Everyone loves a discount. While some may consider a 10-20% saving negligible, these small amounts can significantly stretch your Rand in retirement.

From groceries to entertainment and travel, savvy seniors can unlock significant savings – you just need to know where to look (and ask). So, let’s explore a selection of discounts currently available to those aged 60 and over. This selection is by no means exhaustive, as many retailers and service providers offer pensioner discounts – you just need to ask.

Grocery savings

Makro’s mSeniors card provides discounts on both general and food purchases, a benefit for bulk shoppers. Game sweetens the deal with a 10% discount on purchases up to R3,000, available any day of the week.

While Food Lover’s Market and SPAR policies vary by branch, it’s worth checking with your local store for potential savings. Pick n Pay rewards pensioners’ loyalty with double Smart Shopper points on Wednesdays, which is a great way to accumulate points for future discounts.

Entertainment on a budget

Retirement is the perfect time to indulge in daytime movies (while everyone else is at work). Nu Metro offers discounted pricing across their different movie formats, while Ster-Kinekor offers a 22% discount for pensioners (and they also have half-price movies on Tuesdays!). For those who like live entertainment, The Barnyard Theatre provides a 50% discount on Sunday afternoon shows.

Exploring South Africa for less

Living in or wanting to visit the Western Cape? CapeNature offers a 30% discount on self-catering and camping facilities, making nature getaways more affordable. SANParks extends similar benefits at national parks, allowing you to experience the country’s diverse landscapes.

For garden enthusiasts, SANBI National Gardens offers free entry on Tuesdays at some locations and pensioners discounts across all locations.

More shopping perks

The V&A Waterfront offers a seniors programme with discounts at participating stores and parking perks, while Centurion Mall offers a pensioner discount every Wednesday, including complimentary parking and exclusive discounts at selected stores. For home improvement projects, Builders Warehouse also provides discounts on Wednesdays.

Tip: Enquire about parking perks at your local shopping centre

Prioritizing your wellbeing

Maintaining good health is crucial during retirement, as healthcare costs can get very expensive, very fast. Clicks offers double ClubCard points through their ClubCard Seniors programme, while Dischem provides double points through the 60 Plus Programme, along with other health-related benefits. Torga Optical offers pensioner-specific promotions every day at selected branches.

Don’t forget municipal benefits!

Beyond retail and leisure, remember to explore municipal benefits. Several municipalities offer rebates on property rates for pensioners. These rebates vary, so contacting your local municipal offices is essential to understand the specific benefits available in your area.

Tips for savvy seniors

• Always carry your ID: Proof of age is typically required to qualify for pensioner discounts.
• Ask about discounts: Don’t hesitate to enquire about senior discounts, even if they’re not explicitly advertised.
• Join loyalty programmes: Loyalty programmes like Makro’s mSeniors card and Dischem’s 60 Plus Programme offer exclusive benefits for senior citizens.
• Plan ahead: Take advantage of specific discount days, like Pick n Pay’s double Smart Shopper points on Wednesdays.
• Check local branches: Retailer discount policies can vary by branch, so confirm with your local store.

Saving for retirement is the biggest investment most of us will ever make. Sadly, it can also be very complicated. In this monthly blog, Carina Jooste responds to common retirement questions, ranging from which products are best suited to different circumstances to efficient tax treatments.