Autumn 2019
End debt anxiety
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5 FOODS THAT
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Thembisa Mdoda There’s no age limit for having money conversations
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One of 100 prizes worth R13 000!
On the cover 4 THEMBISA MDODA
“There’s no age limit for having money conversations”
11 QUIZ
How healthy is your relationship?
that fuel your body & mind
Diarise these check-ups!
24 CLUB 24 GET REAL
Also inside 4 8
Real people, real tips
18 HEALTH 18 YOUR YEAR IN HEALTH
Your guide is here
22 5 FOODS
12 MONEY 16 SAVINGS TRICKS: JUST START!
12 END DEBT ANXIETY
p21
LIFE HOW TO END FAMILY FEUDS
Meet the member
25 YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Get expert help
10 ENTERTAINMENT
Make the most of it, here!
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What does financial freedom mean to you? “An opportunity to reimagine your relationship with money and focus on curating long-term goals.”
EDITORIAL Editor Sarah Browning-de Villiers Sub-editor Samantha Luiz Email mag@sanlamreality.co.za Contributors Busang Senne, Busisiwe Gumede, Mogau Seshoene, Nicci Botha, Lynette Botha, Thembisa Mdoda, Tracy Lynn Chemaly PRODUCTION Head of production Nicky Scheepers Traffic manager Ashleigh Tremearne
Photography: Shutterstock, Niquita Bento, supplied
CREATIVE Creative director Christelle Grobler Art director Marisa Steyn
“It means choice. It means being able to live life on my own terms.”
NARRATIVE Managing director Gareth McPherson Business unit director Lauren Brabant Chief content officer Sarah Browning-de Villiers Senior account manager Soni Siwela CAPE TOWN HEAD OFFICE Tel: 021 487 9100 Email: mag@sanlamreality.co.za 50 Harrington Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town, 7925 PO Box 16258, Vlaeberg, Cape Town, 8001 SANLAM REALITY PROGRAMME Head of marketing and communication Francois Uys Communications manager Lucille Moore Communications coordinator Hasina Khan
PUBLISHED BY NARRATIVE FOR SANLAM REALITY Telephone 0860 007 352
SANLAM REALITY CALL CENTRE Email info@sanlamreality.co.za Website www.sanlamreality.co.za
“Financial freedom means my children never wanting for anything. It’s financial peace peace of mind, so that you can enjoy your life fully.”
REAL FUTURES (PTY) LTD Real Futures is a wholly-owned Sanlam Ltd company managing the Sanlam Reality Programme for the Sanlam Group. Chairman Ahmed Banderker Directors Gary Allen, André Larisma, Theesan Moodley, Jan Steenkamp Company secretary Ulishia Baijnath
Sanlam Reality is the loyalty programme of the Sanlam Group and its strategic partners. The programme helps members to make the most of their money in a way that’s honest, meaningful and real. Sanlam Reality empowers its members to make responsible financial choices and enables them to live their best financial lives possible. All because Sanlam Reality believes that taking care of your money should be rewarding. All content and pricing correct at time of print.
Published by Narrative. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopying or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owners, Narrative Media Group, Harrington Street, Cape Town, 7925. Printed by Paarl Media. While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice and information given to readers, the editor, proprietors (Real Futures (Pty) Ltd) and publishers cannot accept responsibility for any damages or inconvenience that may arise from incorrect information. Printed on paper sourced from sustainable forests.
ON THE COVER: Photography: Niquita Bento/*SNCM; Photographer’s assistant: Cass Collett/CCA; Production: Nicky Scheepers; Hair: Gilbert Mofubelu; Makeup: Renee de Wit; Styling: Mandy Nash/*SNCM; Creative direction: Christelle Grobler. MDODA WEARS: Top: AKJP at Shop Collective; skirt: H&M; earrings: Zara
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Autumn 2019
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life
COVER STORY
Walk to the beat of your own tune
Shirt dress; AKJP at Shop Collective; earrings: Zara
TV presenter, actress, producer… all while raising twins: Thembisa Mdoda is a force to be reckoned with. SARAH BROWNINGDE VILLIERS sat down with Mdoda for a heart-to-heart on marriage, motherhood and everything in between.
THEMBISA MDODA’S DAY STARTED AT 4AM this morning – not that you’d know with the energetic smile and warm hug she gives me as she arrives to her cover shoot on a rainy, Cape Town morning. But then, Mdoda, 36, is used to hard work – tomorrow she jets off again to East London to start filming a new TV show. It’s thanks to this work ethic that you’ll know Mdoda from a dizzying list of different things: presenter of Our Perfect Wedding; Metro FM DJ; gossipy makeup artist Thabisile on The Road; and feisty Sandy from Baby Mamas, her 2018 film – a cheeky nod to her own baby-mama drama with actor Atandwa Kani, from whom she divorced in 2015. But when you peel away the lights
and cameras, who is Mdoda, and how does she balance her career with being a mom to twin boys, aged seven? Here is Mdoda in her own words…
“I found my voice through art” “I grew up as a quiet kid, but I found art as a way to communicate. If it wasn’t performance, it was drawing. If it wasn’t drawing, then it was design. I figured if art could speak for me, it could speak through me. Art speaks to the life I want to live and the legacy I want to leave.”
“If you want to master something, study it” “I studied for nine years. When you’re exhausted after a long day and have nothing left to give, the technicalities of what you studied carry you.
