Author: Chesney

I came across an article recently suggesting that businesses should maintain a 90-day cash flow buffer. In theory, that sounds like solid advice—three months’ worth of expenses set aside, just in case. But in practice? Especially in an economy like South Africa’s? That feels like a luxury most businesses can’t afford.

Let’s be honest: there is no growth in the economy. Retailers are fighting tooth and nail. Small businesses are battling every month just to stay afloat. Sure, money is still moving, and there are opportunities out there—but how many entrepreneurs can afford to have 90 days’ worth of operating cash just sitting in a bank account, earning almost nothing?

For most small businesses, it’s a hand-to-mouth cycle:

Buy stock.

Sell stock.

Use that money to buy more stock.

Cover rent, staff, and a few basic overheads.

Repeat.

So how does one even begin to build up a 90-day buffer? And more importantly, is 90 days a reasonable target—or just a pipe dream?

The Realities of a Cash Buffer

The ideal buffer will always depend on:

• The type of business you run.

• Your monthly burn rate (i.e., fixed expenses).

• Your appetite for risk as a business owner.

Some industries—like seasonal tourism or manufacturing—might benefit from a longer buffer. Others, like day-to-day retail or food service, might survive on less.

Even a 30-day buffer would be a step up for many businesses. But let’s be clear about definitions here:

What Does a “90-Day Cash Flow Buffer” Really Mean?

A 90-day cash flow buffer means your business has enough liquid cash to cover 90 days’ worth of operating expenses—without relying on incoming revenue.

These expenses typically include:

• Salaries and wages

• Rent and utilities

• Supplier payments

• Loan repayments

• Insurance

• Other overheads

It’s not based on free cash flow, per se. Free cash flow is the cash left over after all operational expenses and capital expenditures have been paid. It’s more a profitability metric. A buffer is more about liquidity—your ability to keep paying the bills even when your income dries up.

So, the buffer calculation is based on actual cash outflows, after tax, not before. That’s what matters when the bills are due.

Free cash flow, by the way, is the unencumbered cash your business generates after all operating expenses and capital investments have been paid. It’s often used for growth, dividends, or debt reduction—but it’s not what a buffer is based on.

So, What’s a Reasonable Buffer?

If 90 days seems too high, start small. A 15-day or 30-day buffer is better than nothing. Build it over time. Add a small percentage of each month’s net income to a dedicated buffer account. Review your expenses. Cut unnecessary costs. Treat that buffer like a non-negotiable.

Even having a two-week buffer can buy you time, reduce stress, and help you make better decisions when unexpected things happen.

Final Thoughts

Cash flow is the lifeblood of your business. Without it, even profitable businesses can go under. In a down market, your ability to survive often depends not on how much you’re earning, but how long you can operate when the money stops flowing.

So, take a moment this week to look at your cash flow. How long could your business run if your income stopped today?

What buffer do you need to sleep better at night?

I’ve been getting WhatsApp messages lately about some South African artist working out of Holland who supposedly hit a record price for her artwork. It sounded impressive, but these days, who knows? We’re living in an era where spam, scams, and AI-generated illusions flood our feeds. I was just watching a video on Threads the other day—one of those “unbelievable talent” reels—and a sharp-eyed viewer pointed out: “This is all AI.” And they were right.

But let’s get to the serious stuff.

What actually lies behind premium pricing?

It’s a question worth asking—whether we’re talking about an abstract painting on a piece of cardboard or a bottle of whiskey priced at $250.

Is it audacity? Marketing? Pure luck?

Maybe a bit of all three. But let’s break it down.

1. Exclusivity Is the Game

The fewer the items, the higher the price. It’s not just whiskey aged for 18 years in a Scottish cave or a limited-edition canvas from a brooding painter in Berlin—it’s about scarcity. That’s what fuels desire.

You’ve seen it: A bottle store shelf suddenly sprouting a new brand of single malt with a name you’ve never heard of, priced well above your regular pick. Why? Because it’s “limited.” Or at least that’s the pitch.

Same with art. I was browsing a few galleries yesterday. There was a tiny oil-on-cardboard piece—smaller than an A3 sheet—going for R14,000. And a figure drawing in ink, done on a page ripped from an old book, priced at R4,000. That one wasn’t even A5. Other pieces selling for over R100,000 each.

2. Storytelling and Status

Whether it’s a whiskey distiller with 200 years of family tradition or a painter with a tortured backstory, the narrative sells. People don’t just want a product—they want to own a piece of a myth. That’s what they’re paying for.

Luxury is about status. It’s about walking into a room and letting the label—or the price tag—speak for you. That’s why German cars still command eye-watering prices, and why Japanese brands created upscale counterparts like Lexus and Infiniti.

3. The Veblen Effect

Here’s the irony: Sometimes the higher the price, the more people want it. Economists call these Veblen goods. The product doesn’t just maintain demand when the price rises—it becomes more desirable.

Think of whiskey again. I used to buy a decent one at a fair price until it jumped 40%. Naturally, I went looking for alternatives—and guess what? I found a better-tasting one for only R100 more. But the first one? Still flying off the shelves. Why? Because that price increase made it seem more special.

4. Reality Check: Dusty Canvases and Unsold Dreams

Back to art. The irony of some premium pricing is that it exists mostly on paper—or in press releases. You go back to the same gallery months later and the same canvas priced at R80,000 is still there, gathering dust. So who’s buying? Are they really selling anything at those prices?

Sometimes, premium pricing isn’t about moving product—it’s about posturing. Setting a high price can anchor the artist’s perceived value, even if nothing sells. It’s a brand-building game.

And Now the Question That Matters:

What’s your premium offering?

You don’t need a whisky barrel in your basement or a fine arts degree to think about premium pricing in your own life. Is there something you do—or could do—that’s exclusive, high-quality, or status-driven enough to command a higher price?

Remember: There are no hard rules. Just look at the market. If someone can sell a sketch on a book page for four grand, there’s room for everyone to dream a little bigger.

I’m always amazed at the origin and tradition of takeaway foods. Consider the humble hamburger—just meat between a bun, yet an international staple. In South Africa, we have the boerewors roll, which has become a go-to meal on the move. Samosas, too—triangular parcels of spiced meat, usually small but punchy in flavor. And then there’s the toasted sandwich, now inflated in price and rebranded as a “toastie.” Hot dogs are so rare these days that if you’re craving one, it’s probably better to make it at home.

Pizza has carved its place in the local scene, with smaller, eat-on-the-go sizes widely available. Johannesburg used to be famous for its shawarmas—thankfully, you can still find some very decent versions that add a Mediterranean flair to our fast-food landscape.

But today, let’s talk pies—specifically, takeaway pies in South Africa in 2025.

Yesterday, I bought a Big Jack mutton curry pie. I hadn’t had one in literal decades, and while it was tasty, the filling was sparse compared to something like a Pieman’s pie or the generously packed steak curry pie from Checkers. While supermarket pies have their place, I’m focusing here on takeaway pies—the kind that offer a small business or food stall operator an entrepreneurial foothold in a tough economy.

Interestingly, I don’t see many pies at Cape Town’s Saturday morning markets or food stalls. Perhaps the price is too high, or maybe the category never really took off again post-COVID. Still, for someone with flair and a good recipe, it’s an area with potential.

The Market Landscape in 2025

The market for takeaway pies in South Africa is recovering, but it’s not without challenges. In 2020, the pies and savoury appetisers sector was worth roughly ZAR 13.64 billion and had been growing at over 5% CAGR pre-pandemic.

COVID-19, however, hit the sector hard—especially the ban on hot pie sales during lockdowns. A 15–20% sales dip followed, and volumes have not fully recovered as of 2025. High inflation, rising energy costs, and load shedding continue to squeeze margins. Smaller producers, especially those focused solely on hot pies, have struggled or closed down altogether. Larger manufacturers with diversified offerings have managed to survive the storm more robustly.

So while the pie market is still standing, it’s a cautious, constrained sort of standing—one eye always on the power grid, the other on input costs.

Who’s Still Serving the Good Stuff?

Despite economic turbulence, South Africa still has some fantastic pies being made—both by large franchises and independent gems.

