Ever found a loose R20 in your pocket and thought, “This can’t buy much”? Think again. In South Africa’s vibrant townships, R20 goes much further than you’d expect. From tasty street food to quick beauty fixes, you’ll be amazed at the value hidden in plain sight. Whether you’re balling on a budget or just love getting bang for your buck, here are 10 things you didn’t know you could do with R20 in the township—and each of them proves that smart spending is a vibe.
Why This Matters: Township Economies Are Thriving
Townships aren’t just about culture and community anymore; they’re economic ecosystems full of hustle, creativity, and affordability. With over 60% of South Africans living in townships, learning how to stretch your cash here is not only practical—it’s essential. This guide is especially handy during loadshedding days, job-hunting slumps, or when payday feels too far away.
1. Score a Filling Kota or Bunny Chow
There’s no better comfort food than a loaded kota—a quarter loaf of bread stacked with polony, chips, atchar, and cheese. In many townships, a basic kota goes for as little as R15–R20. That’s a full-on meal for the same price as a cappuccino at a suburban café.
If you’re in Durban or Gauteng, you might even grab a small bunny chow for R20. Affordable and delicious? Absolutely.
Bold keyword: township food
2. Get a Fresh Haircut or Line-Up at a Street Barber
Yes, R20 might not get you a full haircut in a posh salon, but at a local street barber, you’re in luck. From a quick line-up or fade, to trimming your beard, local barbers offer value services on a budget—and with style.
These guys are entrepreneurs, and their skills? Next level. Just don’t forget to tip if they go the extra mile.
Bold keyword: budget grooming
3. Recharge Your Airtime or Buy 1GB of Data
Mobile data is life, especially in the township where Wi-Fi isn’t always accessible. With R20, you can buy a Telkom or Cell C bundle that gives you up to 1GB of data or top-up your airtime to keep your business running.
Need to WhatsApp, job hunt, or scroll through TikTok? That R20 will go a long way if you spend it smart.
Bold keyword: cheap data bundles
4. Take a Local Taxi to the Mall or CBD
Short-distance taxi fares often range from R8 to R15 depending on where you live. For R20, you can usually do a round-trip between your home and your nearest shopping hub or CBD. That’s transport sorted for the day—whether you’re heading to an interview or just picking up groceries.
Pro tip: Always carry coins for smooth taxi rides.
Bold keyword: affordable transport
5. Buy a Pack of Vetkoeks or Fat Cakes
Craving a snack? You can grab 5 or more vetkoeks with your R20, especially if you’re buying from the auntie down the road. These deep-fried delights are a township favourite, usually sold fresh in the morning.
Pair it with a cup of tea and boom—breakfast is served.
Bold keyword: township snacks
6. Pay for Phone Charging Services During Loadshedding
We all know how frustrating loadshedding can be. In many communities, people offer charging services using generators or solar power. R5–R10 can fully charge your phone while R20 might cover your power bank too.
It’s practical, convenient, and a lifesaver when you need to stay connected.
7. Buy a Small Accessory at a Street Market (and Bargain!)
Whether it’s earrings, sunglasses, socks, or beaded keychains, R20 can land you a cute little item that supports local sellers. Street markets and spaza shops are full of gems if you take the time to explore and ask for a “special price.”
You never know what treasures you’ll find—sometimes the best deals come from your neighbor.
8. Get a Quick Manicure or Nail Fix
Nail techs in the township are redefining the beauty game. For R15–R20, you can get a nail repair, polish change, or a mini-mani. It’s a quick way to feel fresh without breaking the bank.
These services are often home-based or done in informal salons, giving young women jobs and exposure.
9. Enter a Local Pool Game or Betting Match
If you’re feeling lucky, you might enter a local pool or card game—some with R10–R20 buy-ins. While we’re not promoting gambling, it’s a legit part of township leisure culture and can be surprisingly competitive.
Just know your limits—and enjoy the vibes.
10. Support a Young Hustler or Street Vendor
Sometimes, the best way to spend R20 is to pay it forward. Buy a bag of chips from a teen selling at the robots. Grab a banana from a gogo outside the taxi rank. That small amount could be helping someone pay for school fees, food, or their hustle.
And let’s be real—supporting local is always a good look.
Wrapping It Up: Township Hustle is Real Value
It’s easy to underestimate R20, but in the township, it still carries weight. From affordable transport to budget grooming and everything in between, this small amount can create big moments. Whether you’re hustling or hanging out, value lives here—you just have to know where to look.