Deepening economic strain hits low-income communities across South Africa

SOUTH African households are grappling with an increasingly severe economic strain as rising inflation in essential goods and services continues to outpace wage growth, eroding purchasing power and amplifying financial vulnerability.

- BANELE GININDZA

This alarming trend disproportionately impacts low-income communities, as highlighted in the latest Cost of Living Report (CoL) published by the Competition Commission on Thursday.

According to Competition Commission economist Andiswa Sibhukwana, low-income households are among the hardest hit as they spend a significant portion of their earnings on necessities.

The ongoing energy crisis has exacerbated these challenges, driving electricity tariffs significantly higher, and causing additional strain on thee already burdened by economic hardship.