South Africa is brimming with special offers and discounts that cater to every age group and interest. From pensioners enjoying serene safaris at reduced rates to students snagging tech gadgets on the cheap, there’s a “special” for everyone.
This ultimate guide to south africa specials compiles the best and latest deals across the country – including travel, dining, shopping, and general discounts – all in one place.
We’ve scoured sources from tourism boards to TikTok trends to ensure these specials are current or reliably recurring, so you can save money and make the most of what South Africa has to offer.
Read on for a breakdown of amazing specials, organized by category, and be sure to note any eligibility requirements or redemption tips for each deal.
Table of Contents
South Africa Specials: Pensioners’ Discounts South Africa
Being 60 or older in South Africa comes with its perks! Many establishments offer pensioners’ discounts to help senior citizens stretch their rands. These deals span travel, retail, entertainment and more. Typically, you’ll need to show an ID (or pension card) to prove your age, and some specials are limited to certain days or times. Here are some top pensioner specials to bookmark:
National Parks (SANParks) – South African seniors (60+) enjoy significant savings on wildlife accommodation. SANParks offers discounted tariffs (often 20%–40% off) for camping and chalets during select off-peak months. Note that these concessions are not valid on Fridays, Saturdays, or long weekends, and usually exclude conservation fees and meals.To book, pensioners must call or visit SANParks – online bookings don’t apply for the discount. For example, a retiree could save nearly half on a mid-week Kruger Park chalet outside of school holidays (just remember to carry your ID to the park).
CapeNature Reserves – If you’re 60 or above with a valid SA ID, you qualify for 30% off all self-catering accommodation and camping at CapeNature reserves.This senior discount is available all week (Mon–Sun) except over long weekends and the busy December school holiday period(CapeNature even makes an exception by including the Easter long weekend in the deal!). Booking requires a phone call to apply the discount, and you’ll present ID at check-in. It’s a wonderful way for pensioners to afford tranquil getaways in nature reserves across the Western Cape.
Game & Makro (Retail Stores) – Two of SA’s retail giants lead the pack in pensioner shopping specials:
Game: Shoppers over 60 get a 10% discount on in-store purchases (up to a total spend of R3,000) any day of the week. This everyday seniors’ saving at Game means you don’t have to wait for “pensioners day” – you can nab a bargain on appliances, groceries, or anything in your cart whenever you visit. Just present your ID at checkout for the discount to apply.
Makro: With Makro’s mSeniors card, over-60s unlock 10% off general merchandise and 5% off groceries.These discounts apply in-store, and Makro even offers priority entry and checkout for seniors.(Picture skipping the queue on a busy day – another bonus of being a pensioner at Makro!). To get these perks, sign up for the free mSeniors loyalty card and shop on the designated pensioner days (currently any weekday).
Clicks & Dis-Chem (Pharmacies) – Senior citizens also benefit from pharmacy loyalty programs:
Clicks: ClubCard members aged 60+ can join the ClubCard Seniors programme. The highlight is Double Points on all purchases every Wednesday.
Since Clicks already gives 1 point per R5 spent, earning double mid-week means pensioners get 2 points per R5 (equivalent to 6% cashback in vouchers, instead of the usual 3%). Stock up on toiletries and health supplements on Wednesdays to maximize your savings.
(Note: Prescription meds might be excluded from double points but you’ll still earn standard points on those).
Grocery Chains (Spar, Pick n Pay, Food Lover’s Market) – Many supermarkets designate a specific day or offer special deals for pensioners:
Spar: Local Spar stores often have a pensioners’ day once a week (commonly a Tuesday or Wednesday) where seniors get around 5%–10% off their shopping. The exact day and discount can vary by branch, since Spars are franchised It’s best to ask your neighborhood Spar’s manager about their pensioner offersThis community-focused approach ensures elderly shoppers in each town get a little something back.
Pick n Pay: Pick n Pay’s approach to pensioner specials isn’t one-size-fits-all, but many PnP stores provide monthly pensioner booklets with discount coupons (covering essentials like meat, dairy, etc.)Some branches also host a weekly pensioners’ morning (often Wednesdays) with a 5% discount on your basket and even complimentary tea-and-cake meetups for the seniors in the community.
Always inquire at the customer service desk or check PnP’s local newsletter to see what they offer for pensioners. And remember to bring your Smart Shopper card – you’ll still earn points on top of the pensioner savings.
Food Lover’s Market: Select Food Lover’s Market stores extend a pensioner discount (usually around 5%–10% off) on a specific weekday. Because these policies are store-dependent, it’s wise to phone your nearest Food Lover’s and ask if they have a seniors’ day. If they do, you can time your fresh produce shopping to that day for a nice little saving on your bill.
Home Improvement – Staying handy in your golden years? Builders Warehouse has you covered. Builders offers 10% off to pensioners every Wednesday. To qualify, you need to apply in-store for their pensioners’ discount card (bring your ID to prove age 60+).
