cost of livinglatest news & developments
In a bold move to redefine home insurance, Nedbank’s Senseable Geyser programme is proving its worth by saving clients millions and reducing the risks of household water damage, making it a must-read for anyone invested in smart home technology.
GEYSER

Smart geyser programme saves clients R50 million in energy expenses

In a bold move to redefine home insurance, Nedbank’s Senseable Geyser programme is proving its worth by saving clients millions and reducing the risks of household water damage,…

  • Ashley Lechman
3 min read
South Africa’s new-vehicle sales rose 11.4% year on year in August 2026, while strong growth in new-energy vehicle sales pointed to growing consumer interest in lower running costs.
NEW VEHICLE SALES

August vehicle sales surge as South Africans focus on fuel efficiency

South Africa’s new-vehicle sales rose 11.4% year on year in August 2026, while strong growth in new-energy vehicle sales pointed to growing consumer interest in lower running…

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
R99 for a bag of onions? As prices jump 21%, behavioural economists explain why hikes on everyday staples trigger far more outrage than luxury splurges.
INFLATION

Onion prices surge 21%: Inside the mental squeeze on SA budgets

From winter harvest delays to consumer psychology: why price spikes on kitchen staples hit household budgets far harder than discretionary luxuries.

  • Lutho Pasiya
3 min read
A new Wonga survey shows 41% of South Africans use credit every month for essentials, while 32% have borrowed from informal lenders amid mounting financial pressure.
LOAN MARKET

South Africans turning to loan sharks as cost of living crisis deepens

A new Wonga survey shows 41% of South Africans use credit every month for essentials, while 32% have borrowed from informal lenders amid mounting financial pressure.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
Statistics South Africa reported a decrease in Consumer Price Inflation for July, yet consumers continue to face rising costs, particularly in fuel and essential goods.
INFLATION

Despite CPI decline, South Africans brace for higher fuel prices

Statistics South Africa reported a decrease in Consumer Price Inflation for July, yet consumers continue to face rising costs, particularly in fuel and essential goods.

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
Stats SA Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) on Wednesday indicated a decrease for the first time in July since February, with inflation having been increasing for the last four months, attributed to rising fuel and global oil prices caused by the Middle East tensions. Economists have welcomed the decrease in inflation.
INFLATION

South Africa's inflation sees first decline in five months amid easing fuel prices

Consumer Price Inflation in South Africa has decreased to 4.3% in July 2026, marking the first decline in five months. Economists and government officials welcome this…

  • Yogashen Pillay
4 min read
Credit is increasingly being used not to buy homes or build businesses, but to pay for food, electricity and existing debt, says the writer.
COST OF LIVING

Financial inclusion or trap: understanding South Africa’s household debt dilemma

South Africa is slipping into a household debt crisis, with workers increasingly taking on credit simply to afford the basics, says the writer.

  • Professor Conrad Beyers
6 min read
Amid escalating cost-of-living pressures, advocacy groups and political parties are urging government to overhaul the national electricity pricing framework.
ELECTRICITY

Electricity pricing policy review sparks call for VAT relief

As government reviews the pricing framework, advocates call for measures to ease the burden on consumers.

  • Edward West
5 min read