It's December, and across South Africa, communities are buzzing with excitement as stokvel payouts start rolling in.

Stokvels-traditional savings clubs, where groups pool their money throughout the year, are a vital financial tool for over 11 million South Africans.

These funds often support festive season spending, school fees, or even investments in small businesses.

But as the celebrations begin, the big question remains: how can these hard-earned savings be used to create lasting financial stability?

Channel Africa's Lebogang Mabange has more on this story.