Think you need tens of thousands of rands to invest? Think again. In 2025, it’s easier than ever for South Africans to start investing with as little as R500 or R1,000. Here’s how to begin, even on a tight budget.
1. Use Low-Cost Investment Apps
Platforms like EasyEquities allow fractional share investing, meaning you can buy portions of local and global shares or ETFs without meeting minimum purchase amounts.
2. Start with Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
ETFs are ideal for beginners. They provide instant diversification at a low cost. Options like the Satrix Top 40 or Ashburton Global 1200 are good starting points.
3. Choose a Tax-Free Investment Account (TFIA)
Investing through a TFIA helps maximise growth over time by eliminating taxes on interest, dividends, and capital gains. Even small monthly contributions add up thanks to compounding.
4. Set Up Automatic Contributions
Consistency beats size. Schedule monthly deposits—even R100 at a time—into your investment account to build a saving habit.
5. Focus on Education
Before you increase your investment amounts, use free resources (webinars, financial blogs, YouTube channels) to learn the basics of risk, returns, and diversification.
Starting small is not a limitation—it’s the beginning of long-term financial empowerment.