Tips to get your December stokvel groceries to last for 12 months
#Festive2020 Most people prefer to accumulate savings by joining a stokvel in their community.
This is savings or investment society to which members contribute an agreed amount on a monthly or weekly basis. The contribution they make is then shared. It can be lump sum payment or they buy agreed items. Some buy groceries in bulk and share the various items during the festive season. This way the supplies last for 12 months. Men have also joined this format of saving and some prefer to buy alcohol. They then share it during the Christmas holidays, too.
Thembi Mathebula-Mamba*, a member of a grocery stokvel in the Bushbuckridge area, said people get too excited and forget that there is a tomorrow. “After receiving their groceries, some members of the stokvel open about three bottles of mayonnaise at the same time. They forget that they still have 365 days and they need use these products wisely,” she said.
She gives the following tips:
• Ensure that your family finishes a product completely before opening a new one.
• Make sure that the products are stored at the instructed temperature (to avoid spoilage).
• Do not share pictures or anything similar regarding your groceries on social media as this might lead to criminals breaking into your house.
• Do not sell the items for commission.
• Store the unused products elsewhere (out of sight, out of mind).
Mathebula-Mamba added that if you have more food, you do not need to go shopping. This helps you save and pay for the monthly contribution without struggling.
*Pseudonym
