Food basket costs edge lower but yearly increase highlights rising hunger crisis

THE average cost of a household food basket dropped marginally in September, but civil society groups have warned that South Africans continue to face rising food insecurity and hunger.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

According to the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group’s (PMBEJD) Household Affordability Index, released on Tuesday, the basket cost fell by just R1.20 (0.0%), from R5 380.62 in August to R5 379.42 in September. On a year-on-year basis, however, the index shows a sharp increase of 2.4% or R123.74, up from R5 255.68 in September 2024.

Mervyn Abrahams, director at PMBEJD, said 21 of the 44 tracked food items increased in price last month.

Key hikes of 5% or more included chicken gizzards (5%), beef liver (7%), butternut (13%), green peppers (9%), and bananas (8%). Smaller but notable increases were seen in sugar beans (4%), wors (4%), white and brown bread (2%), and canned beans (4%).