MyProperty Home Loans Reveals Key Insights from South Africa’s Property Market

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17 April 2025

MyProperty Home Loans Reveals Key Insights from South Africa’s Property Market — MyProperty Home Loans

MyProperty Home Loans has released its latest home loan statistics, comparing March 2024 to March 2025, revealing significant shifts in the South African property market. Notably, first-time buyers now constitute 72.71% of the market, up from 71.34% the previous year, indicating a growing confidence among new entrants.

While the March National Budget created many pain points for South African households, it also gave homebuyers the ‘gift’ of increasing the transfer duty exemption threshold. With the reduced interest rate and no transfer duty below R1.2 million, the market is more favourable for first-time buyers compared to a year ago,

The average purchase price for first-time buyers increased from R1,188,663 to R1,215,522, while the average approved bond rose from R1,029,192 to R1,567,694. Despite these increases, the average deposit for all buyers saw a substantial rise from R159,471 to R352,173.

latest home loan statistics, comparing March 2024 to March 2025

These trends align with broader market observations. The average age of first-time buyers has increased to 39, reflecting a shift towards older individuals entering the market.

The prime lending rate decreased from 11.75% to 11%, offering some relief to borrowers. Furthermore, own bank bond acceptance rates improved slightly from 52.24% to 52.61%, indicating a more favourable lending environment.

“The data reflects a resilient property market with first-time buyers leading the charge,” said Michael-Anne Abrahams of MyProperty Home Loans. “With improved lending conditions and increased consumer confidence, now is an opportune time for prospective homeowners to enter the market.”

For more information or to start your home loan journey, visit myproperty.co.za/home-loans.

Why manufacturers should drive the shift to Smart Factory operations

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Mark Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of SYSPRO EMEA

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17 April 2025

Why manufacturers should drive the shift to Smart Factory operations — Mark Wilson, Chief Revenue Officer, SYSPRO

Manufacturing and distribution are among the most data-intensive industries globally. Data is collected at every stage of the manufacturing and distribution life cycle, from raw material procurement to production, inventory management, and delivery. It’s no surprise then, that digital transformation has become essential for manufacturers and distributors who hope to maintain competitiveness in a global market by harnessing the knowledge of their data streams.

Digitised manufacturing and distribution facilities use interconnected devices, machinery and production systems to continuously collect and share data, hence the popular reference to ‘Smart Factories’. One of the key drivers of digital transformation for manufacturers and distributors is the ability to tap into these data points throughout the manufacturing process and supply chain. This data helps with everything from forecasting demand to managing inventory levels, predictive maintenance, improving overall efficiency, and ensuring timely deliveries. Smart factories represent the next evolution in manufacturing, leveraging advanced technologies to create highly efficient, adaptable, and data-driven production environments.

Companies that fail to prioritise expenditure on digital transformation will quickly find themselves unable to compete in today’s marketplace. Without the right platforms and solutions in place, these manufacturers lack the ability to enhance operational efficiency, embrace data-led decision making and boost overall competitiveness.

Creating a holistic view across the business

The digital age of AI demands agility, efficiency and innovation, yet many businesses find that their existing or legacy systems cannot support their long-term growth aspirations. Legacy systems that fail to support growth strategies impact the company’s operations and development, which inevitably impacts the business of tomorrow.

Outdated legacy systems also lead to fragmented data, manual workarounds, and inefficient task management, further impacting the organisation’s operational efficiency and development. Effective data integration across departments is crucial for streamlining overall efficiency and reducing operational losses. Manufacturers need a holistic view of business activity, as well as upstream and downstream activity.

A recent study investigating the Global Complex Manufacturing Outlook highlighted how a successful Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation enables organisations to position their companies for sustainable growth by allocating resources effectively across various functions and departments. This is achieved by using data-led decision making, along with insights generated from detailed data analysis.

An investment into future success

For any company considering an ERP implementation, the considerations are not only the direct financial investment, but also how to effectively manage the implementation process to derive maximum value from the investment. Therefore, it makes sense to carefully consider any implementation before embarking on a digital transformation journey.