Once you have the card, you’ll get 10% off most DIY and homeware items each Wednesday. From gardening tools to paint and fixtures, that discount can really add up on big projects (note: the pensioner deal might exclude power tools or appliances – check Builders’ T&Cs). Still, it’s a fantastic ongoing special for seniors tackling home projects or hobby crafts.
Entertainment & Attractions – Growing older doesn’t mean missing out on fun! South African cinemas, theaters, and attractions often have pensioner rates:
Movies: Both major cinema chains reward the older crowd. Nu Metro offers discounted tickets to those over 60 (just bring your ID) – the only catch is Wednesdays are excluded because Wednesdays already have cheap “WOW” deals for all ages.At Ster-Kinekor, seniors who join the SK Club get 22% off movie tickets every day.
This applies to any show, any time (and it stacks with Ster-Kinekor’s half-price Tuesdays if you’re a member of Discovery Vitality or Edgars Club, making Tuesday movies very cheap for a senior!).
Live Shows: The Barnyard Theatre, for example, has offered 50% off Sunday matinee show tickets for over-60s at selected venues. Always ask about pensioner prices at theaters, museums, or exhibitions – you might be surprised. Many attractions have unadvertised senior rates if you inquire.
Tourist Attractions: A famous freebie – Table Mountain Aerial Cableway in Cape Town gives South Africans over 60 a free return cable car ride on their birthday month. Simply present your ID at the ticket office any day during your birthday month, and you ride for free to enjoy the view from the top of Table Mountain.
Also, all SANBI National Botanical Gardens grant free entry to seniors (60+) every Tuesday (excluding public holidays)– a lovely way to spend a day among flowers. Even some local transport like the Hartbeespoort “Harties” Cableway offers pensioners free rides on special days (check their schedule).
South Africa specials for Travel & Transport (for Seniors) – Hitting the road or rails is easier on the wallet for pensioners:
Intercape Buses: The Intercape long-distance coach service gives a 15% discount to all passengers aged 60+This applies on their standard fares when you book – you’ll need to provide an ID number when booking and show ID when boarding to verify. It’s a generous discount, making visits to the grandkids in another city more affordable.
City Sightseeing Bus Tours: The iconic red double-decker City Sightseeing buses in Cape Town (and Johannesburg) have special senior citizen tickets. In Cape Town, for example, there are packages that bundle the bus tour with lunch deals exclusively for pensioners.
These allow older adults to enjoy a hop-on-hop-off city tour at a nicely reduced rate, often only on weekdays. Check the City Sightseeing website or ticket office for a “pensioner special” – it might include extras like a free boat cruise or meal on certain days.
Car Rentals: Some car hire companies extend age-related deals too. Hertz South Africa has offered discounts for mature travelers – e.g. if you’re 55 or older, you can rent from Hertz’s selected fleet with a special rate (using promo code 55PLUS). And if you’re an Automobile Association (AA) member, note that AA gives seniors a big discount on membership fees which then qualifies you for various travel benefits and roadside assistance.
Air Travel: While airlines don’t usually have a “pensioner fare” nowadays, keep an eye on SAA or Mango revival news – historically, SAA had senior fares on certain routes. More reliably, British Airways Comair (when operational) gave seniors a small discount. Currently, using loyalty programs (like Discovery Vitality or FNB’s seniors offerings) can effectively give flight discounts. For instance, Discovery Bank’s Vitality 60+ program adds extra flight savings for older members (stacking on the standard Vitality flight discounts.
As you can see, being a pensioner in South Africa definitely has its advantages in terms of specials. Always carry a photo ID or pensioners card when chasing these deals and don’t be shy to ask a store or venue manager, “Do you have a pensioner’s discount?”
Often, additional unadvertised south africa specials perks are available. By planning your shopping and outings around these pensioner specials, you can significantly cut costs and enjoy more for less during your golden years.
Food and Restaurant Deals
Eating out (or ordering in) doesn’t have to break the bank – if you know where to find the specials! South Africa’s restaurants, fast food outlets, and bars offer a feast of deals, especially during weekdays and off-peak hours
Below, we highlight some of the most popular food and restaurant south africa specials nationwide, from casual fast food to sit-down dining. Pro tip: many of these recur weekly, so you can plan your cheat days accordingly!
Burger Specials (2-for-1s and Combos) – Burger joints in SA love their gimmick deals, and the most famous of all is Steers’ “Wacky Wednesday.” Every Wednesday, Steers serves up 2 flame-grilled burgers for the price of 1 – currently two original Steers burgers for about R59.90 total.
It’s an iconic midweek treat that has customers lining up each week for double burgers (just mention Wacky Wednesday at the till or select the deal on the app).
Not to be outdone, Spur Steak Ranches (a family restaurant chain) has its own burger specials. On Burger Mondays, many Spur locations offer their classic beef (or chicken/soya) burgers at a discounted price (recently around R69.90 to R84.90 for a single burger with chips, depending on the promo).Some Spur franchises even used to run a “Buy One, Get One Free” burger deal on a different weekday – for example, a promo where buying a burger on a Thursday night got you a second burger free.