Well-known Brands & Franchises:

• Pieman’s – A long-standing favorite for reliable quality and wide availability.
• King Pie – A familiar name offering a wide variety of fillings.
• Big Joe’s Pies – Handmade pies with a growing reputation for using quality ingredients.
• Woolworths – Supermarket pies, yes, but their Pepper Steak and Chicken varieties are often praised for flavor and consistency.

Popular Farm Stalls and Independent Bakeries:

• Houw Hoek Farm Stall (Western Cape) – Especially well known for their Bobotie pies.
• Peregrine Farm Stall (Western Cape) – Excellent steak curry and venison pies.
• Nanaga Farm Stall (Eastern Cape) – Lamb & mint, chicken, and other traditional favorites.
• Ou Meul Bakkery (various locations) – Lamb pies often singled out.
• Shamrock Pie (Eastern Cape) – Freshly baked and hearty.
• Maders Butcher (Pretoria) – Good meat pies with strong local support.
• The Pie Crew – A newer brand modernising the “garage pie” with big, handmade options.
• Alphen Spar (Cape Town) – Butter chicken pies have earned a loyal following.
• Beavers (Port Alfred) – A nostalgic go-to for classic pepper steak.
• Jason Bakery (Cape Town) – Artisanal pastry meets comfort food.
• Truth Café (Cape Town) – Known more for coffee but offers occasional gourmet pies.
• Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room (Cape Town) – Flaky, filling pies as part of a broader comfort menu.
• Loaves on Long (Cape Town) – Primarily a bread spot, but the pies are worth trying when available.

Johannesburg & Surrounds:

• Nice on 4th (Parkhurst) – Known for hearty breakfast and lunch pies in a sit-down setting.
• Savvy Pies (various outlets) – A Joburg-born brand offering both traditional and gourmet flavours.
• Bryanston Organic Market – Occasional pie vendors with excellent vegetarian and gluten-free pastry options.
• The Argentinean Bakery (Linden) – Their empanadas aren’t technically pies, but they satisfy a similar craving with top-notch pastry and meat.
• Croydon Bakery (Edenvale) – Known for traditional meat pies at great value.
• The Whippet (Linden) – Gourmet, smaller batch offerings—chicken, beef and occasional bobotie pies.
• Voodoo Lily Café (Birdhaven) – Upscale take on the classic chicken and mushroom.
• Bossies Pies (Cresta) – lets you watch the magic happen, pastry and all.

Even Hartbeespoort Dam and its surrounds offer pie gems like Jasmyn Plaasprodukte, a farm stall worth a visit for fresh produce and hearty eats.

And then there’s Maggie’s Home of the Chicken Pie near Lanseria, on the way to Hartbeespoort Dam. If you’ve ever driven out that way, this may be the farm stall you remember—crammed with filling, flaky and hot, and wrapped in the kind of memory that smells like childhood and Sunday drives.

South Africa’s Top Pie Fillings (As Rated by Local Tastebuds):

• Pepper Steak
• Chicken & Mushroom
• Mutton Curry
• Bobotie
• Venison
• Lamb & Mint
• Steak & Kidney

In conclusion, the takeaway pie in South Africa may not be booming in 2025, but it’s resilient. There’s still space in the market for innovation, especially among small-scale producers willing to push quality and flavour. And let’s face it—there’s something deeply satisfying about a hot pie in a brown paper bag, eaten with one hand while walking through a market or waiting for your car at a car wash.

Who knows? The next big food trend might not be something new, but something baked golden brown and wrapped in buttery nostalgia.

I’ve recently been reading a biography of Jack London—the rugged American adventurer and author best known for The Call of the Wild. What struck me was how deeply engaged he was with the ideas of socialism. His era—around the 1890s—was a time of intense industrial expansion, fierce class divides, and labor unrest. London wanted to blend his creative writing with his socialist ideals, hoping fiction could push forward real change. He admired Karl Marx, and while I don’t agree with all of Marx’s conclusions, I’ll admit the man had a sharp understanding of how economies function, especially around the concept of the ownership of the means of production.

But history often proves this: even when ideas begin with idealism, they can falter in the real world. Corruption, power consolidation, and inefficiency creep in. Leaders grow stagnant. Economies collapse. And the very system meant to uplift the people becomes a burden to them.

So, why is socialism still so popular?