The report found that companies should use a diagnostics checklist to evaluate whether an ERP solution can unlock value within the organisation, including questions such as ‘Have you noticed significant discrepancies in data reporting from different departments?’ and ‘Are you facing high maintenance costs with your current system due to manual inputs?’ Questions such as these can help executives quickly assess needs and align departments before the ERP project begins.

On average, the companies analysed in the study allocated approximately 3% of their operating budget to ERP implementation costs. The study revealed, however, that nearly half of the respondents are planning to double their technology spending over the next five years, reflecting a strong commitment to enhancing their technological capabilities. This shift underscores the growing recognition of technology as a critical driver of efficiency and competitiveness in the manufacturing and distribution sectors.

There are several best practices that are essential for manufacturers and distributors to adopt for a successful software implementation. Clearly defining the project scope and aligning it with business processes will help the project avoid budget overruns and scope creep. Another key element is stakeholder engagement, as the research demonstrates that companies whose executives and task team are actively involved will ensure that the project receives the necessary support. Partnering with an experienced vendor will facilitate a smooth transition and maximise the project’s overall value, and of course, robust testing ensures that the chosen software is fit for purpose and meets the organisation’s needs.

Modern solutions address critical data needs

By accelerating their smart factory transformation, manufacturers can predict and prevent costly unplanned maintenance, forecast trends with precision, respond quickly to customer demands and market fluctuations, and streamline and optimise their supply chain operations. The integration of ERP software empowers manufacturers to harness the full potential of smart factories with the use of smart technologies such as Digital Twins, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine learning, IoT and predictive analytics.

Business as usual is definitely not the order of the day. Prioritising digital transformation spending, particularly on ERP systems, is essential for manufacturers and distributors to stay competitive in a shifting marketplace. While this is likely to be a significant investment for any business, asking the right questions upfront and following implementation best practices can help businesses not only enhance their operational effectiveness, but improve decision-making across verticals and drive sustainable growth.

The adoption of smart factory technologies is expected to grow, driven by advancements in AI, IoT, and robotics. As the industry continues to evolve, those who invest wisely in digital transformation will be best positioned to lead and succeed.

A Survey Revealed Popularity of Projectors Across the Region as Consumers Create Home Cinema Experiences

By

LnT Desk

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17 April 2025

A Survey Revealed Popularity of Projectors Across the Region as Consumers Create Home Cinema Experiences — Modern Home Cinema

A study commissioned by Epson has uncovered increasing demand for home cinema experiences, with advancements in technology and a shift in lifestyle preferences driving consumers towards choosing large-screen projectors over traditional television sets for such experiences. Whether for creating a home theatre, gaming experience or enjoying content with a large-screen display, the survey results show that projectors have become the preferred option in the world of home entertainment. Their growing popularity reflects consumers’ desire for larger, more immersive, and flexible viewing experiences.

The survey was conducted across five markets including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Türkiye, and South Africa – to identify current trends in home cinema experiences. The research revealed that 50.8% of respondents across the five markets favour large-screen projectors over traditional TV sets, with the highest number of respondents preferring projectors seen in the UAE and Morocco. Notably, only 11.6% of those surveyed reported not using or having tried a projector.

Across the region, visual quality emerged as the most crucial element of an ideal movie-watching experience, with 35.4% of respondents citing it as top priority, followed by sound quality at 28.6%. Overall ambience and comfort ranked third and fourth, respectively, indicating that consumers prioritise technological advantages above other factors. Notably, 71% of respondents in Saudi Arabia said overall ambience was the most important factor.

In South Africa, traditional television is still leading, with 57.26% of respondents saying it’s their go-to for movie watching. However, 32.26% have made the switch to large-screen projectors, embracing a more immersive viewing experience. When it comes to how long South Africans can stay glued to the screen, nearly half (48%) say they can watch a movie for 1.5 to 2 hours before starting to feel sleepy, while 33% tap out around the 1 to 1.5-hour mark.

For many the perfect movie night is all about the visuals, with 49% saying picture quality is key. Sound quality was close behind at 38%, while 40% pointed to large-screen projectors as a must have for that true cinema feel at home.

