The drip generation

by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – OPEN TikTok, Instagram or almost any social media platform and, within minutes, you will find advice on saving, investing, building wealth or launching a side hustle.

Financial topics that previous generations often encountered much later in life are now available with a simple swipe.

This unprecedented access has clear benefits.

It makes complex financial concepts easier to understand, encourages positive conversations about money, and exposes young people to opportunities they may never have considered.

For many, especially those raised in households where finances were seldom discussed, social media has become an important source of financial knowledge.

However, these platforms also showcase luxury lifestyles, designer brands and seemingly effortless success, creating pressure to project wealth before achieving genuine financial stability.

Nikiwe Tanga, Chief Legal Officer at MTN Group Fintech, believes the challenge lies in separating useful information from misleading content.

“Social media often removes the context behind financial success,” she says. “People rarely share the years of sacrifice, discipline or setbacks that made their achievements possible.”

Mosa Pakane, Senior Manager: Group Corporate Affairs and PR at MTN Group Fintech, says social media has democratised access to financial information and opportunity.

Yet she warns that not all advice is credible or balanced, while constant exposure to aspirational lifestyles can encourage spending that prioritises appearances over long-term financial wellbeing.

“Healthy ambition inspires young people to develop valuable skills, earn sustainably and make informed financial decisions,” says Pakane.

“Real financial progress is built through knowledge, discipline and patience, not shortcuts.”

Tanga adds that financial inclusion extends beyond simply providing access to financial products. Without the knowledge and confidence to use these responsibly, greater access can create new financial risks.

As the provider of MoMo, one of Africa’s leading digital financial platforms, MTN Group Fintech believes lasting impact comes from combining access with practical financial education.

Understanding budgeting, saving, responsible borrowing and the true cost of credit enables people to make informed decisions and strengthen their financial wellbeing.

Pakane believes social media can also become part of the solution by making trustworthy financial education engaging, practical and easy to find.

Combined with initiatives such as MTN Group Fintech’s Y’ello Care Financial Aid Kit, which promotes practical money management skills, these efforts can help young people build lasting financial confidence and healthier relationships with money.

– CAJ News