Bayport | Financial Wellness for South Africa's Public Servants

Foreword from the CEO

"At Bayport, we believe financial wellness is the foundation of dignity and opportunity. Every South African deserves the chance to breathe again - to move from survival to progress. Our mission is not just about reducing debt, but about restoring futures. Through our partnerships with government and employers, we have seen lives change, households stabilise, and communities thrive. We are proud to play our part in building a financially stronger South Africa."

- Alfred Ramosedi, CEO, Bayport South Africa

A fresh start for South Africa's public servants: Bayport leads the way in financial wellness

Indebtedness isn't just a financial challenge - it's a personal crisis that affects families, workplaces, and communities. Across South Africa, many public servants, from teachers and nurses to police officers and clerks, spend more than half of their salaries repaying debt to multiple creditors. The result is stress, absenteeism, and households trapped in survival mode.

Bayport Financial Services understands this reality. Since 2019, Bayport has partnered with government departments and employers to help workers reclaim their income, rebuild their credit, and restore their dignity. Our My Fresh Start programme consolidates listed debts into a single, affordable repayment, reduces monthly instalments, and includes free financial education and personalised money coaching.

The results speak for themselves:
- 11,039 civil now have a structured path to financial wellness.
- 78.7% average reduction in monthly debt instalments.
- R11,223 average increase in disposable income per customer.
- Improved credit scores, opening the door to buying homes and vehicles.

Beyond the numbers are real stories. "Thanks to Bayport, I feel like myself again. I'm no longer just surviving - I can buy food, support my family, and focus on being the teacher my learners deserve." Jaco, schoolteacher. "I never thought I'd get out from under the mashonisas.

Now I can save, pay my bills, and even think about the future." Lebo, nurse

Industry trends and insights The trend is clear: financial stress in the workplace is a major productivity risk. Employees who are financially well are more engaged, less absent, and better able to focus on their work. Forward-thinking employers and government departments are recognising the need to partner on sustainable solutions - not just to provide relief, but to build long-term financial resilience.

Bayport's approach is to combine immediate debt relief with lasting education. Through our 12-module financial literacy programme and personalised coaching, we help South Africans change money behaviours and avoid falling back into the debt trap.

Priority listing
Partnering with Government to build financially resilient public servants

Bayport partners with government departments to reduce employee indebtedness, improve take-home pay, and provide ongoing financial education. Our My Fresh Start solution is proven to reduce absenteeism, improve workplace morale, and strengthen financial resilience for public servants.

Why choose Bayport?
- Debt consolidation plus free financial education and a personal money coach.
- Trusted partner to both public and private employers.
- No upfront fees.

The results speak for themselves:
- 11,039 civil now have a structured path to financial wellness.
- 78.7% average reduction in monthly debt instalments.
- R11,223 average increase in disposable income per customer.
- Improved credit scores, opening the door to buying homes and vehicles.

The Importance and Benefits of Registering Your Child's Birth

Registering the birth of a child is a crucial step that every parent, guardian, or legally responsible person must undertake within 30 days after the child's birth. This process, conducted at the Department of Home Affairs or at the nearest embassy or mission if overseas, offers numerous benefits that are essential for the child's legal identity and future opportunities.

Legal Identity and Citizenship
One of the primary benefits of registering a birth is that it legally establishes the child's identity and citizenship. This official recognition is fundamental for accessing various rights and services throughout the child's life. Without a birth certificate, a child may face difficulties in proving their identity, which can affect their ability to enroll in school, receive healthcare, and access social services.

Access to Education and Healthcare
A registered birth ensures that the child can be enrolled in educational institutions and receive necessary healthcare services. Schools and medical facilities often require a birth certificate as proof of age and identity. Early registration helps avoid complications that might arise later when trying to access these essential services.

Travel and Mobility
An unabridged birth certificate, issued free of charge upon registration, is necessary for international travel with the child. This document serves as proof of identity and citizenship when applying for passports or visas. Without it, traveling abroad can become complicated or even impossible.

Protection of Rights
Registering a birth also protects the child's rights by providing legal documentation that can be used in cases of inheritance, custody, or other legal matters. It ensures that the child is recognized by the state and can benefit from legal protections afforded to all citizens.

