South African tech entrepreneur Sibongile Maputla is reshaping the way families think about gifts and money with the launch of Squirrel Away, the country’s first investment gifting app. Instead of giving toys or once-off vouchers, the platform allows parents, relatives and friends to contribute directly to a child’s financial future through small, simple investments. Built on Maputla’s personal experience as a mother and her years in the financial services industry, the app is designed to be easy to use, culturally relatable and accessible to all households, starting from just R10.

Squirrel Away is not only about saving money; it’s about changing habits and starting conversations. With no need for complex paperwork or jargon, the app encourages collective contributions, like family and friends pooling funds for a birthday or baby shower. The goal is long-term impact, helping children grow up with a tangible sense of financial possibility. She joins us to further unpack.