The latest Household Affordability Index by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity group (PMBEJD) shows that food prices in South Africa continue to rise despite lower fuel and global commodity food prices.
For September, the group’s basket of nutritional foods came to s R4,805. Month-on-month, the average cost of the basket increased by R30.28 (0.6%), from R4,775 in August 2022, while year-on-year, the basket increased by R586.39 (13.9%), from R4,219 in September 2021.
The year-on-year increase outstrips headline inflation by quite a big margin, and even food inflation tracked by Stats SA. Headline inflation was recorded at 7.6% in August 2022, down marginally from 7.8% in July 2022.