Always check your local Spur’s specials menu; their deals can vary by region and season (one Spur might do a Monday special, another might do Thursday, etc.).
And don’t forget Burger King’s occasional promotions – e.g., King Wednesdays where Whoppers go 2-for-1, or limited-time combo deals advertised in their app.
Breakfast & Coffee Deals – Early birds can catch great deals at popular breakfast spots. Wimpy, for instance, famously offers a hearty Breakfast Special (eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, and tomato) at a price that’s hard to beat – often around R40–R50 in the mornings. They also run limited-time promos like “Breakfast for 2” combos or a standard coffee + breakfast bundle under R100.
Similarly, Spur’s Unreal Breakfast® is a beloved deal: for approximately R59.90, you get two eggs, two rashers of bacon, chips, tomato and toast (the exact price may vary, e.g. one recent price was R59.90 as a special. valid until 11am daily. This is an “unreal” bargain considering the portions. If you need a caffeine fix, keep an eye on chains like Mugg & Bean and Seattle Coffee for coffee hour specials; for example, sometimes Mugg & Bean offers a second cup free during certain hours, and independent cafés often have a morning happy hour where every coffee is R10 off. During winter, you might also find hot drink + pastry combos at a discount to warm you up.
Happy Hour Drinks – Many restaurants and bars across SA host Happy Hour promotions in the late afternoon or early evening. Typically, these involve half-priced or 2-for-1 drinks (cocktails, beers, house wines) for a set window of time. For example, a Cape Town bar like Bombay Brasserie advertises a happy hour from 17:00–19:00 with a buy-one-get-one-free special on draft beers, house wine, and select cocktails.
Similarly, a spot like Tiger’s Milk or News Cafe might do half-price cocktails between 5 and 7pm on weekdays. Some places extend happy hour deals to appetizers or tapas, essentially giving you discounted snacks with your drinks.
Keep an eye out in your city – Joburg, Durban, Cape Town, and others have numerous bars with chalkboard signs announcing happy hour deals (sometimes even “all day happy hour” on quieter days like Monday). These offers are perfect for unwinding after work or kicking off a night out without overspending. Just remember, happy hour times are strict; arrive on time to make the most of the cheap drinks.
Also Have a look at our section of Restaurant specials in the different towns here: Cape Town Restaurant Specials, Johannesburg Restaurant Specials, Durban Restaurant Specials, East London Restaurant specials , and PE Restaurants specials.
Family Feast Deals – Dining with family or a group of friends? Look for bundle specials:
Wimpy Family Combos: Wimpy often has seasonal combo deals, like the recent Double Cheeseburger + Chips + 2 Small Cokes for R99.90. Splitting that with a friend means a full meal for under R50 each. They also periodically run a “2 kids eat free” deal during school holidays (typically, two kids’ meals are free per adult main meal purchased – great for larger families).
And fun fact: around big events like the Comrades Marathon, Wimpy even gives out freebies – e.g., in June 2025 they offered a free coffee to all Comrades runners who showed up in their race shirt or medal.
Spur Kids Eat Free: Spur Steak Ranches is extremely family-oriented, and they frequently let kids eat for free on Wednesdays (or another designated “family day”) – usually the deal is one free kids’ meal per adult meal ordered. They also have a Kids’ Birthday Club (Spur’s Secret Tribe) which gives your child a free meal or dessert on their birthday.
For the grown-ups, Spur’s evening deals like the “Steak Nights” or “Ribs & Buffalo Wings combo” offer hefty portions at discounted set prices. For example, a Spur might advertise 400g pork ribs plus chips for a special price on Fridays, or a date-night platter for two including two mains and drinks at a fixed cost.
Pizza Nights & All-You-Can-Eat: If your crew loves pizza, check out Panarottis. Historically known for “All-You-Can-Eat Pizza” Thursdays, Panarottis has in recent times introduced Monsterito Thursday – you get a 42cm “Monsterito Duo” (two different pizzas in one giant half-and-half) for around R179.90.
This easily feeds 3–4 people. Some Panarottis still do unlimited pizza nights on Tuesdays, so inquire at your local branch (e.g., in Mauritius they advertise a Tuesday unlimited pizza evening and some SA outlets have done similar for special events). For pasta lovers, franchise Romans Pizza often runs a two-for-one promo on large pizzas or pastas – keep an eye on their advertisements.
Sushi Specials: Sushi restaurants have clued into the specials game big time. The most widespread is John Dory’s Half-Price Sushi Wednesdays – every Wednesday, all John Dory’s outlets serve selected sushi at 50% off It’s a fantastic way to indulge in salmon roses and California rolls without the high cost (the restaurants are usually packed on those nights!). In addition, look for independent sushi bars with “Sushi Happy Hour” deals or all-you-can-eat offers on quiet nights.
For example, some Cape Town sushi buffets do half-price on Mondays or all-you-can-eat for a fixed price on Tuesdays. Always check the fine print – often only certain plates or colour-coded dishes are half-price.
