Well I'm 23, I started my own investment account which I also use as a savings account 2 years ago. I got into the market at the best possible time. I tripled my investments in less than 10 months.
I would suggest you look at the Sanlam I-Trader competition going on at the moment, and most banks also have the option for you to create a virtual portfolio. Start by experimenting with it, you do have to put in some time to make sure you don't piss away your money. Stick to big companies, if they fail the country is in for some shit. I personally only trade with mining shares.
As for savings, Capitec have the best interest rate for a savings account with a balance of less than R10 000. 6%, any of the big 5 will give you less than 4. Look at money market accounts if you don't want to have "admin". Nedbank have a great account called a "Just Invest" account, then again the interest rates are piss poor.
Look at how your medical aid can help you save. Discovery have a brilliant system where if you are of a certain "health" you get a different status and thus you can save 10% on flights with BA etc. etc., after 3 years you get some of your medical scheme payments back. There are loads of ways to save money. I have not done enough market research to give you a holistic view.
Best advice is never to buy anything on credit.
I am in the process of a creating a website to cater for these questions that you have, if want specifics just send a pm my way
