Braai on a budget: Making your weekend plans go further
Many South Africans are finding it harder to stretch their budgets, and you can notice it when you're buying groceries, even for a braai.
Whether you're grilling in your backyard or hosting friends indoors, every cent counts when stocking up on your favourite braai essentials.
To help you stretch your rand further, The South African compared the prices of key braai items at Checkers, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, and Woolworths, so you can enjoy the braai without burning your wallet.
Which supermarket offers the best value?
When it comes to braai supplies, Shoprite stands out as the most wallet-friendly choice. Woolworths, unsurprisingly, tops the price range, while Pick n Pay and Checkers offer competitive pricing on a few key items.
How much are the braai essentials?
Product Checkers Shoprite Pick n Pay Woolworths Traditional Boerewors (per kg) R99.99 R89.99 R114.99 R179.99 Lamb Braai Chops (per kg) R143.99 R162.99 R184.99 R229.00 250g Garlic Bread R44.99 R19.99 R40.99 R59.99 4kg Charcoal R79.99 R79.99 R69.99 R104.99 Baked Beans (can) R17.99 R17.99 R16.99 R25.99 Firelighters R39.99 R29.99 R37.99 R29.99 KWV Five-Year-Old Brandy (750ml) R229.99 R229.99 R229.99 R229.99 Savanna Light Cider (6x330ml) R124.99 R119.99 R124.99 R124.99 Castle Lite Bottles (6x330ml) R94.99 R94.99 R94.99 R89.99 Coca-Cola No Sugar (1.5L) R15.99 R15.99 R21.99 R18.00 Total Cost R893.90 R861.90 R937.90 R1 092.92
*Please note prices are subject to change and were accurate at the time of publishing
Where should you shop?
If you're looking to save the most money, Shoprite comes out on top with a total of R861.90 for all the listed braai essentials. Checkers follows closely behind at R893.90, while Pick n Pay is slightly higher at R937.90. Woolworths is the most expensive at R1 092.92.
What item(s) are you convinced are a lot more expensive than a year ago (besides everything)?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
'AI already reshaping traditional job functions', Microsoft SA says
Microsoft said AI will create new opportunities for innovation and growth. Microsoft South Africa's artificial intelligence (AI) is already reshaping traditional job functions and will create new opportunities for innovation and growth. The software giant hosted its AI Skilling Day, a landmark event bringing together more than 2 000 pupils, industry leaders, customers, partners, government officials, and community stakeholders dedicated to advancing the future of South Africans. Technological landscape Over the past three decades, the technological landscape has experienced significant changes, characterised by three major platform transitions—from the PC-server era to the rise of the internet, leading to the mobile and cloud era, with a fourth transition on the horizon driven by AI. Microsoft stated that this shift is affecting industries and altering the way businesses function. 'As South Africa accelerates its digital transformation, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become increasingly central to economic growth, job creation, and social development. 'Microsoft South Africa's AI Skilling Day serves as a platform to showcase the strides made in equipping citizens with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy, and to inspire further investment in digital literacy for all South Africans,' Microsoft said. ALSO READ: AI agents to enhance interaction with computers, Microsoft says Milestones Since 2024, Microsoft South Africa has rolled out a comprehensive suite of AI initiatives, including online courses, certification programmes, community outreach, and innovation hubs, designed to bridge the digital divide. Microsoft South Africa AI Skills Director Tiara Pathon said the AI Skilling day marks a significant milestone in the company's journey to democratise AI skills across South Africa. 'Our initiatives are not just about technology—they are about transforming lives and enabling economic participation. By equipping our people with AI literacy and advanced skills, we are laying the foundation for a resilient, innovative, and inclusive digital economy.' Collaborations At the heart of AI Skilling Day was a shared vision among the government, the private sector, and civil society to harness AI. Matlole Mampshika, Chief Director of Citizen Empowerment and Capacity Development at the Department of Digital Communication and Technologies, stated that collaboration between the government, industry, educational institutions, the international community, youth structures, and labour organisations is imperative to ensure sustainable solutions for South Africa's economy. 