As more households seek to elevate their entertainment experience, Epson is at the forefront of home cinema innovation, meeting the growing demand for superior image clarity. Epson’s home cinema entertainment solutions such as the 4K PRO-UHD projectors – featuring the 3 LCD technology designed to offer the opportunity to experience a vivid, lifelike image, with advanced pixel-shifting technology and exceptionally high lumen levels and contrast ratios – deliver picture and resolution quality comparable to commercial cinemas, meeting the strong demand for inimitable visual quality. The 3 LCD technology ensures viewers can enjoy an exceptionally sharp 4K picture without sacrificing brightnesss, on displays up to 300”. The highest possible sound quality is assured with Epson’s built-in audio solutions and seamless compatibility with external speakers for an enhanced audio experience.

Timothy Wilson, Visual Instruments Business Unit Lead Southern Africa at Epson South Africa, said: “At Epson, we are passionate about helping people create immersive cinema experiences at home. Whether for movie nights, gaming experiences, or sports viewing, our projectors provide versatility and top-tier performance, delivering the ultimate viewing experience, and we lead the way in visual and sound excellence. We have been the world’s No.1 projector manufacturer since 2001* and have set the standard for innovative projectors, delivering groundbreaking technologies that transform how we experience visual entertainment. We are pleased to see the popularity of large-screen projectors across our markets, as revealed by our survey results, which demonstrate how advancements in technology are driving demand. As technology continues to evolve, becoming even more impressive and accessible, we anticipate demand for ever bigger and better home entertainment experiences.”

Epson conducted the survey in collaboration with Pollfish, sampling 100 respondents per market. Epson sees significant potential to increase market share as consumers discover the phenomenal viewing experiences enabled by technological advancements. Draws for consumers include bigger screen sizes, flexibility and space-saving, portability, customisability and a cinematic feel, enabling a true movie theatre atmosphere at home.

Take your mobile gaming to the next level with the OPPO Reno13

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OPPO

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16 April 2025

Take your mobile gaming to the next level with the OPPO Reno13 — Reno13 5G

Mobile gaming has evolved significantly, with smartphones now delivering console-quality power. According to the Global Games Market Report, in 2012, the global mobile gaming market was valued at $12 Billion, but by 2023, it had surged to $98 billion, making up nearly 50% of the global gaming industry’s revenue. What was once a platform mainly for casual players has easily transformed into a serious gaming hub, capable of running shooters, open-world role-playing games (RPGs), and strategy titles.

Having the right smartphone can make all the difference in ensuring the best gaming experience. Performance, display quality, cooling, and responsiveness all affect how smooth and enjoyable your gameplay feels.

“The OPPO Reno13 5G is designed with gamers in mind, offering powerful hardware, intelligent software optimisations, and a suite of gaming-specific features,” says Bradley Young, Head of Training at OPPO South Africa.

To help you make the most out of your mobile gaming, here are five ways the OPPO Reno13 5G takes your gaming experience to the next level.

Hit Game Mode for Peak Performance

The OPPO Reno13 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 chipset, which delivers exceptional speed and efficiency. This powerful octa-core processor and Mali-G615 GPU deliver blazing-fast performance, allowing you to game at max settings with zero frame drops.

However, enabling Game Mode is essential to fully unlock the phone’s gaming capabilities. Game Mode enhances performance by prioritising your game over other background activities. This ensures that the processor and graphics unit focus entirely on rendering smooth visuals and maintaining high frame rates.

Game Mode also ensures your game time is free of interruptions; incoming calls, notifications, and pop-ups are blocked so you can remain focused during gaming sessions. It also manages memory allocation to prevent slowdowns, ensuring a consistent and uninterrupted experience.

No lag, no frame tearing with AI Frame Rate Stabilisation

Every gamer knows that stable frame rates are essential for staying competitive, avoiding lag, and keeping gameplay smooth and responsive. Frame tearing and lag are as frustrating as they are game-breaking, especially in online competitive modes where the smallest delay can affect reaction times and performance.

