Following the latest repo rate hike, consumers are warning they have little room left to absorb further financial shocks as food, electricity and debt costs continue to rise.
Nearly half of South African consumers believe they would struggle financially if interest rates increase again, highlighting growing concerns about household affordability after the latest rate hike.
A new consumer survey conducted by Debt Rescue in June 2026 found that 48.5% of respondents would experience severe financial pressure and do not know how they would manage if borrowing costs rise further.
The findings come shortly after the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) increased the repo rate by 0.25 percentage points in May, bringing the repo rate to 7% and the prime lending rate to 10.5%.
The increase came amid continued pressure from rising living costs, fuel prices and higher household expenses.
