Justin Nkhata on money, purpose and lasting impact.
Financial literacy is a topic that deserves attention every day, especially in the kind of economy South Africa is currently facing. The importance of understanding money extends to both present and future financial stability. Whether one is ready to seek financial advice or not, the need to make informed financial decisions remains. We chat with Justin Nkhata, a Senior Financial Planner at Sanlam, a passionate professional who has dedicated his career to helping everyday people navigate their financial journeys with the right advice and solutions.
Beyond the suit, meetings and financial conversations, Justin is a man whose story is shaped by family, resilience, faith and a genuine interest in people. His journey into financial services was not a straightforward one. In fact, his first career ambition was to take to the skies.
Growing up in East London, in the Eastern Cape, Justin describes his childhood as one filled with love and beautiful memories. The values instilled in him by his parents remain central to the way he approaches life and work. A strong work ethic, integrity, family and treating people with dignity and respect were lessons that stayed with him.
His professional journey, however, began with a different dream. In 1991, Justin enrolled at 43 Air School in Port Alfred after his father's employer sponsored his pilot training. He successfully obtained his Private Pilot Licence, but the sponsorship did not extend to further training. At the time, opportunities for aspiring Black pilots were severely limited, and his parents were not comfortable with the alternative of joining the Air Force.
With his original career path interrupted, Justin found himself reconsidering his future. An unexpected influence came through the radio. Listening to business programmes presented by Alec Hogg, where captains of industry shared their experiences, sparked his interest in finance.
“I always wanted to be a pilot,” he reflects. “Maybe I could not fly people to their exotic destinations, but I could fly them to their financial goals.”
That perspective would eventually become the foundation of a career spanning more than two decades in professional financial planning.
For Justin, financial planning is not simply about policies, investments or completing transactions. It begins with understanding the person sitting across the table.
Every client brings a different set of circumstances, responsibilities and aspirations. Justin believes that listening carefully before offering advice is essential to understanding those needs and identifying appropriate financial solutions.
His professional experience encompasses financial planning, retirement provision, investments, risk protection and estate planning. Yet, it is the relationships built along the way that continue to give his work meaning.
“Treat people with respect and dignity, whether they deserve it or not,” he says, describing the principle that guides his approach.
Justin believes that consistency, honesty and clear communication are central to building lasting relationships. Financial matters can be complex, but clients should feel comfortable asking questions and understanding the decisions they are making.
Over the years, Justin has witnessed clients move from uncertainty towards greater clarity about their financial futures. Seeing some of those clients approach retirement and begin experiencing the benefits of the planning undertaken over time is particularly rewarding.
For him, the real value of financial advice lies in helping people make informed decisions that support their long-term goals.
The importance of financial planning became especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Justin recalls the difficult experiences of families who lost their primary income earners, leaving dependants to navigate sudden financial and emotional challenges. In some cases, the absence of appropriate planning contributed to additional difficulties, including disputes over assets and uncertainty for surviving family members.
These experiences reinforced his understanding that financial planning involves more than technical knowledge. It requires empathy, patience and the ability to communicate difficult realities with sensitivity. It also means considering a client's circumstances carefully and ensuring that recommendations are appropriately documented.
“Sometimes it is about helping someone make a difficult decision today that their future self will appreciate,” he explains.
It is a reminder that financial security is not only about wealth accumulation. It is also about preparing for life's uncertainties and considering the people who may be affected by the decisions we make today.
For working professionals, Justin identifies a common challenge, the pressure to demonstrate success through possessions and lifestyle. A good income, he points out, does not automatically translate into financial security. He is also concerned about the influence of unqualified opinions on social media, where individuals may encounter financial information that is not necessarily accurate or appropriate for their circumstances.
His advice centres on three habits. First, live below your means. Financial discipline creates room to save and invest rather than allowing lifestyle expenses to consume everything earned.
Justin Nkhata on money, purpose and lasting impact.
Second, start planning for retirement early. The amount one begins with is important, but starting early can provide more time for investments to grow, depending on the investment and market conditions.
Third, protect what you are building. Appropriate life and disability cover, an emergency fund and estate planning can form part of a broader financial strategy.
Justin also encourages people to review their financial plans when their circumstances change. For entrepreneurs, the message is equally important. Building a successful business should not come at the expense of personal financial wellbeing. Protecting income, preparing for unexpected events and building wealth outside the business can help business owners consider their long-term financial security.
Away from his professional responsibilities, Justin is intentional about how he spends his time. His day often begins at around 05:00, when he dedicates an hour to planning his priorities, balancing client commitments, administrative responsibilities, personal development and family time.
He enjoys walking along the beach, reading the Bible and listening to content that encourages personal growth. His faith and family remain important influences in his life.
When reflecting on success, Justin returns to a principle that has guided him throughout his journey, a good name is worth more than material wealth.
The legacy he hopes to build is not measured solely by the business he has written or the wealth he has helped clients create. It is rooted in the relationships he has developed and the positive difference he has made in people's lives.
For young people considering a career in financial services, his advice is clear, develop a genuine interest in people, become knowledgeable in your field and build a reputation for honesty and integrity.
Because, as Justin's journey demonstrates, financial planning is ultimately about people, their aspirations and the futures they are working towards.
And sometimes, helping someone find their financial direction can be just as meaningful as taking them somewhere new.
Need to start a financial conversation? Set up a meeting with Justin HERE.
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