Black Friday not just for getting stuff - you can do something meaningful

Consumers who don’t want to spend money on tons of stuff that could lose its appeal by the time it's unpacked are being encouraged to turn Black Friday green by buying a "wild experience".

SANParks, for example, is offering a 10% discount on its Wild Card, a "passport" that allows visitors unlimited access to 80 parks and reserves for a year (excluding the Kruger National Park) and 40% off its accommodation.

The conservation body is urging South Africans to choose special experiences in nature – like hiking, birdwatching, mountain biking, paddling and swimming in lakes or the ocean - in preference to long queues in malls.

My previous Wild Card was for Cape reserves only (I spend weekends outdoors) but the national card is an even better option. It took just 10 minutes to buy it online at 5am (for R565, down from R640).

My colleague opted instead for a Wild family membership (at R1,161, down from R1,290), but this took her more than an hour to buy because from 7am on Black Friday the SANParks website was inundated.

But that’s only one type of experience on offer this Black Friday ...

South Africans with cash to spare - and even those who don't - can get discounts on events like live concerts, ice and dance shows. Showtime, for example, is offering up to 50% off some performances.

Another half-price discount that will appeal to jumpy kids is being offered at the trampoline park Bounce, which will set you back R70 this Friday.

Or travel - take to the skies with airline discounts or make use of Black Friday offers on car rentals. Special offers also abound online for accommodation across the country.

Alternatively, if you’re feeling generous, you could donate your Black Friday funds to a worthy cause.

For example, the SA Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) has launched a Black Friday campaign to support people with mental health conditions.

On its website the organisation urges people to "do something memorable this Black Friday: save a life ... Use a portion of your Black Friday cash to save the life of someone in crisis!"

Sadag says there are many people waiting for another door to open in their lives that gives them access to telephonic counselling, crisis intervention and suicide prevention. 

Instead of simply shopping till you drop, Black Friday could be the day to put your money where your mouth is and spend it on the causes you care about.

Whether it is children, hunger, animals, the environment or something small but vital like wild bees - the organisations listed are among many that need funds. Donations are a tangible way to support them and to make a difference this Black Friday.