Less braai and more savings: why South Africans are cutting down on braai-time
Telling South Africans they can't braai is like telling us loadshedding is back.
It’s still considered summer in SA, but even the coldness of winter creeping closer won’t stop us from lighting a fire and throwing a chop on the braai.
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However, in today’s economy, people are trying to save every penny, and a braai isn’t always the cheapest meal.
BusinessTech has published its first Braai Index for 2026.
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They compile the Braai Index every month using pricing data from the Pietermaritzburg Equity Justice and Dignity (PMBEJD) group.
The PMBEJD’s data reflects real “on the ground” prices from across South Africa’s major provinces and includes items found in the majority of South African households' shopping baskets.
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The Braai Index uses data to track the prices of items typically used for a braai and provides insight into inflation.
The index includes:
- meat - beef, wors, chicken portions
- vegetables - spinach, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, green pepper.
- others - samp, maize, curry powder, salt.
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According to the January 2026 Braai Index, the cost of hosting a braai has increased month-on-month and year-on-year.
Economists have also warned that meat prices are set to continue climbing.
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Key takeaways from the index:
- The SA braai basket has increased 2,6% month-to-month.
- Increases for both meat (beef and chicken) and vegetables are the main drivers.
- The basket year-to-year inflation is less severe, but up by 1,1%.
- This increase is also driven by a massive 19% increase in beef prices.
- Prices rose between December and January.
- During this time, the price of spinach, onions, carrots, and potatoes rose significantly.
- There was also a decrease in the prices of green peppers and samp.
Have a look at the month-on-month and year-on-year indexes below:
DIY Tips to Stretch That R10‑Per‑Person Vibe
Shop around: butchers at local markets still have deals if you do some research
Mix and match cheaper cuts: try sosaties, chicken wings or braaibroodjies with just a sprinkle of wors
Bring your own salads (BYOS): ask friends to contribute potato salad or chakalaka to lighten the host's load
Use gas or wood: charcoal and wood prices are also rising, so use fires sparingly for slow warming rather than full‑on steaks
Keep gatherings smaller: focus on quality rather than crowd size
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