Calm amid the cart chaos: What real savings look like this Black Friday
Black Friday may promise quick thrills and low prices, but consumer tech expert Trevor Brewer says the best investment is in quality products that simplify life
Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers.
On Black Friday, millions of South Africans will wage silent battles in stores and online, hunting for discounts, deals, and the thrill of the checkout. But as the frenzy ramps up, the smartest form of saving isn’t always about scoring the lowest price. Rather, it’s about investing in technology that improves your daily life, lasts for years, and even helps reduce the mountains of electronic waste piling up globally.
Trevor Brewer, director at consumer technology specialist Solenco.
Image: Supplied
Trevor Brewer, director at consumer technology specialist Solenco, frames it simply: “We’re living in a world where some technology is cheap for a reason: it doesn’t last. For every mini-fan or handheld gadget bought, a significant portion is discarded within a year. A study shows that 62 million tons of e-waste were produced in 2022 alone. That’s enough to fill over 1.5 million 40-ton trucks and, to put that into perspective, park those trucks end-to-end and they’ll circle the equator. Hard to imagine? It’s happening.”
In other words, value isn’t measured purely in rands saved during a Black Friday sale. It’s measured in time reclaimed, experiences enhanced, and e-waste avoided. Smart, durable technology gives back something money can’t buy: convenience, and a little more joy in everyday life.
Brewer notes that innovation plays a key role. “Technology that adapts intelligently to your life doesn’t just perform a function. It frees up your time and your mind for the things that matter.”
For consumers navigating the Black Friday mayhem, Brewer’s advice is clear: “Pause before clicking ‘buy’. Ask yourself: will this make my life better in the long-term? Will it still be useful and usable next year? If the answer is ‘yes’ you’re investing in real savings. If it’s a cheap, fleeting thrill, you’re probably just spending your hard-earned money irresponsibly and adding to the e-waste problem.”
The smartest Black Friday shopping move isn’t racing against the clock or hunting down the biggest discount. It’s choosing quality over quantity, slow-tech over fast, and experiences over impulse. Because at the end of the day, the best investment is the one that keeps giving calm, comfort, and a little more breathing room in the chaos.