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Black Friday South Africa 2016: the best tech deals and bargains
Yes, yes, we know. Black Friday is a US tradition. But how has that little nugget stopped South Africans in the past?
2015 saw one of the biggest Black Fridays in the country, with thousands of citizens spending their hard earned cash on tech goodies and gadgets. This year promises to be much of the same, if not a little big bigger.
With that said, what can we expect from South African brick and mortar and online stores? We round up the biggest Black Friday goodies, starting Monday 21 November.
Note: this article will be updated with the latest deals as they happen until Cyber Monday, so check back often to see exactly what’s new and hot. We’ve also received first-bite information from a few stores and will be making their deals public as they go live on 25 November. Additionally, contact information — Twitter and Facebook — has been listed for each store.
Happy hunting!
Table of contents:
LAST UPDATE: 5pm, Friday 25 November 2016 – updated Raru’s latest deals added.
- Apple (updated: 10am, 22 Nov)
- Action Gear (updated: 10.40am, 23 Nov)
- BidorBuy (updated: 10.20am, 22 Nov)
- BT Games (updated: 12.20am, 24 Nov)
- CNA (updated: 3pm, 22 Nov)
- Digicape (updated: 11am, 25 Nov)
- DionWired
- Evetech
- Firstshop (updated: 11.50am, 25 Nov)
- Game (updated: 3.10pm, 24 Nov)
- Hifi Corp
- Inc Connection (updated: 12:33am, 25 Nov)
- iStore (updated: 9.47, 25 Nov)
- Loot (updated: 12:15am, 25 Nov)
- Makro (updated: 9.10am, 24 Nov)
- Mobile In Africa
- Nintendo (updated: 4.40pm, 24 Nov)
- Origin (updated: 9.20am, 23 Nov)
- OrmsDirect (updated: 3.55pm, 22 Nov)
- Outdoorphoto (updated: 3.40pm, 22 Nov)
- PlayStation Store (updated: 9am, 24 Nov)
- Raru (updated: 5pm, 25 Nov)
- Rebeltech
- Samsung (updated: 3pm, 25 Nov)
- Steam (updated 8.50pm, 23 Nov)
- Takealot (updated: 12:48am, 25 Nov)
- Toys R Us (updated: 11.50am, 23 Nov)
- WeChat (updated: 10.30am, 23 Nov)
- Wootwar (updated 12:27am, 25 Nov)
- Xbox Store
Black Friday 2016 tech deals and bargains
Apple
Good news, those who currently love the rand/dollar exchange rate. Apple will be hosting a “one-day shopping event” on 25 November. It also won’t be outing any deals before the date arrives, but it does suggests that it will be “here before you know it”.
According to its website though, Apple will be hosting a few music, gift card, photography and games and toys. Whether the company adds a few more goodies to that list remains to be seen.
For current Apple deals, check out our iStore section.
Action Gear
Twitter: @ActionGearSA | Facebook: ActionGear.co.za
If you enjoy experiencing the great outdoors alongside technology, Action Gear is running a few Black Friday specials of its own. Specialising in outdoor-orientated tech, the site has a number of drones, extreme cameras and accesssories in store. Although the BF deals aren’t yet listed, there are some warm-up sales abound.
Current specials include:
BT Games
A little late but in time for Friday’s sales bonanza, BT Games has published its list of specials on Facebook.
“Save BIG on consoles, games and accessories from 25 – 27 November only. Some deals are only available in stores and some online,” the company writes. All the details can be found right here, but some choice picks include:
- Destiny (PS4 or Xbox One) – R149.90
- Xbox 360 500GB and Forza Horizon 2 DLT – R1999.90
- PlayStation 4 500GB console – R3999.90 (in store only)
Note: BT Games confirmed that there’s also an Xbox One 500GB console with Tom Clancy’s The Division for R2999, but it’s in-store only. They advise that customers call branches for availability information beforehand.