'The South African government recognises the transformative potential of AI to address local development challenges—from healthcare and education to agriculture and governance'. Microsoft has partnered with local universities, vocational colleges, and NGOs to expand access to AI education, particularly for young people and marginalised communities. The company's national AI skilling initiatives have already exceeded the target of training one million learners since inception. ALSO READ: SA startup joins Google for Startups Accelerator Africa Class 9 as AI innovators get boost Empowering youth A key highlight of AI Skilling Day was the participation of industry players committed to helping young adults take one step closer to employability. To accelerate employability, Microsoft has committed to funding 50 000 Microsoft certification vouchers for South Africans to gain a recognised industry certification. These certifications will ensure participants are job-ready for emerging technology roles in sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and public services. Investment This initiative is part of Microsoft's broader R5.4 billion investment in South Africa, which includes expanding hyperscale cloud and AI infrastructure to support the nation's ambition to become a globally competitive AI economy. Microsoft said that by combining digital infrastructure, workforce development, and AI skilling, it is fostering innovation, economic growth, and job creation. NOW READ: Interpol warns of Africa cybercrime surge, SA also affected
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
How Miss South Africa Mia Le Roux is Inspiring Change
The reigning Miss SA Mia Le Roux is inviting everyday South Africans and big business to help make education more inclusive, one learner at a time. Miss SA Mia Le Roux visits participants selected in the first phase of her campaign. Picture: Indirect Media Miss South Africa Mia Le Roux is proving that a crown can carry more than just sparkle — it can carry purpose. Through her Mia Le Roux Movement, she's quietly but powerfully championing a group that's often overlooked: the deaf and disabled youth of South Africa. In partnership with the B4i Academy, Mia's latest initiative is focused on creating real, practical opportunities for young people living with disabilities, starting with access to education that leads to jobs. Currently,160 learners are enrolled at the B4i Academy, many of them hearing-impaired or living with other forms of exclusion. They're working toward qualifications in Business Administration, Computing, Wholesale and Retail, and more. 'These are smart, talented individuals,' says Mia. 'They don't need handouts — they just need someone to open the door.' Each learner will walk away with a nationally accredited certificate (NQF Levels 2 to 5) and the confidence to step into roles across different industries. For Mia, inclusion isn't just a buzzword; it's the foundation of a better South Africa. 'The truth is, we can't grow as a country if we're leaving people behind. Including people with disabilities in our economy isn't charity, it's smart,' she says. She's now calling on businesses, big and small, to get involved. Whether it's through funding, mentorship, or hiring graduates, she believes corporate South Africa has a huge role to play. 'This isn't just about raising awareness,' she adds. 'It's about creating actual pathways — where young people with disabilities can learn, work, and thrive.' ALSO READ: Andile Jali joins elite 10% black farmers: Midfielder farms cattle in Gqeberha How to get involved The second round of applications is officially open and will run until 8 July 2025 at 6 pm. Young South Africans who are deaf, hard of hearing, or face other barriers are encouraged to apply through the Miss South Africa website, the B4i Project site, or the Miss SA App. Application links are also available on Mia's and Miss SA's social media pages. Mia says she hopes this is just the beginning: 'If we all play our part — if we show up and support — we can create a country where everyone gets a fair shot. That's the dream.'