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“Even though I always wanted to be an artist, my dad was more practical – you know how fathers are! He wanted me to study something that involved computers, so he took me to TUKS to see the course options on offer. We walked through that place and I thought: no,
for leave to go to Grahamstown Festival, they refused. I had no doubt: I was going to the festival, so I quit! “At the festival, I watched the play Nothing But The Truth – performing in it were Dr John Kani, Pamela Nomvete, Dambisa Kente – and I knew at that moment that I wanted to be on stage. “So then I had to go to my parents and ask if I could go back to varsity and study dramatic arts! I auditioned for Wits University
To succeed at what you do, you have to keep working on it. Never stop learning. I’m not going to do this. Then he found graphic design, so I studied graphic design at Tshwane University of Technology (at the time, Pretoria Tech).”
on my birthday in 2003; they accepted me that same day. I’ve never looked back.”
“Follow your passion”
“Making it in the arts is tough. All the way through my course I was working to get as much experience as I could – all unpaid, at all hours. I interned at radio
“When I finished my studies, I started work at a graphicdesign company. I enjoyed it, but when I asked
“There’s no substitute for hard work”
stations, at theatres; I took crewing jobs on campus – I just wanted to learn! “Even with all that experience, when I started to get paid work I realised how little I knew. You can never stop learning; to succeed at what you do; you have to keep working on it.”
“Finding work is tough – but you’ve got to persist” “I spent years trying to get my foot through the door. It sucks! “My only advice: keep getting out of bed. Don’t wallow. Get up, go shower, and go. Try again – keep trying. Be around people you love; find your support structure. “When you feel you’re too tired, take a break – but don’t quit. Give yourself time to regroup, then start it all again.”
“Balancing my career and kids is hard work – but it’s worth it” “When I get home, it doesn’t matter how tired I am: if my kids need a haircut or a hug, that’s what we do. We have our Autumn 2019
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COVER STORY
traditions that I work on so they know they’re going to get time with me, like certain movies we watch on certain days together. “Family time is so important. It doesn’t matter what you do, it’s about your kids knowing that time exists – especially if you work and can’t always be around.”
“Your kids are never too young to start learning about money” “I talk very openly about finances
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with my kids. It’s important to speak to your kids about money, and there’s no age that’s too young. They need to know the value of things, and to understand what you can and can’t afford, and why. It starts with the small things – helping them understand the cost of baking cupcakes they have to take to school, or the value of a toy you’ve given them. Those examples help to explain money to them because they can relate.
“Even when I take them grocery shopping I remind them what we’ve come to shop for and what we haven’t – it demonstrates to them budgeting. “My kids don’t get pocket money, but I keep petty cash in a tin. If they need something, for example for school, they go to the petty cash tin. They have to write down how much they took, how much they spent, what the change is – it’s teaching them to budget. It also shows them how to be responsible with money – if there’s nothing left in the tin, they know it’s because they used it up. So they’re also learning that money can run out if they’re not careful with it.”
“Shout out to all of the single parents out there!” “I am a full-on single mom. I mean, my ex is living in New York, and it’s just that. I got sole custody of the children. “You learn to deal with your pain in such a way that it doesn’t affect your kids. That’s so important, because
your children see and feel everything. “Being a single parent is hard! The key is that if you’re struggling, ask for help. If your family is unable to support you, there are other places to go. POWA (People Opposing Women Abuse, www.powa.co.za, 011 642 4345) helped me a lot. When I was going through my divorce, I called Rosie Motene – she’s affiliated with POWA – and said, ‘I can’t do this anymore’. She talked to me on the phone for hours. Even when things got better, POWA kept checking in with me. Every woman should have them on speed dial! If you’re a guy, there are organisations like SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group, 080 012 1314), a phone call away. “As a parent you’ve also got to take care of yourself, because a happy you is a happier, better parent to your children. You need to do whatever it takes to take care of yourself: go to gym, sit outside with a coffee and take time with yourself…. That
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Photography: Niquita Bento/*SNCM; Photographer’s assistant: Cass Collett/CCA; Production: Nicky Scheepers; Hair: Gilbert Mofubelu; Makeup: Renee de Wit; Stylist: Mandy Nash/*SNCM; Creative director: Christelle Grobler. THIS PAGE: Top and crop top: H&M; earrings: Zara; RIGHT PAGE: Dress: H&M
life
I talk very openly about finances with my kids. It’s important to speak about money, whatever their age. way, emotionally, you’re capable of doing anything.”
“We all have a responsibility to change the world” “This year is an exciting one for me: I have a lot of projects. I’m an associate producer on an international film. I’m also presenting a new reality show which will air in June on Mzansi Magic, and you’ll still hear me on Metro FM. I have lots of humanitarian projects planned – I’m passionate about children and education around reproductive health. “I want to change the world. There is so much happening in our country that none of us has the option to sit back and do nothing. You have to find a cause that speaks to you, no matter how small, and start working to change the world. We all have that responsibility.”
life
FAMILY
How to end
FAMILY FEUDS Family conflict develops when we have different views about issues, often aggravated by a lack of positive communication, hurt and resentment. BUSISWE GUMEDE unpacks the ways you can work towards resolving things.
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/ Get to the bottom of what caused it
Clinical psychologist Malinka van der Merve says that often, family feuds can last so long that “no one really knows what started it”. Start at the beginning: pinpoint what caused everything and try to resolve this first. The rest will then follow.
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/ Get someone objective to help
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut of arguing, especially if you feel hurt. It’s also not always fair to ask other family members to get involved to help to resolve things: “People are pushed into the corner to take sides,” explains Barbara LeBey, author of Family Estrangements. “It just ends up hurting everyone.”
