South African households are paying 3.6% more for groceries compared to June last year, with food prices outpacing income growth and pushing families toward financial strain, according to the latest Household Affordability Survey by Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity (PMBEJD).
The report reveals that the average household food basket has increased by R190.36 year-on-year, leaving many families struggling to afford basic necessities. While households saved R23.46 in June compared to May, the annual rise in food costs has heightened concerns that South Africa may be entering a period of renewed inflationary pressure.
Food Prices Outpace Wages
Mervyn Abrahams, program coordinator at PMBEJD, warned that food inflation continues to outstrip income growth, particularly for low-income earners. The Northern Cape’s Spring area recorded the highest prices for basic food items, including maize meal, cooking oil, eggs, and cabbage.
A worker earning the national minimum wage (between R4,600 and R5,000 per month) spends roughly 57% of their income on electricity and transport, leaving only about R1,900 for food—forcing many to cut back on nutritious meals to survive.
Calls for Government and Retailer Action
Abrahams urged the government to consider these price pressures when shaping socioeconomic policies. He also called on retailers to provide more affordable options for cash-strapped consumers, such as discounted food bundles.
Some businesses are already stepping in. In Alexandra, Johannesburg, a store has adopted a “weigh-and-pay” model, eliminating packaging costs and selling essentials—from food to detergents—at prices as low as R4. The store also supports small local manufacturers, offering an economic lifeline to both producers and consumers.
As inflation fears grow, experts warn that without intervention, South Africa’s most vulnerable households will face even greater hardship in the months ahead.