According to Stats SA, South Africans are taking fewer domestic trips but spending more money

Although Botswana sources most of its fuel from South Africa, drivers in the country pay a lower price for gasoline, according to a comparison published by BusinessTech on October 20. This comparison focuses on individual pricing decisions and applicable levies in each country, rather than solely on the fuel source.

According to the publication, the price of AI-95 gasoline in Botswana is P18.21 per liter, while the domestic price in South Africa reaches R30.25. Using the exchange rate employed in the comparison (P1 to R1.20), the price in Botswana converts to R21.85 when rounded to the nearest cent.

For South African drivers, this comparison comes after another significant price hike. The government announced an increase in the price of AI-95 gasoline by R3.33 per liter starting October 7, citing rising international product prices and supply shortages.

The statement also mentioned uncertainty regarding oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, increased transportation costs, and dwindling reserves. A slight strengthening of the rand against the dollar could not offset these factors.

World Bank trade data shows that South Africa is the leading source of fuel imports for Botswana in 2023, followed by Namibia and Mozambique. However, this historical trade ranking does not mean that both countries must set identical prices for drivers today.

South Africa adjusts regulated fuel prices monthly. The official announcement explains that the calculation takes into account imported crude oil and finished products, international prices, and import costs such as freight.

Botswana has its own regulator and makes pricing decisions. BusinessTech reports that the Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority last reduced fuel prices in July, and that the reinstatement of several levies in October did not lead to an immediate rise in the retail price.

These levies included a fuel levy, a road fund levy, and a supply assurance margin. In its recovery report, The Farmers’ Platform stated that the government would direct the collected revenues to strengthen Botswana's National Oil Fund to support consumers.

The Regulator, quoted by BusinessTech, explained how future pump price decisions will be made: 'Any future adjustment to pump prices will be determined through an established fuel price adjustment mechanism, taking into account prevailing international fuel prices, exchange rate fluctuations, accumulated surpluses or deficits, and other relevant market factors.'

The type of gasoline, the date of pricing, and the exchange rate influence the comparison, affecting savings in rands. Location is also important: the South African figure used here refers to domestic prices, not the price applicable at every petrol station across the country.

This distinction also applies to diesel fuel. The benchmark wholesale price for diesel fuel in South Africa is not the final retail amount that a driver necessarily pays, so comparing it to the price at a foreign station does not establish an equivalent cash saving.

December is traditionally a time for family gatherings, trips to the coast, and road trips across South Africa. However, due to pressure on family budgets and rising travel costs, travelers are planning their holiday spending more carefully.

According to Standard Bank data for the 2025 holiday season, South Africans have not given up their December holidays. Instead, many have adjusted their plans to get more value from their spending.

The bank reported that middle and low-income households made up to 45% more hotel bookings in December 2025, while spending 6% less per booking. This occurred despite airfares in December being more than 20% higher than the annual average.

These results indicate a shift towards value-oriented travel: vacationers are changing when they book, where they stay, and how they reach their destinations.

As travel budgets are expected to remain under pressure, Standard Bank forecasts that these habits will become even more pronounced in the 2026 holiday season.

For those planning to fly during the holidays, early booking can significantly reduce travel costs. Standard Bank data shows that nearly a third of annual domestic air travel expenses are booked between September and November. The average December flight is also booked more than six weeks in advance.

Delaying purchases until later can result in higher expenses. According to the bank, average spending on airfare increased by 39% between September and November.

The busiest travel days are Fridays in mid-December, with return flights peaking from January 2nd to 4th. Travelers looking for better fares are advised to compare prices, maintain flexibility in travel dates where possible, and book as soon as their plans are confirmed.

Standard Bank reports that customers with eligible credit cards can save up to 40% on airfares from various airlines through Standard Bank Travel in the banking app, for themselves and up to eight family members or friends. Furthermore, the bank offers all its customers a 10% discount on basic LIFT fares from October 26th to 28th for travel between November and April when booking through Standard Bank Travel in the app. Travelers should check applicable terms, conditions, and booking dates before making a reservation.

For many South Africans, the holiday break is less about staying in a resort and more about returning home. These 'home travelers' travel from cities to visit family in Limpopo, the Eastern Cape, and rural KwaZulu-Natal, often staying with relatives instead of paying for accommodation.

This movement also affects spending in major cities. Standard Bank data indicates that spending in city hotels and entertainment venues during the holiday season may decrease by up to 34% as regular patrons leave the city.

However, for those traveling long distances by car, fuel remains a significant factor. Given the pressure on family budgets from petrol price increases, it is worth calculating the full cost of the return journey and comparing it with other transport options, especially for solo travelers or couples.

Drivers can also meticulously plan refueling stops and look for reward programs that help reduce fueling costs. Standard Bank notes that UCount Rewards participants can earn up to 10 cents per liter when refueling at Astron Energy using an eligible Standard Bank card, subject to program terms.

Long journeys may also require overnight stays. The bank reports that hotel costs for roadside stops are rising by 52% during the holiday season, highlighting the importance of early booking. Standard Bank clients can save up to 30% at participating Courtyard Hotels, City Lodge Hotels, Town Lodges, and Road Lodges in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique when booking through Standard Bank Travel before January 31, 2027, and paying with a Standard Bank card.

