House News …
In this 3rd edition of our “Team Talks”, we are excited to share some wonderful news with our clients. The Finlaw family is expanding! Stacey is expecting a baby in March 2025, and big sister, Olivia is absolutely thrilled! 2024 has been a year filled with many surprises both on the local and global front. While a reduction in interest rates is anticipated for September in both the USA and in RSA, uncertainty remains high regarding the US presidential elections set to take place on Tuesday the 5th of November. As at 3rd September, the polls indicated a narrow lead for the Democrats by 3% over the Republicans. The outcome is too close to call – we will have to wait and let the voters have their say!
Team Talk …
In our February newsletter we featured Nolan– it is now time for a “Coffee with Kirsten” session curated by Marcel.
Marcel: Let’s start with a brief chat about where you were born, schooled etc?
Kirsten: I was born and raised in Pietermaritzburg. I attended Longmarket Girls’ School and then Carter High School, where I matriculated in 2004.
Marcel: So, what did you do after school?
Kirsten: I completed my 2-year Health and Aesthetics diploma at Janelle College and then worked at Jet Therapy [now The Vine] for 18 months. I moved to the UK in 2008 where I worked as an au-pair. It was here that I was able to travel and explore various parts of the UK and Europe before returning home at the end of 2009.
Marcel: What brought you back home?
Kirsten: The weather, my family, my desire to return to studying and the chance to be closer to my brothers, who were 1 and 3 years old when I left for the UK, all influenced my decision to come home.
Marcel: When you returned from the UK , did you take up any form of tertiary education.?
Kirsten: During my time overseas, I decided I was going to pursue a career change and started studying for a Bachelor of Education degree through correspondence with UNISA. During this time I worked at Epworth and later at St Johns. While teaching full time, I fell pregnant and resigned from teaching once my little boy, Dylan was born in May 2017.
Marcel: How did your move to Finlaw in January 2018 come about?
Kirsten: During my maternity leave, I realised I needed to find a job where I was able to have a little more flexibility, than teaching allows, when it came to looking after my son. A position became available at Finlaw which I applied for and the rest is history 😊 I had previously done a short stint at Finlaw so was familiar with the company and its people. Since being at Finlaw, I have had twin girls and moved from working a full day to half-day to try and juggle life with 3 busy kids.
In closing I would just like to add that I really enjoy my role at Finlaw. I head up all the Trust investment portfolio processing and compliance matters which keeps me on my toes. I have been able to build close relationships with many clients and the relevant Trustees over the last 6 years. I have grown so much in my role and enjoy the daily challenges it brings.
Local news and views …
We encourage you to listen to the interview between Alec Hogg from BizNews and Dr Frans Cronje using the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1KH5JBj6wA. Dr Frans Cronje, a prominent public analyst in South Africa, offers insights into the Government of National Unity (GNU). He explains that the GNU was not a hasty or desperate move by the ANC but rather a well-thought-out and strategic agreement between participants designed to serve the interests of the country as a whole and all partners [mainly the DA and the ANC]. Given its careful planning, the GNU is expected to withstand minor conflicts, scandals and controversies in the near future. The GNU has received broad support from South Africans with 60% of ANC members viewing it positively. Both the ANC and DA recognised that the GNU was crucial for their survival in the upcoming elections. It effectively bridges the gap between the established and aspiring middle classes, providing a national majority that aligns with their shared aspirations for improved living standards.
Despite its strengths, the GNU faces significant challenges. The upcoming 2026 local government elections could create friction if ANC leaders feel the GNU is unfavourable, particularly if the DA gains support in certain regions, such as Tshwane. Additionally, the 2027 election for a new ANC president could further strain the coalition. These events have the potential to alter the country’s trajectory, so we all hope that the GNU will prove to be robust and sufficiently well-supported to weather the major challenges ahead.
The Springboks’ victory, after a tense 160 minutes of rugby against the All Blacks demonstrates that steadfast focus and strategy, despite uncertainties, lead to success. The reward = Freedom Cup! We encourage you all to trust your investment strategy, stay focused on the investment objective and success is bound to follow. The reward = Financial Freedom!
As always, please feel free to pop in for a visit at our offices at Redlands. You are welcome to phone us and arrange a meeting either in person or over zoom. We would love to meet with you.
Warm regards
The Finlaw Team
Finlaw Consulting
