LET'S face it, with the cost of living going up, watching where your last cent goes is a thought on every South African's mind.
And this is because things are no longer as affordable as they were three years ago.
Things are no longer the same
R250 that was once able to buy you cheese, bread, peanut, butter and packet of potatoes is now enough to only buy 2,6kg bulk stewing beef, which goes up to approximately R246,97.
ALSO READ| Ex-minister to be grilled over R280 million
While the annual consumer price inflation has slowed down to its lowest level in two years, the increase in food prices has affected daily spending on groceries.
It's hard just trying to get by
While walking through the streets of Joburg, the SunTeam spoke to a few people who shared how the increased cost of living has affected their daily spending on groceries.
Taking Daily Sun through the hardships of being the breadwinner of a family of three kids, Lucky Mothepe (39) from Alexandra said baby formula alone is expensive and they are sometimes forced to cut down on things or rely on stokvels for basic needs such as cooking oil, butter, flour or rice.
Lucky said:
We keep it simple. Maize and meat, that's it. We have vegetables once in a while if my wife wants them. I think it's easier to accept this because your situation doesn't allow you to just go all out so you stick to the basics.
Katlego Maphane (38) from Marlboro alternates between pork, beef and fish and believes bulk buying keeps her grocery budget small.
Lola Shibambo (43) from Randburg has witnessed her grocery list go up, with her paying R1 000 for essentials. She also believes in bulk buying, shopping on sale and substituting meals.
ALSO READ| Why Tshwane mayor is not giving up!
"A full chicken can stretch us for three days. We start with the drumsticks and thighs and mix them up with vegetables. The next day we take the breasts and cook stir fry or pasta. After that we make wraps with what is left from the breasts," she said.
A little light at the end of the tunnel
Award-winning TV chef Zola Nene advises getting savvy in the kitchen, substituting items and reducing food waste to save. She said it's always best to substitute items, for instance instead of basmati rice us parboiled rice or frozen veggies.
Zola encourages reimagining dishes with the ingredients you have, such as using beans as a meat component with tomato and spices instead of meat.
What have you had to cut back on in your household? We'd love to hear your thoughts, so comment below
More from Daily Sun:
