"It’s Wild": South African Woman’s R800 Grocery Haul for Family of Two Stuns Mzansi

• A woman in South Africa went viral on social media over her R800 groceries for her family of two
• She showcased everything she had purchased, and people were amazed by how many items she got
• The TikTok video sparked a massive reaction as Mzansi netizens shared their thoughts
• Briefly News spoke to financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha about the rising food prices in South Africa and how individuals and families can better manage their grocery budgets and more

In the face of rising food prices, many South African families are looking for ways to make their money go further.

R800 groceries for a family of 2

A woman who goes by the TikTok handle @life_with_meg_and_t shared how she manages a monthly grocery budget of just R800 for a family of two, which may seem nearly impossible, but with careful planning and smart choices, it can be done.

In the video, she went on to showcase what she bought, such as bread, noodles, snacks, meat, potatoes, pasta and many other foods that are both affordable and filling. A 10kg bag of maize meal, for example, can go a long way when spread across a month. Adding tinned goods such as pilchards, baked beans, and tomatoes, which offer variety and nutrition at a low cost, was all part of the woman's R800 groceries.

People on social media were impressed by the number of items the woman was able to get for just R800, and the TikTok video went viral, gathering loads of views, likes, and comments.

In challenging economic times, budgeting smartly is a form of resilience. With discipline and resourcefulness, a small budget can still put hearty, nourishing meals on the table.

Watch the video below:

What to do about rising food prices: Expert advice

While speaking to Briefly News, financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha shared tips on the rising food prices in South Africa, and how individuals and families can better manage their grocery budgets by saying:

"Planning meals in advance is one of the most effective ways to manage a grocery budget and minimise food waste. By creating a weekly or monthly meal plan and shopping list based on that plan, you’re more likely to buy only what you need, reducing the risk of impulse purchases and unused ingredients going to waste."

The financial expert went on to say that local butcheries offer cost-effective meat compared to large grocery chains' pre-packaged portions. Bulk purchases, especially during seasonal sales, can save on non-perishable household items like rice, pasta, canned goods and cleaning products.

"One powerful strategy for stretching your budget even further is forming a grocery stokvel with trusted friends or family. By pooling funds together, members can buy in bulk at wholesale prices and split the goods, reducing individual costs while ensuring consistent access to essential items," Fulufhelani adds.

She shared the following practical tips to maximise a small grocery budget without compromising on nutritional value by explaining the following:

"Price comparisons are also key. Shopping around and comparing prices between different retailers, whether through flyers, online platforms, or store visits, can help you save a few rands on each item, which adds up over time. Finally, focusing on seasonal fruits and vegetables not only helps cut costs but also ensures fresher and more nutritious produce. Collectively, these strategies can significantly improve your grocery management, helping you eat well without overspending."

SA reacts to the woman's grocery haul

The online community reacted as they flooded the comments section expressing their thoughts on the young's budget-friendly grocery haul, saying:

Measha Valentine Oliver said:

"People need reading skills, shame I love these types of videos, please never stop making them."

Jancs shared:

"Two days of home-cooked meals and a week of snacks. Maybe."

SweetGirl wrote:

"A family of two is the best to shop for, we are also two and staying that way."

Regretting This Already replied:

"OMG, people having opinions about things they didn't pay for and won't eat, is wild."

Don't worry, commented:

"The people crying about what was bought are just jealous."

Nadzrussie replied:

"I wish I needed 1 onion for a week. You are lucky, great haul."

User shared:

"No, because people only do grocery shopping when it's payday, so now they think everyone else is broke with them."

People showcasing their cheap grocery hauls

• Briefly News previously reported that one young babe in Mzansi sparked widespread interest with her latest video, where she flaunted her back-to-the-res grocery haul.
• One South African lady showed off everything she got from Makro in a TikTok video making rounds online.
• A woman in South Africa showed off her broke student mini-grocery haul in a TikTok video, which has gone viral.
• One young lady has left Mzansi impressed after taking to social media to showcase an affordable grocery haul from Pick n Pay, proving that students can still eat well on a tight budget.

Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.

Source: Briefly News