Let’s take a step back.

The Appeal of Socialism

At its core, socialism promises fairness: equality, dignity, and care for all. Especially in the wake of unchecked capitalist greed or gross inequality, socialism seems like a compassionate alternative. After World War II, many developed countries introduced aspects of socialism—universal healthcare, public education, pensions—that genuinely helped millions.

Today, many young people, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are drawn to “democratic socialism” or social democracy. To them, it’s not about the state owning every factory and farm, but about the state stepping in to make sure no one falls through the cracks. Free education, healthcare, a basic income—these aren’t seen as luxuries but as rights. Scandinavian countries often get held up as examples of how it can work.

In South Africa, we technically run a capitalist economy—with a few social policies, like grants and state-run services. But we are far from a social democracy in the Scandinavian sense.

Where It All Falls Apart

Let’s be blunt: in South Africa, the capitalist system is failing to provide the basics. Electricity, water, hospitals, schools—chaos. But that’s not because the ideas behind these services are wrong. It’s the people running them who are looting and mismanaging them. Corruption—not socialism—is the disease here.

This failure of the state leads many South Africans to long for a fairer, more just economic system. Hence the romantic appeal of socialism. But again, the problem isn’t just the system—it’s the human nature inside the system.

Ambition vs. Distribution

For the realist, for the ambitious person who wants to build, create, and accumulate—socialism can feel like a cage. If you want the freedom to rise on your own terms, capitalism (especially in its freer forms) gives you that space. You can start with nothing and end with something. You can grow.

But for those who are tired of the greed and inequality that can accompany capitalism—those who value the collective over the individual—socialism offers a powerful vision.

The South African Dilemma

Here’s where we sit: too much corruption in the state, too much inequality in the private sector. We have a capitalism that doesn’t deliver and a state that squanders what little it has. So what’s the answer?

For me, it comes down to this: I’ve lived both sides.

When I started out in journalism, I was paid a pittance. And the longer I stayed, the more I realised I was digging myself deeper into a hole where one could not rise from poverty. My father—who had been a journalist all his life—once told me, “If you want to be a journalist, you need to have private income or inherited wealth.” At the time, I didn’t want to believe him. But over time, I realised he was right.

Eventually, through further education and opportunity, I was able to pivot. I moved into industries like financial services, food manufacturing, and industrial engineering—enterprises that actually rewarded skill and initiative. These jobs provided me with the income to rise above the survival line.

I never gave up my creative side—writing and art have always been a part of my life—but they became a sideline. A treasured one, but not a livelihood. Capitalism, in its better form, gave me that space to grow and redirect.

So What’s the Way Forward?

We don’t need more dogma. We need systems that allow people to rise. That means real free enterprise—where people can start small, grow, and not be crushed by red tape, monopolies, or political patronage. It means social safety nets that prevent disaster, without creating dependency or stifling initiative.

Whether you call it a mixed economy, ethical capitalism, or social entrepreneurship, it comes down to this: people must have dignity, access, and agency.

And no system, whether capitalist or socialist, can give that automatically. It must be earned, built, and protected—by all of us.

Newspapers in South Africa continue their downward spiral. I was looking for a copy of The Citizen in Cape Town the other day, but apparently, physical copies aren’t available here. Pity. I enjoy The Citizen—it’s still a lively publication. The same goes for The Sowetan, which I couldn’t find either. Another lively paper that’s still holding its own.

Here in Cape Town, newspaper sales have declined enormously. I won’t go into details—you can see it for yourself. Do a quick Google search to see how badly print circulation has collapsed. It’s no secret that newspaper sales have reached all-time lows and the trend is still downward.

Many of us remember the good old days in Johannesburg when you could buy four solid newspapers every morning—Business Day, The Star, The Sowetan, and Beeld. All were thriving once upon a time.

Reading news online is convenient, sure, but it doesn’t compare to poring over a front page, flipping through double-page spreads, and finding that one unexpected story that grabs you. Then heading to the editorial section to browse a variety of opinions—sadly, that range has dwindled. These days, most editorials seem to follow the same line. There are one or two dissenting voices, but they’re rare.

