By NOXOLO DLAMINI
PIGGS PEAK – Eswatini Non-Communicable Disease (ENCD) Coordinator Vusi Shabangu has urged Emaswati to take greater responsibility for their personal finances by developing realistic budgets, living within their means and avoiding unnecessary debt.
Speaking during a discussion on Voice of the Church FM, Shabangu said sound money management begins with individuals understanding their financial position and making deliberate decisions about how their income is used.
He encouraged members of the public to prepare reasonable monthly budgets that can sustain them throughout the month, stressing the importance of planning before spending.
According to Shabangu, a budget can help individuals identify their priorities, manage their available income and avoid spending money on things that are not essential.
BUDGET BEFORE SPENDING
Shabangu’s advice centred on the importance of having a clear financial plan rather than spending money as it becomes available.
A monthly budget allows individuals and families to account for necessities such as food, transport, housing, education, utilities and other regular commitments before allocating money to less essential expenses.
He encouraged people to assess their income and expenses realistically so that their budgets reflect what they can actually afford.
This approach, he said, can help people remain financially stable throughout the month instead of finding themselves without money before their next income arrives.
LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS
Another key message from Shabangu was the importance of iving within one’s means.
He encouraged Emaswati to avoid comparing their lifestyles with those of other people and instead make financial decisions based on what they can genuinely afford.
Living within one’s means requires individuals to distinguish between their needs and wants and to prioritise expenses that are necessary for their wellbeing and responsibilities.
Shabangu’s message also highlights the importance of exercising restraint when faced with pressure to purchase goods or services that may not be affordable.
AVOID UNNECESSARY DEBT
Shabangu further encouraged the public to be cautious about taking on debt, particularly debt that can place additional pressure on already limited household incomes.
While borrowing may sometimes be necessary, accumulating unnecessary debt can reduce the amount of income available for everyday needs and other financial priorities.
He therefore urged individuals to consider their ability to repay before taking on financial obligations.
Avoiding unnecessary debt, combined with responsible budgeting, can help people retain greater control over their finances and work towards financial independence.
For Shabangu, financial freedom is closely linked to discipline and responsible decision-making.
Rather than focusing only on how much money a person earns, his message places emphasis on how that money is managed.
This means making a habit of planning expenditure, prioritising necessities, avoiding unnecessary borrowing and ensuring that spending does not consistently exceed income.
Financial discipline can also create room for individuals to prepare for unexpected expenses instead of relying entirely on borrowing when emergencies arise.
Shabangu’s call therefore goes beyond simply encouraging people to save money. It highlights the broader need for Emaswati to develop sustainable financial habits that can support them over the long term.
A CALL FOR FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The discussion on Voice of the Church FM provided an opportunity to raise awareness about practical financial management and the role individuals can play in improving their own financial wellbeing.
Shabangu urged Emaswati to make thoughtful financial choices and to recognise that small, consistent decisions can influence their financial situation over time.
His message was ultimately a call for greater financial responsibility: budget realistically, spend according to one’s means, avoid unnecessary debt and work towards financial freedom.
For individuals and families facing competing financial demands, these principles can provide a starting point for taking greater control of their income and expenditure.
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