From Springbok Superstar to Fintech Trailblazer: Bryan Habana’s New Legacy with Paymenow

He broke records on the field now he’s breaking barriers in finance

Bryan Habana isn’t done making history. While most South Africans remember him for his try-scoring brilliance on the rugby field, Habana is now helping people win in a very different arena, financial wellness.

The Springbok legend, who helped secure South Africa’s 2007 Rugby World Cup victory and still holds the national record for most international tries (68), is now at the helm of Paymenow, South Africa’s fastest-growing company according to the Financial Times Africa 2025 rankings.

But this isn’t just another celebrity business venture. Paymenow is changing how everyday South Africans manage their money and Habana is deeply involved in making it happen.

Breaking the cycle of payday debt

Paymenow was co-founded in 2019 by Habana alongside Deon Nobrega, Willem van Zyl, and Gerbrand Potgieter. It offers earned wage access (EWA)—a financial model that allows workers to access a portion of their already-earned wages before payday, for a small fee.

The idea is simple but powerful: give workers control over the money they’ve earned, without turning to high-interest payday loans. As Chief Commercial Officer (2020–2023) and now Chief Client Officer, Habana has played a leading role in shaping the company’s mission.

“It’s about dignity and education,” says Paymenow’s Head of Marketing, Denise Neethling. “Young people in particular are choosing smarter, safer ways to manage their income.”

A hit with Gen Z and Millennials

The platform’s popularity has exploded among younger users. Recent data shows a 132% increase in active users aged 18–33, compared to 73% growth in older age groups.

Why? Because Paymenow isn’t just offering early access to wages. It’s also teaching users how to save, budget, and build long-term financial security through free financial literacy tools, fee-free essentials vouchers, and even interest-bearing savings options.

In a country where many are trapped in debt cycles, this approach is refreshing and clearly effective.

A business on fire: Ranked SA’s best in 2025

Paymenow’s rise is nothing short of spectacular. From just seven employees and $140,000 in revenue in 2020, the company now boasts 38 staff members and R4.86 million in revenue.

It was named Africa’s sixth fastest-growing company overall in the Financial Times–Statista rankings and South Africa’s top performer, with an eye-popping 3,756% growth over three years and a compound annual growth rate of 237.8%.

Beyond Paymenow: Habana’s growing empire

Habana’s post-rugby career is no vanity project. Alongside Paymenow, he has co-founded and contributed to several high-impact businesses, including:

• Retroactive: A sports marketing agency built on storytelling and data, which Habana helped launch in 2018. He stepped down as Chief Relationship Officer in 2024.

• MatchKit: A platform helping athletes build their online brands and commercial presence. Habana exited the company last year.

• Procura SA and Quantech: His roles as director show his growing clout in investment and construction supply sectors.

• BH11 Media Limited in the UK rounds out his international business profile.

And let’s not forget his appointment as Chairman of Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa in 2024, where he champions the transformative power of sport for youth and communities.

Still part of the game and giving back

Though no longer wearing the green and gold, Habana remains a vital figure in the world of rugby, often appearing as a pundit for international sports broadcasters.

He’s also a passionate humanitarian. Recently, he laced up for the Soccer Aid charity match at Old Trafford, helping raise a whopping R370 million for UNICEF.

Legacy 2.0: Building futures off the field

Bryan Habana has always been known for his speed, but it’s the sustainability of his current work that may leave the most lasting impact.

With Paymenow, he’s not just solving a cashflow issue, he’s helping to reshape how young South Africans view financial freedom, stability, and opportunity.

And just like on the pitch, he’s doing it with purpose, precision, and passion.

From try lines to timelines, Habana is redefining what it means to win.

{Source: BusinessTech}

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