Food prices ease over festive season, but hunger persists

Millions of low-income households remain under severe financial strain, warns civil society groups

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

PIETERMARITZBURG Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) house affordability index released recently indicated that the December 2025 Household Affordability Index decreased both month on month and year on year. I AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Newspapers

(I AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Newspapers)

DESPITE a modest decline in food prices in December, millions of low-income households remain under severe financial strain, civil society groups have warned, saying the relief reflected in the latest Household Affordability Index does not translate into meaningful food security.

The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) said its December 2025 Household Affordability Index showed the average cost of a basic Household Food Basket fell both month-on-month and year-on-year, yet remained far beyond the reach of families dependent on low wages and social grants.

According to PMBEJD, the average cost of the Household Food Basket stood at R5 333,45 in December 2025, down R80.08, or 1.5%, from R5 413.53 in November. On an annual basis, the basket declined by R49.93, or 0.9%, from R5 383.38 in December 2024.