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Get someone who won’t take sides, and who is objective, to help mediate discussions. A qualified family counsellor is specialised in facilitating discussions and resolving disputes. “Counselling can provide a fresh approach to solve issues,” adds van der Merve. “If family members are unwilling to attend, it
Autumn 2019
GET FREE LEGAL HELP As a Sanlam Reality Club member, you have access to free legal assistance over the phone, between 8am-5pm, Monday to Friday. Call 0860 00 7325.
can still be helpful to get counselling for yourself,” she adds. You can process your hurt and work with your counsellor on a strategy for healing. Other people who can help could be your pastor or an elder or community member. Their role should be to ensure discussions remain calm, to help come up with compromises that suit everyone, and to ensure everyone has the opportunity to voice their point of view.
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/ Don’t take things personally
“Nothing others do is because of you,” says Don Miguel Ruiz, author of The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom. “What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own
dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.” Taking things personally can also cloud your judgement and cause you to react emotionally rather than rationally.
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/ Be willing to say sorry
Even if you feel that you haven’t done anything wrong! “Who is right doesn’t really matter,” explains LeBey. “After a while, estrangements [no longer being on friendly terms] take on a life of their own.” Put your pride aside – saying sorry can soften the people you are fighting with and make them more ready to acknowledge where they have made mistakes, too. www.sanlamreality.co.za
AVOID FIGHTS OVER:
FUNERALS
CREATE A WILL ONLINE & STORE IT WITH US FOR FREE! A will can help reduce conflict around inheritance. Set up your will online with us today and securely store it with us at no cost. Visit www.sanlamreality.co.za/benefit/online-will to get started.
+ “A funeral policy eases financial worry and will allow you or your family to spend more time arranging the funeral and providing each other with emotional support, instead of worrying about money to pay for all the funeral costs,” explains Cita Penn, head of client solutions at Sanlam Developing Markets Limited. + But managing it among family members can be tricky. Some family members may default on paying their monthly fee, resulting in complications when it’s time to claim. Financial expert Sanelisiwe Gantsho says funeral plans should “be kept transparent between family members. It should be openly stated if someone is unable to pay a particular month; that way there will be no surprises when it’s time to claim.” AVOID FIGHTS OVER:
Illustrations: Shutterstock
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/ Put yourself in their shoes
One of the most powerful ways of resolving conflict can be in trying to understand where the other person is coming from. Asking them why they are upset or why they are behaving the way they are – without judging or getting angry – can allow you to put yourself in their shoes. “Change begins from within you,” says conflict-resolution specialist Aldo Civico. “Conflict can always be an opportunity: for better communication, for a dialogue about issues that matter, for a more authentic relationship. “Conflict is part of our life. It cannot be avoided. But it can be resolved, www.sanlamreality.co.za
transformed, and experienced as a gift from life to become deeper, wiser individuals.”
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/ Choose to forgive
“When a resentment of a wrong or a hurt or an injustice persists in your mind, it becomes toxic and corrupts not just your life, but the lives of everyone close to you,” explains LeBey. “Resentment escalates into grudges, then to rage and hatred, then to often completely ruined relationships. The only way to get over resentment is to forgive the person who caused it.” To find qualified counsellors near you who can help, contact FAMSA (Families South Africa) on 011 975 7106/7 or visit their website at www.famsa.org.za.
INHERITANCE
+ A will is the best way to protect against disagreements of who inherits what when someone passes away. “A will is a legally binding, written document that you make freely and voluntarily, detailing how you would want your assets to be distributed once you’ve passed away,” explains David Thomson, legal advisor at Sanlam Trust. + “If you don’t have a will, the state decides how your assets are distributed,” adds Thomson. “If you planned to give one of your colleagues or best friends a share in your will, the state won’t take that into consideration.” Your assets will only be divided amongst your spouse and children – or as the state sees fit in certain situations. “If you have a life partner or are in a long-term relationship but aren’t married to each other, it’s possible that they won’t be considered when distributing your assets,” he says.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Ready for some fun? Save big on these films and events, thanks to your Sanlam Reality membership.
1 / DUMBO This live-action remake of the Disney classic is filled with incredible effects and a brilliant cast. Stars including Colin Farrel and Eva Green act out this heartwarming story of Dumbo, a circus elephant born with comically huge ears. Release date: 29 March
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2/
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USE YOUR BENEFIT Get 2D tickets for R25 and a medium popcorn and beverage for just R30 at Nu Metro. Book in the free Sanlam Reality App from your cell phone, or via www.sanlamreality.co.za/benefits.
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2 / US If socio-thrillerhorrors are your thing, don’t miss Us. The powerhouse cast of Elizabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale), Lupita Nyong’o (Black Panther) and Yahya AbdulMateen II (Aquaman) all add to this suspense-filled film. Release date: 15 March 3 / THE BIG TRIP When a ditzy stork delivers a baby panda to the wrong door, a bear, a moose, a tiger and a rabbit set out to help get the baby panda home to its parents. Expect a wild adventure! Fantastic for the whole family. Release date: 19 April
BUY ONE TICKET, GET ANOTHER TO THESE EVENTS! (UP TO R80) When you buy a Computicket ticket for R80 or less, you get another ticket up to R80! SAY HELLO TO THE SOCCER These ABSA Premiership League matches are at New Peter Mokaba Stadium (Polokwane). Tickets start at R40: 7 April: Polokwane City vs Black Leopards; Baroka FC vs Chippa United FC 14 April: Baroka FC vs Mamelodi Sundowns 24 April: Polokwane City vs Bloemfontein Celtics 28 April: Baroka FC vs AmaZulu FC 8 May: Polokwane City vs Chippa United 11 May: Baroka FC vs Maritzburg United KIDS’ FUN FESTIVAL, JO’BURG 30 March, KwaBhekilanga Sports Ground, Alexandria Take your cooler box and spend the day outside while the kids enjoy all of the entertainment on offer. Tickets: R60/adult, R70/child ROCK DA SHADES, JO’BURG 6 April, Germiston Lake Dance the day (and night!) away at one of Gauteng’s favourite dance festivals. If last year’s line-up is anything to go by (AKA, Black Motion, Sjava, OkMalumKoolKat and more), then this year’s event is a must. Tickets: from R70
USE YOUR BENEFIT You can buy one ticket, get one up to R80 on Computicket as part of your Reality Club benefit! Book at www. sanlamreality.co.za/benefits or by calling 0860 00 7325.