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Business Leadership CEO expresses worry about recent GNU tensions
The DA will not exit the GNU after the president fired one of its deputy ministers, but it has withdrawn from the national dialogue. It is a year since the GNU was formed, and although there were a few times when citizens held their breath when it looked like it would collapse, there were also strong reforms. However, events of the past week and the tensions and threats they caused are worrying, the CEO of Business Leadership says. Busisiwe Mavuso, CEO of Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA), says in her weekly newsletter that the recent tensions are particularly concerning, with threats of walkouts and the decision to boycott the national dialogue creating exactly the kind of instability that makes investors nervous. 'It undermines the capacity to formulate and implement the urgently required policies that address our many challenges and will undoubtedly continue to delay our ambitions for a capable state,' she warns. 'This fragility is having real consequences. Business confidence, which was steadily improving, is now tempered by questions about policy continuity and reform momentum. When political survival takes precedence over governance, everyone loses. 'What we need now is political maturity from the GNU partners. South Africans did not vote for this coalition to watch it tear itself apart over political positioning. They voted for stability and progress.' ALSO READ: Mbalula dares DA to 'pack its bags' and leave the GNU [VIDEO] GNU report card shows solid B+, but not for political stability She says the GNU's first year report card shows solid B+ performance on structural reforms, but an incomplete grade on political stability. 'Business will continue doing its part. The question is whether our political leaders will choose partnership over posturing.' Mavuso says few people would have predicted a year ago that South Africa's government of national unity (GNU) would still be standing today, let alone delivering meaningful reforms. 'Yet here we are: with visa backlogs cleared, private partnerships finally emerging at Transnet and government departments contracting with world-class IT suppliers to advance digitisation. 'The relationship between business and government under the GNU has been unlike anything we experienced in recent memory. Through Business for South Africa, we moved beyond the familiar dance of complaints and promises to genuine collaboration. Quarterly meetings with the president produced tangible outcomes, not just photo opportunities.' ALSO READ: Leaving GNU would cause 'coalition of chaos', says Steenhuisen as DA escalates pressure Substantial wins of the GNU Mavuso points out that the wins have been substantial. The department of home affairs eliminated the crippling visa backlog that cost us countless tourists and skilled workers. Processing times that once stretched for months now take weeks. 'Transnet started to invite private operators to run port and rail concessions, a breakthrough that seemed impossible just two years ago. Government's IT procurement has been modernised, allowing departments to work with best-in-class suppliers rather than being trapped by outdated tender processes.' She emphasises that these are also not small administrative tweaks. 'They represent fundamental shifts in how government operates, creating the foundation for the digital-first public service that Home Affairs is now pioneering. 'But let's be honest about where we are falling short. Eskom's restructuring has hit unexpected delays in key areas, and our logistics corridors still do not receive the focused attention they desperately need.' Mavuso says government and business are committed to short-term reform 'sprints' to address these bottlenecks, although the proof will be in execution. ALSO READ: DA vows to stay in GNU to 'fight corruption', threatens motion against Ramaphosa Broader economic picture much more troubling She points out that the broader economic picture is much more troubling. 'Earlier this year, confidence was building. You could feel it in boardrooms and investment committee meetings. Then the global trade environment shifted dramatically. 'The looming expiration of the current 10% tariff arrangement on 9 July could see South African exports to the US facing 30% tariffs, fundamentally altering trade flows and forcing rapid strategic adjustments. 'Business and government have been working overtime to navigate these international headwinds, engaging directly with American counterparts as rules change seemingly overnight. But we require a stable coalition that can help us deliver even more.' Mavuso says this brings us to the GNU's Achilles heel: political uncertainty. 'The coalition partners did not establish robust protocols for managing their inevitable disagreements without threatening the entire arrangement.' However, she points out that the business-government partnership remains energised and focused on accelerating reforms. 'Operation Vulindlela's second phase, including an ambitious programme to improve local government performance, launches with our full support. 'The challenges at municipal level are enormous, but business stands ready to contribute expertise and facilitate private investment in critical infrastructure. The economic partnership we built proves that collaboration works, but it requires a government confident enough in its own longevity to make bold decisions.' ALSO READ: SA's economic growth outlook growing increasingly dim She says the next twelve months will determine whether this government becomes a footnote in political history or the foundation for South Africa's economic recovery. 'Our economic trajectory is our most urgent priority. We must lift growth to the 3%-plus level that we aspired to at the beginning of the year, and political stability is a necessary ingredient. 'But then we have to knuckle down and change how this economy works, from the network industries to skills development. Organised business is committed to help make bold decisions and implement the changes needed. I hope we continue to be able to partner with a government with similar energy and focus.'
