The South African Insurance Association (SAIA), together with Department of Basic Education, Nedbank and Mjojo Finance Play, hosted a special financial education school activation at Olifantsfontein Primary School in Clayville as part of Money Smart Week South Africa 2025.
Running under the theme “Smart Money: Financial Foundations for a Resilient Future”, the campaign promotes financial literacy for all with a strong focus on empowering young people to develop healthy financial habits from an early age.
The Olifantsfontein Primary School activation was designed to give learners a hands-on introduction to the principles of money management. More than 200 Grade 7 learners participated in the programme, gaining access to practical financial literacy tools that will benefit them long after the classroom.
The morning’s programme included an interactive session with Mjojo Finance Play, a visit to one of the Grade 7 MoneyTime classes, and an opportunity for partners and school leadership to reflect on the importance of building financial confidence at an early age.
Welcoming the initiative, Lesibani Molepo, Principal of Olifantsfontein Primary School, said: “For many of our learners, this is the first time they are exposed to structured financial education. It’s a vital life skill that they will carry into high school and beyond. We are deeply grateful to SAIA and its partners for bringing this programme to our school and helping us invest in the future of our children.”
A central feature of the activation is the MoneyTime programme, part of the MyLife® Wealth Creator platform. MoneyTime introduces learners to essential financial concepts through participation in an innovative online financial literacy platform.
By combining self-paced learning programme that is practical and interactive makes financial literacy both enjoyable and accessible. Learners are not only taught about money, but they are also given the chance to apply their knowledge by participating in simulated financial games. This approach boosts their confidence and equips them with tools to make informed and smart financial decisions.
Themba Palagangwe, SAIA Governance and Transformation General Manager, said: “Financial education is the foundation for building consumer resilience. By introducing these concepts at primary school level, we give learners the tools to make informed money choices, the skill that can also be shared in their households. SAIA is honoured to be part of this initiative to spark a culture of financial responsibility that will grow with these children.”
Reflecting on the day, a Grade 7 learner, shared her excitement: “I never thought learning about money could be so fun. The game showed me how important it is to save before you spend. Now I know how to make better choices with my pocket money, and one day when I work, I will know how to use my money wisely.”
Johan Olivier, Managing Director of MyLife, highlighted the power of collaboration: “The success of financial education depends on strong partnerships. Through MoneyTime, we have seen how practical, engaging tools can make financial learning real for learners. By working together with SAIA, the Department of Basic Education, Nedbank, and Mjojo Finance Play, we can ensure that young people not only understand the value of money but also gain the confidence to use it wisely in building their future.”
Now in its seventh year, MoneySmart Week South Africa has become a collaborative national platform that brings together government, regulators, financial institutions and community organisations. Through activities such as workshops, exhibitions, classroom sessions, and digital learning, the campaign continues to reach South Africans across the country inspiring children, families, and communities to think smarter about money.