Otherwise known as the question of, "How long is a piece of string?" I shall start by making some general comments and then move on to the particular, but restrict the issue at this point to the question of optical equipment.

Astronomy is an almost unique field of endeavour, in that you literally do not need to spend a cent to get started. You can just go outside and use your eyes, reference the public library and talk to people for information, enlightenment and enjoyment. On the other hand, the sky is literally the limit: whatever your means, you can spend it all and still think of other stuff that you desperately "need".

If you are asking this question earnestly, the sensible first step  would be to assess the following, which will determine your approach:

1. Your current level of knowledge
2. Which areas interest you most
3. Your budget
4. Your level of handiness, or at least willingness to learn how to build things
5. The amount of time you have available
6. The level of urgency you feel to have your equipment in hand.

Honest appraisal of the above will pay dividends, and you will be much happier in the long run to take the time to do this, rather than rushing into unwise purchases. (This caution should not of course be allowed to dampen your enthusiasm.)

 If you have lots of spare cash, only modest requirements, or subscribe to the Californian ethos (I want it, I want is ALL and I want it NOW), then by all means go out an spend. But you will still be advised to consider the above list in order to make a wise decision. Since you are reading this, it should be possible to post more specific queries on this forum and get sensible answers. You are nevertheless urged to visit the Society and talk directly to people, as whatever you are contemplating purchasing, there may be someone with direct experience who can advise you. There is nothing like a lively discussion to probe the merits/demerits of a prospective purchase.

This is the acquisition advice I cna offer to start off with:

1. Spend on acquiring knowledge. Good books may go out of date, but will remain treasures. This is an investment in yourself.
2. Choose quality before quantity. Quality costs a little extra, but saves you from disappointment and frustration in use. Good tools last a lifetime, so take the time to select something that is a good fit for your actual needs, that feel good in the hand and whose operation you can relate to.
3. Start with a decent pair of binoculars. These can be used for many activities other than astronomy, and after naked-eye observing are the best tools for learning the sky. The difference in light gathering power between the naked eye and even small binoculars is huge, so you get an order of magnitude jump in the number of objects you can access. Many of these look better through binocs than through a telescope.
4. Make the "build vs. buy" decision on a telescope. Decide up front what you intend doing with it. If for example you are passionately desireous of pursuing astrophotography, you could be in for a shock! In that case, I would suggest moving up in stages over time as you gain experience, rather than just throwing money at the problem and buying whatever is immediately available. That way, you are less likely to waste money, and you have the advantage that commercially available equipment will get better and cheaper in real terms if you just wait a little.
5. Telescopes priced at less than R3000 tend to be rather poor and unsatisfactory, unless you find a second-hand bargain. You can build a very serviceable telescope for less than that, which will be the equal of a commercial telescope. You can either purchase the optics and other major parts and assemble yourself, or do everything from scratch. In the R3000 to R8000 range, you may find that you can buy better than you can make. However, if you invest the money in tools, experience, accessories and perhaps a modest observatory structure, and build the telescoep yourself, you could be far better off.
6. To build a basic telescope take little in the way of tools. Just your usual basic hand tools will suffice. Joining the ATM (Amaterur Telescope Making) class will pay dividends, as the advice and guidance there will prevent you from unnecessarily pursuing dead ends. You will learn what works, mechanically and optically, and get invaluable help on the more difficult aspects that typically thwart the loner. As a group, materials can be purchased in bulk to cut costs, and people are quite willing to share their expertise.
7. If you want a big (say, 12-inch/300mm or larger) telescope, yu are looking at a mission. In this case, you are advised to first build one or two more modest instruments, to gain the experience and knowledge you need for success in a larger instrument. Frustration will be reduced, you will have something to use whilst tackling the real monster, and you will probably finish quicker. Besides, it is better to make your early mistakes on something cheap, whilst you learn. It is quite possible to build an excellent large scope for less than the commercial ones, and you have the advantage of not being afraid to modify it to taste, apart from the satisfaction of accomplishment or the envy/admiration/amazement of others.

Well now, what are your specific questions?

Cheers,

Chris