Avoiding Late Registration Complications
It is important to register the birth within the stipulated 30 days. Late registrations are subject to additional requirements and may delay the issuance of the birth certificate, potentially causing inconvenience and legal complications.

For more information on how to register a birth or to address any queries, you can contact the Department of Home Affairs:
- Website: www.gov.za
- Department of Home Affairs Contact: Visit your nearest Home Affairs office or embassy
- Phone: Contact details are available on the official website for specific regional offices

Registering your child's birth promptly is a vital step in securing their future and ensuring their rights are protected.

South Africa Enhances Support for Citizens Abroad Through Consular Services

For many South Africans, travelling, working, or studying abroad is an exciting opportunity-but it can also bring challenges. Recognising this, the South African Government, through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), provides comprehensive consular services to safeguard citizens' rights and welfare outside the country.

These services are offered free of charge unless a specific fee is set by law. Citizens may need to provide proof of identity depending on the assistance required, and the department recommends making a phone inquiry in advance to avoid unnecessary delays.

What Consular Services Cover
Consular support is designed to assist in emergencies or unexpected circumstances abroad. South Africans can turn to their nearest embassy, high commission, or consulate for help with: - Replacing lost or stolen passports and travel documents.
- Providing guidance in cases of arrest, detention, or legal disputes.
- Assisting in medical emergencies, including contacting family back home.
- Offering advice and contacts when facing natural disasters, political unrest, or other crises.
- Repatriation arrangements in cases of death abroad.

The Benefits of Consular Services
The benefits of these services extend far beyond immediate problem-solving. According to DIRCO, consular assistance ensures that South Africans abroad are never left unsupported, even in unfamiliar environments. This safety net provides peace of mind to citizens and their families, knowing that help is only a call away.

Access to consular services also helps protect legal and human rights while abroad, giving citizens an important layer of security when dealing with foreign systems. Families back home benefit too, as consular officers can act as a bridge for communication and updates in urgent cases.

Ultimately, the system reflects South Africa's commitment to safeguarding its citizens wherever they may be, allowing them to focus on their studies, work, or travel experiences without unnecessary worry.

Where to Get Help
Citizens in need should contact the nearest South African embassy, consulate, or high commission.

Alternatively, they can reach out to the:
Chief Directorate: Consular Services (Pretoria)
- Tel: +27 12 351 1000
- Website: www.gov.za

With these services in place, South Africans can travel abroad with confidence, knowing that their government is ready to assist whenever the need arises.

Repositioning Thusong Service Centres to Improve Access to Government Services

Deputy Minister for Public Service and Administration, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, recently launched the 2025 annual Thusong Service Week in KwaBiyela, located in the uMlalazi Local Municipality of the King Cetshwayo District. The event, held from 15 to 19 September, focused on the theme: "Repositioning of the Thusong Service Centres and Integrated Frontline Delivery to Enhance Responsiveness and Access to Government Services and Information."

KwaBiyela, a rural community facing geographic isolation and economic challenges, was chosen for the national launch to highlight the government's commitment to reaching underserved areas. The Deputy Minister praised the community's spirit of ubuntu and resilience, emphasizing the importance of bringing government services closer to the people.

Since their establishment in 1999, Thusong Service Centres have served as vital access points for government services, information, and opportunities, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas. However, many centres face challenges such as inadequate funding, staffing shortages, and poor infrastructure, which sometimes force departments to relocate to better-equipped locations.

Inkosi Buthelezi stressed the need for integrated service delivery, intergovernmental collaboration, and community engagement to rebuild trust and improve service quality. He also acknowledged the important role of traditional leaders as partners in development and custodians of community values.

The Deputy Minister urged public servants to embody the Batho Pele principles-putting people first through humility, accountability, and dedication. He emphasized that Thusong Service Week is more than a campaign; it is a catalyst for renewed trust, stronger partnerships, and a public service that truly serves its citizens.

As part of the Integrated Public Service Month framework, the government recommits to taking services directly to communities, especially those with limited connectivity and infrastructure, ensuring that even basic services like birth certificates are accessible.

Contact Details:
Department of Public Service and Administration Private Bag X916
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: 012 336 1000
Email: info@dpsa.gov.za
Website: www.dpsa.gov.za