For families dreaming of a week by the sea, December remains a key month for coastal holidays. Standard Bank data shows that hotel booking expenses peak in December, exceeding the monthly average by 45%. Durban is also becoming an increasingly popular coastal destination alongside Cape Town.

However, families are changing their approach to post-arrival spending. According to the bank, apartment-style accommodation costs are rising by 69% as more travelers choose places with kitchens and the flexibility to cook some meals themselves, rather than eating out every day.

Location and timing also affect the final bill. Standard Bank points out that staying outside one's home province costs, on average, 2.2 times more than staying closer to home, and hotel bookings in December and January cost approximately 9% more. For families planning a coastal getaway, comparing destinations, traveling during off-peak seasons where possible, and choosing self-catering accommodation can help stretch the holiday budget.

Airport transfers can also increase travel costs. Standard Bank customers can benefit from a 15% discount on pre-booked Uber Reserve trips to the airport, limited to R100 per trip, according to the bank.

Travelers seeking freedom of exploration find that road trips allow them to explore coastal cities, scenic routes, and reserves at their own pace. However, the most popular options may require booking well in advance of December.

Standard Bank data shows that car rental bookings peak in October, exceeding the average by 18%. National park fees follow a similar trend: bookings peak in September and October, when families book campsites and plan visits.

The bank reported that bookings at some car rental companies have increased by up to 44% during the holiday period. Travelers planning to drive themselves must confirm vehicle availability, check mileage and insurance conditions, and factor in fuel, tolls, accommodation, and park entrance fees when budgeting.

Owners of eligible Standard Bank credit cards can save up to 35% on car rentals with selected partners when meeting applicable conditions.

The common thread among these four types of travelers is planning. Rather than canceling vacations, many are booking in advance and considering the total cost of the trip: from transport and accommodation to food and entertainment.

Several practical steps can help travelers manage expenses: book early, compare transport options, consider self-catering, be flexible with travel dates, carefully check discounts, and budget for the entire trip, including transfers, food, entertainment, fuel, and potential overnight stays.

The message for the 2026 holiday season is clear: December holidays do not necessarily have to disappear amid tighter budgets. For many South Africans, the task is to find ways to maintain the annual tradition, making every rand count as much as possible.

According to a new report from GSMA, the industry body representing mobile operators, operators in Africa possess approximately a quarter less spectrum compared to their counterparts in other regions. Furthermore, they pay 24% more for each unit of this spectrum relative to their revenue.

The report, titled Spectrum Policy in Africa, published by GSMA Intelligence this month, showed that African operators had an average of about 570 MHz of mobile spectrum below the 7 GHz frequency as of the end of 2025. This figure contrasts with the figure of about 750 MHz globally.

When calculating the cost of spectrum as a share of revenue and considering the volume of available spectrum, African operators spend 0.82% of revenue for every 100 MHz, whereas this figure is 0.66% in other regions. However, the actual cost may be significantly higher due to licensing conditions. For example, in Benin, direct spectrum costs are estimated at approximately 7% of operator revenue, and coverage and quality of service obligations add another 66%.

This pressure is felt on both sides. Over the last decade, average revenue per user in Africa has decreased by almost 50% in real terms, and revenue per megahertz per connection has dropped by more than 69%. Nevertheless, the connectivity gap remains significant: 4G networks cover 83% of Africa's population, and 5G covers 15%, but only 28% of people use mobile internet on their own device, compared to 66% globally.

GSMA calls on regulators to set lower reserve prices in auctions, grant licenses for at least 20 years, allow operators to use any technology in any frequency band, and publish spectrum development roadmaps. Of the 54 African countries, only nine have licenses with terms of 20 years or longer, and only nine have published a roadmap. The organization also advocates for automatic license renewal, as over 200 African licenses expire by 2035, with a total value exceeding US$10 billion.

GSMA forecasts that its reforms could expand 5G coverage to an additional 170 million people and increase Africa's GDP by more than $120 billion between 2026 and 2035. These forecasts are proprietary, and the proposed measures would reduce members' costs to governments.

How does South Africa compare?

South Africa is in a better position compared to most countries on the continent. It ranks fifth in spectrum ownership volume on the continent following the 2022 auction, which yielded 14.4 billion rand, and is not among the 14 markets that GSMA classifies as having an excessive spectrum cost burden. This aligns with a previous GSMA study that identified South Africa as one of the most economically efficient markets for mobile spectrum in the world.

South Africa has also implemented what GSMA is asking the continent to do regarding the next major frequency band. The report calls for the entire upper 6 GHz band, from 6.425 GHz to 7.125 GHz, to be allocated for mobile communication as the primary band for 6G. In July, South Africa's National Radio Frequency Plan for 2026 designated this entire band for broadband mobile access, despite objections from Wi-Fi proponents.

Rwanda is cited in the report as an example against single wholesale networks. Between 2013 and 2022, Rwanda allocated spectrum in the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands exclusively to a single wholesale operator for building 4G networks. After opening these bands to all operators in 2022, 4G penetration grew from approximately 2% to over 30% of the population within two years, according to GSMA, even though coverage was already largely provided.

South Africa followed a similar idea for many years under its Wireless Open Access Network, or Woan. The Minister of Communications, Solly Malatsi, officially revoked the Woan spectrum allocation last month, allowing Icasa to freely license idle frequencies. The regulator is preparing its next spectrum auction for the 2026/2027 fiscal year.