The latest Household Affordability Index for May released on Wednesday by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) indicated an increase in food prices. Civil society has raised concern following the increase in inflation to 4% that further food price increases could be on the cards.
Civil society organisations have raised alarm over rising food prices and mounting cost-of-living pressures after the latest Household Affordability Index showed further increases in the price of basic food items across South Africa.
The May Household Affordability Index, released by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) on Wednesday, found that the average Household Food Basket increased to R5 479.26 in May.
The basket, which tracks the prices of 44 basic food items across 52 supermarkets and 36 butcheries nationwide, increased by R27.17 or 0.5% month-on-month. Year-on-year, the basket rose by R12.67.
According to PMBEJD director Mervyn Abrahams, more than half of the foods tracked recorded price increases during the month.
