Johannesburg, 16 May 2018 – Financial literacy is one of the most important skills a young person needs to learn. This philosophy is at the heart of the Smartbucks financial literacy programme, which ensures that greater emphasis is put on this life skill, allowing high school learners to emerge with greater financial acumen. According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, in an international study of 30 countries, South Africa performed the worst in terms of financial literacy competency, with the average level of literacy sitting at just 30%. The decisions of those who lack financial education could have negative consequences that impact upon their lives and that of the country’s economy for many years. These alarming statistics are the driver behind the Smartbucks programme, which aims to generate a vibrant savings culture amongst young people and assist them to transition into economically active and financially conscious adults. “We are proud to have partnered with Primestars to deliver on this key project, responding to a critical need in the country; financial literacy. As Liberty we strongly believe that interventions such as these go a long way in creating an inclusive economy which the country is in dire need of” says Xolisa Vapi, Divisional Director, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Liberty. “Our programmes are aimed at enabling financial freedom for future generations, hence our focus on schools. With the Smartbucks programme, we broadened our reach and went for a wider national footprint – reaching about 15 000 leaners.” he adds. Wikus Lategan, CEO of Calgro M3, comments, “Calgro M3 is exceptionally proud to be cosponsoring the Primestars Smartbucks programme for the first time this year. We strongly believe that by supporting educational initiatives, we can make a meaningful difference to changing the well-being of all South Africans, in line with our tagline of Building Legacies, Changing Lives. The Smartbucks programme, which teaches learners about financial concepts such as managing debt, looking after one’s savings and spending wisely, in an engaging, fun way, while delivering powerful messages, is something that we can really get behind.” The programme is being presented to Grade 9,10,11 and 12 learners in a movie format and will be screened at selected Ster-Kinekor theatres across South Africa every Saturday morning from 5 May to 2 June 2018. For practical application, the learners will receive a financial literacy toolkit to enable them to further engage the concepts of earning, saving, budgeting, debt and investing. The new educational movie titled One Way to Graceland, has an impactful storyline that proves that starting financial education at a young age aids in the development of healthy financial habits, so that the young professionals of tomorrow go on to enjoy lasting success. The Smartbucks programme is supported by the Department of Basic Education alongside the private sector – Liberty, Calgro M3, Tsogo Sun, Kulula and Gearhouse.
Article by Nicholas Munzhedzi
