Melrose Arch commuters were greeted with an unusual sight this morning: Africa’s first-ever peelable billboard.

Unveiled by TransUnion Africa at the Corlett Drive entrance, the interactive installation forms part of the Be the Reason Things Change campaign, aimed at breaking down barriers to financial inclusion in South Africa.

Read more: Illegal billboard erected despite City warning

Passersby are invited to peel away panels labelled: Fear, exclusion, and misinformation. Behind each peel lies a QR code granting access to a free e-learning credit course valued at R2 000.

Springbok rugby stars Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am, along with fashion entrepreneur Tshepo Mohlala, joined members of the public in stripping away the billboard’s first layers.

“The biggest misconception is that credit is bad,” said Mohlala, founder of TSHEPO Jeans, adding that credit, when used wisely, reflects your integrity. “It shows you can take responsibility and honour commitments. Without a credit record, people can’t measure your reliability, so having one is essential.”

The first 500 participants received free access to the credit courses, as well as automatic entry into a national competition, which runs until September 30, who’s prizes include education funds worth R20 000 and tech-for-learning bundles valued at R7 000.

For those who missed the launch, a digital version of the billboard will go live on August 26, allowing another 4 500 South Africans to take part virtually.

While many campaigns raise awareness, not all drive meaningful change.

@caxtonjoburgnorth Tshepo Mohlala, CEO of Tshepo Jeans, at theTransUnionn billboard peel launch in Melrose, speaks about credit score. #Sandton #transunion ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

According to Lee Naik, CEO of TransUnion Africa, this initiative has been designed with measurable outcomes in mind. “We have made available 2 000 free opportunities for credit education, custom-designed with South Africans in mind.”

He added that, because they have been in this industry for more than 125 years, they know what makes financial health difficult to manage. “We will be tracking how participants use these courses over time, to see real improvements in financial behaviour. The goal is to help people take control, access opportunities, and ultimately improve their quality of life.”

Naik pointed out that financial education plays a critical role in addressing inequality in South Africa, which still has one of the highest income gaps in the world. “Thirty-one years into our democracy, some 16 million people remain excluded from the financial system. If we can equip people and small businesses with the right tools, they can create jobs and drive inclusion.

“This won’t change overnight, but empowering individuals with financial knowledge is one of the first steps toward bridging the gap. We want people to have, not just hope, but access to real opportunities that help them build a better future.”

He concluded by pointing out that the campaign aims to show that tearing down barriers, whether through a billboard or education, can open doors to financial empowerment.

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