"Read It and Follow It": SA Strategist Shares the Books That Fostered Her Million-Rand Success

• Kay Radebe, a self-employed South African woman, shared the two books she credits for her financial success
• She recommended Atomic Habits by James Clear and The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel to her followers
• Her TikTok struck a nerve with South Africans chasing financial independence and self-employment goals

Kay Radebe is self-employed, earns more than R1 million a year, and says two books made all the difference.

The South African entrepreneur posted a TikTok on 1 September 2026, sharing the reads she believes helped shape her financial mindset and work discipline. The clip was direct and personal, and it quickly resonated with people thinking about building their own income.

In the video, Kay named Atomic Habits by James Clear as her first recommendation, saying it is essential for anyone struggling with procrastination or falling short of their goals. She described it as a guide to becoming a more disciplined person and said simply:

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"Read it and follow it. You will learn how to be a disciplined person."

The book that teaches you to keep your money

Her second pick was The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, which she said covers the foundational principles behind building and protecting wealth. Kay was candid about why this one matters: making money is only half the battle. She said:

"So that you make the money but you don't blow it."

She also offered a sobering reality check for anyone who thinks a million rand is the finish line. With two children and private school fees on her mind, she told viewers that R1 million a year is not as much as it sounds, and that R10 million is probably the real target.

Her advice was grounded and no-frills: discipline, time management, and understanding how money works are the building blocks. Both books, she said, give practical tools to get there.

Watch Kay share the books that shaped her financial journey on TikTok

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View the TikTok video below:

Mzansi reacts to Kay's money advice

Viewers in the comments section had plenty to say on @_kayradebe's page:

@Gugs_21 asked:

"How did you make it, I know you have YouTube video about it but a summary if you don't mind?"

@Kabo Kable Molefe said:

"Atomic Habits is GOATED"

More Briefly News stories on money

• Financial expert Nicola Langridge debunked five money myths that she says can hold South African women back from taking control of their finances.
• A South African cashier’s hilarious reaction went viral after a TikToker pretended to magically turn a R10 note into R100.
• Unisa law student Thuto Selomo used her R5,800 NSFAS book allowance to start a centre that now feeds and supports about 60 children in her Limpopo village.

Source: Briefly News