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Photography: supplied
SEE THESE FILMS FOR JUST R25!
QUIZ
life
How healthy is your relationship? Lack of communication and finances are among the top reasons cited for divorce. Take this quiz to see if you and your partner are talking openly about important issues. 1. How often do you take time to talk about key things, like money and the future?
5. Have you shared with one another the policies and savings you each have in place?
A Often B Sometimes C Rarely
A Yes – we make these decisions together B Yes, although I don’t know the details of these for my partner C No, we don’t really talk about it
2. When you think about your future with your partner, you feel:
6. Do you see eye to eye when it comes to your finances?
A Positive and excited B Hopeful C Nervous
3. Do you have a good understanding of your partner’s finances and your shared money? A Yes – we’re 100% open about this B A little – we’ve talked, but I don’t
A Yes, we’re a strong team in this department B We have our differences but mostly agree C We’re polar opposites with how we manage money
know everything C No – it’s not something we’ve ever talked about properly
7. Have you both written a last will and testament, and have you shared the contents of these with one another?
4. Do you know how much debt your partner has?
A For sure – we even know where these are kept for one another, in case of emergency B I know we both have one, but we haven’t really discussed them C No – I don’t even know if they have one
A Yes B I think so, but I’m not sure C No, not at all
Text: Lynette Botha
Answers*: MOSTLY As: You and your partner seem to have the makings of a relationship that’ll last. Work together on any points of weakness, be it parenting style or finances, and continue to talk openly with one another.
MOSTLY Bs: Your relationship has a good foundation, but there are areas that need work. “Have open discussions about money values,” says Danelle van Heerde, head of advice processes & tools at Sanlam Personal Finance.
MOSTLY Cs: You don’t seem in sync about topics like money. Time to talk: “Agreeing how to manage differences allows a couple with different values to manage money successfully,” says van Heerde.
*This quiz is not intended to replace the advice of an expert or professional counselling. For expert relationship counsellors, visit www.famsa.org.za.
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STEPS FOR 3HARMONY FINANCIAL According to Kenosi Magosha, head of client solutions recurring savings at Sanlam Personal Finance. + Draw up a financial plan to serve as a roadmap. Work with a financial planner to set up long-, medium- and short-term goals. + Put a contract in place. If you’re getting married, a legal professional can give guidance on which ante-nuptial contract is best. If you’re living together, a financial planner can help you draw up a financial plan and joint budget. + Don’t keep secrets. Transparency is key and helps you to work together to tackle things like debt.
SET YOUR RELATIONSHIP UP FOR FINANCIAL SUCCESS Get expert help planning your finances as a couple by speaking to a financial planner. Visit www. sanlamreality.co.za/ contact-an-adviser or call 0860 00 7325.
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DEBT
Things you need to know about debt, now Not all debt is equal… knowing more about your borrowed finances is the key to managing your expenses (and lifestyle) more effectively – and to ending that dreaded debt anxiety. By LYNETTE BOTHA
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www.sanlamreality.co.za
DEBT. WE ALL HAVE IT in some form or another, right? Whether you’re paying off a car, a student loan, your first home, your credit card or a store card, most people have some form of debt-noose hanging around their neck. But not all debt is bad debt. The key to taking back control is understanding what you’re dealing with, and how to manage it. Start with these 10 pointers.
/ Understand why you have debt in the first place
Text: Lynette Botha; Photography and illustrations: Shutterstock
/ Not all debt is bad debt Differentiate between good and bad debt. “With a home loan, for example, you’re likely to benefit from capital appreciation [an asset that increases in value over time], and student debt can be offset by the lifelong earning potential it could bring. “Exorbitant debt on depreciating assets [something that loses value over time] and unnecessary items are harder to justify,” says Danelle van Heerde, head of advice processes at Sanlam Personal Finance. Things like store cards (which make it easier to indulge in non-essential items) and payday loans (which typically have very high interest rates) are generally considered bad debt to accumulate. www.sanlamreality.co.za
Are you living above your means? Are you shopping at a high-end food store when you can really only afford the more budget option? Enjoying a fancy coffee or two every day before work because all your colleagues are doing the same? Be honest with yourself – and those around you – that there are some things you’re unable to afford right now. Don’t get caught in a cycle of ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ to your own detriment. “Avoid ‘emotional purchases’,” says Jyoti Gopee-Mothie, a financial planner at Pinnacle BlueStar. “Assess your emotional state before purchasing a new pair of shoes or a new tech item. Usually these purchases are to fill an area of emptiness, and while the new purchase does temporarily improve your emotional state... the happy-high wears out.”
