The year 2023 - A lesson in resilience and coming out on top

For the Metropolitan community, the dawn of 2023 was not just the start of a new year; it also signalled a significant year in our history as it marked our 125-year anniversary. 

We launched the celebrations with our We Start 2023 Stronger 3-part series aimed at equipping South Africans with financial knowledge and tools to manage your life better. We did this because at Metropolitan, we understand that by creating a supportive space to learn about life and money matters through real and authentic conversations, you and your collective can change the way you look at financial planning and preparation for different stages of your life. 

The tools and knowledge shared were fitting for different groups of people and showed the similarities in uncertainties, whether between blood family or friends brought together by a love for travel or a love for jazz and stokvel savings. 

This year also presented the rollercoaster for all with the unrelenting rise in interest rates that became the backdrop against which many families had to reassess, reevaluate, and recalibrate their financial plans.  

The rise in interest rates wasn't just a numerical adjustment; for many, it meant pouring over budgets and making decisions that required a level of careful consideration. 

Yet, despite the economic turbulence, the resilience of South Africans emerged as a beacon of hope, brought to life through an unwavering spirit of ubuntu as our 2023 intake of Metropolitan Collective Shapers demonstrated the true meaning of living with purpose to uplift your communities. 

Beyond providing financial products like funeral cover, life insurance and retirement savings options, at Metropolitan, we pride ourselves on being a business that’s by your side and actively playing a role in uplifting the communities we serve. Our Metropolitan Collective Shapers are a group of entrepreneurs who are determined to uplift and empower themselves, while making an impact in their communities and the broader public. By participating in this social impact platform, we offer our Shapers accredited sector-specific modular programmes, networking and market access opportunities, plus a small cash injection into their business to support growth and long-term sustainability. 

As we turned the corner into the second half of the year, South Africans rediscovered the power of community, the strength in unity, and the resilience that lies within each of us as we all rallied together to support our Springbok heroes to bring home the Webb-Ellis Cup from the 2023 Rugby World Cup. 

This year's story isn't just about problems; it's about winning too. We have become stronger and smarter about our money. We faced difficulties and came out of them with more knowledge about how to better handle our money and spend less on things we don't really need. 

In tough times, South Africans found out how strong we are when we work together. Now, as we look to the new year, we remember the hard times, but we also remember the strength we found, which enables us to plan ahead, knowing tools, expert advice and the people in our lives are available and willing to share their knowledge and lived experiences around finances.  

The lessons learnt were not confined to rising inflation, loadshedding, petrol price increases and interest rates; they permeated the very fabric of daily life, urging a re-evaluation of priorities and a redefinition of success. 

This year will be remembered not only for the problems but for the victory of a community that faced tough times, learnt important things, and came out stronger and better prepared for whatever comes next. 

More than ever before, we close off 2023 and look ahead to the next year steadfast on our promise that You + Metropolitan #TogtherWeCan. 

Talk to us about your goals in the new year so we can help you plan for and achieve them.