BidorBuy
Twitter: @bidorbuy_co_za | Facebook: Bidorbuy.co.za
Online auction and ecommerce portal Bidorbuy launched its Black Friday deals a few days ago, but we’ve been starved of nifty tech and desirable gadgets. Today’s deals are a bit better:
- USB cable for Fitbit Charge bracelet – R149
- Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) – R3699
- Sphero Battle-Worn BB-8 with Force Band Special Edition – R3399
- Fitbit Charge 2 – R2549
CNA
Twitter: @CNAInspired | Facebook: CNAYourWorldInspired
Stationery and part-time electronics retailer CNA is currently running a low-key Black Friday-inspired sale. Notably, orders over R350 are eligible for free delivery. Some choice picks include:
- Vodacom Smart Kicka – R379.90
- Samsung Galaxy J2 (gold) – R1799.90
- PlayStation 4 500GB (online only) – R399.90
- Grand Theft Auto V (Xbox 360) – R299.95
- Volkano Blaster Bluetooth speaker (online only) – R449.90
Digicape
Twitter: @DigiCapeSA | Facebook: DigiCapeSA
Digicape updated its deals to now include:
- iPad Mini 4 Retina 128GB Wifi – R8399
- MacBook Air 13.3-inch, Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB HDD – R16 999
- Orico 4-port USB 3.0 Ultra-mini charger hub – R499
DionWired
Twitter: @DionWired | Facebook: DionWired
According to its newsletter, DionWired will also be celebrating Black Friday with “up to 50% off” selected products. The online-only sale will begin on midnight 25 November.
Evetech
Twitter: @Evetech | Facebook: Evetech
Although they’re not yet listed on its site, Evetech usually has a few Black Friday sales items in their price lists. If you’re interested in upgrading that ageing motherboard or jumping onto that DDR4 train, Evetech might be a good place to visit.
The current specials can be found here.
Black Friday 2016 will take place on 25 November 2016, with Cyber Monday following on 28 November
Firstshop
Twitter: @FirstTechShop | Facebook: Firsttech.shop
Firstshop’s Black Friday specials are now live, and will run until 30 November. Some of the online retailer’s choice specials include:
- Samsung T3 portable SSD 500GB – R3199
- Synology Disk Station 4-bay diskless NAS – R5799
- Samsung 850 EVO 250GB SSD – R1499
- Aorus P15F R5 gaming notebook – R14 899
- WD Blue 1TB internal HDD – R599
- Logitech G633 Artemis Spectrum gaming headset – R1749
- ASUS STRIX Glide Control gaming mouse pad – R199
- Intel Pentium G4400 3.0GHz CPU – R999
Find Firstshop’s full list of deals here.
Game
Twitter: @Game_Stores | Facebook: GameStoreSA
Another company resisting the urge to publish Black Friday specials before the day, Game Stores notes that its offers will be online and in-store. The catch? It’s for one day only. Doors for the store open at 7am on 25 November. Additionally, the store suggests users sign up to the newsletter for scoops prior to the sale.
At present, the store’s newsletter lists in-store only deals set to go live on Thursday, 24 November. These include:
- Canon MX494 4-in-1 colour printer – R699
- Packard Bell ENTE70BH Intel Celeron notebook – R2999
- JVC 42-inch Full HD LED TV – R3699
Current promotions can be found here.
Game has also announced that it will be offering Cyber Monday specials on 28 November beginning at 7am.
Hifi Corp
Twitter: @HifiCorp | Facebook: HifiCorporation
Hifi Corporation will be offering shoppers an “up to 80% off” Black Friday sale on 25 November. No deals are available as yet, but we do expect a few televisions sets and other audio-visual equipment to be listed.
Incredible Connection
Twitter: @IncConnection | Facebook: IncredibleConnection
Update: Incredible Connection has an interesting range of Black Friday deals. Instead of the video games or Apple products, the store is listing JBL speakers, a Hisense TV, and even Norton Security. They can be viewed here.
Additionally, the company is running a Black Friday special alongside WeChat that includes the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 Slim. For that information, head on down to our WeChat section.