/ The more debt you build up, the more money you waste “It’s frightening how few people realise the money they waste each month on debt servicing costs,” says André Wentzel, solutions manager for Recurring Savings at Sanlam. “If you are first going to repay any debt, try to increase the repayment amount. And, if you are struggling to put money away at the moment, the best time to start is when you get an increase [or a bonus, or any other type of monetary windfall]. “In addition, start using debt effectively. By this I mean try to stick to good debt (eg the bond on your home or your study loan) and use cash for other expenses instead of using store cards. You pay high interest on short-term debt, so make it a priority to reduce it.” Autumn 2019
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DEBT
/ Know your budget “Keep track of your spending. If you know where your money is going, it will be easier to make changes if you need to,” says Plan-B certified financial planner, Jaco van Schalkwyk. “Find what works best for your individual circumstances. Do you prefer using your banking app or a spreadsheet to keep track of your expenses? Whatever works for you, use it to identify where money is flowing to.” Next, make a list of all your monthly financial commitments (groceries, school fees, medical bills, petrol or travel costs, rent and so on). Ensure that your salary is enough to cover all these expenses. If it isn’t, consider what you can cut – you need to keep your expenses lower than your income. Anything left over is all you have to use for ‘niceties’ for the month, but ideally, should go into savings or act as a buffer for unexpected costs. Avoid borrowing money for nonessentials, like a new pair of sneakers or a holiday. Get financially stable first – you can benefit from those luxuries when you are more secure. It’s a small price to pay for financial freedom.
Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t need, to impress people they don’t like. - Will Smith
/ Pay back debt in a smarter way “If your budget only allows you to pay a small amount towards your debt, split the amount smartly. Make a list of all your debt, from the highest interest rate to the lowest interest. It may make sense to pay down debts with the highest interest rates first, and perhaps the smallest debts, which can be paid easily,” says van Heerde.
/ Cash is king “If there is no good reason to make a big-ticket purchase immediately, why not save up for it over time instead of buying it on credit?” asks van Heerde. “During this time, it also gives you additional opportunities to shop around. Once you have saved enough, you may actually find you don’t want or need it anymore, in which case, you can decide whether to add this to your other savings or make a different purchase.”
USE YOUR BENEFIT You have access to a free Personal Assistant, 24/7, to help you compare prices to ensure you always get the best deal. Download the free Sanlam Reality App from your phone’s App Store or Google Play Store to message your Personal Assistant, or call 0860 00 7325.
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/ Don’t accumulate more debt If your bank or a retail store offers you more credit – decline! Set yourself the task of paying back your current debt with your debit card or cash. “Avoid using credit to pay your bills,” says van Schalkwyk. “While it may make things easier now, using credit only increases your monthly payments in the future.” The key here is discipline. www.sanlamreality.co.za
/ What about being blacklisted? / If your debt is
unmanageable, what can you do? Start by accessing your free credit report at least once a year to see your status (you’re entitled to one free report per year, per credit bureau – start with www.transunion.co.za – but read more about this in point 9, to the right of this paragraph). “Struggling to meet your debt repayments? Speak to your lending institution and ask for a payment holiday or to restructure your debt,” says Lee Naik, chief executive officer of TransUnion South Africa. You can also seek help via the National Credit Regulator (NCR), who can assist with everything from debt counselling to complaints about your credit provider (www.ncr.org.za; 011 554 2600).
If you’re blacklisted, it means that you have failed to pay your previous debt and are now seen as a risk to creditors. Lending institutions like banks or retail stores are unlikely to allow you increased (or new) credit if you’ve been blacklisted. Even once you settle your debt, your credit profile is tainted and you will remain on a blacklist for between two to five years. This means you cannot apply for new credit, like a cell phone contract, until you have been cleared. You’re entitled to know what your credit record is, and can request one free report per year per registered credit bureau. A credit bureau receives, stores and reports information on how you manage your credit, including store accounts, loans and credit cards. Credit bureaus must operate in terms of the National Credit Act and must be registered with the National Credit Regulator. There are five registered bureaus in South Africa: • Compuscan: 0861 514 31; www.mycreditcheck.co.za • Consumer Profile Bureau: 010 590 9505; www.cpbonline.co.za • Experian: 0861 105 665; www.creditexpert.co.za • TransUnion: 0861 886 466; www.transunion.co.za • XDS: 0860 937 000; www.credit4life.co.za If you disagree with your credit record, you can submit this to the credit bureau and request amendments or more information.
/ Don’t give up In his book, My Money – A Financial Planning Guide For Ordinary People, Gerald C Mwandiambira writes: “Your debt came over many months and years, and you won’t get out of debt in just a day. It is normal to look at your debt repayment plan and be shocked at the number of months or years needed to clear your debt. If you have a friend or spouse who is also in debt, motivate each other and do this exercise together, and then meet regularly to check on each other.” Don’t give up – and know that you’re not in it alone.
www.sanlamreality.co.za
NEED HELP? Speaking to a financial planner gives you financial advice tailored to your needs. Visit www.sanlamreality. co.za/contact-anadviser or call 0860 00 7325.
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money
SAVINGS
The trick to saving?
Just start!
The struggle is real when it comes to saving money. But just starting – however small – is the key to creating wealth that could become a lifesaver in an emergency. By TRACY LYNN CHEMALY TWO people on different sides of the savings spectrum get honest about the challenges and importance of putting money away. Learn from their lessons.
THE NOVICE
My savings saved me when my grandmother passed away – now I need to focus on saving for the future
ZIZIPHO POSWA, 38, a business owner and mom from Cape Town “When my son recently crashed my car, I needed a loan to get a new car while this one was being fixed. I wish that I’d had savings to pay for it rather than needing to take out a loan. Once the old car is fixed, I’m going to put it on Uber so that I can earn some side income in order to pay off my loan debt a little quicker.
