Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
02 July 2024 | 11:42 CAT

The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) has diligently tracked and analyzed the cost of household food through its Household Affordability Index over the past five years, a crucial task that sheds light on the economic challenges faced by many South African households.

The Index tracks the prices of 44 basic foods from 47 supermarkets and 32 butcheries. PMBEJD’s Household Food Affordability Index examines 44 food prices collected directly by data collectors from the shelves of 47 supermarkets and 32 butcheries that cater to the low-income market most frequented by the people in the areas where they live.

The area includes Soweto, Alexandra, Tembisa and Hillbrow in Gauteng, KwaMashu, Umlazi, Isipingo, Durban CBD, Hammarsdale and Pinetown in KZN and Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Philippi, Langa, Delft and Dunoon in Cape Town. Other areas are Pietermaritzburg and Mtubatuba in Northern KwaZulu-Natal and Springbok in the Northern Cape.

The PMBEJD’s Household Affordability Index revealed a concerning trend: the average cost of a household food basket has now reached R5,330.30, a significant increase that is straining the budgets of many South African families.

This is an R258.70 increase from one year ago (May 2023) but an R6.01 decrease from April 2024.

However, compared to 2019, the cost difference increased to R2,279.19, with the basket costing R3051.11 in May 2019.

It’s alarming to note that while dozens of food items have seen price increases of over 50%, seven items have more than doubled in price, highlighting the urgent need for measures to address these escalating costs.

Meanwhile, in May 2024, the average cost to feed a child a basic nutritious diet was R954,58. Over the past month, the average cost to feed a child a basic nutritious diet decreased by R4,80 or -0.5%. Year-on-year, the average cost to feed a child a basic nutritious diet increased by R53,39 or 4.9% (See page 6 of May 2024, Household Affordability Index).

In May 2024, the Child Support Grant of R530 is 30% below the Food Poverty Line of R760, a stark disparity that underscores the need for immediate action to ensure food security for all.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Sibusiso Mboto here.