This isn’t an issue for the OPPO Reno13 5G, which comes equipped with AI-powered frame rate stabilisation. This feature monitors game performance in real-time and adjusts GPU and CPU workloads accordingly. Instead of experiencing sudden drops in performance when the game becomes more demanding, the system intelligently manages resources to ensure a consistent frame rate.

The result is smoother gameplay, better responsiveness, and an enhanced gaming experience.

Dominate the Game with Ultra-Responsive Touch Controls

In competitive gaming, speed is everything. Reaction time is crucial, so the OPPO Reno13 5G features a high-touch sampling rate that significantly reduces input delay, making controls more responsive. Every swipe, tap, and gesture registers instantly, giving you a faster and more accurate experience.

In shooters and battle royale games, this responsiveness is crucial; the faster the touch response, the better your chances of executing precise movements, landing accurate shots, and securing victory. The phone’s advanced touch sensitivity also minimises accidental inputs, ensuring that every action you take is intentional. This level of precision allows for better control – another important weapon in any gamer’s arsenal.

Stay Cool with Advanced Cooling Technology

Extended play sessions can strain a phone’s hardware, causing overheating that affects performance. This can lead to lag, reduced frame rates, and an overall drop in responsiveness.

The OPPO Reno13 5G mitigates this with an advanced cooling system that efficiently dissipates heat. Using cutting-edge graphene layers, vapour chambers, smart power adjustment, and optimised battery efficiency, the device is kept at an optimal temperature, ensuring that it maintains peak performance for longer periods. Thanks to overheating, you can enjoy longer hours of gaming with no ill effects.

Stunning Visuals and Precision 3D Audio

A top-tier gaming experience is all about immersion, and the Reno13 5G delivers visual and audio performance. With its 6.7-inch AMOLED display, every game comes to life with stunning clarity. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures fluid motion and buttery-smooth gameplay, while HDR10+ brings vibrant colours and deep contrasts to make every scene pop.

Whether exploring vast landscapes in an RPG or fighting it out in an online shooter, the Reno13 5G elevates your gaming experience.

But it’s not just the screen that sets you up for victory – audio is key, too. The AI-enhanced stereo speakers deliver powerful 3D sound, giving you precise positional audio to track opponents and react in real-time. Whether you hear footsteps in a battle royale or catch subtle environmental cues, this technology gives you the edge when it matters most.

The Reno13 5G’s 120Hz AMOLED display and AI-enhanced stereo speakers work seamlessly to adapt to your gaming needs. The refresh rate automatically adjusts for smoother visuals, while the stereo speakers create a rich, surround-sound experience, bringing your game’s audio to life.

Built for gamers

Mobile gaming has never been more advanced, and the OPPO Reno13 5G is built to deliver an optimised experience for casual and hardcore players. With features like Game Mode, AI frame rate stabilisation, ultra-responsive touch controls, an advanced cooling system, and a high-quality display and audio setup, this smartphone ensures that every gaming session is smooth, immersive, and uninterrupted.

“With its gaming-focussed features, players can maximise their performance, react faster, and enjoy more immersive experiences. OPPO Reno13 5G is much more than just a smartphone; it is a gaming companion designed to help you win,” adds Young.

BIC South Africa & Paralympian champion Mpumelelo Mhlongo donate over 3000 pens to Forest High School

By

LnT Desk

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16 April 2025

BIC South Africa & Paralympian champion Mpumelelo Mhlongo donate over 3000 pens to Forest High School — Mpumelelo Mhlongo visited Forest High School to hand over 3000 pens in partnership with BIC South Africa.

On the 15th of April 2025, BIC South Africa, in partnership with World record-holder and Paralympian champion Mpumelelo Mhlongo, donated over 3000 pens to students at Forest High School in Johannesburg.

The stationery drive forms part of BIC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Together We Can Make a Difference. The programme aims to raise awareness around the alarmingly high school dropout rate of 41% in South Africa, as well as focuses on their commitment to provide students with the necessary resources they need during their learning journey. It also ties closely to their belief that change starts with one, and providing a student with a single pen could have a tremendous impact on their present and future.

