The festive season arrived early for 260 families after an anonymous act of kindness cleared R132,500 in lay-by payments in one unforgettable moment.
Eastern Cape, South Africa (17 December 2025) – At a time of year when many families are counting cents and hoping for a break, one act of kindness landed with perfect timing.
It was an ordinary day at PEP Aberdeen in the Eastern Cape until, in a single moment, it became unforgettable. A kind stranger walked into the store, asked how many unpaid lay-bys were on the books and then did something extraordinary.
When staff checked, the number stood at 260 unpaid lay-bys, amounting to R132,500. Without hesitation, the anonymous Good Samaritan settled every single one.
“We were taken completely by surprise,” says PEP chief marketing executive Beyers van der Merwe. “This anonymous Lay-by Buddy simply asked how many unpaid lay-bys we had in the store. When we checked the books, we had 260 unpaid lay-bys, amounting to R132 500. Then, just like that, he paid them all off!”
In the current economic climate, lay-by is more than just a payment option. It is a way for families to plan carefully, to stretch limited resources, and to secure essentials without taking on debt. It represents responsibility, patience and hope for the weeks and months ahead.
What followed inside the store was deeply moving.
“We watched as worry turned into relief,” says Van der Merwe. “At PEP, our purpose is to help everyone look and feel good, and we know that sometimes, the worry of making that next payment can weigh heavily on our customers. We are so grateful to this Lay-by Buddy, who surprised us all.”
“This level of human kindness reminds us that generosity lands powerfully when it connects to people’s real needs… the lay-bys were for school items, baby clothing and other essentials. This gesture has given 260 families the dignity of taking their items home when they perhaps least expected it, just in time for the festive season.”
For those families, this wasn’t about luxury. It was about school uniforms ready for the new year, clothing for growing children, baby necessities and everyday items that matter. It was about relief. About being seen. About walking out of a store knowing that someone, somewhere, cared enough to help without wanting anything in return.
This powerful moment in Aberdeen is part of a broader movement of kindness that has been growing across South Africa. The PEP Lay-By Buddy initiative officially launched in June 2020, inspired by earlier informal acts of generosity that began appearing in stores towards the end of 2019. What started with one person helping another became a structured way for communities to support one another. Since its launch, the initiative has raised more than R3.6 million and helped over 150,000 families nationwide. The momentum continues to build, with Pepkor stepping forward this year with a R1 million contribution to support even more people.
While the Aberdeen story happened in one store, the same spirit exists everywhere. Anyone can become a Lay-By Buddy. You don’t need to clear an entire store’s worth of accounts to make a difference. Even a small contribution can ease someone else’s load.
You can help from as little as R2 at any PEP store nationwide, or from R20 online via the PEP website. Each act adds to a growing wave of care, dignity and shared humanity.
To the mystery Lay-By Buddy who chose kindness without recognition: thank you. You didn’t just pay off lay-bys. You lifted a weight, restored hope, and gave 260 families a reason to breathe a little easier as the festive season arrives.
And in doing so, you reminded all of us just how powerful quiet goodness can be.
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