THE April school holidays at home were synonymous with braais for the family and the stuff in green bottles for my father.

My father would slaughter a sheep at a farm, which would be taken to a butcher to slice for a small fee.

He would also stock up on beef and boerewors for the ubiquitous braai with family and friends, who would often drop by on weekends to watch a rugby match.

Packed in plastic bags and frozen, the meat would last past the Easter weekend, leaving the family enough meat to enjoy that entire month.

Though stocking up on meat seemed gluttonous to some at the time, I have come to realise the wisdom of my parents' actions.

Meat prices, especially for beef and biltong, usually go up during big sports tournaments like the Super 14 rugby, which is currently taking place.

Increased demand

The spike is usually to compensate for the increased demand for meat during sporting seasons. Braais, sports and holidays in South Africa go together, like toast and butter.

Meat prices are also expected to go up during the Soccer World Cup in June and July.

In anticipation of the influx of tourists who will visit the country for the soccer spectacle, retailers and restaurants are expected to spike their prices for steak and biltong.

Prices for poultry are most likely to remain the same because of the relative ease in their production and they are easily available.

It is, therefore, advisable to stock up on beef before the Soccer World Cup and to take advantage of specials that are available now.