When is Black Friday in South Africa and Why is it Called That?

Every year around November, the same questions start to pop up:
When is Black Friday? What date is Black Friday this year? And why do they even call it Black Friday?

I used to ask those same questions too, especially when I first heard about it years ago. Now, with kids and a family to shop for, I’ve learned that knowing the dates — and the meaning behind it — helps you prepare better and avoid the stress that often comes with last-minute shopping.

So, let’s break it down in simple terms.

When is Black Friday This Year?

The official Black Friday date in 2025 is Friday, 28 November.

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

So, if you’ve been wondering:

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

The answer is simple: Friday, 28 November 2025.

When Does Black Friday End?

Here’s where things can get a little confusing. Officially, Black Friday is just one day — that Friday. But in South Africa, most stores stretch the sales out far beyond that.

You’ll find:

• Black Friday weekend specials (Friday to Sunday)
• Black November deals, where discounts last the entire month
• Online sales that often continue into Cyber Monday or even longer

So, if you miss the actual Friday, don’t panic. You’ll likely still find specials running in the days that follow.

Why Do They Call It “Black Friday”?

This is one of those interesting stories that shows how a name can change meaning over time.

The term “Black Friday” comes from the United States, and there are two main versions of how it started:

• The old meaning (negative): In the 1960s, police in Philadelphia began calling the day after Thanksgiving “Black Friday” because of the terrible traffic and overcrowded shops. It was a stressful day for them.
• The modern meaning (positive): Retailers later gave the term a financial twist. They said “Black Friday” refers to the point when stores move from being “in the red” (losing money) to “in the black” (making profit), thanks to all the sales.

Whichever story you prefer, the name stuck — and today it’s known worldwide as the biggest shopping day of the year.

Why Black Friday Matters in South Africa

When I first started paying attention to Black Friday here, I thought it was all about big TVs and fancy gadgets. But over the years, I’ve realised it’s much more than that.

For many South Africans, Black Friday is a way to stretch the family budget. It’s not just about splurging — it’s about saving. People use it to stock up on groceries, buy household essentials, or get early Christmas gifts at a better price.

It’s also become a chance to plan smarter. With prices rising every year, a few well-timed purchases on Black Friday can make a real difference to your festive spending.

My Experience with Black Friday

One year, I decided to skip Black Friday completely, thinking I’d save money by avoiding the temptation. A week later, I realised I had paid full price for things that were half-price just days before.

Lesson learned.

Now, I don’t rush or overspend, but I do take time to check specials carefully — especially for groceries, cleaning supplies, and gifts for the kids. It’s not about buying more; it’s about buying wisely.

Final Thoughts

Let’s recap what we’ve covered:

• When is Black Friday this year? Friday, 28 November 2025.
• When does Black Friday end? Officially one day, but many stores run sales all weekend or even all month.
• Why do they call it Black Friday? It began in the US, first linked to traffic chaos, later redefined as a time of profit for stores.

In South Africa, Black Friday has become more than just a day of sales — it’s a budgeting opportunity. The best way to make the most of it is to plan ahead, compare prices, and focus on what you really need.

That’s how you save money without getting caught up in the hype.

Join the Conversation

Do you shop during Black Friday or avoid it altogether? I’d love to hear your thoughts — share your experience in the comments below.

Follow me on Instagram @HelloLeloBlog for more lifestyle tips and real-life reflections.