My money

Saving means putting money aside safely for the short term (for example, in a bank account). Investing is about using money to grow over time — usually with more risk, but also the potential for greater returns.

• Saving = safety + easy access. Good for emergencies.
• Investing = growth + patience. Good for long-term goals like education or retirement.

Tip: Start with a mix — always keep an emergency savings fund and then think about investing what you can afford to grow.

A share is a piece of ownership in a company. If you own shares, you own a part of that business.

• When a company makes a profit, it may pay dividends — a portion of those profits — to its shareholders.
• Shares can also be sold: if the share price goes up, you may make a gain. If it goes down, you may lose value.
• The Thusano Trust shares have given beneficiaries both: dividends during the 15 years and now, at vesting, the chance to sell or transfer their shares

The Thusano Trust shares have given beneficiaries both: dividends during the 15 years and now, at vesting, the chance to sell or transfer their shares.

Good money habits build stability:

• Budget: Write down your income and expenses — know where your money goes.
• Avoid debt traps: Be careful of high-interest loans and store credit.
• Save regularly: Even small amounts add up over time.
• Plan ahead: Keep money aside for school fees, emergencies, or retirement.
• Protect what you have: Make sure your banking details are secure and beware of scams.

Financial words can be confusing. Here’s a quick guide:

• Beneficiary — a person who receives benefits from the Trust.
• Dividend — a cash payout from company profits to shareholders.
• Broker — a licensed professional who helps you buy, sell, or hold shares.
• Vesting — when your shares become available to you after a waiting period.
• Tax directive — an instruction from SARS on how much tax should be deducted from your payout.
• Default option — what happens automatically if you don’t make a choice (for Thusano Trust: shares are sold and cash paid out).

The Thusano Trust was created to give Historically Disadvantaged South Africans a direct stake in mining companies. This is part of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), a national programme to redress past inequalities and ensure more people benefit from South Africa’s resources.

By owning shares, beneficiaries have:

• Gained dividends during the Trust period.
• Received voting rights as shareholders.
• Now, the chance to sell or keep their shares after vesting

This is not only about personal benefit — it is part of building a more inclusive and fair economy.