The Soapbox | Where South Africans Speak Out

Like most 20 something year olds, I have a low bank balance and constant urge to have a good time. This has lead me to avoid shopping malls and all the pretty things that live within, packing my home made lunch for work instead of walking to Wimpy (yes, my budget does not allow for that hangover cure of a toasted cheese and tomato and cup of creamy coffee) and partying with no bank card in my purse. Slightly depressed, hung over (give me a toasted cheese!) and totally unfashionable, my life of good times felt like a distant memory. But like old people say “A boer maak ‘n plan” and so like a farmer I did.

Firstly, I live in Cape Town, a Southern Suburbs girl and for me fun needs to always be just 15 minutes away – and no I’m not taking about Main Road between Plumstead and Claremont, SIES! But finding the adequate amount of a good time at a fraction of the price is crazy tricky. So I’ve broken it down a bit for you lazy buggers who will kill your bank account because you can’t think of anything cheap to do.

Let’s start with the obvious. We live in Cape Town, bru, and we can so just make a mission to the beach. With train stations scattered all along the False Bay Coast there’s like 4 or 5 good spots you can hit. The water is warm, the boys are sun kissed surfers and the ladies are usually old and frumpy. Or if you prefer just getting a tan and lying around in your designer bikini or Speedo then head to Clifton or Camps Bay, darling. Yes it’s more of mission, parking can be a bitch and the water will give you frostbite but you can pack 6 people into a City Golf and everyone just chips in for petrol. It’s good to pretend like you one of those uber rich people who can spend all day just lounging around with not a care in the world, darling. No one needs to know the truth.  Barney did teach us all to use our imagination.

While we are on a beach buzz, Kalk Bay (or like I like calling it “The Southern Suburbs V&A”) has such an awesome day vibe. Take a train, window shop at the little magical shops, bargain, get fish and chips at Kalkies and chill on the habour. True bliss right there.

But it’s winter, now what? Winter is always tough one to deal with. If it’s not -100 degrees outside, showering litres of rain or the wind howling at you in every direction you’ll be lucky. So let’s do something indoors. If you want it to feel like summer head to Cavendish Square. The aircon in that place is always up high so put on your flip flops and shorts and WINDOW shop. No cash involved there but temptation will kill a little bit of your soul. If you really need to shop then go to a flea market. Capetonians love flea markets. No, I’m not talking about the over priced tourist ones like Green Market Square and Green Point but rather the little local ones like Milnerton Market and Muizenberg Market.

Then you could just chill at home and catch up on the last season on Glee or figure out what Lost is really all about or watch a movie. This doesn’t have to really involve money. We all have THAT friend who has unlimited broadband and downloads the latest releases. Yes I’m all about not breaking the law but come on now, if it’s there in the comfort of a friend’s home then why not! Ok if you want to be all holy about it then go spend R20 on a rental. Both ways it’s still cheap.

Now for a bit of partying. For a day time buzz head to Mzoli’s (preferably on a Sunday). No entry fee, be sneaky and booze it up in the car and there’s always a lekker buzz. Even though it’s in Gugs there’s usually a diverse mix of awesome people. Again six people in City Golf. If that’s still a mission host a braai. A few friends, some good music and you can call it a party.

If you’re more of a night person like me and prefer to get down on those expensive dance floors that you pay for in your cc, then join their Facebook group. Most clubs have guestlist details on their Facebook group. Plus in Cape Town everyone knows everyone so one of your friends are sure to know someone who works at a cool club that can get you in through the back door or something. It’s really not all about the entrance but rather the impression you leave.

Engen on Orange Street is a must for those who have money in their pockets (even though you can get 2 chicken burgers for R25) but for those of us less fortunate you could head to Golden Dish or Bona. Yes, I understand that for the lighter skinned folks this might be a bit scary but who doesn’t want a steak gatsby or vienna and chip parcel at 2am. This in turn will not only help with your hungry drunk self but also with tomorrow’s hangover, therefore no Wimpy cure. You see, it all makes sense.

So there it is:  A cheap way to have a bit of good time. If you have any other suggestions to share with the rest of us cheapies then leave a comment below and we’ll be sure to use it wisely.