And the sports pages? Thin. Sometimes it’s just a page or two, with a couple of stories. I miss Monday mornings with horse racing results, Formula One coverage, and updates from tracks like Kyalami and Killarney.

One can only hope for a resurgence in quality print newspapers—but that doesn’t seem likely.

Where We Stand on Circulation (2024 Benchmarks):

According to the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) South Africa:

• The Citizen (Q1 2024): 22,432 copies (Mo–Fr)

• The Sowetan (Q1 2024): 17,197 copies (Mo–Fr)

• The Star (Q1 2024): 18,432 copies (Mo–Fr)

• Business Day (Q1 2024): 12,311 copies (Mo–Fr)

• Cape Times (Q1 2024): 7,603 copies (Mo–Fr)

• Sunday Times (Q2 2024): 60,594 (Weekend edition)

• Die Burger (Q4 2023): Approx. 26,000 (combined print/digital, weekday)

• Beeld (Q4 2023): Approx. 19,000 (combined print/digital, weekday)

Outlook for 2025:

The trend is clear: newspaper sales are declining year-on-year. The ABC releases figures quarterly, and while 2025 data is still being compiled, there’s no indication of a turnaround. Rising costs, falling ad revenue, and a digital shift all play their part. According to PwC’s Africa Media and Entertainment Outlook, print media is the only segment forecast to shrink through 2028.

Final Thought:

It’s a loss—not just for nostalgia, but for the richness of media diversity. There’s something tactile and thoughtful about holding a paper in your hand, discovering the news without a push notification or algorithm deciding what you read. Let’s hope something of that spirit survives.

Roaming around supermarkets or flipping through the weekly specials in the local paper, one thing stands out: Buy two and get a discount. It’s everywhere.

We all know these offers usually benefit the retailer more than the consumer. But if the discount is deep enough, customers do win. Before the recession, before the economy took a hit, and before the unemployment surge, most discounts were applied to single products. Now, to push sales, to keep the doors open, retailers are leaning hard into volume deals—Buy Two, Get a Discount specials.

If you haven’t cottoned on yet, why not use this tactic in your small business? Why not get on the gravy train?

This is a proven way to boost sales volume. And yet, I see far too few small businesses using this basic but powerful method. It’s unbelievable, especially when supermarkets and big retailers are doing it every day.

Take a closer look at your product or service offerings. Is there a bundle or quantity deal you can offer? Something that gives the customer a perceived win while giving you a bump in turnover?

Try it. Even if it’s just a test. Discounting is old, yes—but underused in the small business world. And it still works.

It’s worked for plenty of others. I hope it works for you too.

A Little History of the Deal

The “Buy Two, Get One Free” and “Buy One, Get One Free” (BOGO) models go back centuries. Retail pioneer Josiah Wedgwood used similar techniques in the 1700s, and there’s a documented “Buy seven, get one free” offer from 1721 in Richard Bradley’s book. By the 1920s, companies like Procter & Gamble were using these promos widely.

Today, there are creative twists on the classic:

• Buy One, Get One 50% Off – A softer margin hit than full freebie.

• Buy X, Get Y Free – Think: Buy coffee beans, get a free mug.

• Buy One, Get a Free Gift – Samples or smaller items build loyalty.

• Multi-Buy Deals – “Buy 2, Get 2 Free” boosts average basket size.

• Limited-Time BOGO – Add urgency with deadlines or countdowns.

• Gamified Discounts – Loyalty tiers unlock better deals over time.

You don’t need to copy big retailers exactly. Tailor the idea to your niche, your customers, and your margins.

Delving into the history of a much-loved but little-documented beacon

A reader recently reached out with a question: When was the green starboard lighthouse at Kalk Bay Harbour erected? A deceptively simple query—until one begins to look for the answer. As with many aspects of South African coastal infrastructure, the trail quickly vanishes into the mists of time and bureaucratic silence.

The green lighthouse in question stands on the northern mole of Kalk Bay Harbour, a stoic little beacon familiar to artists, fishermen, and romantics alike. Unlike its better-known sibling—the red port-side lighthouse, now sadly neglected—the green lighthouse rarely receives attention. Its origins, even less so.

A Harbour Born from Necessity

To understand the mystery, we must revisit the broader history of Kalk Bay Harbour itself.

