Why 82% of South Africans Can't Get Enough of Loyalty Programs

Loyalty is thriving in South Africa.

A remarkable 82% of South Africans are actively using loyalty programs—up from 76% last year. That means 4 in 5 consumers are engaging regularly with rewards platforms—an almost unheard-of level of long-term marketing engagement.

And the momentum is growing:
📈 35% say they’re using loyalty programs more than they did last year.

💳 The average South African is actively using 10.3 loyalty programs—not just signed up, but truly participating.

👫 Gender usage is now balanced, unlike in markets like the UK or Europe where male participation still lags.

🛒 This shift began during COVID-19 lockdowns, when more men took on household shopping—and the habit stuck.

South Africa’s numbers show truly exceptional engagement.

Loyalty has become part of everyday life—and for brands, that means one thing: keep innovating to stay relevant.

How Metcash is Redefining Loyalty with the Relaunched IGA Rewards Program

In this episode of Let’s Talk Loyalty and Loyalty TV, Carly Neubauer speaks with Claudia van de Tonnekreek, Head of the relaunched IGA Rewards program at Metcash. With over a decade of experience leading the American Express rewards program, Claudia brings deep expertise in creating customer-centric loyalty strategies. She shares

Visa’s Andy Chalcroft: Co-Brands, Loyalty Programs, and Engaging the Next Generation

In this episode Charlie is delighted to welcome Andy Chalcroft, the Vice President, Head of North America Co-brand and Global Center of Excellence for VISA. Andy leads the co-brand program development across US and Canada, and supports globally. He helps in market, regional and global teams deliver world leading co-brands

Head of Myer One Shows Why It’s the World’s Best Loyalty Programme

The most decorated loyalty brand in global awards is Myer One. Rob Pope, GM Customer at Myer talks us through the turnaround. Myer has been through since 2019 and how loyalty is now the ‘beating heart’ and ‘engine room’ of Australia’s 2nd largest apparel retailer. There is no question that