TimesLive reports that the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war, unrest and the KwaZulu-Natal floods have contributed to South Africans forking out nearly 12% more for basic food items compared to a year ago.

The latest Household Affordability Index, which is compiled by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) and tracks food price data from 44 supermarkets and 30 butcheries in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town Pietermaritzburg and Springbok in the Northern Cape, shows that the average cost of the food basket increased by R472.78 (11.4%), from R4,137.11 in May 2021 to R4,609.89 in May 2022. Food baskets increased in all areas, except Springbok. According to the index, 22 of the 44 foods in the basket shot up in price. PMBEJD co-ordinator Mervyn Abrahams indicated: “The significant increases (5% and above) are: cooking oil (by an average of R24.67 [14%] on a 5l bottle, with the average price in May R201.90), potatoes, onions, chicken livers, carrots and spinach. Increases also included maize meal, cake flour, frozen chicken portions, stock cubes, wors, tomatoes, cabbage and white bread.” He said higher commodity prices, production and logistical costs would continue to drive prices upwards and they were likely to continue rising for the rest of the year. He went on to comment: “There is a direct correlation between household food security and societal stability, and with increasing household food insecurity, the risk of social instability has increased significantly.” According to Abrahams, SA’s long food value chains make the country vulnerable to food insecurity, “but especially if our fuel prices continue to escalate, and if our transportation systems and governance system are vulnerable.”

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Suthentira Govender at BusinessLive
• Lees ook, Jou kosmandjie nou nóg duurder, by Maroela Media

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