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“Although I bought shares through my business, all of my business profits go back into these shares as dividends so I don’t have access to that money now. “In 2017 I joined three stokvels with my family and close friends, where we all pay a certain amount to one of the members each month. Thankfully, my turn arrived just as my grandmother passed away in the
Eastern Cape. This gave me the extra funds I needed to pay for my family to travel there from Cape Town, and also to help pay for food and assisting relatives during the funeral planning. Luckily, my gran’s children had taken out funeral cover for her, so that paid for those expenses. “I’m the breadwinner, as was my mother before, and we seem to use up what we have. I’ve tried
to break this cycle by employing my cousin as my child’s nanny. With that income, she’s built two units on the back of her RDP house, which she’ll rent out. Her daughter is now going to a good school so her opportunities of getting a job are greater. Supporting them has been my biggest investment, enabling them to earn more in the long run. “Now I’m working towards a long-term savings plan. Once my debt is paid off, I’ll be depositing money into a formal investment fund that’ll help to take me closer to my dreams.” www.sanlamreality.co.za
HOW YOUR SAVINGS CAN EARN YOU MORE MONEY OVER TIME When you save in an interest-bearing account or fund, your money saved increases as it earns interest.
Compound interest is when this interest earns its own interest over time. This means that your initial investment amount can grow hugely.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS
R500
If you save a month into a fund that earns 10% interest, and you keep this up for 10 years:
1 YEAR Your money growth is
R6 320
(You’ll have paid in R6 000 by the end of Year 1, meaning R320 was made via interest)
5% GROWTH
5 YEARS Your money growth is
R38 586
(You’ll only have paid in R30 000, meaning your interest made you an extra R8 585 – at no extra cost to you!)
22% GROWTH
10 YEARS Your money growth is
R100 729
Photography: supplied, Shutterstock
(You’ll have only paid in a total of R60 000. The extra R40 729 earned? That’s compound interest – your money making money, just sitting there!)
40% GROWTH
REQUEST A VISIT WITH A FINANCIAL PLANNER The best way to plan your savings is to speak to a financial planner who can assess your personal needs. Email info@sanlamreality.co.za, call 0860 00 7325 or visit www.sanlamreality.co.za/contact-an-adviser to set up a meeting.
www.sanlamreality.co.za
THE PRO
Having savings in place could help you when you least expect it.
LIZO NUWE, 43, a financial adviser from Jo’burg “I’ve been a financial adviser for eight years. It’s a job that’s rewarding when I see it benefiting clients who never anticipated losing their job or having a relative die. By educating clients, we show them how savings can help them by simply putting away R500 a month. “I see so many people waiting for months for their retrenchment pay-outs to happen, or finding themselves between jobs when their contracts are not renewed. They still have bills to pay, so we help them access a portion of their savings. Our endowment plans ensure you only do one withdrawal in five years (after five years you have unlimited access), which prevents you from making unnecessary withdrawals in between. Unit trusts allow more immediate access to your funds. “I once had a client who started saving in 2010. After five years, he was interested in withdrawing his funds, but I convinced him to continue contributing a monthly amount. This came in handy a year later when
the company he was working for closed down. He had to wait three months for his provident fund to pay out. In the meantime, he withdrew a lump sum from his endowment, and, as soon as his provident fund paid out, he reinvested it. It helped him during a difficult time financially. “If a 40-year-old loses their job and receives a pay-out, for example, I would encourage them to put a significant amount of that towards a retirement annuity, rather than blowing it on a car, as many people do. At least it will be gaining interest and they’ll have money when they retire. “In assisting clients with goal-directed financial planning, we check in once a year to make sure they’re still in line to achieving those goals, taking into consideration market fluctuations, inflation and life changes. “You never know when you’ll need this extra money. I had a client whose brother had no funeral cover, and when he died my client was responsible for the funeral. Even if you don’t have a specific purpose or goal in mind, having savings in place could help you when you least expect it.” Autumn 2019
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health
YOUR YEAR AHEAD
Your year in health
While you can do these health checks at any time, this calendar can help you stay on track. Remember: ask your doctor for expert advice tailored to you. By BUSANG SENNE
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Autumn 2019
www.sanlamreality.co.za
USE YOUR BENEFIT
JANUARY | Get tested for:
APRIL | Get tested for:
diabetes, cholesterol, Body Mass Index (BMI), high blood pressure Why get tested?
eye disease Why get tested?
“Symptoms like high blood-pressure affect 40% of the adult population, and can cause heart attacks, heart failure, strokes and kidney failure,” explains Professor Brian Rayner, head of the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town.
How to get tested A general practitioner (GP), nurse or medical professional at a clinic or pharmacy (such as Clicks or Dis-Chem) can test for these symptoms.
“Vision is one of our most valuable senses. Each year, check your visual sharpness. Testing eye pressure is also a way to diagnose glaucoma. Eye tests are more important in people with high blood pressure and diabetes,” says Dr Motshudi. Glaucoma is a disease that creates pressure in the eye, damaging your vision. Ophthalmologist Dr Jacky Romano says men and women over 40 should get tested for eye disease every two years. Recurring headaches, blurred vision and sore, red or tired eyes can be symptoms of eye disease. An optician carries out tests for eye disease, but basic eye tests are available at selected clinics and pharmacies.
disease (if you’re aged 65+) Why get tested?
gen – f oestro se A lack o enopau ult of m s re l in y ra it dens a natu er bone their risk – can low g in s a re c in , n e wom disease. of bone www.sanlamreality.co.za
No matt er y always w our skin tone, ear sunb lock to protect against UV rays .
How to get tested
MARCH | Get tested for: bone Bone density is measured by how strong or weak bones are. Weak bones can be a symptom of osteoporosis, a type of bone disease. How to get tested The National Osteoporosis Foundation suggests that women aged 65 and older and men 70 and older should be tested once a year for signs of osteoporosis. Ask your GP if you should be referred to a radiology department for painless X-ray tests.
Did you know that you have access to free trauma and medical assistance? Call 0860 00 7325, 24 hours a day, for telephonic assistance.