Fast-Food Bargains – Your quick takeaway meals can be cheaper on specific days:
KFC: Tuesdays are famous in KFC lore. Many South Africans know the “Tuesday Special” where you can get a bucket or pieces of chicken at a big discount. Currently, KFC has been running a 6-piece original recipe chicken for around R79 deal on Tuesdays the price and piece count can change with inflation – it was R65 for 6 pieces in earlier years. This is a solid saving compared to regular pricing, and perfect for a family dinner. KFC also often has online-only coupons (via their app or USSD codes) – e.g., get a Streetwise 2 with chips for R30, or a Zinger burger and small fries for R50, etc. Check their website or social media each month for new “Colonel’s Deals.”
McDonald’s: McD’s South Africa rotates specials, but favorites include the Grand Chicken Special (2 grand chicken burgers for a discounted price) or periodic “buy one, get one free” offers on Big Macs or Quarter Pounders (often advertised on their app). They have a McDonald’s Monday deal in the app where each Monday a specific item might be on promotion (like 50% off a Big Mac if bought via the app). Also, don’t forget to use their loyalty program in the app – you earn points that can redeem free items, effectively a discount in the long run.
Nando’s: While Nando’s doesn’t have a fixed weekday special nationwide, they frequently launch limited-time promo meals – e.g., a “Feast for 4” bundle with a whole peri-peri chicken, family sides and drinks at a better price than ordering à la carte. They also do occasional promotional coupons (like free delivery or a free side if you spend over a certain amount via their app). Follow Nando’s SA on social media for cheeky announcements of any specials.
Other Chains: Debonairs Pizza has the Awesome Foursome deal (4 small pizzas for a special price) which is great for groups, and they run Two-for-Tuesdays on their online ordering (buy 1 large pizza, get a second free on Tuesdays, for online orders only).
Hungry Lion (in Southern Africa regions) often advertises “Wild Wednesdays” or similar, where you get extra pieces or cheaper combos mid-week.
Chicken Licken occasionally has a cheap meal deal (like a Soul Food bucket with sides at promo price). Finally, keep an eye on new entrants or local joints – they often have grand opening specials or daily deals to attract customers. In summary, if you have a favorite fast-food spot, odds are they have a special on a certain day – ask about it or check their website, and you might score a tasty bargain.
Tip: Many restaurants and fast-food outlets announce their specials via social media (Facebook, Instagram) or through in-store posters. It’s worth following your favorite brands online or subscribing to their newsletters.
And always read the fine print: some specials are dine-in only, not available for takeaway, or need an app coupon to redeem. Timing and availability can change, so double-check if that beloved Wednesday special is still on before you plan your outing. Happy dining at half the price!
Travel and Vacation: south africa specials
Dreaming of a getaway? Traveling within South Africa can be much more affordable if you capitalize on travel specials and seasonal promotions. From discounted flights and package tours to off-season hotel rates, there are numerous ways to explore Mzansi on a budget.
This section covers the best travel and vacation deals – whether you’re a local planning a staycation or a tourist looking for bargains. Remember, many travel specials are time-sensitive (flash sales or limited windows), so it helps to stay alert to announcements and be ready to book. Here’s how to see South Africa (and beyond) without spending a fortune.
Flight Sales & Airline Deals: One of the biggest cost components of travel is airfare – but luckily, South African airlines love a good sale. The standout example is FlySafair’s annual birthday sale. Each year (typically around May), FlySafair offers a massive one-day sale with tickets at unbelievably low prices (in 2025, it was R11 one-way tickets on domestic routes).
This sale sees tens of thousands of seats released at a token price (R11 was to celebrate their 11th birthday, previously they’ve done R8 tickets, etc.) – it’s essentially a lottery system via a virtual waiting room due to huge demand. If you manage to snag a seat, you could literally fly from Johannesburg to Cape Town for the price of a cup of coffee. Other airlines also run specials: Airlink and the revitalized SAA occasionally announce promo fares on new routes; Kulula/BA Comair used to do sales before they ceased operations. Lift Airline, a newer carrier, has been known to have flash sales too (e.g., 25% off selected flights announced on short notice via social media).
Pro Tip: subscribe to airline newsletters and follow their social pages – you’ll get alerts for things like Black Friday flight specials, 2-for-1 Valentine’s deals, or new route launch promos. For instance, during Travelstart’s birthday or Black Friday campaigns, you might find domestic flights under R500 or international flights with a few thousand rands off. Timing is everything with flight deals, so be ready to book immediately when a sale goes live (and be flexible with your travel dates if possible).
Sho’t Left Travel Week: A unique South African initiative to encourage local tourism is Sho’t Left Travel Week. Every year in Tourism Month (September), South African Tourism partners with airlines, hotels, tour operators, etc., to offer up to 50% off domestic travel deals.
Sho’t Left Travel Week usually runs for a set period (e.g., one week in early September) and includes everything from safari lodges, city hotel stays, guided tours, adventure activities, to inter-city flights – all at significant discounts.
