The 2025 Township CX Report is framed by the theme Breaking Boundaries, which reflects how township communities continue to do more with less. Despite persistent challenges such as high prices and rising inflation, consumers are finding inventive ways to navigate financial strain. Price sensitivity, renewed trust in spaza shops, the growth of digital connectivity and the uncompromising value placed on flavour stand out as defining trends.

Our latest findings reveal how boundaries of affordability and access are being redefined every day. Shoppers are stretching their rands by blending supermarket and spaza trips, saving collectively through stokvels and prioritising data spend to stay connected to opportunities. In doing so, they overcome the structural barriers of limited resources, demonstrating resilience and pragmatism in how they manage both essentials and discretionary spend.

For brands, the message is clear: breaking boundaries is about meeting consumers where they are and enabling them to do more with what they have. Those who ease financial pressure, honour cultural drivers like taste and provide seamless access through trusted spaza partnerships or digital platforms will not only earn loyalty but also become part of the township economy’s story of resilience and growth