Surviving Cyril’s Economy: SA Woman’s Grocery Haul for a Family of 5 Leaves Mzansi Stunned

• A South African woman has showcased how she feeds her family of five for over two weeks on a tight budget of R2,000, highlighting the challenges of living in the current economy
• The lady's grocery haul included a variety of essentials such as fruits, vegetables, protein sources, and staple items, which she managed to stretch to last around 16 days
• The video has sparked conversation around affordability and food security, with many viewers commending her budgeting skills and others expressing concern about the struggles faced by ordinary citizens in South Africa
• Briefly News asked financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha to share the steps the South African government can take to address the rising cost of living and improve food security for vulnerable households

A South African woman has captured Mzansi's attention by revealing how she keeps her family of five fed for over two weeks on just R2 000, offering a raw glimpse into the cost of survival in the current economy under President Cyril Ramaphosa.

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The cost of living continues to rise in South Africa, and according to Cost of Living for a single person, living comfortably can range from R18,000 to R35,000 per month, while a family of four might need R48,000 to R90,000 or more. However varies by city and lifestyle.

In recent years, South Africans have experienced a significant increase in the cost of living in Mzansi, often driven by factors like rising electricity costs, escalating food prices, and increased fuel costs. This has placed a strain on household budgets. With inflation rate jumped to 11.3%, much higher than the national average of 6.8%. This makes basic needs like food, fuel, and electricity too expensive for many in South Africa, according to Insurance.

This has resulted in many looking for ways to make ends meet. This woman did just that by showcasing how she survives Cyril's economy.

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Woman shows how family of 5 survives Cyril's economy

In a trending video, the lady who goes by the TikTok handle @simps_radebe showcased her grocery haul that included a variety of essentials sourced from major supermarkets such as Checkers. She explained that although the groceries are meant to last a month, they usually run out after just 16 days.

Her R2k budget covered two 2-litre bottles of Pepsi, a butternut, a pocket of potatoes, and six packs of full cream milk. She also managed to buy a variety of fruits, including apples, two packets of tomatoes, and two bags of naartjies. For protein, she got three packs of chicken totalling 16 pieces, a snook fish, two packs of sausages, two packets of minced beef, one pack of pork, and five packs of chicken livers.

The haul that was posted on 28 July 2025 on TikTok also included staple items such as eggs, cereal, bread, rice, etc, which formed the core of their meals.

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Many viewers commended her budgeting skills, saying her video was a reflection of what many South African families are going through. Others, however, expressed concern that even with careful planning, the food only lasts half the intended time.

@simps_radebe's story highlighted the challenges faced by ordinary citizens in South Africa and the resilience they show in stretching every rand to feed their families. Her clip resonated with thousands, sparking conversation around affordability, food security, and the sacrifices many households are forced to make daily.

Watch the video below:

Expert shares steps to tackle cost of living, food security

While speaking to Briefly News financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha shared the steps the South African government can take to address the rising cost of living and improve food security for vulnerable households byb saying:

"The South African government can address the rising cost of living and improve food security by increasing investment in small-scale local farmers, providing training, and promoting entrepreneurship, particularly in businesses focused on food security."

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The financial expert added:

"It can also adjust social grants for vulnerable households in line with inflation, reduce import tariffs on essential goods, and invest in community food gardens and distribution programs. In addition, monitoring and regulating the prices of key food items can help prevent excessive markups."

SA reacts to the woman's 2K grocery haul

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

Ousi o Motona said:

"Ladies, let's give this lady her flowers. Wow R2000."

DKD added:

"Well done, you didn't waste money on junk."

Mrs Kenny wrote:

"The only grocery that makes sense here in TikTok, well done sis."

Thando Wela1 commented:

"I use about R3 000 ngihlala ngedwa teach us some skills, momma."

Dlamz ND replied:

"This cannot be R2000."

Mberiikaturota stated:

"Finally, a realistic haul, because of the things I see on this app?"

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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.

Source: Briefly News