Household food basket sees minor decrease, but relief remains uncertain for South Africans

THE Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) on Wednesday warned that concerns have grown over affordability despite household food basket seeing a slight dip in June.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

The PMBEJD released its Household Affordability Index for June on Wednesday, revealing a marginal month-on-month decrease in the average cost of its tracked household food basket, now sitting at R5 443.12.

This represents a decrease of R23.46—or 0.4%—from R5 466.59 in May.

However, the annual comparison tells a different story: the cost has risen by R190.36 (3.6%) from R5 252.77 in June 2024, raising concerns among civil society groups about the adequacy of such a decrease for struggling households.

Mervyn Abrahams, director of the PMBEJD, indicated that out of 44 foods monitored within the basket, 19 saw increases in their prices while 25 experienced declines.

Notably, notable hikes included onions with a 9% increase and beef prices, which rose by 5%. Meanwhile, a few foodstuffs did see significant price drops, such as potatoes, which fell by 11%, and butternut, which decreased by 5%.