Monthly Expenses of Woman Earning R16k Leaves South Africans Stressed

• A TikTok video broke down how quickly a R16,000 salary disappears when stacked against everyday expenses
• The figures, which included a hefty debt repayment, sparked anxiety as many saw their financial struggles reflected
• The post comes at a time when rising costs and debt pressures are weighing heavily on South Africans

South Africans were left unsettled after a TikTok post highlighted how a seemingly decent monthly income can be swallowed by living costs and debt, exposing the harsh reality of today’s economy.

South Africans on TikTok have been left shaken after a post by Phaswane Itumeleng Moloto revealed just how quickly a R16,000 monthly salary can disappear once basic expenses are deducted. The video, which has already attracted more than 272 likes and dozens of comments, sparked a wave of concern as viewers compared their own cost-of-living struggles to the breakdown shared on screen.

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In the clip, Moloto calmly goes through a list of monthly expenses that many South Africans would recognise all too well, including rent at R8,500, electricity at R1,500, Wi-Fi at R450, groceries at R4,000, hair at R600, and an eyebrow-raising R9,000 owed to a loan shark. When added together, the expenses far exceed the monthly income, leaving no room for savings or unexpected emergencies.

What resonated strongly with viewers was not just the individual costs, but how representative they are of life for many working South Africans. Rising rent prices, climbing food costs, and steep electricity tariffs have stretched households to their limit. Even those earning above the national average salary are finding it difficult to make ends meet.

Mzansi faces rising costs and debt pressures

The presence of a loan shark expense of R9,000 particularly struck a nerve. It highlighted how easily debt can spiral out of control when wages cannot cover essential living costs. With interest rates and the price of credit continuing to rise, many South Africans are turning to short-term lenders, often worsening their financial instability in the long run.

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Mzansi’s response online reflected a mix of stress, disbelief, and empathy. Many recognised themselves in the figures, noting how the economy has chipped away at purchasing power. Food inflation, fluctuating petrol prices, and unstable employment have created an environment where financial security feels increasingly out of reach.

This video comes at a time when the broader economy is under intense scrutiny. South Africa’s official inflation rate has hovered uncomfortably high, while unemployment remains a pressing issue. For younger professionals in particular, the dream of financial independence is being replaced by a constant battle with debt and rising costs.

Moloto’s post struck a raw nerve, not because it was unusual, but because it was painfully familiar. For many, the breakdown showed that earning R16,000 a month no longer guarantees stability. Instead, it exposed the daily financial balancing act millions of South Africans face.

Mzansi reacted to the video

Zama said:

"How much is the salary? That loan shark amount alone is already stressing me. 😭"

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SPUMs said:

"Wow, I have watched your blogs, but this one left me speechless. What if the mashonisa dies, where will the R9000 come from?"

Vene said:

"Is it 9k a month to mashonisa, or is the total outstanding debt to mashonisa 9k?"

Koketso Coco said:

"Today's case ea nstressa shem... Ke thomile ka go mo nyakela cheap rent, she must just go to Tembisa. And the kids must walk and bond. And her nails must rest for a month or six."

Anttonet_rahlagane said:

"Get an affordable place and take a loan to pay off that loan shark, so you can pay the bank a smaller amount monthly – and BLOCK THE LOAN SHARK!"

SisterM Budgets said:

"This is a big problem, hey. So lawyers, accountants, and doctors are poor because they sell a service? Woolies, Guess,and Gucci are poor because they sell products, considering they all started small. 🤔 I would have said, while they attend to a customer's hair, I would have told them to join me in selling The Perfume Co Africa perfumes. All the best, ITU."

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Stella Yolisa said:

"I watched the whole YT video and lomama makenze le bloody moer afuna uyenza, uphakeme ne salary encinci."

Moraks said:

"This case left me speechless. She has a problem with every solution you propose. 😭🥺"

Check out the TikTok video below:

3 Briefly News stories related to salaries

• A woman posted a TikTok video of the outing that she took her man on with her first salary after escaping unemployment.
• A South African woman used her very first salary as an education assistant to surprise her mother, making the moment extra special.
• A South African content creator who creates posts about budgeting went viral after she shared how she survives on her salary.

Source: Briefly News