South Africans are set to spend over R200bn this festive season, with an average of nearly R6 000 each, a recent survey has found.

This is more than a third of the average South African's take-home pay, according to BankServ Africa's latest index.

Research by short-term lender Wonga found that South Africans between the ages of 18 and 65 are set to spend an average of R5 705 each over the festive season, meaning that – based on mid-year population size estimates – working-aged people are set to pump R204bn back into the economy.

According to Wonga's Festive Spending Survey, conducted among 7 000 people, the biggest budget-benders are food and drink, travel, gifts and entertainment.

Almost a third of South Africans, however, won't travel this festive season due to rising expenses.

East, west, braai is best

According to the survey, 71% of South Africans will be celebrating Christmas with a braai.

And while online shopping may appeal to many, brick-and mortar shops are still more popular, with cash and vouchers proving to be the most favoured gifts.  

 Here are some key figures from the report:

·         South Africans, on average spend R2 174 on food and drink over the holidays;

·         Travel, including standard commutes and holiday trips, comes to R1 663;

·         Gifts come to R1 232;

·         Entertainment comes to R667.

How do we pay for it all?

For half of the respondents (50%), a bonus or thirteenth cheque helped. Others contribute to a Stokvel (25%) or save throughout the year (37%).

Eighteen percent said they had to borrow money from a credit provider to fund the extra costs.

According to Wonga, the survey results are a positive indicator in a country that is generally over-indebted, showing that the majority of South Africans plan for their festive spending.

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