Low-income households in South Africa struggle to afford nutritious food amid rising inflation, with the Social Relief of Distress grant falling short of covering basic needs. Recent data shows food prices climbing, exacerbating malnutrition in vulnerable families. Civil society groups urge stronger government action to ensure food security.
South Africa's low-income families continue to face difficult decisions between nutritious and filling meals as food inflation persists and essential food baskets remain out of reach. Tracking since 2022 reveals that a basket of 14 basic food items now costs just over R370, a minor drop thanks to cheaper flour and cabbage. However, annual food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation rose to 4.4% in November from 3.9% the previous month, per the Consumer Price Index released on December 17.
Meat prices have surged by 12.2% over the past year, the steepest increase since January 2018, with beef, pork, mutton, lamb, and sausage all affected. In contrast, milk, dairy, and eggs saw deflation for the sixth month, at -1.2% in November, following rates of -1.6% in September and -1.5% in October.
The Household Affordability Index's full basket of 44 items stands at R5,413.53, while a core basket of 17 priority items—focusing on staples like rice, maize meal, potatoes, onions, and frozen chicken—costs R2,825.33. According to the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group, these core foods make up 52% of the total basket cost and strain household budgets, forcing cuts to vital nutrients from meat, eggs, dairy, vegetables, and fruits. This shift promotes reliance on ultra-processed foods, perpetuating malnutrition and harming health, especially for children.
Civil organizations like the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa demand price controls on essentials, nationalization of key food sectors, and a R1,500 universal basic income grant with inflation-linked social grant increases. They also seek a stronger Competition Commission to tackle price-fixing and push for land redistribution to bolster food sovereignty. The Institute for Economic Justice advocates expanding the SRD grant into a universal basic income to address poverty and inequality.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking at the seventh Social Justice Summit, emphasized food as a government priority through social grants and school nutrition programs. He stated, “The ultimate measure of the success of our democratic dispensation lies in our ability to ensure that no person goes hungry.” These calls highlight the need for comprehensive reforms to combat hunger.
