Young South African Man Survives on R700 in Cape Town, Shares Budget Tips Online
- A young man shared his story of living in Cape Town with just R700, which shocked many people on the internet
- The guy revealed how he made it work by unveiling his tricks and tips in a TikTok video that gained massive traction
- People in South Africa reacted as they took to the comments section to share their thoughts
- Briefly News spoke to financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha, who shared insights on how realistic it is for someone to survive on R750 a month in a city like Cape Town and what key budgeting tips she would recommend for individuals in similar financial situations
The stark realities of the cost of living in Cape Town have been brought into sharp focus by the story of a local man reportedly surviving on a budget of just R700.
Source: TikTok
Gent living in Cape Town with only R700
On his TikTok account under the handle @stongaman, the man gave viewers a glimpse into what his life looks like, surviving on a budget of just R700.
@stongaman shared that he is living on R750 for a month and was in the mood to eat some beans. He revealed his tricks and tips on how he is able to eat what he wants despite being on a tight budget.
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He then goes on to trade some of his potatoes with his neighbour or someone else in exchange for a roll of bread or something similar. He was able to successfully trade his two potatoes for bread, which he showed eating with beans that he made.
In the video, he also showcased the instant noodles he made and ate it with baked beans. The clip went viral, and the man's situation has sparked a wave of reactions online, ranging from empathy and offers of assistance to discussions about the socio-economic disparities prevalent in South Africa.
Watch the video below:
Financial tips on surviving on R750
While speaking to Briefly News, financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha shared insights on how realistic it is for someone to survive on R750 a month in a city like Cape Town by saying:
"In a city like Cape Town, where the cost of living is significantly high, trying to survive on R750 a month presents a serious challenge. This amount is far from sufficient to cover basic housing or rental costs. At best, it can be stretched to cover some essential needs, primarily food. To make the most of such a limited budget, one must be strategic and highly disciplined with spending."
The financial expert explained how to maintain a healthy diet, prioritise basic nutrition by purchasing staple foods like starches, affordable protein sources and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Utilise grocery store specials and compare prices between major retailers and local markets.
Fulufhelani Mashapha expressed the key budgeting tips she would recommend for individuals in similar financial situations.
"Where possible, growing a small food garden can offer some relief. Cultivating herbs and vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, and onions can significantly reduce grocery expenses over time. Additionally, joining local food co-ops or bulk-buying groups could provide access to discounts and shared resources. Surviving on such a tight budget requires creativity, community, support, and a proactive approach to budgeting and resourcefulness," she adds.
SA chimes in on the R750 monthly budget
The online community took to the comments section to share their thoughts on the R750 monthly budget, which he was using to survive in Cape Town.
Miss.Daniels suggested:
"Where in Cape Town are you I can offer you lunch for tomorrow."
SaiCraft wrote:
"I know most people don't like this but baked beans with white rice is soo good."
Aj140592 expressed:
"I'm curious if the woman in comments would be doing the same if the man wasn't as handsome as this creator."
Edwina Arendse shared:
"Let's feed this man."
Jevon Cross stated:
"This is much better than that hypocrite, Shaun, that he even locked his live to allow subscribers to watch live + begs for money on TikTok yet this guy doesn't even want to accept money! Respect!"
User suggested:
"An onion, a tin of tuna, macaroni and knorr mushroom soup. Best tuna pasta ever and should last you 4 days."
Razina Abbubakar commented:
"There so many single mums stretching the same meals... May God bless us all."
Source: TikTok
Other articles sharing budgeting tips
- Briefly News previously reported that a South African woman took the initiative to share a budget for an unemployed mother, and the online community was amazed.
- The momma bear @lifewithntosh revealed the expenses of a 10-day adventure in a TikTok video.
- With a family of eight to feed, a lady has mastered the art of budgeting and stretching her grocery budget.
Source: Briefly News
Johana Mukandila (Human Interest Editor) Johana Tshidibi Mukandila has been a Human Interest Reporter at Briefly News since 2023. She has over four years of experience as a multimedia journalist. Johana holds a national diploma in journalism from the Cape Peninsula University Of Technology (2023). She has worked at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, PAICTA, BONA Magazine and Albella Music Production. She is currently furthering her education in journalism at the CPUT. She has passed a set of trainings from Google News Initiative. Reach her at johana.mukandila@briefly.co.za
Fulufhelani Mashapha (Author and Actuarial Analyst) Fulufhelani Mashapha is a qualified actuarial analyst and author of 'Mind Your Cents'. She is also a One Young World Ambassador and Personal Finance Youtuber focusing on budgets, debt, savings, insurance and investments.