MAY | Get tested for: tooth decay and gum disease Why get tested? Dr Mpho Molete from Wits Dental Hospital says in South Africa, “over 60% of primary-school children suffer from dental decay.” The sooner a dentist can check for symptoms, the easier it is to treat.
How to get tested Regular dental check-ups are necessary from when we first grow teeth. “Apart from preventing tooth decay and gum disease, check-ups help catch oral cancer in its earliest, most treatable form,” says dentist Dr Andries Taljaard. Visit a free dental clinic or hospital, or health and welfare centre for access to dental care.
JULY | Get tested for: various types of cancer Why and how do I get tested? Everyone: skin cancer check-up Repeated exposure to UV (often from sun exposure) is one of the most common causes of skin cancer. The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) recommends studying your skin for moles changing colour, shape or bleeding. If you notice a change in a mole, mark or pigmentation, consult your doctor. You should perform this skin ‘self-examination’ once a month and ideally get moles checked by a dermatologist or GP once a year. Everyone: breast-cancer check-up Men and women can get breast cancer and should do a monthly self-examination to check for any changes. This can be done by firmly (but gently) pressing the outer half of your right and left breast with your first three fingers. This works best if you lie down so the breast is as flat on your chest as possible. Remember: lumps don’t need to be painful to be potentially cancerous. If you notice anything unusual, consult your doctor. Autumn 2019
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health
YOUR YEAR AHEAD
USE YOUR BENEFIT Enjoy up to 20% off your contract with Planet Fitness or up to 60% off at JustGym – it’ll help you stay healthy. Visit www.sanlamreality. co.za/benefits for more.
smoking Habits like f your risk o se ea can incr er. nc ca f o es certain typ
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ALL YEAR ROUND NOVEMBER | Check-in:
| Stay active
mental health How do I check-in on mental health?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of intense exercise per week. Staying active can lower your risk of heart disease, high bloodpressure, diabetes, and different types of cancers. Staying active can also help your mental health. “Becoming active can be as simple as going for a brisk walk, working in the garden or taking the stairs instead of the lift,” says JP Smith, City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee member for Safety and Security, and Social Services. “Check with your healthcare professional before starting an exercise programme.”
“Every day we face stressors and life events that may have an impact on us,” says Megan Hosking, psychiatric intake clinician at Akeso Clinics. “While we may be coping okay with these at the time, as they continue our management of them may change or we may find ourselves struggling. A regular check-up on your mental health would allow you to re-evaluate where you are more frequently.”
How do I get support? “Keeping a journal can be beneficial if you take time to reflect on what you’ve written and look for patterns,” says Hosking. “If you cannot access a psychologist, there are other options available such as support groups, telephonic counselling or online forums.” Get support and assistance via the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): www.sadag.org or 011 234 4837. Please note that none of this constitutes medical advice. You are urged to seek the advice of a medical professional for your specific needs.
www.sanlamreality.co.za
Photography: Shutterstock
The Breast Health Foundation of South Africa recommends women aged 35-40 have a mammogram test once a year. Mammograms are X-rays that help detect breast cancer. If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, let your GP know – you may need to be tested more often. If you’re male: prostate exam Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, but can be easily checked for. According to CANSA, a doctor will check for prostate cancer with a quick digital rectal exam (the prostate can be felt by a doctor using a finger), and possibly a blood test. Men should be tested annually over the age of 40. Tests can be done by your GP or at CANSA screening centres countrywide (www.cansa.org.za) If you’re female: pap smear “In South Africa, cervical cancer remains the most common cancer in women,” says Dr Motshudi. “Every female from the age of 21 or from when they are sexually active should have a pap smear annually.” Pap smears can be done by your doctor, at women’s health clinics, hospitals or gynaecologists. They involve a quick vaginal examination and swab and aren’t painful. Currently the government only covers three pap smears in your lifetime, so you’ll likely need to cover this cost yourself; but it’s worth it.
competition
HERE’S HOW • Download the new Sanlam Reality App free on your cell phone. • Log in using your Sanlam Reality membership or ID number. • That’s it – you’re entered into our competition!
THE PRIZES Up for grabs – you could win one of these 100 prizes worth a total of R13 000: • 25x 1GB data bundles • 50x movie experiences, including a 2D movie ticket and medium refreshment combo • 25x Uber vouchers (R100 off)
win 1 of 100 prizes worth R13 000! It’s easy, and it’s free!
WHAT’S INSIDE OUR FREE APP? Nu Metro bookings On the go and want to watch a movie? You can book movie tickets and refreshments via the Sanlam Reality App. Your ticket references are automatically stored in your App wallet. No more printing! Chat with your Personal Assistant Enjoy instant chat, 24/7 with your Personal Assistant – much like a WhatsApp chat. Your to-do list just got ticked off! Go cardless For no-fuss payments, store and upload your credit cards in the App.
T&Cs apply – find them at www.sanlamreality.co.za/terms-conditions. Comp closes 30 April 2019. Prize values based on standard Nu Metro pricing, a month’s 1GB data bundle at R149, and Uber vouchers worth R100 each.
www.sanlamreality.co.za
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health
POWER FOOD
Foods that fuel your body & mind Limpopo-born chef Mogau Seshoene, aka The Lazy Makoti, shares five powerhouse ingredients you can add into your diet every day.
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/ MOPANI WORMS “Mopani worms can be found in parts of Limpopo, Gauteng and Zimbabwe. They are often dried to preserve them for longer. Mopani worms are a terrific source of protein and essential amino acids which aid tissue growth and development. They’re also a great source of fibre and iron, with up to three times the amount found in spinach!” explains Seshoene. “While everyone needs iron in their diet, women who are pregnant, or are planning to be, especially need to ensure they have enough of this nutrient.” Recipe idea “Cook dried worms over medium heat with a little water for 30-40 minutes; then stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter.”
