SA food affordability crisis deepens as food costs rise again

THE recent April 2025 Household Affordability Index released by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) has revealed that the average cost of the Household Food Basket has increased by R90.94 (1.7%) from R5 329.36 in March to R5 420.30 in April.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

This increase has ignited concerns from various civil society organisations regarding the affordability of food amidst rising living costs.

According to the PMBEJD, of the 44 foods tracked in the basket in April, 24 foods increased in price, and 20 foods decreased in price.

Mervyn Abrahams, PMBEJD programme co-ordinator, said food affordability remained a pressing issue, particularly in light of the year-on-year comparison, where the Household Food Basket has risen by R83.99 (1.6%) since April 2024

Abrahams said the details of the increases were stark, with potatoes and onions rising by 6% and 11%, respectively, while beef and fish prices went up by 7%. He said that items increasing by 2% or more included maize meal and full cream milk, highlighting broad-based food inflation.

Abrahams said alarming trends in food pricing were not limited to Pietermaritzburg. Across major South African cities, including Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, the PMBEJD recorded notable increases.