Based on the finding that one of the main reasons for school dropouts is the lack of resources, BIC continues to provide students with the necessary writing tools to remain in school and calls on individuals and organisations to join the movement to provide students with the resources they need. BIC’s partnership with Mpumelelo Mhlongo is the most recent step the brand took in sparking further behavioural change within South Africa for South Africa, highlighting that Change Starts with One.

SYSPRO Appoints Leanne Taylor as Chief Revenue Officer to Drive Global Growth and Digital Transformation

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SYSPRO

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16 April 2025

SYSPRO Appoints Leanne Taylor as Chief Revenue Officer to Drive Global Growth and Digital Transformation — Leanne Taylor Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), SYSPRO

SYSPRO, a leading global provider of digital manufacturing solutions, today announced the appointment of Leanne Taylor as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). This strategic leadership addition underscores SYSPRO’s commitment to driving revenue growth, enhancing customer success, and expanding its global market footprint.

Taylor is a seasoned executive with extensive experience scaling global businesses, executing high-impact deals, and leading digital transformation initiatives. She most recently served as Senior Vice President of Group Commercial Strategy at Cloud Software Group, where she oversaw a multi-billion-dollar business and spearheaded strategic alignment across multiple divisions. Prior to that, as Chief Operating Officer, she played a pivotal role in developing go-to-market strategies and large-scale business transformations to drive profitability and efficiency. Her leadership credentials include executive roles at Citrix and SAP, where she led high-performance teams and executed large-scale industry-specific technology initiatives.

“Leanne’s expertise in revenue acceleration, customer success, and partner ecosystems will be instrumental in helping us capitalize on new market opportunities and scale our digital manufacturing solutions,” said Jaco Maritz, CEO of SYSPRO. “Her leadership aligns perfectly with our growth ambitions, and we are confident she will drive long-term value for our customer and partner community.”

This strategic move follows SYSPRO’s acquisition by Advent International, a global private equity firm dedicated to accelerating the growth of high-potential technology companies. With Advent’s backing, SYSPRO has advanced its expansion strategy, bolstering its technology innovation capabilities and extending its reach into key markets such as the United States and the United Kingdom. This included the acquisition of longtime channel partner NexSys during the first quarter of Advent ownership.

“I am excited to join the talented team at SYSPRO at such a pivotal time in its growth journey,” said Leanne Taylor. “SYSPRO’s strong foundation in digital manufacturing, commitment to innovation, and customer-centric and partner-first approach creates significant opportunities for revenue expansion and deeper partnerships. I look forward to developing our talent, leading our global revenue strategy, and contributing to the company’s continued success.”

With Taylor at the helm of revenue strategy, SYSPRO is well-positioned to strengthen its market presence, drive global expansion, and continue leading the digital transformation of manufacturing.

Five Egg-ceptional Ways to Celebrate Easter Weekend in South Africa

By

LnT Desk

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16 April 2025

Five Egg-ceptional Ways to Celebrate Easter Weekend in South Africa — Enjoy farm to table dining at Irene Country Lodge, Autograph Collection

Still haven’t made Easter plans? Whether you’re craving a gourmet lunch in the city, a tranquil bush escape, or a kid-friendly feast with all the festive trimmings, there’s still time to turn your long weekend into something special. These South African stays and Easter Sunday spreads promise good food, great vibes, and memory-making moments for every kind of Easter celebration.

Here’s where to hop to this Easter weekend:

1. A Relaxing Country Escape at Irene Country Lodge, Autograph Collection

If your ideal Easter involves greenery, fresh air, and a little indulgence, Irene Country Lodge, Autograph Collection is calling. This tranquil haven, tucked between Pretoria and Johannesburg, is all about slow living, lake views, and effortless family fun.

The lodge’s Easter weekend experience comes wrapped in thoughtful extras: from sweet surprises in-room to a relaxed lunch buffet at Irene Farm, and festive dinners at the Meadow Green Restaurant. Add the appearance of the Easter Bunny and scenic walks along tree-lined paths, and you’ve got the perfect getaway—complete with countryside charm and creature comforts.

