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CAN YOU AFFORD THE BASICS? Basic food basket vs minimum wage

5 February 2021 · Platinum Bushvelder

CAN YOU AFFORD THE BASICS? Basic food basket vs minimum wage

SA – The January 2021 Household Affordability Index indicates that the average cost of a household food basket is R4,051.20.

This data is collected by tracking food price data from 44 supermarkets and 30 butcheries, in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg and Springbok from September 2020 to January 2021. According to a statement by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group (PMBEJD) the average cost of a household food basket is now at its highest level since the start of the expanded collection in September 2020. 

High levels of inflation on these specific foods include: 

  • Maize meal (15%)
  • Rice (3%)
  • Cake flour (3%)
  • White sugar (5%)
  • Sugar beans (33%)
  • Samp (7%) 
  • Cooking oil (4%)
  • Potatoes (4%) 
  • Onions (2%)
  • White and brown bread (4% and 4%)

The cost of a basket of food has become unaffordable as has exceeded the R3,321.60 minimum wage. So many have lost their jobs or are working less hours leading to less money while the price of food has increased. Many families now have to make a choice between buying a loaf of bread or paying transport fees to get to work to earn a salary just to find themselves stuck with the same choice until the next pay cheque.