For example, you might find a 2-night stay at a 4-star hotel for half price, or a parachute jump in Durban at 40% off, only bookable during that week. The idea is to get locals traveling within SA by making it more affordable. To take advantage: keep an eye on the website and social media as September approaches.
Deals are listed by province, and you typically book them directly with the provider using a special Sho’t Left reference or via a portal. These offers often sell out fast (popular ones can be fully booked within hours), so when Travel Week kicks off, be quick to secure your spots. It’s an excellent opportunity to tick some items off your bucket list (be it a Kruger safari, a Cape winelands tour, or a Drakensberg retreat) at a fraction of the normal price.
Accommodation Specials (Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs): Hotels and guesthouses often have seasonal specials to fill rooms during quieter periods. If you plan your holiday for the off-peak season, you can snag incredible rates. For instance:
Winter Deals: Many Cape Town and coastal hotels offer discounted packages in winter (May–August). A campaign like Southern Sun’s “SunBreaks Winter” promo offered special rates plus an extra 20% in loyalty points for stays until July 2025. Likewise, boutique hotels in the Cape winelands or Garden Route run winter stay-pay deals (e.g., stay 3 nights but pay for 2).
The Inside Guide published a list of Cape accommodation where readers could save 15–30% on winter stays for example, a luxury Hermanus hotel at 30% off or a safari lodge with a winter package. Always check if the hotel’s special includes extras: some throw in free breakfast, spa credits, or a dinner for two to sweeten the deal during low season.
Last-Minute and Weekend Getaways: Websites like LekkeSlaap and TravelGround list last-minute accommodation specials. You might see a deal like “20% off for this coming weekend only” if a lodge has unsold rooms. LekkeSlaap even had a dedicated winter specials page with up to 50% off at 50+ accommodations around SA for a limited time. If you’re spontaneous, these portals can be great – you decide on Wednesday to take a weekend trip, find a guesthouse with a half-price deal, and off you go.
Packages for Locals: Some high-end resorts and game lodges have cheaper rates for SADC residents or SA ID holders. For example, luxury safari lodges that normally price in USD offer “SA Resident Specials” outside peak foreign-tourist season, cutting rates by 30-40%. Sun City and Emerald Resort sometimes promote local packages (like midweek family packages including breakfast or activity vouchers). It never hurts to ask a hotel if they have a local resident rate or a promotional package – you could get free nights or free add-ons.
Holiday Promotions: Look out for special periods – Easter, Christmas/New Year, and School Holidays – where tourism boards or hotel groups advertise deals to entice travelers. For instance, around Easter 2025, some places had “Easter 2-for-1 nights” or kids-stay-free deals. Conversely, right after peak season (e.g., late January or mid-October), you’ll often see slashed prices since demand dips when school resumes. Timing your vacation for these shoulder periods can yield big savings.
Tour & Activity South Africa Specials and Discounts: Beyond flights and hotels, consider deals on tours, attractions, and activities:
Package Tours: Companies like Flight Centre or Great Value Vacations bundle airfare and hotel (and sometimes car rental) for international travelers, but locals can use them too. You might find a package for a Cape Town + Safari combo at a rate lower than if you booked each separately. Also, new online agencies often have R1000 off coupons for first-time users, which you can use on local package deals.
Group Discounts: If you have a group of friends, some tour operators will give a group discount (e.g., book 4 people on a guided hike, get 10% off). Similarly, if you’re planning a domestic tour (like a Panorama Route guided trip or a shark cage dive), see if there’s a South African resident price or low-season special. Many adventure companies offer locals 20% off outside of December.
Car Rentals & Transport: We touched on pensioner deals for car rental, but for the general public: rental agencies frequently have weekend specials (e.g., pick up a car Friday and return Monday for the price of a 2-day hire, effectively getting an extra day free). Around long weekends, you might see promos like “rent for 3 days, pay for 2” at Avis or Tempest. Additionally, rideshare and intercity bus services run promos – e.g., Uber sometimes has discount codes for certain events, and Greyhound or City to City buses might have a “kids ride free” school holiday offer or similar.
Cruises: If you fancy cruising, watch for MSC Cruises sales when the new season launches (often offering upgrades or onboard credits), and Transnet’s Holiday Rail packages – occasionally they open tourist berths on long-distance passenger trains (like Shosholoza Meyl) with packages that include hotel nights at the destination.
Travel Expos: Events like the Getaway Show or Holiday Expo often feature exclusive specials. Exhibitors (resorts, tour companies) give discounts if you book at the show. For example, a 5-day Wild Coast hike tour might be R1000 off if reserved during the expo weekend, or a beach resort might offer “pay 2, stay 3” vouchers for attendees. If you’re serious about deal-hunting for travel, these expos are worth visiting (and they sometimes hand out coupon booklets).
In summary, the key to travel specials is planning and awareness. Sign up for newsletters from airlines, hotel groups, and tourism boards – your inbox will be the first place you hear about a flash sale or special offer. Be flexible with dates to take advantage of mid-week or off-peak discounts.
