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.

This episode is available in audio format on our Let's Talk Loyalty podcast and in video format on www.Loyalty.TV. In this episode, Bill Hanifin, Managing Editor, The Wise Marketer, speaks with Mitch Walden, Sr. Director Digital Marketing & Loyalty, Scooter’s Coffee. Scooter’s Coffee was founded in Nebraska over 25 years
This episode of Let’s Talk Loyalty & Loyalty TV is in Spanish. Hoy nos adentramos en el fascinante mundo del lujo y la lealtad con una invitada excepcional, Esther Subias Hernandez. Exploraremos cómo Puntos Palacio, más allá de ser un programa transaccional, es una estrategia holística que integra experiencias exclusivas,
Udhara De Silva is the Head Loyalty Marketing for Singapore Airlines in Australia, being involved in the successful launch of Kris+ in in November 2023, and growing the Australian KrisFlyer member base to become the largest outside of Singapore and localising the global KrisFlyer programme content to resonate with Australian