Food is unaffordable in South Africa, according to the latest data from the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD). Research by the group shows that South Africans are finding it increasingly difficult to afford basic, nutritious food and the situation is even far worse for those living on a minimum wage.
Data from the February 2024 Household Affordability Index revealed that the average cost of the household food basket stood at R5 277.30. Although this represents a slight month-on-month decrease of R47.56 (-0.9%) from January 2024, it is a significant year-on-year increase of R348.96 (7.1%) from February 2023.
Mervyn Abrahams, programme coordinator for the PMBEJD, said this slight decrease is, however, nothing significant or new.
“This is relatively consistent with historical data, where February prices are lower than January’s, and March prices come in higher than February’s.
“From October 2023 we had started to see a slight downward trend in food prices, with January 2024 presenting a blip, albeit consistent with past trends,” he said.
Significant price increases were:
- 10kg rice: In February 2023 the average price for 10kg rice stood at R134.06 compared to R170.01 in February 2024. This is a 27% increase.
- 10 kg potatoes: In February 2023 the average price for 10kg potatoes stood at R89.56 compared to R112.61 in February 2024. This is a 26% increase.
- Eggs (60 eggs): In February 2023 the average price for 60 eggs stood at R118.52 compared to R164.14 in February 2024. This is a 38% increase.
Expect the unexpected
Furthermore, Abrahams said that compared to the past year, food inflation may be more subdued this year, whilst remaining high.
In this regard, he added, it is not necessarily the price fluctuations on individual foods that present a problem but rather the total cost of the household basket.
Many women find themselves sacrificing nutrition, both for themselves and their children, as they navigate the complexities of balancing household expenses, Abrahams said.
He explained that living on the national minimum wage of R25.42 per hour falls short of adequately supporting families, particularly considering that one wage typically supports nearly four people.
Meanwhile, consumers should take note that food price fluctuations are unpredictable, and it is too soon to predict whether drop in food prices seen from October 2023 will continue into the new year, or if prices are set to rise in the coming months.
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