And consider loyalty programs: e.g., Discovery Vitality members get up to 25–35% off flights and holiday accommodation through the Vitality platform and FNB/RMB clients with certain accounts get big travel discounts via eBucks (sometimes 30% off selected flight bookings. By stacking such loyalty benefits on top of public specials, you can travel for a fraction of the cost. With a bit of savvy, that dream trip – be it a safari, a city break, or a beach holiday – can fit your budget through these South Africa travel specials.
Brand-Specific Promotions: South Africa Specials
Some of the best specials in South Africa are those tied to specific brands or retailers. These promotions often reward loyal customers of a particular store or chain, and can range from weekly sale catalogs to exclusive coupons and birthday freebies.
In this section, we break down specials by brand category – highlighting grocery store deals, restaurant chain promotions, and loyalty program perks from banks or telecoms. If you frequently shop or dine with these brands, you’ll want to take full advantage of their promotions and programs. Let’s explore the standout brand-specific specials:
Supermarket & Retail Chains: Major grocery retailers release weekly specials catalogues full of discounts:
Pick n Pay (PnP): PnP publishes new specials every week (often mid-week to the following Sunday). Look out for “Weekend Specials”
PnP’s loyalty program, Smart Shopper, is key to maximizing savings. It not only gives points (which you can spend as cash back), but also personalized discounts via coupons on your till slip or the PnP app (e.g., 20% off your favorite brand of coffee).
Recently, PnP partnered with FNB’s eBucks, allowing certain bank customers to earn up to 30% back in rewards on their Pick n Pay shopping – a massive saving for those who qualify. Also ask about Pensioners Wednesday (some PnP stores, as mentioned earlier, have a seniors’ 5% off day and Student discounts (occasionally, PnP offers double points days if you show a student card, though this is not a standard national policy).
Checkers & Shoprite: Checkers runs the popular Xtra Savings program – it’s free to join, and by swiping your card you get instant discounts on hundreds of items each week. On the shelf, you’ll see two prices (the regular price and the Xtra Savings price); the difference can be quite steep, like a product that’s R100 normally might be R70 for cardholders.
Shoprite, their sister chain aimed at the budget market, has similar monthly mega-saver deals and a Xtra Savings card of its own (usable at Shoprite or Checkers). A unique Checkers offering is Sixty60 app deals – sometimes the delivery app has app-only specials or free delivery for orders above a low threshold. And don’t forget Checkers LiquorShop specials on wine, beer, and spirits (often coinciding with public holidays and sporting events).
Woolworths: Woolies may be premium, but it has its share of specials via WRewards. Members get automatic discounts on selected “WRewards” tagged items (for instance, 20% off a range of veggies or 3-for-2 on certain prepared meals). They also send personalized 10%-off vouchers for departments you shop frequently (like clothing or food).
A big appeal is their seasonal sales – Woolworths Annual Sale (end of season) can go up to 50% off fashion and homeware. For food, look out for multi-buy deals such as “Buy 2 save R20” on meats or cheeses, and the beloved “Chuckles Week” or similar promotions on treats. Woolworths also often gives an extra 5% off to Woolies credit card holders on top of sale prices during special events.
Game & Makro: These retail stores (mentioned earlier for pensioners) regularly have catalogue promotions on general merchandise. Game is known for “Beat the Price” and Black Friday Deals – e.g., TVs, electronics, and appliances at very low prices for a limited time. They guarantee to beat any competitor’s price on the same item, which effectively is a price-match plus extra discount policy.
Makro does huge warehouse sales, like the Makro Liquor Festival or M-Deal Days, with savings on bulk packs, liquor, and gadgets. If you’re a Makro mCard app user, you get app-only coupons as well. Another brand promo:
Always check Game and Makro’s monthly mailers – you might find, for example, a “3 for 2” deal on laundry detergent or a special price on gaming consoles ahead of school holidays.
Pharmacy & Beauty Retailers: Two big players here are Clicks and Dis-Chem, and both are heavy on specials and rewards:
Clicks: Expect a weekly or bi-weekly catalogue full of “3 for 2” deals (especially on vitamins, cosmetics, toiletries). For instance, a promo might be “Buy any 3 Pantene products and pay for 2” or “2 for R150” on certain skincare. They also have Combo Deals, like a discounted price when you buy toothpaste + mouthwash together.
Clicks’ ClubCard loyalty often layers extra discounts – ClubCard members get exclusive pricing on select items (marked on shelves), and Clicks sends out spend-and-save coupons (like R50 off when you spend R300) to members regularly.
A major highlight is the Clicks Birthday Month: during your birthday month, ClubCard gives you an additional 10% off one shopping trip coupon, and double points on that purchase, which is a nice treat. Additionally, Clicks has partnerships: e.g., Discovery Vitality members get up to 10–15% cash back on HealthyCare products at Clicks, which is another form of special for those in Vitality.
