Cost of household food basket eases slightly in November, but affordability crisis deepens

THE Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group’s (PMBEJD) Household Affordability Index for November shows a slight month-on-month decline in food costs, but civil society groups warn that nutritious food remains out of reach for millions of South Africans as the festive season begins.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

The index, released on Wednesday, shows that the average household food basket cost R5 413.53 in November, down R27.07 (-0.5%) from October. However, the basket is still R52.49 (1.0%) more expensive than it was a year ago.

PMBEJD director Mervyn Abrahams said 17 of the 44 tracked foods increased in price during November, while 27 items became cheaper.

Using Pietermaritzburg-based transport and electricity costs, PMBEJD estimates that these two necessities consume 60.4% of a worker's wage (R2 781.85 of R4 606.40).

That leaves only R1 824.55 for food and all other expenses — less than half of what a nutritious food basket costs.