National Wills Week: Turning Financial Knowledge Into Lasting Legacies

The overlooked power of wills in financial education

As National Wills Week (15–19 September 2025) begins, the spotlight falls not only on lawyers and notaries but also on financial literacy trainers who are working in communities to ensure that South Africans understand the importance of drafting a will.

For too many households, the absence of a valid will results in conflict, costly legal processes, and uncertainty for dependants. That’s why Avo Vision’s flagship programme, Money Fo’ Sho!, includes a vital component on wills and legacy planning under its Managing Risk curriculum within the Consumer Financial Education (CFE) modules.

Avo Vision Avo Vision, a South Africa B2B leader, specializes in Early Childhood Development, Business & Enterprise Development, Property Finance, Life Skills & Socio-Economic Community Education.

Trainer Modjadji Ramaphekela, who has been teaching Money Fo’ Sho! under the CFE banner since 2017, said the need for wills is urgent.

“A will is your voice when you’re no longer there. Without it, families are left vulnerable, and the very people you wanted to protect may end up struggling,” Ramaphekela explained.

Through her sessions, participants not only learn the technicalities of drafting a will but also the peace of mind that comes with knowing their families’ futures are safeguarded.

Avo Vision Avo Vision, a South African B2B leader in Early Childhood, Business, Enterprise, and Socio-Economic Development, empowers teams through expert education & community skills training.

Bongiwe Mafunya: Bringing financial advisors to her community

In Matatiele’s Colana Village, trainer Bongiwe Mafunya has taken this mission a step further. Beyond facilitating Money Fo’ Sho! workshops, she has worked to introduce accredited financial advisors to her community. This hands-on approach ensures that participants are not only learning theory but also accessing professional guidance to act on their knowledge.

Her work highlights the transformative power of financial education when paired with trusted local leadership.

Avo Vision Avo Vision, a South Africa-based B2B company, specializes in Early Childhood Development, Business & Small Business Development, Enterprise & Property Finance, Education and Socio-Economic Development.

Avo Vision’s impact

In 2024 Consumer Financial Education Programme reached 53, 588 equipping them with practical skills ranging from budgeting and debt management to wills and estate planning. Delivered in partnership with organisations such as Clientèle, Sanlam and Coronation, the programme continues to expand its footprint across the country.

National Wills Week is more than a campaign, it’s a reminder that financial literacy and legacy planning go hand in hand. With millions more South Africans still in need of these tools, Avo Vision is calling on funders and partners to help scale the impact.

“We’ve seen what happens when people gain this knowledge, they feel empowered, confident, and ready to secure their families’ future,” said Ramaphekela.

Avo Vision Avo Vision, a South Africa-based B2B leader, empowers young adults in Early Childhood, Business & Enterprise Development, Property Finance, Life Skills & Socio-Economic upliftment.