Experian : works with community organisations to drive financial awar...

These projects will help thousands of people in South Africa get fair and affordable access to essential everyday financial services, such as financial education, improving financial identities and tackling unmanageable debt.

The beneficiaries include Rhiza Babuylie Organisation, Ubuntu Education Fund, the Association for the Physically Disabled (APD), Warwick University's Warwick in Africa programme, and the National Small Business Chamber. The amount being invested across these projects is $192,159.

Michelle Beetar, Managing Director of Experian South Africa, says: 'We know, from our experiences, that there are many benefits from knowing how to manage money and credit well from a young age. It empowers people to make the right financial decisions, to avoid getting caught in a cycle of unaffordable debt and ultimately having a poor credit rating.

'We are proud to announce today these organisations that we will be working closely with in our local communities; making a real difference. Through these initiatives we hope to drive positive change around financial behaviours and also challenge fears and misconceptions around knowing and accepting your financial and credit status.'

One of the recipients, Rhiza Babuyile, is a non-profit organisation that develops township communities through programmes related to healthcare, skills development, enterprise development and education.

Director Alef Meulenberg said, 'Experian is a phenomenal support to us and the programmes we run. Rhiza Babuyile is extremely grateful to receive this funding and excited about the opportunities it creates. So far, we have implemented business management, financial educational and call centre etiquette projects in Alexandra, Fisantekraal, Diepsloot and Orange Farm using Experian's funding.

'From 2016 onwards we will focus on rolling similar programmes out in Diepsloot and Orange Farm in Johannesburg, Thabong in Welkom and Fisantekraal in Cape Town. This is critically important social work that we would not be able to accomplish without the support of Experian.'

The South African beneficiaries will run the following programmes:

Buzz @ Orange Farm

For a third year in a row, Experian will sponsor the Rhiza Babuylie Organisation. This year they will train young people from the township of Orange Farm in business management, financial educational and call centre etiquette to create employment opportunities for 200 youngsters.

Financial Literacy in Ubuntu

The Ubuntu Education Fund wants to make financial education and inclusion ubiquitous across their education system. The grant will benefit the 2,000 children currently reached by Ubuntu as well as graduates in the Ubuntu Pathways programme and staff running the Education Centre.

Financial Freedom Made Easy

This project is tackling the financial exploitation of groups with disabilities by loan sharks, the so-called 'machonisa'. The Association for the Physically Disabled Greater Johannesburg (APD) will deliver financial training on credit and debt, and how to manage loans.

Warwick in Africa

This project is focused on teaching maths to pupils, as well as helping to equip local teachers with the skills to teach maths effectively, using financial education as a practical topic. It will be delivered in vulnerable areas of Africa by education students from Warwick University.

Credit Wellness Workshops

Following on from last year's success as part of the My Business Expo in Johannesburg and Cape Town, Experian will continue its partnership with the National Small Business Chamber and host a series of 'Credit Wellness' workshops to educate, encourage and assist SMEs to attain and maintain a high level of credit worthiness. These workshops are free to attend for anyone who wants to start or expand a business. Those who do take part will be able to access free consumer credit reports and business checks from Experian as part of the support.

Experian's Global Corporate Responsibility Programme engages over 17,000 Experian employees worldwide to be active volunteers, passionate fundraisers and community advocates. The programme uses Experian's expertise, products and services to promote financial education, improve financial identities and access to credit, and tackle unmanageable debt.

Around the world, Experian employees have volunteered a total of 38,000 hours to support financial education and community initiatives in 2015.

'By educating and helping people to understand and stay in control of their finances, we aim to help them avoid unmanageable debts. It is programmes like these that demonstrate how we at Experian are committed to educating people about the benefit of understanding their credit report, responsible credit and the importance of building a good credit history, and I am proud to be a part of it,' concludes Beetar.

ENDS

Prepared by Meropa Communications on behalf of Experian SA

Contact:

Roanne Walker

Experian South Africa (Pty) Ltd

+27 11 799 3457

Roanne.Walker@experian.co.za

Lauren Human

Meropa Communications

+27 11 506-7300

LeanneH@meropa.co.za

About Experian

We are the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to our clients around the world. We help businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. We also help people to check their credit report and credit score, and protect against identity theft. In 2015, we were named by Forbes magazine as one of the 'World's Most Innovative Companies'.

We employ approximately 17,000 people in 37 countries and our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; California, US; and São Paulo, Brazil.

Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended 31 March 2016 was US$4.6 billion.

To find out more about our company, please visit http://www.experianplc.com or watch our documentary, 'Inside Experian'.