Some of the items on sales:
- HP 15″ i5 6200U 4 1TB laptop with Windows 10 – R6999
- Norton Security for 1 device – R199
- Small, blue Fitbit fitness tracker – R1799
Current Incredible Connection promotions can be found here.
iStore
Twitter: @MyiStoreZA | Facebook: MyiStore
iStore’s Black Friday deals includes 20% off on “almost all new, demo and open box” units of the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. Note, these specials are in-store only. Some picks include:
- iMac 21.5-inch, Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD – R18 999
- MacBook 12-inch, 8GB RAM, 512GB HDD – R19 999
- iPhone SE 64GB – R9599
- iPhone 6 Plus 128GB – R13 499
- iPad Air 2 32GB – R5999
- Apple Watch Sport 42mm – R4999
Loot
Twitter: @Loot.co.za
Loot have launched its own range of Black Friday deals, which include a range of electronics, video games, and even DIY goodies. You can check out the full range on their website.
Here are some of our video game picks:
- Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival (Nintendo Wii U) – R299
- Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin (Xbox One) – R293
- Guitar Hero Live (Software & Guitar) (PlayStation 4) – R727
- Gears of War 4 – R499
Makro
Twitter: @Makro_SA
Makro’s deals are finally live, thanks to a new PDF published on its site. Some tech deals include
- PlayStation DualShock 4 controller – R799
- Seagate Expansion 1.5TB 2.5-inch external hard drive – R899
- LG 29-inch ultrawide monitor – R4999
A number of PlayStation 4 and Xbox One bundles also apply.
Extended in-store trading hours apply but you can shop online from 7am on the 25th of November 2016 until midnight on the 27th of November 2016,” explains the company on its website.
Mobile In Africa
Xiaomi distributor Mobile in Africa will be hosting a Cyber Monday sale on 28 November. Some of the choice deals include:
- Xiaomi Redmi 2 – R999
- Xiaomi Mi 5 – R6999
- Xiaomi Mi 4 and Xiaomi Mi Band fitness tracker – R2999
- Xiaomi Mi Band Pulse fitness tracker – R279
All deals can be found here.
Nintendo
Nintendo South Africa has finally released its Black Friday specials on 3DS and Wii U games.
“This weekend, a number of top titles will be on sale at up to 40% off as part of our Cyber Deals promotion. What’s more, with My Nintendo you can get access to other exclusive discounts, as well as receiving Gold Points for all purchases made in Nintendo eShop on your system or via this website,” the company adds.
You can have a look at all deals here, but some of our picks include:
- Yoshi’s Woolly World (Wii U) – R341.40
- The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD (Wii U) – R398
- Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam Bros. (3DS) – R287.40
- Fire Emblem Fates (3DS) – R377.30
The sale will begin on Friday 25 November and end on Monday 28 November.
Origin
Twitter: @EA_SouthAfrica
EA’s online PC games repository Origin is also having a games sale, with most of its series on special. Some games (like PopCap’s Plants vs Zombies: GW2) are showing price drops of 75%.
Here are some of the picks:
- Battlefield 1 – R666.63
- Titanfall 2 – R666.63
- The SIMS 4 – R199.96
- Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 (Standard edition) – R149.98
- Mirror’s Edge Catalyst: R159.93
- Unravel – R99.97
OrmsDirect
Twitter: @OrmsDirect | Facebook: OrmsDirect
More cameras this November? Yep. OrmsDirect only has a camera body on special at present, but this could change as we build up to Friday’s big sales:
- Canon EOS 80D DSLR camera body – R13 495
Outdoorphoto
Twitter: @OutdoorphotoZA | Facebook: Outdoorphoto
Camera equipment store Outdoorphoto will be having a snappy Black Friday sale, with two items currently listed. These can only be pre-ordered at present, with the sale going live on 25 November. There are the currently listed products:
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM MK II lens – R24 999
- Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II DSLR camera (body only) – R75 995
PlayStation Store
Twitter: @PlayStation_SA, @AskPlayStation | Facebook: PlayStationSouthAfrica
The PlayStation Store’s South African games sale is finally live. Games listed on the store boast up to 60% savings for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita.
