Braai Day on a Budget - Meat Inflation Forces Families to Rethink the Menu

Rising inflation and high unemployment force SA households to rethink not only Heritage Day braais, but also to cut essentials, and manage growing debt burdens.

09 September 2025: As South Africa heads into spring and prepares for Heritage Day celebrations, the reality of rising costs and shrinking incomes is threatening the nation’s favourite traditions. From braai smoke to grocery bills, households are feeling the pinch of what experts are calling a “debt diet,” cutting back not only on luxuries but also on essentials, as consumer inflation rose to 3.5% in July, the highest in 10 months, driven largely by rising food prices, especially beef.

The latest Statistics South Africa figures show consumer price inflation rose to 3.5% in July, the highest in ten months, driven largely by increases in food prices, particularly beef. Producer price inflation, which tracks factory gate costs, also rose to 1.5%, with meat and fish as key contributors.

“South Africans are facing a tough irony,” says Sebastien Alexanderson, Head of National Debt Advisors (NDA). “We’re entering braai season, a time when families come together to celebrate our heritage, but the cost of meat is forcing many to rethink what goes on the braai. This isn’t just about changing diets, it’s about deeper financial adjustments that affect health, savings, and overall wellbeing.”

Shrinking Jobs, Growing Bills

The struggle is compounded by rising unemployment, now at 33.2%. Women face the heaviest burden, with an unemployment rate of 35.9% compared to 31.0% for men. Even female graduates are experiencing higher unemployment than their male peers, widening the gap for women-headed households.

“Job losses mean many households are surviving on a single income or relying heavily on credit to make ends meet,” Alexanderson explains. “This is where we see the dangerous double bind: fewer income streams but higher living costs. For women, especially single mothers or female graduates struggling to break into the job market, the debt burden is disproportionately heavier.”

The Spring of Survival

While mining and manufacturing sectors have shown some recovery, up 3.9% and 1.5% respectively, the benefits have not trickled down to households. Instead, the combination of food inflation, retail imbalances, and unemployment is creating what Alexanderson calls a “spring of survival.”

“Spring should be a season of renewal, but for many South Africans, it feels more like a survival strategy,” he says.

Advice for Consumers

Alexanderson recommends a three-step approach for households under pressure:

1. Prioritise essentials – Allocate budgets first to food, transport, and shelter before discretionary spending.
2. Review debt commitments – Explore consolidation options to reduce interest costs and simplify repayments.
3. Avoid lifestyle debt traps – Be cautious about using credit to maintain appearances, as short-term relief can lead to long-term financial stress.

“Heritage Day braais may look different this year, more chicken wings and less steak, but the bigger issue is how households are forced to restructure their entire financial lives. That’s where debt advice and responsible planning become crucial.”

About National Debt Advisors:

National Debt Advisors is South Africa’s number one debt counselling company and is perfectly positioned to help South African consumers who are struggling with their finances, become debt-free in under 60 months. NDA will negotiate with creditors for reduced monthly interest rates and extended terms, ultimately consolidating all debt repayments into one lower monthly installment, whilst protecting consumers from harassment by creditors, securing their assets against repossession and leaving them with more money left to live on. NDA will help South Africans gain their financial freedom.