Well before Zimbabwe’s economy took a hit in the late 1990s, spurring world-record inflation, usury was a part of the daily lives of working-class households in South Africa’s northern neighbour
As millions join the unemployment ranks, relying on debt to make ends meet becomes more attractive
Heavily indebted, South Africans turn to loan sharks rather than banks for short-term relief, while business resists borrowing from banks due to economic uncertainty