Black Friday in South Africa: All Your Questions Answered

Black Friday is one of those days that gets everyone talking. Some people love it, some avoid it, but there’s no denying how massive it’s become in South Africa.

I still remember my first Black Friday trip — I told myself I’d “just have a look” at the specials. I came home with a kettle, a blender, and a packet of chocolates I definitely didn’t need. Lesson learned: you need a plan before you shop.

If you’ve ever asked questions like “When is Black Friday this year?” or “How does Black Friday work?”, here’s your 2025 guide to shopping smart and saving more.

What Day is Black Friday 2025 in South Africa?

This year, Black Friday falls on Friday, 28 November 2025.

It always lands on the last Friday of November, the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. Even though we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving here, South African retailers have fully embraced the shopping tradition.

So, if you’re wondering:

• When is Black Friday in South Africa this year?
• What date is Black Friday 2025?

The answer is Friday, 28 November 2025.

How Does Black Friday Work?

On Black Friday, stores drop prices on selected items, both in-store and online, until stock runs out.

But it’s no longer just a one-day sale. Most retailers now stretch it into:

• Weekend specials (Friday to Sunday)
• Week-long sales
• Or even a full Black November, with discounts running throughout the month

In short, Black Friday works by creating time-limited offers that encourage shoppers to act fast.

What Black Friday Deals Are Online?

Almost every major retailer runs Black Friday 2025 deals online, which means you can skip the queues and shop comfortably from home.

Some popular online sales to look out for include:

• Takealot’s Blue Dot Sale
• Makro’s online specials
• Game’s Black Friday discounts
• Checkers Sixty60 grocery savings
• Woolworths and Superbalist online deals

Personally, I prefer online shopping during Black Friday — it’s calmer, safer, and much easier to compare prices before clicking “buy.”

What’s Worth Buying on Black Friday?

It’s tempting to grab everything that looks discounted, but smart shoppers know to focus on what they actually need.

The best Black Friday buys are usually:

• Electronics: TVs, laptops, phones, and headphones
• Appliances: Fridges, washing machines, air fryers, kettles
• Groceries: Bulk items from Checkers or Shoprite
• Toys: Perfect for early Christmas shopping
• Home essentials: Bedding, cookware, and cleaning products

One of my best Black Friday deals ever was a TV. We saved thousands just by waiting until November.

Where to Buy a TV or Electronics on Black Friday 2025

If a new TV or gadget is on your wishlist, start scouting early. Here are some of the best places to look:

• Makro – Great for large appliances and electronics
• Game – Known for tech and household specials
• Takealot – Perfect for comparing prices and checking delivery options

Tip: Add your chosen items to your online wishlist now so you can track price changes when the Black Friday week begins.

What Time Do Stores Open and Close?

• Opening times: Some stores open as early as midnight or 6 AM.
• Closing times: Most in-store sales end at midnight on Friday, though online deals often continue into the weekend.

If you prefer avoiding crowds, online shopping is the way to go.

How Many Days Does Black Friday Last?

Traditionally, Black Friday was just one day. But in South Africa, it’s now a multi-day or even month-long event.

You’ll see:

• Weekend deals (Friday to Sunday)
• Cyber Monday sales for online shoppers (Monday, 1 December 2025)
• Black November specials running the entire month

So, for most of us, it’s not just Black Friday anymore — it’s Black November.

A Quick Look Back: How Black Friday Started

Black Friday began in the United States during the 1960s. Police in Philadelphia used the term to describe the chaos of traffic and crowds the day after Thanksgiving.

Retailers later rebranded it positively, explaining that it’s the day their sales move from being “in the red” (a loss) to “in the black” (a profit).

In South Africa, Black Friday only started gaining traction around 2012–2014, but it has quickly grown into one of the biggest shopping days of the year.

Final Thoughts

Black Friday can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of planning, you can make it work for you.

Here’s a quick recap:

• Date: Friday, 28 November 2025
• Duration: Often more than one day, sometimes all month
• Best buys: Electronics, appliances, groceries, toys, and household essentials

The secret is to shop with a plan, not on impulse. Make a list, set a budget, and remember — it’s only a good deal if you actually need it.