For the full listing, head on over to CheapGamer, but see our PlayStation 4 picks below:
- Batman: Arkham Knight – R249
- Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (Gold edition) – R329
- Dark Souls III- R549
- Destiny: The Collection – R629
- DiRT Rally – R329
- F1 2016 – R469
- Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege – R329
- No Man’s Sky – R549
Raru
Twitter: @RaruShopping | Facebook: RaruShopping
The final batch of sale items are live. These prices will be valid until 8pm tonight.
- Audio Technica Closed Back Gaming Headset + Detachable Micro – R1999.00
- Mad Catz Cyborg V.7 Gaming Keyboard – R629.00
- Mad Catz M.O.U.S 9 Wireless Mouse – Gloss Black – R829.00
- Powermonkey Explorer2 Mobile Device Charger – Silver – R699.00
- Razer Kraken – Mobile Headset – Neon Blue – R1249.00
- Deus Ex: Mankind Divided Collectors Edition (Xboxone) – R799.00
- Doom Collectors Edt (Xb1) – R999.00
Raru’s latest batch of sales items is now available between 3pm and 5pm:
- Audio Technica Open Back Gaming Headset With Mic – R2999.00
- Outdoor Tech Buckshot Pro Portable Speaker – Black – R499.00
- Powermonkey Explorer2 Mobile Device Charger – Black – R699.00
- Razer Kraken – Mobile Headset – Neon Green – R1249.00
- Doom (Ps4) – R599.00
- Doom (Xb1) – R599.00
- Tom Clancys: Rainbow Six Siege Collectors Edition (Pc) – R499.00
- Tom Clancys: Rainbow Six Siege Collectors Edition (Ps4) – R599.00
- Tom Clancys: Rainbow Six Siege Collectors Edition (Xboxone) – R599.00
- Xbox One 500Gb + Battlefield 1 – R3799
Raru’s latest batch of sales, available between 2pm and 3pm, can be found below:
- Agatha Christie Abc Murders Ps4 – R179.00
- Agatha Christie Abc Murders Xboxone – R179.00
- Air Conficts: Pacific Carriers Ps4 – R179.00
- Arcania – The Complete Tale Ps4 – R99.00
- Bound By Flame Ps4 – R99.00
- Halo 5 Ltd Edition Xbox One – R499.00
- Pinball Arcade Ps4 – R99.00
- Teslagrad Ps4 – R99.00
- Walking Dead Bundle (1 & 2) – R179.00
- Walking Dead Bundle (1 & 2) – R179.00
Raru’s 11am to 2pm sales are now up:
- Audio Technica Open Back Gaming Headset + Detachable Microphone – R1999
- Mad Catz Rat 9 Matte Black – Mouse – R1099
- Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E Te Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – Black – R1099
- Orico Usb Charger Kit – R419
- Powermonkey Explorer2 Mobile Device Charger – Red – R699
- Powertraveller Powerchimp 4A – R299
- NBA 2K17: Kobe Bryant ‘Legend Edition’ (Xbox One) – R829
- Overwatch: Collectors Edition (PC) – R1099
- Overwatch: Collectors Edition (Ps4) – R1099
- Overwatch: Collectors Edition (Xbox One) – R1099
- Ps4 Wave Blue Dualshock Controller + White Headset + Usb Wireless Adapter – R1999
- Skyrim Special Edition (PS4) – R499
- Skyrim Special Edition (Xbox One) – R499
- Tom Clancys: The Division (PS4) – R379
- Tom Clancys: The Division (Xbox One) – R379
- Wwe 2K17 Nxt Edition (Xbox One) – R829
- Xbox One 500Gb + Gears Of War 4 – R3799
Here are Raru’s second batch of Flash Sale items. These will only be available from 10am to 11am:
- Razer – Overwatch Razer Mano’War Te Tournament Edition Headset – R1449
- Samsung 750 Evo Series 2.5 – 250Gb Sata6G Solid State Drive – R749
- Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (PS4) – R429
- Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (Xbox One) – R429
Here are their 8am to 10am sales goodies:
- Audio Technica Closed Back Gaming Headset With Mic – R2799
- Mad Catz F.R.E.Q M Mobile Gaming Headset – White – R1099
- Mad Catz MMO TE Gaming Mouse – Matte Black – R749
- Mad Catz MMO Te Gaming Mouse – White – R729
- Powermonkey Explorer2 6000mAh Mobile Device Charger – Blue – R699
