IN CONVERSATION WITH ALTHEA RAMRATTAN
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The latest Household Affordability Index released by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group for May 2025 reveals that food insecurity in South Africa is worsening, with the average cost of a household food basket climbing to R5,466.59. This marks a monthly increase of R46.29 (0.9%) from April and a year-on-year jump of R136.29 (2.6%) from May 2024.
The index, which tracks 44 essential food items across supermarkets and butcheries in major urban areas, found that 33 of the 44 items saw price hikes in May. Staple vegetables saw the steepest spikes, with onions up 23%, butternut 9%, and carrots 8%. Meanwhile, only a few items became cheaper — most notably, tomatoes (down 9%) and rice (down 5%).
Regional differences were significant:
• Cape Town saw the highest monthly rise at R112.62 (2.1%)
• Johannesburg increased by R51.00 (0.9%)
• Springbok recorded a small drop of R28.90 (-0.5%), though its prices remain 5.4% higher than a year ago
This surge in food prices comes as headline inflation for April 2025 sits at 2.8%, while food inflation edges higher at 3.3%, according to Stats SA.
For those earning the National Minimum Wage of R4,836.72 per month, the report paints a bleak picture. With transport and electricity swallowing 56.3% of wages, only R2,113.75 is left for all other living costs — including food. Even if this remainder were spent entirely on food, it would only amount to R528.44 per person, well below the food poverty line of R796.
The situation is especially dire for children. The average monthly cost of a basic nutritious diet for a child is now R979.66, but the Child Support Grant remains at just R560, falling short of meeting even minimum nutritional needs.
While the price of domestic and personal hygiene products fell slightly in May by R3.58 (-0.3%), they continue to contribute to overall financial strain on households, particularly when considered alongside rising food costs.
The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted policy interventions to tackle food insecurity and support vulnerable communities across the country.
The index, which tracks 44 essential food items across supermarkets and butcheries in major urban areas, found that 33 of the 44 items saw price hikes in May. Staple vegetables saw the steepest spikes, with onions up 23%, butternut 9%, and carrots 8%. Meanwhile, only a few items became cheaper — most notably, tomatoes (down 9%) and rice (down 5%).
Regional differences were significant:
• Cape Town saw the highest monthly rise at R112.62 (2.1%)
• Johannesburg increased by R51.00 (0.9%)
• Springbok recorded a small drop of R28.90 (-0.5%), though its prices remain 5.4% higher than a year ago
This surge in food prices comes as headline inflation for April 2025 sits at 2.8%, while food inflation edges higher at 3.3%, according to Stats SA.
For those earning the National Minimum Wage of R4,836.72 per month, the report paints a bleak picture. With transport and electricity swallowing 56.3% of wages, only R2,113.75 is left for all other living costs — including food. Even if this remainder were spent entirely on food, it would only amount to R528.44 per person, well below the food poverty line of R796.
The situation is especially dire for children. The average monthly cost of a basic nutritious diet for a child is now R979.66, but the Child Support Grant remains at just R560, falling short of meeting even minimum nutritional needs.
While the price of domestic and personal hygiene products fell slightly in May by R3.58 (-0.3%), they continue to contribute to overall financial strain on households, particularly when considered alongside rising food costs.
The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted policy interventions to tackle food insecurity and support vulnerable communities across the country.
