A Young Man's R150 Grocery Haul Sparks Debate On TikTok

Holifil

04 Apr, 2025

A young TikToker claims he bought two bags of groceries for just R150 at Shoprite
His haul includes drinks, snacks, condiments, and more, leaving many skeptical
Commenters question the price, but the shopper reveals his secret weapon: an Xtra Savings card

A man showcases his R150 grocery haul. Images: @bongimbele_. Source: TikTok

We’ve all been there—standing in the checkout line at the grocery store, trying to calculate how much we’ve spent and hoping we don’t go over budget. But what if someone told you they managed to buy two full bags of groceries for just R150? That’s exactly what one TikToker is claiming, and people can’t stop talking about it. This story isn’t just about saving money; it’s about the power of smart shopping and the disbelief it sparks among those who struggle to stretch their budgets.

How to Get More for Less at the Grocery Store

Meet Bongi, a Johannesburg-based TikToker who goes by the handle @bongimbele_. Recently, he uploaded a video that’s been making waves across social media. In the clip, Bongi proudly displays his affordable grocery haul, unpacking two Shoprite bags filled with everything from Coca-Cola to mayonnaise. His message was simple but bold: “What you get in South Africa for R150.”

So, what exactly did Bongi bring home for such a low price? His cart included two 2-liter bottles of Coca-Cola, three cans of a gin-infused drink, a jar of Aromat, six cans of an alcoholic beverage, two tubs of mayonnaise, a jar of pickles, and half a dozen rolls. Not bad for R150, right? Well, that’s what Bongi wants you to think. In the caption of his post, he added a playful jab, writing, “Ramaphosa changed things.”

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R150 Grocery Haul Leaves South Africans Skeptical

As you might imagine, Bongi’s TikTok post didn’t go unnoticed. Thousands of social media users flooded the comment section, expressing disbelief over the amount he claimed to have spent. Some thought it was too good to be true, while others accused him of lying outright. But Bongi had an explanation ready. He revealed in the comments that he used an Xtra Savings card, which likely helped him score some serious discounts.

One commenter, @zane.heath, joked, “The plastic alone is R150.” Meanwhile, @lee4rmzw chimed in with a humorous take: “There’s no way all that is R150. Unless you bought it off the streets and just used a Shoprite bag.” Another user, @shantelsinghs, wasn’t convinced either, saying, “Never, unless it’s all expired.”

Others took the opportunity to reminisce about simpler times. @zemaincharecter shared, “Things have gotten too expensive, yoh. To think I used to buy a whole 5kg braai pack, rice, cooking oil, and eggs with this amount.” And @tiego.1 offered up their theory: “He meant R1 500, guys. It’s a typing mistake. He left out one zero.”

Where Did Bongi Shop?

Some commenters were curious about where Bongi managed to find such great deals. @slindile_madlamini asked, “Haibo, where do you shop? This isn’t the regular Shoprite we know.” Meanwhile, @sanelekhulu865 poked fun at the situation, responding, “Which South Africa are you talking about?”

Another Budget-Friendly Grocery Haul

This isn’t the first time South Africans have been amazed by someone’s ability to stretch their grocery budget. In a previous story, Briefly News covered another shopper who managed to fill their cart with R350 worth of groceries from Shoprite. Their haul included several trays of meat—chicken portions, pork chops, and more—along with eggs, vegetables, and condiments. Just like Bongi’s post, this shopper’s video left many questioning how they managed to buy so much for so little.

What’s clear is that these stories highlight the importance of being strategic when shopping. Whether it’s using loyalty cards, taking advantage of sales, or knowing where to find the best deals, every little bit counts. So, the next time you’re at the grocery store, maybe take a page from Bongi’s book and see if you can walk out with two bags of groceries for less than R150.