- Romoss Polymos 10 Air 10000mAh Power Bank – R259
- Tritton MFi Kunai Stereo Mobile Headset – Blue – R729
- Titanfall 2 (PC) – R659
- Titanfall 2 (PS4) – R749
- Titanfall 2 (Xbox One) – R749
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III (PS4) – R429
- Dishonored 2 (PS4) – R599
- Dishonored 2 (Xbox One) – R599
- Far Cry Primal (PS4) – R379
- Far Cry Primal (Xbox One) – R379
- Just Cause 3: Collector’s Edition (PC) – R499
- Just Cause 3: Collector’s Edition (Xbox One) – R599
- Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 (PS4) – R499
- Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 (Xbox One) – R499
- PS4 Slim 500GB Console + Mafia 3 + No Man’s Sky + NBA 2K14 – R4999
- Sony DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller – Silver (PS4) – R799
- Sony DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller – Wave Blue (PS4) – R799
- Microsoft Xbox One 500GB Console + FIFA 177 – R3799
The current list can be viewed here.
Rebeltech
Twitter: @RebelTechCC | Facebook: RebeltechCC
According to Rebeltech’s website, we’ll definitely see a sale on Black Friday, 25 November, but what that sale may contain is still up for debate. Its current promotions include a few LG and ASUS monitors, a couple of Intel CPUs and some DDR4 RAM, so expect similar in three days’ time.
Samsung
Twitter: @SamsungZA | Facebook: SamsungSouthAfrica
Samsung has finally announced that its stores will be opening for a special pre-Black Friday sale, including two televisions:
- 49″ UHD 4K Curved Smart TV KU7351 Series 7 – R9999
- 60″ SUHD 4K Flat Smart TV KS8001 Series 8 – R19 999
Store times and more details are available here.
Steam
Twitter: @Steam_Games | Facebook: Steam
Steam has finally announced what it’s calling its “Autumn Sale”.
“The Steam Autumn Sale 2016 starts now, with great deals across the Steam catalog throughout Black Friday and Cyber Monday*. Come back every day to see new featured titles, or check out the games that are recommended for you,” the gaming platform notes.
The offers will end on Tuesday 29 November at 8pm SAST.
Some of the pick deals include:
- Just Cause 3 – R124.75
- Batman: Arkham Knight – R214.50
- The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim – R72.27
-
Grand Theft Auto V – R399.50
- Far Cry Primal – R274.50
- Rocket League – R131.30
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive – R106.53
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – R199.99
- DOOM – R263.67
- Arma 3 – R299.60
Steam’s exhaustive Autumn Sales list can be found here.
Takealot
Twitter: @TAKEALOT | Facebook: Takealot
Update: Takealot’s Blue Dot Black Friday sale has officially begun! Some interesting deals include:
- Samsung 60″ UHD Flat LED TV – R18 899
- Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge 32GB LTE – Black – R11 999
- Lego Avengers (PS4) – R469
- Skylanders Trap Team (Xbox One) – R449
While not officially part of the Blue Dot sale, these daily deals caught our eye:
- Xbox One 500GB Console + Gears of War 4 (Xbox One) – R3799
- Wii U Premium Pack HW + SW Mario Maker + Artbook + amiibo – R3899
- Lenovo IDEAPAD 100s Intel Atom 11″ Wifi Notebook – R2699
- Huawei Mate 7 6” LTE Smartphone – Black – R4999
- Microsoft Lumia 650 DualSim 16GB LTE – Black – R2299
- Seagate Expansion Portable Drive – 2TB – R999
It seems that Takealot is always having a sale nowadays. The company’s having a four-day long Black Friday sale, beginning on 25 November, and ending on 29 November. That’s the entire weekend as well as Monday. “4 Days. 100s of Brands. 1000s of Deals,” is how the company describes its “Blue Dot Sale” in a tweet. Find Takealot’s current deals here.