2. Under-the-Sea Indulgence at Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers

Easter Sunday takes a deep dive into delicious at Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers, where the theme is “Easter Under the Sea” and the seafood buffet is anything but ordinary. Set in the chic surrounds of Century City, Cape Town, this Easter celebration is all about vibrant flavours, relaxed hospitality and a few delightful surprises along the way.

Think prawns, mussels, freshly grilled fish and ocean-inspired sides, served up in a setting where the atmosphere is as light as the bubbles in your glass. It’s the perfect excuse to round up your crew and indulge in a long lunch that’s equal parts festive and fabulous.

Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers will offer a seafood buffet for Easter

3. Bushveld Bliss at Protea Hotel by Marriott Polokwane Ranch Resort

For those looking to swap traffic for tranquil trails and city buzz for bushveld bliss, Protea Hotel by Marriott Polokwane Ranch Resort delivers in every direction. Set on a 1,000-hectare private game reserve, this hidden gem blends wide open space with creature comforts and warm hospitality in the heart of Limpopo.

Expect mornings filled with birdsong and mimosas, followed by game drives, horse-riding and lazy afternoons by the poolside lapa. Nearby adventures include the Polokwane Bird and Reptile Park and guided 4×4 trails. The experience is rounded off with a delicious Sunday buffet feast while the little ones are entertained with games, crafts and activities —ideal for families craving a reset.

Horse riding is offered at Protea Hotel by Marriott Polokwane Ranch Resort

4. Easter Fun for the Whole Family at Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Wanderers

If you’re staying in Johannesburg this Easter, Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Wanderers is serving up a celebration filled with flavour and family fun. Their Easter Sunday Lunch promises mouth-watering dishes—from savoury starters to indulgent desserts—in a relaxed and elegant setting with beautiful views.

The highlight? A festive Easter egg hunt that’s bound to bring joy to little ones and smiles to the grown-ups too.

Take in the views at Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Wanderers

5. A Feast with a Vibe at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Cape Town

Looking for Easter with a side of cheeky charm? Located in Tamboerskloof, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Cape Town is hosting an egg-stra special Easter Sunday Lunch in its buzzing restaurant. With a welcome drink, delicious bites, and a playful approach to pricing (think “free for tots” and “half price for little bunnies”), it’s a lunch that feels like a party.

Delicious fare served at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Cape Town

Your Android smartphone is the ultimate companion for your Easter roadtrip

By

TCL Communication

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16 April 2025

Your Android smartphone is the ultimate companion for your Easter roadtrip — Android smartphone

Easter in South Africa is all about the open road, whether you’re heading to the coast, finding peace in the bush, or making memories with family in the berg. Beyond serving as a camera and a music player, your Android smartphone can help you plan, navigate, and stay safe as you travel.

TCL shares practical tips to turn your device into the ultimate travel buddy this Easter break.

Download must-have travel apps before you hit the road

You can use your Android smartphone to manage your trip details, bookings and logistics from one place. Before you embark on your trip, you’ll want to make sure you’ve downloaded and signed into your favourite travel apps. Some apps you might want at hand include:

Adobe Lightroom to edit your stunning holiday images and TouchRetouch to clean your photos up with minimal effort.
Airbnb to help you find places to stay or the local alternative, LekkeSlaap.
Google Maps or Waze for real-time GPS navigation, traffic, and transit info.
Namola or Life360 to share your location with loved ones to keep each other safe as well as reach emergency services if something goes wrong.
PackPoint to organise what you need to pack in your luggage and suitcase based on length of travel, weather at your destination, and any activities planned during your trip.
TripAdvisor for advice about what to do and where to eat.
TripIt to manage your comprehensive itinerary and share travel plans to your calendar, friends and family.

Prep for areas with limited signal

The cellular networks blanket most of South Africa, even deep rural areas, but it still pays to be prepared for areas with no or spotty coverage. Download your maps ahead of time. On Google Maps, you can simply select your route or region and save it for offline use. Also be sure to keep details like travel plans, booking details, and addresses accessible offline. You can store them in an app like TripIt or take screenshots as a backup.