Before a formal harbour existed, fishermen launched their boats directly from the beach. But the arrival of the railway in 1883 consumed valuable shoreline space and disrupted easy boat access. The need for a protective, artificial harbour became urgent.

Initial plans were floated in the late 19th century, culminating in the 1897 Municipal Improvement Bill, which gave the municipality authority to build a breakwater. However, the Anglo-Boer War and financial woes delayed action. It wasn’t until 1902 that Wilhelm Westhofen, then chief engineer of the Public Works Department, proposed a grand harbour with two breakwaters enclosing an 8.5-acre basin. A rival, more modest plan by Cathcart Methven was later favoured, with a final compromise plan by G.T. Nicholson adopted in 1912.

Construction officially began on 6 March 1913, under engineer C. Le S. Furlong. The foundation stone was laid by Minister Henry Burton on 7 June 1913, using a silver trowel specially crafted for the occasion. Despite hazardous conditions—storms, open sea, and 10-ton concrete blocks hauled in by crane—the harbour took shape. By 1918, the work was largely complete, with an 8-acre basin, a long breakwater, a fish-landing quay, and a slipway.

The harbour was declared a minor port of the Union on 21 June 1917, under the jurisdiction of South African Railways and Harbours. Kalk Bay had finally entered the industrial era.

Enter the North Mole—and Possibly the Green Lighthouse

But what about the green lighthouse?

The key lies in the secondary mole—the northern extension that now bears the green light. This northern mole wasn’t part of the original 1913–1918 construction. It was added between 1937 and 1939 to better protect the harbour’s basin and improve safety for the fishing fleet.

This timeline offers a clue: it is likely that the green starboard lighthouse was erected around the time the north mole was completed. Yet, no records (at least publicly accessible ones) confirm the installation date of the lighthouse itself. Online searches mostly repeat one another, offering little more than speculation. The National Archives or Cape Archives might yield a clue, but even then, one would probably find only references to the completion of the mole—not the placement of a specific navigational aid.

When I tried to request Transnet National Ports Authority to repair the red lighthouse—its battered door now replaced with a slapdash clapboard—I was told that maintenance is done from Port Elizabeth. Three years later, nothing has been done. From that response, you can imagine how far I would get in asking about the green one.

Beauty in the Unknown

So, we’re left with this: a harbour with well-documented beginnings and a lighthouse whose birthday is likely lost to the tides. Erected sometime between 1937 and 1939? Perhaps. Later? Possibly. A precise answer may no longer be attainable.

But even in the absence of archival certainty, the green starboard lighthouse continues to shine—literally and figuratively. I’ve seen some beautiful paintings and sketches of it over the years. It’s clearly struck a chord with local artists, who have captured its quiet resilience against the False Bay sky.

To those artists: well done. Sometimes the spirit of a place speaks louder than a date in a ledger.

* The information from summary historical records and engineering reports is from the Kalk Bay Historical Association and related sources.

** Have you come across old photographs, family memories, or official records that might shed light—so to speak—on the history of Kalk Bay’s green lighthouse? If so, I’d love to hear from you. Every scrap of information adds to the picture, especially when the archives fall short.

This is an exclusive Q&A session with Mr. Sprinkle Box. He got his name from the Latin term for the Gauteng bullfrog (also known as the African bullfrog or giant bullfrog), Pyxicephalus adspersus. The genus Pyxicephalus refers to the “little box-head” or “box head” shape of the frog’s snout. The species name adspersus means “sprinkled” or “dotted,” referring to the characteristic dark spots on the frog’s skin.

We spoke to Mr. Sprinkle Box, Chief of the clan of Gauteng bullfrogs at the Braamfontein Spruit in Delta Park, Randburg.

CB (your interviewer): Excuse me, sir, could I ask you a few questions?

Mr. Sprinkle Box (SP): Why come and disturb me at breakfast time? Well, did you ever wake up with them bullfrogs on your mind? What’s on your mind?

CB: I was hoping to ask you a few questions… I’m going through a little bit of a phase right now, wondering about a rather indelicate question—frogs.

SP: Oh no, not another media interview. I’m sick and tired of you reporters. Can’t you leave us frogs alone?

