Then vs now: how life has changed since 2011

Fast-forward to today, and the way we live, work, connect, and even dream has transformed in ways we couldn’t have predicted. In just 15 years, life didn’t just change – it upgraded, rebooted, and occasionally surprised us. Here’s a look at how far we’ve come since then.

In 2011, Apple introduced Siri, its voice-activated digital assistant, allowing iPhone users to ask their devices questions for the very first time.

Social media was hitting its stride too, with people checking in, poking friends, and live-tweeting everything from lunch to late-night thoughts.

Around the same time, ride-sharing service, Uber, began expanding beyond San Francisco – three years before launching in South Africa, where it first arrived in Johannesburg before moving to Cape Town, Durban, and other major cities.

Fashion in 2011 was a bold mix of 70s bohemian flair, indie-pop influences, and eye-catching colour-blocking. Skinny jeans ruled wardrobes, paired with oversized graphic tees, leather jackets, and statement accessories. Chunky necklaces and sky-high heels did all the talking, while bandage dresses and turbans added extra flair. Looking effortlessly cool? That took effort.

On the local music scene, The Parlotones took home Music Video of the Year for The Stars Fall Down, at the 17th South African Music Awards (SAMA). Die Antwoord accepted their award for International Achievement, also at the SAMAs, while Zahara won Hit Single of the Year at the Metro FM Awards for her hit song, Loliwe.

And of course, 2011 was also the year BrightRock was founded – around the dining room table – with a bold vision to change the way financial services works to better meet people’s needs. Over the years, that vision has come to life, with BrightRock growing into an innovative, dynamic, and successful company. As we celebrate our 15th birthday on 30 May, we’re excited to keep loving change with you. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey – we’ve achieved so much together, and the future looks even brighter.