Keep your battery going

You really don’t want your phone to run out of battery when you need to call roadside assistance. Prolong battery life with tricks like using the battery saver mode, lowering scree brightness and switching off features you’re not using like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Also carry a power bank and keep a car charger with you. You’ll thank yourself if you’re stuck in traffic or take an unexpected detour.

Stay safe when travelling in convoys

If you’re travelling in convoy with friends and family, keeping tabs on everyone is easier (and safer) with the right tools. Location-sharing apps like Namola or Life360 let you see where each vehicle is in real time, without the need for constant phone calls or messages. These apps also allow you to set check-in points and send SOS alerts if something goes wrong, like a breakdown or wrong turn.

Key trends shaping the insurance industry in 2025

By

LnT Desk

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16 April 2025

Key trends shaping the insurance industry in 2025 — Paul Sanders, Regional Managing Director at GIB Inland

The insurance industry, like many others, is undergoing significant transformation, driven largely by disruptive technologies, changing consumer behaviour, and an increasingly complex global landscape. As we move further into 2025, these shifts are creating both opportunities and challenges for insurers, brokers, and customers alike.

Paul Sanders, Regional Managing Director at GIB Inland, and Tracy McLaughlin, Regional Managing Director at GIB Coastal, shed light on the key trends defining the future of the industry.

Softening of London markets

Over the past two years, investor capital has flowed into global insurance markets, increasing capacity and competition, particularly in London which has led to lower rates for corporate insurance. Locally, however, the market remains more stable.

“The increased capacity in London is reshaping the competitive environment,” says Sanders. But locally, markets are holding steady. This dynamic will be crucial in 2025, especially for businesses seeking coverage that aligns with their unique risk profiles, industry-specific exposures, and financial strategies.”

Economic pressures and Evolving Consumer Behaviour

Affordability is top of mind for consumers as economic pressures persist. Many are reducing their insurance spend, especially in personal lines, and direct insurers are benefitting from this shift with their lower-cost, online-first offerings.

“Consumers are increasingly focused on price, but brokers remain uniquely positioned to provide tailored advice, particularly in complex areas like life insurance and comprehensive household cover,” adds McLaughlin

The Rise of Insurtech startups

The rise of Insurtech startups, such as Naked and Partnership, is a trend that brings efficiency and streamlined processes to the forefront, providing lower-cost solutions for consumers. However, Sanders highlights that while Insurtech firms excel at efficiency, they can’t replicate the personal relationships brokers offer, especially when it comes to managing claims. “The human element is a huge differentiator, particularly for clients with complex needs or higher-value claims.”

AI and Automation: A double-edged sword

AI and automation definitely enable faster, more accurate assessments, reducing human error and operational bottlenecks. However, this shift has its challenges. Automation improves efficiency, for example, but it limits the broker’s ability to negotiate terms, which remains a vital part of their role. Even in the case of larger clients, AI-driven analytics are essential for offering insights into things like self-retention structures, but it’s the broker’s personal touch that adds real value.

Geopolitical and global market uncertainty

Events in major markets from tariff shifts to political instability have far-reaching implications for South African businesses.

“The geopolitical landscape can affect insurance availability, pricing, and even regulatory frameworks,” explains Sanders. “Unexpected global events are now part of the risk matrix our clients face daily.”

Personalised Insurance Through Behavioural Data

With the proliferation of IoT devices, wearable tech, and telematics, insurers now have access to unprecedented volumes of data. This allows for personalised pricing models based on individual behaviour, not just traditional demographic factors. “There’s a big opportunity here,” says McLaughlin. “If used right, data can help us proactively guide clients, not just respond to risk but help prevent it.”

Tracy McLaughlin, Regional Managing Director at GIB Coastal

Shifts in customer loyalty and purchasing behaviour

Loyalty in personal insurance is decreasing. Many customers, especially younger ones, prefer simplicity, speed, and low costs. Direct insurance companies are becoming advanced online platforms to meet these demands. For more complex needs, like commercial or household insurance, brokers are still important. “They help clients understand their risks and the coverage they need,” says Tracy.

