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Half of South Africa’s deskless workers have no savings, and things are getting worse.

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GUEST – Nonsuku Thimkhulu, Head of Customer at Jem HR
South Africa’s frontline workers are under mounting financial pressure. These are the people who keep our shops stocked, streets clean and buildings safe.

According to Deskless Worker Pulse 2025, the second annual study from Jem HR, 51% of frontline workers have no savings, up from 44% last year. Nearly three-quarters (73%) have less than R500 saved, and almost half (48%) run out of money before month-end, every single month.

These are sobering statistics, made even more eye-opening when you consider that 97% of deskless workers reportedly enjoy their jobs.
13 Nov 2025 3PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

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