Dear StokFella Community, As Africans, we understand that wealth is measured not only by material possessions but also by the strength of our bonds with one another. Our cultural heritage is deeply woven into how our communities navigate life, work, and finances. At the heart of this lies Ubuntu, a philosophy that embodies shared humanity, interconnectedness, and community. Often summarised in the phrase, "I am because we are," Ubuntu extends beyond social relationships. It's a way of life that shapes how our communities make financial decisions and create wealth. In my walk of life as StokFella CEO, I have witnessed Ubuntu in action every day through collective capital behaviour that fosters trust, accountability, and community wealth creation. Let's explore how Ubuntu influences our financial behaviour, why it makes African communities economically resilient, and the lessons it offers the world. Putting the Community First In many parts of the world, financial decisions are driven by individualism—the idea that success is an individual pursuit. Ubuntu, however, emphasises collective success. It prioritises the well-being of the community over individual gain. This is why stokvels, chamas, susus, and informal savings groups remain integral to African communities. These systems are driven by a sense of shared responsibility. In a financial context, Ubuntu emphasises that lasting wealth is built upon the strength of the group. From a behavioural economics perspective, Ubuntu challenges traditional assumptions that humans act solely out of self-interest. Instead, it highlights the role of collective trust in shaping financial behaviour – as demonstrated in Matteo M’s¹ study which explores the strong connection between Ubuntu and social capital.

As 2024 draws to a close, it's the perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for a financially successful 2025. Joining or starting a stokvel can be a significant step towards achieving your financial goals. Stokvels, with their unique blend of collective saving, community support, and financial empowerment, are an ideal way to work towards your dreams together. Whether you're completely new to stokvels, familiar but haven't yet joined, or an existing member looking to start a new stokvel for different goals, here's why 2025 could be your year. Why Join a Stokvel Now? The power of stokvels lies in their ability to harness the strength of community. By joining forces with others, you can achieve financial goals faster and with greater support. Here are a few reasons why getting started now can make a difference: Goal-Oriented Saving: Stokvels make it easy to save with a purpose. From investment stokvels for property ownership to grocery stokvels for monthly essentials, you can tailor your stokvel to meet specific needs. Starting now means you'll have a solid foundation come January. Accountability and Support: One of the biggest challenges of individual saving is staying motivated. In a stokvel, the group provides accountability, keeping you on track and supporting each other. You'll have a team backing your goals as much as their own. Higher Returns and Lower Risk: With a stokvel, you're pooling resources, which can open doors to investment opportunities that may be difficult to reach alone. Whether it's buying in bulk or pooling funds for higher return investments, stokvels reduce individual financial risk. Access to Tools and Resources: Technology has made it easier than ever to start and manage a stokvel. Platforms like StokFella simplify everything from tracking payments to setting group rules, so you can focus on achieving your goals without the admin burden.

Dear StokFella Community, South Africa’s unemployment crisis transcends mere statistics—it represents a profound challenge affecting millions and the very fabric of our communities. As of the second quarter of 2024, our official unemployment rate stands at a staggering 33.5%, escalating to 42.6% when including those discouraged from seeking work. For our youth (aged 15 to 34), the scenario is even more dire, with an unemployment rate of 46.5%. In these turbulent economic waters, stokvels—rooted in mutual aid and community investment—shine as beacons of hope. No longer just communal savings groups, stokvels are pivotal in driving economic participation, fostering entrepreneurship, and nurturing skill development. Empowering Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses Stokvels are pivotal in catalysing small business ventures by providing essential capital to those underserved by traditional financial institutions. From local grocers to aspiring agripreneurs, these businesses not only energise local economies but also create jobs, proving that community capital is a powerful force for economic growth. Take, for instance, property stokvels that engage in property flipping by renovating and either reselling or renting out houses. In doing so, these stokvels often hire local builders, creating job opportunities in the construction industry. Additionally, they contribute to further employment by engaging local painters, electricians, and plumbers, thus amplifying their impact on the local economy and creating a ripple effect of opportunity and growth within the community.

Creating a stokvel is more than pooling resources—it's about forging a community united by shared aspirations and values. Whether your stokvel begins with close friends or a wider circle, you're setting the foundation for an initiative that, with dedication and collective effort, can significantly impact both your members and the larger community. Here are some foundational steps for launching a stokvel, crafting a communal vision, and fostering something truly impactful for everyone involved.  1. Initiate with Like-Minded Individuals The success of a stokvel hinges on the alignment of its members' values, goals, and visions. Whether your focus is on savings, investments, or mutual support, your stokvel will flourish with cohesive member goals. Here's how to ensure you bring the right people together: Share Your Vision Early : Clearly articulate the purpose of your stokvel and its goals. This transparency will naturally attract individuals who share your vision. Encourage Open Communication : Foster a culture where all members feel valued and heard, ensuring their beliefs align with the group’s objectives. Cultivate Trust : Trust is the cornerstone of any stokvel. Members should be committed to the group’s success and adhere to its rules.

In recent years, stokvels have evolved, with many shifting from short-term savings to long-term investments, particularly in education

Stokvels are not only empowering women financially but also promoting gender equity across African societies.

Women have always played a pivotal role in the vibrant world of stokvels, where community-driven savings and financial empowerment take center stage. As we honour Women’s Month, we celebrate the stories of women who are not just participants in stokvels but leaders who drive their groups toward shared success and financial stability.

As we commemorate Women’s Month, it’s essential to highlight the remarkable women who are not only participating in stokvels but leading them with vision, strength, and resilience. Stokvels have long been a cornerstone of financial empowerment in South Africa, especially for women who have used these community-based savings groups to achieve collective goals, support one another, and build a brighter future.

Stokvels have long been the foundation of community-based financial management. Traditionally, they were primarily focused on helping members save for specific purposes such as purchasing groceries in bulk for the December holidays, funding social events or covering emergency expenses. These communal savings groups relied on the collective effort of their members to pool resources and achieve common financial goals.