Dis-Chem: Similar to Clicks, Dis-Chem runs “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” promos extensively and huge seasonal sales (their Beauty Fair and Baby Fair annual events have big markdowns on makeup and baby products respectively).
The Dis-Chem Benefit card is your ticket to earning loyalty points (converted to vouchers), but they also give members access to competitions and sampling campaigns. A unique Dis-Chem promo: they sometimes offer R100 voucher for every R1000 spent during certain periods – effectively a 10% rebate which is quite generous.
Also, check for bundle deals in-store; for example, a pack that includes a shampoo, conditioner and hair serum sold as a kit for 30% less than buying separately. If you subscribe to Dis-Chem’s email or WhatsApp, you’ll get their monthly brochures showcasing all specials and combo deals currently on.
Other Beauty Brands: Retailers like Edgars Beauty or The Body Shop often have loyalty clubs that grant periodic discounts (Edgars Thank U card, Body Shop Love Your Body club with birthday vouchers and member sales).
Avon/Justine representatives give out catalogs with monthly specials on cosmetics and perfumes. High-end cosmetics stores in malls might have “gift with purchase” specials (spend X on a brand, get a gift pack free). Keep an eye out around Mother’s Day and Black Friday for the best beauty deals – for example, Sorbet often offers 20% off gift cards on Black Friday, and international brands at Woolies go on 30% off sales mid-year.
As you can see, almost every major brand or retailer has some form of promotional deal or loyalty reward – the trick is to capitalize on them.
Here’s a quick checklist to maximize brand-specific South Africa Specials:
- Get the loyalty card/app for every store you frequent (Smart Shopper, Xtra Savings, Clicks ClubCard, Dis-Chem, etc.) – they’re free and unlock lower prices.
- Schedule your shopping around special days (e.g., do a big grocery run on Wednesdays if that’s when discounts apply, or wait for “double points” days).
- Stack promotions if possible: use a coupon on a sale item, or a student discount on an already discounted product – some brands allow this.
- Stay informed: follow brands on social media and subscribe to emails. For instance, you’ll get notified of a one-day flash sale at Pick n Pay or a birthday special at your favorite restaurant (many eateries will email you a free meal coupon on your birthday if you join their club).
- Keep vouchers and use them: don’t forget you have that R100 Clicks birthday voucher or those eBucks – set reminders if needed before they expire.
By being a savvy shopper and leveraging these brand-specific specials, you can save significantly on your monthly expenses, whether it’s groceries, gadgets, or good times out with friends.
Birthday Freebies and Other South Africa Specials
One of the best times to snag freebies is your birthday (or birthday month). South African companies love to help you celebrate by gifting something on your special day:
Free Admission: Several attractions let you in for free on your birthday. We mentioned Gold Reef City – the theme park in Johannesburg grants free entry on the day of your birthday (just show your ID at the gate).That saves you a few hundred rands and is an awesome birthday treat for thrill rides.
Similarly, Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town allows free entry any day of your birthday month for SA residents (with ID) And of course, the Table Mountain cable car is free for locals during your birthday month– arguably the best view in Cape Town for the best price of R0.
Restaurants & Food: Many restaurant chains give a little birthday treat. For example, if you sign up to Mugg & Bean’s loyalty, they’ll email you a free Giant Muffin voucher for your birthday (no purchase needed, just enjoy the muffin!).
Spur gives members of their Family Card or kids club a free burger or dessert on birthday (the exact offer can vary by year – sometimes it’s a full meal for adults, sometimes just a free chocolate brownie with ice cream).
Ocean Basket used to have a promo where if it’s your birthday and you dine in, you get a free piece of cake. It’s always worth mentioning “Hey, it’s my birthday today!” when at a restaurant – at minimum, staff often bring you a slice of cake with a candle on the house.
Even Starbucks South Africa offers a free drink on your birthday if you have their Rewards app (one free large beverage of your choice – nice!).
Retail Birthday Vouchers: Both Clicks and Dis-Chem load a birthday voucher for their loyalty members. Clicks typically gives R50 in points during your birthday month (if you’ve been an active ClubCard member), and Dis-Chem gives a R100 birthday voucher for Benefit members (valid for that month). It’s essentially free money to spend in-store. Some clothing retailers do similar – for example, Truworths has been known to send a R100 gift voucher to account holders on birthdays.
Fun Activities: Certain places like indoor trampoline parks or bowling alleys might let the birthday person jump or bowl free if they come with a group. Also, check local city specials: sometimes a city tour bus or a mini-golf course will advertise a birthday free entry. In Pretoria, the zoo has at times done a free entry for birthdays. In Durban, uShaka Marine World has offered free entrance to either Wet ’n Wild or Sea World on your birthday in the past (with ID).
Note: For many of these, if your birthday falls on a day the place is closed or you can’t go, some allow a grace period (e.g., the day before or after, or anytime in your birthday month). Always check terms. And you usually need a valid ID to prove the date. It’s a good idea to plan a few fun outings around your birthday to take full advantage of the freebies – you could do a whole day where you ride the cable car, visit the aquarium, and end with a free restaurant dessert, all without paying a cent!