CB: I just have some questions and then I’ll be on my way.

SP: Listen, anything I say is off the record. I suppose you’re going to ask me about that kissing business and frogs.

CB: No, not that. I know that’s a myth. But a pleasant one, to tell you the truth.

SP: Well, I love those stories, but as you know, they’re part of fictional bullfrog tales. A young bullfrog being kissed by a beautiful damsel. A bullfrog, always a bullfrog. He’s not going to change, that’s for sure.

CB: No, I wasn’t going to bring that up—I think it would be rude.

SP: You know, we have a long, long fictional line. Who doesn’t know The Frog Prince fairy tale, most famously told by the Brothers Grimm? Remember Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel? What about Michigan J. Frog from Looney Tunes? Then there’s that famous American frog, Kermit the Frog. I don’t know how old and tired he is now. I have no idea what he’s up to anymore. Anyway, young man, spit it out so I can finish my breakfast.

CB: I really want to ask you about this thing—about frogs in boiling water. I know it’s an indelicate subject. I shouldn’t be asking you, but I’m just so curious. I want to know.

SP: I thought you’d bring that up. A lot of people have been asking about that ever since some silly fool in this country brought it up as a metaphor for human behavior. Well, here’s the truth: that old myth? It started with some German fellow—Friedrich Goltz, I think—back in the 1800s. He did some grim experiments on frogs, and ever since, people keep repeating the nonsense that we’ll just sit there while the water slowly boils. Rubbish. We may be ectothermic, but we’re not stupid. If the water gets too warm, we feel it and we jump out. It’s basic survival. Modern biologists have debunked that story ages ago, but you humans love your dramatic metaphors.

CB: Thanks for the explanation. It’s cleared up a lot for me. I wish you a very good day. But please—can I put your remarks on record?

SP: OK, buddy, but spell my name correctly. I suppose people must know the truth. That’s my final word on the subject. We frogs aren’t like humans. We are not stupid. Please, please don’t be a clod and post this stuff on social media—especially not TikTok. Next time, let’s talk about how frogs are being wiped out everywhere. I’m not just talking about the way they treat frogs in France. Far too many croak because Frenchmen and French ladies stuff us into their mouths. But that’s another story for another day.

Many people are suffering all over the world. People are losing their jobs and their businesses have collapsed. They have fallen ill. They have fallen on hard times. They are being victimised. They are the victims of crime, the rapists, the murderers, the killings and shootings.

How do people find the strength and courage to carry on, to rebuild their lives —- to take small steps and grow again?

We all know the reasons:

People all over the world know about this revengeful, hatred run country. They know why the bravest of the brave (the most courageous of all) are seeking refugee status. The hateful leaders whose Rorschach tests would be elucidatory.

They allow this:

If you peel the gossamer thin veneer off society in this country, there are millions of people who are suffering from poverty, from lack of opportunity, having family members killed. Women are raped, family members killed in cold blood. Crime where possessions are stolen, where the cars, household affects, government property—things are destroyed. Vandalism prevails. Poverty where people in townships have to commute from the early hours in the morning to the late hours at night. Poor workers are actually subsidising their own jobs while a system of government that has failed them.

It’s ugly. It’s post-modern decay and collapse.

Onwards:

With this, how do you solve your own personal crisis when no one cares? Even as a voter your wishes for a better future are fragrantly ignored.

Some advice from the Internet: If you Google it or use one of the new AI tools, you’ll find advice to pull yourself out of your misery — it includes being connected to your family and friends. Well there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s sound advice. But it doesn’t help you. Not in your personal circumstances. Where are you going to get money for your next loaf of bread, your next meal?

A quick aside:

I was reading a biography of Jack London, the famous author, and because of his unstable mother, his family landed in poverty in the meanest part of town in a hovel with filth and dirt and no food. He had to go out at 13 years old and do all sorts of jobs. It’s a story all over this country.

Back to the present:

Whatever your circumstances, the worst thing you can do is give up. Find a way—whether it is speaking to your church leader, NGOs, community health and welfare, good Samaritans, do-gooders—anyone who can give you a helping hand. Your government is not going to help you in any way.

