Sole breadwinner, three children to raise, an unemployed spouse and elderly parents to support - it’s a story that too many South Africans can identify with.
With mounting bills to pay and families to support, it isn’t long before many turn to personal loans and even loan sharks – the infamous ‘mashonisa’. This is how Sarah Motuku found herself on the receiving end of numerous bank loans, garnishee orders and the trappings of never-ending debt.
“When I got a job in 2007 with Anglo American, I thought that was my big break and I would finally be able to provide for my family. Unfortunately the demand on my salary was too high with my children, husband, parents, siblings, nieces and nephews all depending on me for support. It was then that I applied for my first loan and before I knew it I was struggling to keep up with the repayments,” shares Sarah.
