“Drowning in Debt and Silence": Man Breaks Down the Reality of SA’s Middle-Class Salaries

• South Africa's economy is facing significant challenges, with slow growth and high costs of living affecting even the middle class, who struggle to make ends meet despite earning a decent income
• A viral video has highlighted the financial strain on middle-class individuals and families, who often find themselves caught between not being poor enough for government aid and not rich enough to cope with expenses
• The clip has sparked widespread conversation and debate about the need for economic reforms to address the growing financial pressures facing the middle class in South Africa

Yoh! The current economic state in South Africa continues to worsen, leaving many, even the middle class, struggling to make ends meet.

According to the World Bank, South Africa's economy has seen a 0.7% average growth over the past decade due to structural constraints on supply, infrastructure bottlenecks, a weak business environment, and low productivity.

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Electricity supply shortages, particularly since 2007 and intensified in 2022-2023, have impeded growth. Improvements in power supply have been attributed to better management and increased investment in private power generation.

Gent breaks down the middle class’s salary in SA in the current economic state

This man took it upon himself to analyse the harsh reality of South Africa's current economic state, which has sparked widespread conversation after he broke down the financial struggles facing the country’s middle class in today’s economic climate.

In a viral video which he posted under the handle @juanmichael.vdm98, he dissected what life looks like for those earning between R20,000 and R40,000 a month, highlighting how quickly salaries are drained by essential expenses.

He explained that while society often expects people in this income bracket to be financially “okay,” the reality is far from it. Using a typical budget example, he noted that a bond repayment could cost R7,500, with a car instalment at R5,500. For parents, school fees can reach R2,500 per child, while groceries, petrol, insurance, and medical aid further deplete the monthly income.

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“The salary is gone by the third [of the month], then we blame them when they need credit cards to make it to month end,” he said,

Pointing out the pressure to survive without additional financial support. He also stressed the difficult position the middle class finds themselves in by stating how they are often told that they are "not poor enough” to qualify for government aid, yet “not rich enough” to cope with the cost of living comfortably.

Calling it a “trap,” @juanmichael.vdm98 warned that the South African middle class is quietly disappearing, as many drown in "debt in silence." Rising interest rates, inflation, and stagnant wages have only worsened the squeeze, leaving many unable to save or invest for the future.

The video, uploaded on August 9, 2025, has resonated with thousands online, with many sharing their own struggles and echoing his sentiment that the middle class is under increasing financial strain. His breakdown has reignited debates about the affordability of living in South Africa and the urgent need for economic reforms.

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Watch the clip below:

SA chimes in on high cost of living in Mzansi

People in South Africa took to social media to share their thoughts on the high cost of living in Mzansi.

Marie said:

"The struggle is real. sitting here as a grown woman with R43 in my account. Still two weeks to the next pay day. I am tired."

Marnus van Rooyen added:

"R30k middle class? I had no idea that I'm lower class."

Renier Steyn wrote:

"Cancelled all insurances just to cope. Driving and living by faith at the moment."

Chris stated:

"Try surviving on a Salary of R14 000. That is what most of us are faced with, if not less."

Miss Bee shared:

"My Business studies teacher taught us the following: The rich get richer, the poor get poorer, and the middle class pays for it all."

CJ commented:

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South Africans vent on high cost of living in Mzansi

• A woman on TikTok, Precious White, could no longer face the challenges that came with living in Cape Town and returned home.
• One man in South Africa had had enough of the high cost of living and took to social media to vent his frustration, which many could relate to.
• A young woman complained about her financial struggles and the mounting bills, saying she hardly enjoys her salary.

Source: Briefly News