The festive season turns South Africa’s roads into a busy network of families, luggage and best intentions. It is the time of year when everyone is trying to get somewhere, and the smallest lapse can undo an entire holiday.

The festive season is a master cash gobbler. Before you’ve even put up the tree, your wallet is already lighter from travel plans, groceries, gifts, and that extra pack of mince pies you didn’t really need but bought anyway.