2
/ MORINGA “This superfood is an excellent calcium source – 100g of dry Moringa leaves contains 17 times more calcium than milk and 25 times more iron than spinach. Its beta-carotene content is 10 times more than carrots, and it’s rich in minerals like potassium, iron and zinc and in Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins,” says Seshoene. Recipe idea “Moringa can be added to smoothies, cereal and foods to fortify and bulk up your nutritional intake. It’s also got quite a neutral flavour, so it won’t be overpowering.”
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/ PEANUTS “Peanuts are rich in fibre, protein and monoand polyunsaturated fats – all of which are great for you. They also contain cancer-fighting polyphenolic antioxidants. Vitamin E in peanuts is also great for your skin – but that’s not all! As a rich, natural source of L-arginine, peanuts are also credited with libidoboosting benefits, especially in men.”
Recipe idea “Peanuts can be enjoyed raw, roasted or added to a salad. You can also add them to your mopani worm recipe (left).”
Peanuts are rich in protein and fibre, and contain Vitamin E, which is great for your skin.
Photography: Shutterstock, supplied
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/ SORGHUM “Sorghum is an ancient cereal grain that was a staple crop in South Africa before the introduction of maize,” explains Seshoene. “It’s a good alternative for people with gluten intolerance and its high nutritional value makes it a recommended replacement for rice or maize.” Recipe idea “Combine it with water and leave it to ferment overnight,” recommends Seshoene. “In the morning, cook it as a breakfast porridge to be enjoyed with honey and milk.” www.sanlamreality.co.za
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/ MOROGO (AMARANTH) “Morogo is South Africa’s version of kale or spinach, a type of leafy amaranth which is one of the world’s oldest food crops. Morogo is rich in protein and contains minerals (including iron and calcium) as well as vitamins A and C,” Seshoene says. “A 90g portion of cooked morogo provides about 89% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A for a child aged between four and eight, making it a great way to ensure children are
getting the nutrients they need. “According to a 2012 study, morogo could help prevent some types of cancer because of its high antioxidant content.” Recipe idea “Morogo is very easy to prepare and enjoy. Simply cook for about half an hour with onion and tomato, and season with salt.” Autumn 2019
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GET REAL
MEET THE
MEMBER
DOWNLOAD THE FREE SANLAM REALITY APP!
Dad of two girls, PETER HLOKWA, 40, from Krugersdorp, tells us about how being a Reality Club member allows him to indulge in his favourite pastime without spending a fortune.
“Movies are my way to de-stress” “My movie benefit has saved me so much money – I only pay R55 for my movie ticket including refreshments. “I visit the movies to relax after a hectic day, meaning I go to the cinema a lot! If I didn’t have my Reality Club benefits, I wouldn’t be watching movies as much as I do, which would equal a more stressed-out me! “Another advantage is I don’t have to be at home to send my kids to the movies; I can book my family a movie date from anywhere in the world.”
“I save a lot on travel, too!” “The convenience of the Intercape Bus travel benefit makes travelling easier for me. And I can use this benefit to travel
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Autumn 2019
everywhere in the country. I get two half-price tickets and a discount on my day-to-day bus travelling.”
“Even my kids benefit from my membership” “The Dial-A-Teacher benefit is another favourite. They have tutors who are available to help my children, Sabra, 12, and Kyla, 10, with their education.
Book discounted movies from your pocket using the new Sanlam Reality App. Store your credit card to pay for tickets without leaving the App + chat live in-App to your Personal Assistant! Download for free: Google Play Store or App Store.
“I must mention that a lady named of Nobathembu Ngubane always makes my life easier at the Sanlam Reality call centre. She has an amazing ability to patiently assist me with everything I need. She has become the go-to person I can call whenever I need assistance or information about my Reality Club membership.”
USE YOUR BENEFIT Get free help with homework and school projects from experts, for your children. Call 0860 00 7325, Monday to Thursday, 6pm-9pm, during school terms. When you call, ask for Dial-A-Teacher.
USE YOUR BENEFIT Get 50% off Intercape Bus (up to R375) as a Reality Club member. Go to www.sanlamreality. co.za for more.
www.sanlamreality.co.za
Interview: Nicci Botha; Photography: Shutterstock
club
Make the most of your Reality Club membership These are all the benefits and discounts available for you to enjoy.
BENEFIT
OFFER
Wealth Sanlam Gap Cover
Extra cover for your hospital stay
Sanlam online will
Complimentary online will storage at Sanlam Trust
TaxTim
Easy tax returns with TaxTim
Wealth Sense
Online financial assistance
Day-to-day savings Discount coupons
Savings at Shoprite and Checkers
Discounted magazines
Save up to 45% off magazine subscriptions
Health Planet Fitness Gym
20% off a 12-month contract
JustGym
Up to 60% off a 12-month contract
Travel Intercape Bus
Get 50% off; two tickets per year
Entertainment Nu Metro movies and refreshments
R25 a 2D ticket, R30 a refreshment combo (10/month)
Computicket shows and sport
Buy a ticket, and get one up to R80
Reality Club magazine
Three times a year
Personal services
Photography: Shutterstock
Personal Assistant
On call, 24/7, 365 days a year
Dial-A-Teacher
Educational help and call-back service
Legal Assistance
Legal helpline (office hours)
Trauma and Medical Assist
Trauma assistance helpline (24/7)
Use this benefit in your Sanlam Reality App For more, call 0860 00 7325, visit www.sanlamreality.co.za or email info@sanlamreality.co.za. Benefit T&Cs apply. www.sanlamreality.co.za
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