Find advice on how to make income, because without money you’ve basically had it. People on the streets because they didn’t have the savvy, the wherewithal, the contacts, the just plain sense to find ways to make money. (This is not for those who are rolling in money; this is for those—if this ever reaches them—who need a helping hand.) They say if you want a helping hand, you’ll find it at the end of your arm. Well, that means also finding the right people who can help you. It’s not about fluffy do-gooder stuff — it’s about survival of the fittest; it’s Darwin basics: mutate, migrate (the bravest of the bravest option where the greatest courage is required), or die. The fittest means you have to be strong.

Let’s not sugar-coat it: South Africa’s economy in 2025 is rough. The middle class is shrinking. The poor are being hit hardest. Everyone—except the ultra-wealthy—is feeling the squeeze.

But here’s a strange truth: even in a tough economy, people still spend. They just spend differently. And if you pay attention, there are real opportunities for those who are willing to sell smart and serve the tight-budget consumer.

This blog post is for people looking for real, practical ways to make an income by catering to the desperate demand for affordable value.

What’s Really Going On?

Look around: people are swapping clothes, shopping second-hand, hunting for sell-by-date groceries, and buying from pop-up markets instead of malls. Online, platforms like Temu are undercutting local prices by a mile. And yes, even your neighbour might now be a reseller or running a Saturday market stall.

Consumers are bargain hunting, not because it’s trendy—but because it’s survival.

The big supermarket chains have known this for years. They make fortunes selling at razor-thin margins. Why can’t you?

The Opportunity: Sell Smart to Struggling Wallets

You don’t need a million Rand to start. What you need is the right mindset and a sense of where the budget-conscious are actually spending.

Here are real-world income opportunities for 2025 in South Africa:

1. Product Opportunities

Thrifted, Swapped & Discounted Goods

• Open a second-hand shop or sell clothing bundles online (Facebook Marketplace, WhatsApp, or pop-ups).

• Organize local clothing swap events with a small entry fee.

Sell-by-Date or Surplus Food

• Start a discount grocery table or delivery service offering near-expiry items bought in bulk.

• Partner with wholesalers or small supermarkets that want to offload stock.

Affordable Everyday Essentials

• Start a micro spaza outlet, especially in high-foot-traffic areas.

• Sell things like sanitary pads, dishwashing liquid, maize meal, bread, or even toothpaste (often cheaper from discount pharmacies).

Budget Fashion and Accessories

• Resell Temu/Shein/Alibaba fashion items with a markup.

• Sell pre-packed fashion bundles (e.g., “3 items under R200”).

Eco and Budget-Friendly Home Products

• Think solar lights, reusable cloths, dishwashing sponges, and plastic-free hygiene goods.

• Sell at local markets or via WhatsApp groups.

2. Service Opportunities

Affordable Food Services

• Cook & sell ready-made meals, street food, or baked goods.

• Offer weekly family meal deals on tight budgets (e.g., 5 dinners under R350).

Budget Hair & Beauty

• Mobile or home-based hairdressing, nails, or facials—offer quality at a sharp price.

• Bundle services to encourage repeat visits.

Tutoring, Skills, and Online Gigs

• Teach a skill online or in-person: maths, English, coding, sewing, or how to use a smartphone.

• Start low-cost WhatsApp-based courses on skills people want (even cooking or budgeting).

Repair & Reuse Services

• Fix broken appliances, do minor home repairs, or mend clothes.

• Affordable shoe repairs, tailoring, or bag mending can be gold in certain suburbs.

3. Marketing on a Tight Budget

You don’t need a big billboard.

• WhatsApp groups are gold. Start one, grow a community, offer first dibs and loyalty deals.

• Use Facebook Marketplace, Instagram Reels, or TikTok to build trust and show your products in action.

• Offer small incentives for word-of-mouth referrals: airtime, discounts, or a freebie on the third purchase.

• Join community WhatsApp groups and become a known name.

Final Thoughts: Sell Smarter, Not Just Cheaper

This is a time to sell what people need, not what you like. If you can find a way to offer something people are already buying—but at a slightly lower price or with better service—you’ll win.

Remember: people don’t stop buying in a crisis. They just get pickier, sharper, and more value-driven. Serve that mindset, and you’ll find your opportunity—even in this desperate economy.