By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: Kagiso Masela, Manager of Retail Sustainability & ESG Solutions at FNB. Photo Credit: Supplied
As South Africans brace for another round of electricity tariff increases expected in July, households across the country are increasingly turning to smarter spending habits to manage mounting financial pressure.
With the cost of living continuing to rise — from electricity and transport to groceries and fuel — many families are reassessing how they consume energy and manage everyday expenses in an effort to strengthen long-term financial resilience.
According to FNB South Africa, the current economic climate is encouraging consumers to move beyond short-term cost-cutting and adopt more intentional lifestyle choices that support both financial wellbeing and environmental sustainability.
Rising costs drive behavioural change
Kagiso Masela says rising household costs are forcing consumers to pay closer attention to how they use essential resources.
“This environment is forcing people to pay closer attention to how they manage essential expenses like electricity, food and fuel,” Masela explained.
He noted that many financially responsible habits also contribute to lower resource consumption and reduced environmental impact.
“Saving money and using resources more responsibly often go hand in hand,” he added.
South Africa’s electricity system remains heavily dependent on coal-generated power, meaning that reduced electricity consumption not only lowers household bills but also eases strain on the country’s energy infrastructure.
Smarter energy use becoming a financial necessity
Electricity continues to represent one of the largest monthly household expenses for many South Africans.
FNB says simple lifestyle adjustments can make a meaningful difference over time, including:
- Switching to LED lighting
- Installing geyser timers
- Using gas heaters during winter
- Unplugging unused appliances
- Maximising natural daylight
The bank also encouraged households to first understand and reduce their electricity consumption before investing in alternative energy solutions such as solar systems, inverters, or battery backups.
Through its digital platform, FNB says customers can access tools that help assess energy usage, calculate potential savings, and explore financing options for renewable energy solutions.
Food waste and transport costs under scrutiny
Beyond electricity, South Africans are also being encouraged to rethink food consumption and transport habits.
According to the World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa, the country wastes an estimated 10 million tons of food annually — representing both significant financial loss and environmental strain.
FNB says careful meal planning, proper food storage, and repurposing leftovers can help households stretch grocery budgets while reducing unnecessary waste.
The bank also highlighted the growing importance of transport efficiency as fuel prices continue placing pressure on household budgets.
Consumers are increasingly encouraged to:
- Combine errands into fewer trips
- Use public transport where possible
- Share rides and carpool
- Monitor transport spending patterns through banking apps and budgeting tools
Small habits, long-term impact
Masela believes financial resilience is often built through small, consistent behavioural changes rather than dramatic lifestyle overhauls.
Reusable shopping bags, refillable water bottles, repairing appliances, and buying durable products instead of disposable alternatives are among the habits being encouraged.
“It’s not about perfection. Making small swaps is what saves you money over time,” Masela said.
He added that while no single habit can completely offset rising living costs, the cumulative effect of responsible financial decisions can significantly improve household stability over time.
Sustainability and affordability becoming interconnected
The growing overlap between sustainability and affordability is increasingly shaping consumer behaviour in South Africa, particularly as households navigate economic uncertainty and rising utility costs.
Financial institutions, retailers, and environmental organisations are now placing greater emphasis on practical sustainability — focusing not only on environmental responsibility but also on helping consumers save money and improve long-term financial security.
As tariff increases and economic pressures continue to affect households nationwide, experts believe smarter resource management may become less of a lifestyle choice and more of a financial necessity for millions of South Africans.
