Advice for South Africans on Financial Management in Savings Month

As the cost of living continues to put pressure on family budgets, many South Africans are rediscovering the value of humble foods that have nourished generations.

A Return to Simple Recipes

The constant rise in food, electricity, and household costs is prompting many people to return to simple dishes that formed the basis of the family table for many years. These meals are characterized by affordability, satiety, and carry memories that remind people why they never go out of style.

Staple Foods

For many households, maize meal remains the preferred choice. Known as 'isidudu' in isiXhosa, it has always been one of the most reliable staple foods in the country. A large bag can feed a family for several weeks and can be prepared in various ways; some prefer it traditionally with sugar, peanut butter, margarine, milk, or even with added Oros.

This dish, a classic South African breakfast, is made from ground white maize and is popular across all social classes.

Meat Alternatives and Legumes

Another popular product gaining traction is beans. Previously viewed as a simple meat substitute, they are now attracting families looking for an affordable source of protein. One packet provides a significant volume and can be turned into a hearty stew with onions, curry powder, and tomatoes. Served with pap or rice, beans demonstrate that a satisfying meal does not have to be expensive.

Peas and beans, known as 'umngqusho' in isiXhosa, continue to hold a special place in South African kitchens. This dish increases in volume during cooking, making it ideal for feeding a large family. Although its preparation requires patience, the reward is a comforting meal that pairs well with chicken, beef, sausages, or tripe.

Other Popular Dishes

Canned pilchards are also growing in popularity. They are easy to store, quick to prepare, and rich in protein. They can be served on fresh bread or turned into a simple curry with onion, garlic, and curry powder; pilchards remain one of the easiest ways to put a meal on the table after a long day.

Chicken livers are also gaining new fans. Once overlooked in favor of other cuts, they have become favorites among shoppers looking for good deals. Prepared with onion, garlic, and pepper sauce, and then finished with a small amount of cream, they create a rich dish perfect with bread or pap.

Vegetables and Baked Goods

Cabbage continues to prove that simple vegetables deserve respect. One head can last for several meals and stores well in the refrigerator. Stewed with onion, oil, salt, and black pepper, cabbage is a light side dish that goes well with almost everything, from pap to rice.

Additionally, there are vetkoek, or 'amagwinya'—comfort food that many cannot resist. These golden treats, made from flour, yeast, sugar, and water, are easy to make at home. They can be eaten plain or filled with savory fillings.

Traditional and Coastal Dishes

Tripe is also making a comeback as a traditional favorite. It requires time for cleaning and preparation, but it rewards patient cooks with tender meat that pairs perfectly with pap or 'umngqusho'. For many families, it is a reminder that the best dishes often come from simple ingredients.

Along the coast, snoek remains an affordable seafood delicacy. Snoek, cut into pieces and cooked with onion, potatoes, apricot paste, and lemon juice, creates a timeless comfort food.

No list would be complete without chakalaka. Born in the kitchens of slums, where people used all the vegetables they had, this spicy relish transforms carrots, onions, peppers, and canned beans into something very aromatic. It is delicious with pap and remains a side dish essential to any World Cup barbecue.

According to new data and industry indicators, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) products are becoming increasingly common in South Africa as consumers seek more structured methods for managing expenses and cash flow.

BNPL Adoption Among the Population

Data provided by TransUnion indicates that 57% of South Africans currently use BNPL products, with 36% of them having used this service multiple times in the last year. Furthermore, 35% of respondents stated that they repay their debts faster thanks to this, pointing to a shift towards more conscious financial behavior.

Advantages and Features of BNPL

The BNPL system allows consumers to obtain short-term liquidity with fixed repayment terms, which distinguishes it from traditional revolving credit line products. Din Hyde, Chief Operating Officer of the payment platform PayJustNow, noted that digital payments are no longer solely a matter of speed or convenience.

He emphasized that there is a change in how people manage their finances: BNPL enables aligning spending with income while avoiding indefinite debt obligations, providing a level of control that many consumers previously lacked.

User Behavior and Statistics

PayJustNow reported that 84% of its transactions are financed using debit cards rather than credit cards, suggesting that users often prefer structured installment payments even when traditional credit is available. The company also recorded a reuse rate of about 80%.

The company explains that spending limits are set conservatively and increase as customers demonstrate stable repayment behavior. The default rate, according to PayJustNow, is less than 2%.

Financial Responsibility and Demand