Cape Flats households must be honest about their financial situations instead of trying to keep up the appearance of being well-off. This is the warning from consumer debt expert, Moeshfieka Botha. She was speaking as the latest fuel price hikes, coupled with the increase in the cost of basic food items are taking their toll on South Africans. She notes that while poor people know what it is to sacrifice their comfort to survive, it’s the middle class that is now struggling. Botha makes the example of a family spending thousands on a child’s matric ball. Botha has advised families to be honest with their children in this respect. She says that this will help them understand that there must be sacrifices so that they can invest in furthering their education or keeping their homes.