Loyalty and Rewards Programs of South Africa Specials (Open to Everyone)
We’ve talked about store-specific loyalty, but here we mean broader loyalty programs anyone can join that yield discounts:
- Bank Rewards: Even if you’re not with FNB or Discovery, other banks have reward programs. Absa Rewards gives a percentage cash back on purchases if you opt in (e.g., 0.25%–1% back on all debit card spend, plus boosted rewards for shopping at partner stores like Dis-Chem or Food Lover’s). Nedbank Greenbacks let you earn points to redeem for shopping vouchers or even invest in ETFs. These might not slash the price at checkout, but the cash back later is effectively a discount on everything you bought.
- Telco Rewards: If you’re with Telkom, Vodacom, MTN, or Cell C, see if they have a rewards program. Vodacom has the VodaBucks as mentioned, MTN has Yello rewards, Cell C has Free Bonus on recharges, etc. While not straightforward like “10% off”, these can be traded in for shopping vouchers, airtime, or entries into prize draws – all of which save you money indirectly.
- Cashback Apps: South Africa has seen a rise in independent cashback apps. For example, SnapnSave and Shoprite’s Xtra Savings app allow you to get cash back on certain products by uploading your till slip after purchase. It’s like getting a rebate on items (e.g., R5 back on buying a particular bread, credited to your app wallet which you can withdraw once it accumulates). Bottle app and Ubuntoo have had similar concepts for alcohol and general groceries respectively. Using these can turn regular shopping into extra rands saved.
- Fuel Rewards: With petrol prices always up, fuel reward programs are key. Shell’s V+ gives you 15c back per liter as a cash voucher after certain fills. BP’s Pick n Pay Smart Shopper partnership means you earn Smart Shopper points on fuel at BP (which is like 0.5% back in value). Engen has eBucks for FNB, and Caltex has UCount for Standard Bank (where you can get up to R3 or R4 per liter back depending on your reward level). If you align your fuel buying with one of these programs, it’s like getting a constant discount on every tank.
- Miscellaneous Freebies: Some deals just don’t fit a category but are out there – like free car wash days at certain petrol stations (e.g., fill up on a Tuesday at some Sasol and get a free wash), or loyalty cards at local coffee shops (buy 9 coffees, get the 10th free type cards). These small loyalty perks exist everywhere, so when you become a regular someplace, always inquire if they have a loyalty stamp card or members club.
In essence, general public discounts are about leveraging your personal circumstances (age, birthday, etc.) and free-to-join programs to get benefits. They may not always be heavily advertised, so a little digging goes a long way. Mark your calendar for your birthday freebies, keep your student card handy if you have one, and swipe those loyalty cards. Over a year, the savings from these “invisible” specials – a free coffee here, a cashback there – can really add up, effectively becoming one of the best specials of all.
Conclusion: Making the Most of South Africa Specials
As we’ve explored in this ultimate guide– from discounts that cater to specific groups (like pensioners and students) to deals anyone can grab if they know where to look. By taking advantage of these offers, you can stretch your rand further, whether you’re grocery shopping, dining out, traveling, or celebrating another trip around the sun.
The key takeaways for maximizing savings through these south africa specials are:
Stay informed and plan ahead: Many deals are recurring (daily, weekly, or annual events). Keep a calendar or set reminders (for example, note which day your favorite restaurant has half-price deals, or when Travel Week or Black Friday is coming up) so you never miss out. Subscribe to newsletters and follow social media updates for brands and tourism boards.
Join loyalty programs and clubs: They’re usually free and often automatically give you lower prices or cashback. It’s a no-brainer to swipe a loyalty card or use an app if it means exclusive specials (like members-only coupons or birthday rewards).
Always ask about discounts: In South Africa, it’s culturally acceptable to ask, “Is there a discount for X?” (X could be pensioners, students, paying cash, bulk purchase, etc.). If you’re over 60, ask everywhere and you’d be surprised, even a small nursery or hardware store might say “Sure, pensioners get 5% off on Tuesdays.” If you’re a student or have kids, ask about those too. The worst that can happen is they say no – but often the answer could be yes, unlocking an unadvertised special.
Read the fine print: Every special has terms – maybe only valid certain days, or requiring a coupon code, or limited stock available. To avoid disappointment, double-check validity dates and requirements (e.g., need to present your ID or book via phone). We saw examples like SANParks requiring bookings in the senior’s name and excluding weekends or a meal deal requiring two diners. Know before you go, so you can enjoy the deal smoothly.
Combine deals when possible: The ultimate hack is stacking specials. For instance, you could use a student discount to buy an already-on-sale item with a loyalty voucher – triple stacking savings! Or travel during Travel Week and pay with a discounted voucher or use your loyalty points. While not always possible, thinking creatively can amplify your benefits.
Now, armed with this knowledge, go forth and save! Happy deal-hunting, and enjoy the rewards of smart spending in South Africa!
