Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
28 October 2024 | 15:33 CAT

The cost of groceries is widely expected to be the biggest increase in consumers’ spending over the next six months. (Photo: iStock)

The rising cost of living is placing immense pressure on South African households. New data reveals that the average household food basket increased by R92.97 in October 2024, according to the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (GIWUSA) Household Affordability Index. This spike brings the total basket cost to R5,348.65, deepening the financial crisis for working-class citizens.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Koketso Pasha from GIWUSA voiced concern about the sharp increase in food prices. “Ordinary people, especially the poor, are being forced to dig deeper into their pockets just to afford basic items like bread, maize meal, and rice,” Pasha explained. With stagnant wages, many households are struggling, as the minimum wage of R4,600 falls well short of what is needed to meet essential living costs.

Pasha stressed the importance of using the Household Affordability Index for policy planning, noting that it reflects more accurate realities than the official statistics provided by StatsSA. “StatsSA lacks the resources and manpower for comprehensive research, which leaves gaps in understanding the depth of this crisis,” Pasha said.

GIWUSA has called for urgent intervention to mitigate the situation. Their key demands include increasing the national minimum wage to R15,000 to ensure workers can live with dignity. “Our demand is backed by research from Rhodes University. This is not an unreasonable request; it’s about enabling people to survive,” Pasha stated.

The union further advocates for stricter price controls on essential food items, greater support for local producers, and the nationalization of key agricultural corporations to prevent profit-driven inflation. “We must ensure that monopolies no longer dictate food prices at the expense of ordinary citizens,” Pasha added.

Warning of potential unrest, Pasha urged the government to act swiftly. “If these challenges are not addressed, we must prepare for resistance. We cannot allow stagnant wages and soaring costs to condemn the working class to lives of poverty.”

With budgets stretched thin and no relief in sight, GIWUSA’s demands reflect the growing frustration among South Africans facing an ever-deepening cost-of-living crisis.

Listen to the full interview on Radio Islam International with <Uallimah Annisa Essack and Koketso Pasha from GIWUSA here.