I’ve come across many Zimbabweans who believe that buying groceries in South Africa is way cheaper than buying local. Some people buy from as far as Cape Town and transport the groceries by road transport.
The major reason to why people do this is that it always seems cheaper to buy in South Africa because it is much easier to earn rands than earning dollars in Zimbabwe. Ther are always special offers in South Africa every week every month and buying things that are on special is always cheaper and can help us save a lot of money. There are special offers on groceries in Zimbabwe too.
Looking at the reasoning behind importing your monthly groceries from south Africa, you may not be saving any money but rather you will be actually spending more than you think. It seems cheaper because you can buy things one at a time and stock up with time and then send to Zimbabwe at a later stage.
People seem to forget that its quite costly to transport goods from South Africa to Zimbabwe, unless if you are transporting very bulky goods. If you do your mathematics correctly, you will discover that it is cheaper to buy groceries in Zimbabwe for consumption in Zimbabwe or it may be equal for some of the goods, taking the buying price and the transport cost.
For those who are residing in South Africa and wish to buy groceries for their loved ones in Zimbabwe, using online platforms like Malaicha.com may be cheaper, convenient, reliable and a fast way to deliver groceries for your loved ones.
I understand people like to come home carrying heavy bags as a sign of someone coming back from south Africa. Well, that used to be classy and sassy but not anymore considering how expensive things are nowadays. Instead of trying to impress other people, save yourself a lot of money and buy local.
Buying clothes in SA is understandable as there is a variety to choose from at lower prices, well depending on your taste and quality.
So, when you decide to buy groceries again, choose local and save yourself some money and the stress of making sure that every thing got home. Buy local and support Zim Economy, support Zim manufacturers and businesses.