Proactive risk management & shifting insurer expectations

Demand for insurance remains steady, but the requirements from insurers have changed. There is an increasing focus on proactive risk management and stronger client governance. “Insurers are asking more questions now,” says Sanders. “They want to see that clients are actively managing their risk environment before they offer capacity. This is where brokers play a vital role in helping clients prepare and demonstrate their readiness.”

Adapting to the climate crisis

The escalating frequency and severity of natural disasters are leading to higher insurance premiums, particularly in high-risk areas. Insurers are reassessing coverage strategies and collaborating with governments to manage the financial implications of climate-related events. This trend is pushing insurers to develop innovative solutions to mitigate the financial risks posed by climate change, while also striving for greater sustainability in their operations and offerings.

Additionally, third-party valuations and more detailed risk assessments are becoming standard practice, reflecting the sector’s commitment to precision and adaptability. As the industry continues to mature, there’s a stronger focus on professionalism, not just for regulatory reasons, but to truly add value to clients

South Africa’s Shebeens: A Missed Opportunity for Drinks Brands?

By

LnT Desk

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16 April 2025

South Africa’s Shebeens: A Missed Opportunity for Drinks Brands? — SA Shebeens & Taverns

More than half of South Africans who visit taverns and shebeens do so on a weekly basis, positioning these informal venues not just as nightlife staples but as central pillars of everyday social life. With around 14% of South Africans frequenting these establishments, they represent a significant and often underestimated route to market for drinks brands. These findings stem from the latest On Premise User Survey (OPUS) conducted by CGA by NIQ. The research, based on insights from hundreds of South African consumers, sheds light on evolving behaviours and preferences in pubs, bars, and restaurants across the country.

CGA by NIQ EMEA Client Solutions Manager Abhi Seghal says while taverns and shebeens, are often located in the heart of townships and communities and have long influenced consumer behaviour outside of the formal economy. But succeeding in this space requires a nuanced understanding of its distinct culture and dynamics. “Informal taverns may not have the penetration of some channels, but there is rich potential for brands to drive trial and loyalty here. Understanding what drives these consumers is essential if suppliers want to unlock sustainable growth,“ he cautions.

Value is king, but premium has pull

To achieve this, it’s vital to understand the nuances of these more informal tavern and shebeen outlets. For example, the OPUS research reveals that spending averages R175 per head – R23 below the broader On Premise average. However, while the spend may be lower, consumers are willing to pay for products and experiences they perceive as offering value. According to Sehgal, “Value doesn’t mean cheap. It means offering something worth the price – something people are happy to come back for.”

These consumers are also thirsty for new flavours with two-thirds of shebeen-goers (67%) reporting being more likely to try new drinks in these venues, and 68% are open to paying more for a better-quality option. This appetite for experimentation and premiumisation underscores a major opportunity for brands that are willing to innovate.

Afternoon is the new primetime

Patterns of foot traffic also differ from traditional bars. Thirty-one percent of visitors frequenting these establishments between 2pm and 5pm, a notably higher proportion than in other restaurant and bar settings. This mid-afternoon window presents a strategic opportunity for brands to engage with consumers or roll out targeted promotions.

The decision-making process in these venues is also fluid. While 54% of visitors arrive with a specific brand in mind, 36% only know what type of drink they want, and 10% remain fully open to suggestion. This highlights the importance of strong in-venue visibility, effective menu design, and staff engagement at the point of purchase.

Operator influence remains strong, with 24% of patrons saying staff recommendations affect their drink choices. In community-based venues where relationships between staff and regulars are common, a trusted endorsement can have more impact than a national ad campaign. These findings all send a clear message: brands that continue to overlook South Africa’s informal drinking venues do so at their own risk. “With high-frequency foot traffic, influential staff, and consumers hungry for new and premium experiences, taverns and shebeens are not fringe markets – they’re frontlines. For any drinks brand serious about long-term growth and cultural relevance, understanding and investing in this space is no longer optional, it’s essential,” stresses Seghal.

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