SA’s Bakkie Obsession

Of all our South Africanisms, “bakkie” is probably the one used most frequently on a day-to-day basis across our great nation. From Nelspruit to Noordhoek, the Karoo to Khayelitsha and Phalaborwa to Plett.

While some think a dorpie is civilised if it has a Woolies, most South Africans only consider it a real town if it has a bakkie dealership. And possibly a Co-op. As a nation who considers itself rugged and practical, the Bakkie, like the Boks, is part of our shared psyche. We’re tough, we make a plan, and we are resilient which is why the bakkie is the physical embodiment of our Mzanziness. These workhorses and pretperds have become so ubiquitous that our roads, highways, dirt tracks, corporate parking lots, beaches and recreational facilities are essentially showrooms for who’s got the biggest, best and most bakgat bakkie.

Bakkie Benefits

SPACE

The sheer size of most modern bakkies might make you feel like a meneer but most mall parking lots aren’t as impressed by your bakkie’s girth. The flipside is the space a bakkie affords you. You can fit all manner of things in your bakkie - it's a mobile storage unit for your life. School bags, ladders, the recycling bags, livestock, groceries, beach paraphernalia, co-workers and plenty more.

SIZE

Driving a bakkie comes with an elevated air of superiority. Even if you look like you’re far away when you’re standing right in front of someone, once inside your bakkie you’re a giant. The vehicle is an extension of your ego. Loud, brash and looking like you’re flush with cash.

PERILS

While quietly being the greatest country on Earth, Mzansi does have some challenges. The shrewd bakkie owner is well skilled in navigating these inconveniences in their bakkie.

Loadshedding: Just hook up your fridge and TV to the bakkie and have a braai.

Potholes: According to the ads, your bakkie can traverse all sorts of terrain, so potholes on the way to the drive-thru in Blairgowrie need not pose a problem.

Taxis: While the bakkie claims to be hard working, they aren’t even close to the amount of graft a taxi does on a daily basis getting 89% of South Africans to work. Dodging taxis going about their daily grind is part of being a South African motorist. Modern bakkies have all the mod cons -including a hooter- to help you navigate the daily rush hour stampede.

Bakkies Boete

No matter where you’re from or what you do, being a Bakkie Boet is a state of mind, a way of life and a badge of honour across the vast expanses of our beautiful land. Bakkies mean work, yet each bakkie driver harbours a secret desire to get away from it all. This is what the bakkie embodies, a carefree life combined with hard graft. The South African way.

Here are some SA ”BAKKIE” CAL (Sabbatical) ideas for the committed Mzansi bakkie aficionado.

• TOYOTA HILUX: Living in a hut on the beach and catching your own food. With only DSTV and a fridge full of refreshments.
• FORD RANGER: Driving to the Kruger Park and talking your way into a game ranger job.
• ISUZU KB: Ticking everything off your bucket list, which mainly involves fishing.
• NISSAN NAVARRO: Finally pursue your dream of becoming a pro jet skier or quad biker.
• PEUGEOT LANDTRAK: We’re not quite sure. Maybe set up a roadside latte/crepe trailer?
• VW AMAROK: Tailgating outside various local sports events.

For all these pursuits you need to find the best deal on your insurance. That’s where Hippo comes in. On average our bakkie-loving customers save R455pm* by comparing car insurance quotes from 12 top brands on Hippo.co.za.

Where’s Your Bakkie From, China?

Recently, an influx of Chinese bakkie brands has started shaking up the South African market. GWM P-Series, JAC T9, BAIC Beijing—they’re flashier, packed with tech, and priced to disrupt.

Compare Car Insurance Quotes for Your Bakkie

But will they earn their stripes in the hyper-critical SA bakkie scene? Only time will tell. Until then, we watch. We wait. And we compare car insurance quotes—because whatever bakkie you drive, you’re overpaying if you’re not using Hippo.