Toys R Us
Twitter: @ToysRUs_ZA | Facebook: ToysRUs.SouthAfrica
Toy and entertainment retailer Toys R Us currently has two sale items listed on its website. Notably, they’re both consoles:
- Xbox One (and one game) – R3999.90
- PlayStation 4 – R5499.90
Twitter: @WeChatZA | Facebook: WeChatSouthAfrica
Goodness, straight out of left field with this one. Chat app-cum-ecommerce platform WeChat has announced a few promotions for Friday, including a juicy Xbox One deal. According to CheapGamer, WeChat will be offering an Xbox One 500GB console with FIFA 17 for… R1999. Yeah, seriously. WeChat is also offering a PlayStation 4 Slim with three titles for R3549. There will be ten units of each console bundle available,
There will be 200 units of the Xbox One, and 120 units of the PlayStation available, so you’ll probably need to have the fastest, stickiest fingers in the land to grab one.
Here’s how the deal will work:
To be eligible for the deal, you’ll need to download WeChat, and activate your WeChat Wallet. More info on that can be found here.
According to WeChat, the “WeChat QR codes that you need to scan in order to access products on offer in the Green Friday deal” will be active from “9AM on Friday 25 November”.
“[W]e recommend you register your wallet and add your card as per the screen above so that you can be ready when the deal opens,” the company adds.
WeChat also suggests users don’t need money in their WeChat Wallets.
“Simply register your wallet and add your VISA or Master card (any South African bank card enabled for online purchases). When the sale opens, you can choose the card you have in your wallet to pay with.”
The WeChat Wallet can also be topped up at SPAR stores. “Give them the cell phone number that you registered you Wallet with. They will create an Instant Money voucher for that number and it will immediately show in your WeChat Wallet,” the company adds.
The deal isn’t active as yet, but keep tabs with the company’s promotions tab here.
Wootware
Twitter: @Wootware | Facebook: Wootware
Update: Wootware’s Black Friday specials are live and include a range of graphics cards, memory, and PC-gaming hardware goodies. Have a look at their official promotions page here.
Some of the Wootware specials:
- Galax GeForce GTX 1080 HOF 8GB Graphics Card with Watch Dogs 2 Game Code – R9999
- HIS HS-470R4LCNR Radeon RX 470 IceQ X2 OC 4GB Graphics Card with Hitman Game Code – R2999
- Logitech 980-000468 Z906 5.1 Speakers – R3699
- Andyson AD-700YYZZZ N Series 700W Semi-Modular Desktop Power Supply – R1699
- Logitech G302 Daedalus Prime MOBA Gaming Mouse – R599
Check out its other promotions here and here.
Xbox Store
Twitter: @XboxZA, @XboxSupport | Facebook: XboxZA
Have we kept the best for last? If you’re a PlayStation owner, probably not. For the green team though, Microsoft has published a slew of pre-Black Friday specials for one and all.
The full, extremely well-curated list can be viewed here (thanks to CheapGamer), but have a look at our stand-out deals below.
Xbox One:
- Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag – R59.73
- Battlefield 1 – R535.33
- Dishonored Definitive Edition – R154.50
- Far Cry Primal (Apex Edition) – R259.60
- Grand Theft Auto V – R449.50
- Hitman: The Complete First Season – R399.50
- Rare Replay – R82.17
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – R199.50
- Titanfall 2 – R479.40
- Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition – R49.80
Xbox 360:
