decide to forfeit their fees due to the tedious processes that is not built to accommodate locals. Members will also enjoy exclusive rewards and discounts, with plans to provide creator loans for creatives working with agencies  or musicians with a revenue track record from their streams in the near future. 

Slikour also unveiled ‘BlackChain’, a creator B2B marketplace connecting businesses with talented creative freelancers that have been quality checked by procurement and production teams of SA most established agencies. This platform will streamline the process of finding professional suppliers while promoting the work of creative individuals.

Celebrating this significant milestone, Slikour said, “Tonight, we didn’t launch something new. Distribution houses and financial platforms are already out there. But what we have launched is a journey for creatives to build their equity and value. These platforms are for the creators, the people who love music and the artists who create it.”

To show his appreciation for all those that helped him reach this next step of his journey, Slikour presented awards to VMLY&R, Hennessy, Coca-Cola executive Phindile Phiri and Stella Artois. 

Slikour also announced that his book, Slikour: The Life Story of a Hip-Hop Pioneer, will be turned into an adaption – taking his career to unprecedented new heights. 

For more information, visit www.slikouronlife.co.za.