As economic pressures mount, many South Africans are finding themselves with less disposable income — and are understandably looking for ways to stretch every rand further. One of the ways this plays out is in the purchase of electronic equipment. Consumers are increasingly turning to cheaper options, often unknowingly trading short-term savings for long-term losses.
But not all electronics are created equal.
A wide range of electronic goods is available on the market, from reputable brands built to last to low-cost imports and even counterfeit devices. At first glance, these lower-cost devices might seem like a smart choice — especially when budget is the main concern. But too often, these products are made from inferior materials, degrade quickly, or can’t keep up with modern technology demands. Worse, counterfeit electronics are often produced under exploitative conditions, including child labour and the use of conflict metals.
Low-quality devices typically fail far sooner than higher-end equipment, turning into e-waste long before they should. At EWaste Africa, we’ve seen the impact: increasing volumes of poorly made products reaching end-of-life within months of purchase. This is not just a financial issue for consumers — it’s an environmental one, with growing volumes of e-waste adding strain to our waste management systems – and often being disposed of into landfills illegally.
If affordability is a priority — and for many it is — there is a better option: high-quality, pre-owned or refurbished electronics. These devices offer durability, better performance, and longer life spans at a fraction of the cost of new products. Yet despite their value, refurbished electronics often face stigma in South Africa.
We need to change that.
We need to create a culture that values function over flash, where buying pre-owned is not seen as a compromise, but as a smart, responsible decision.
For many South Africans, owning the latest phone or most recent laptop is seen as a status symbol. But we must ask ourselves — at what cost? Do we really need to upgrade our devices every year? Or can we embrace a mindset that prioritises longevity, quality, and environmental responsibility?
Refurbishment is not just a stopgap — it’s a critical part of a circular economy. By extending the life of electronic products, we reduce waste, preserve valuable resources, and lower the demand for new materials that often come with steep ethical and environmental costs.
At EWaste Africa, we are committed to driving awareness, supporting refurbishment initiatives, and ensuring that electronics are kept in use for as long as possible because a longer life for electronics means a healthier planet for all of us.
Have you bought a refurbished device? Would you consider it in the future? What are the barriers to choosing quality over novelty?
