Black Friday planning made simple: expert tips from South Africa’s stockpiling queen

Determined to support South Africans, especially women, through rising living costs and daily financial pressure, Ncumisa Ndelu has shaped a community built on clear guidance and shared learning. 

“I started '1 Family, 1 Stockpile' in 2016 to help women deal with often complex financial issues, starting with how they use the money they have, no matter how little, to get more,” she said. 

She added that the idea grew from watching shopping habits that troubled her, noting, “I realised many women were buying without a plan, and it reminded me how different my mother’s approach was. She respected every rand and made it work.” 

From the start, she intended to pass on practical tools that could help households survive economic shifts. She focused on budgeting, stockpiling essentials and understanding the value of planning ahead. 

What began as a small group on Facebook soon became what members now call a sisterhood, a space guided by conversation, clarity and accountability. 

“We are not here to judge each other,” she explained. “We are here to learn together, save together and support one another.” 

Today, the community has grown into a platform where women exchange price comparisons, discuss money choices, share weekly discounts and celebrate progress. 

Ndelu stressed that budgeting is not only about spending less but about building strength in the home. 

“When you make informed decisions, you create room for growth,” she said. She noted that this approach has allowed her to invest in her children’s education, support their interests and continue her work of feeding people in need. 

Her message becomes even sharper during major sales events. 

Speaking about Black Friday, she warned that shoppers must stay alert. “People must remember that it is not a miracle,” she said.

“It is businesses trying to get the most out of consumers. Your job is to flip that and get the most out of Black Friday.” 

She insisted that the only way to do this is through planning. 

“There is no room for impulse buying. None at all,” she said.

Her advice is to study the store pamphlets in advance, compare prices and select deals that match the household plan.

She added, “Buying for the sake of buying is wasteful. Buy what your family uses regularly so nothing goes to waste.”