food affordabilitylatest news & developments
Peanut butter may be a household staple, but the new 20% import duty has turned it into a test of whether South Africa can protect local manufacturers and farmers without adding pressure to already stretched household budgets.
FOOD AFFORDABILITY

How a new import tax aims to save SA's peanut butter

To protect local farmers, South Africa introduced a 20% import tax on foreign peanut butter, a move to boost domestic production that could mean higher grocery bills.

  • Lutho Pasiya
5 min read
The rand strengthened, producer and consumer inflation eased, and the average food basket became cheaper in August. But looming fuel increases and subdued salary growth mean household relief may be limited.
PPI

Sunday Review: Inflation eases and food basket costs fall, but fuel hikes loom

The rand strengthened, inflation eased and the food basket fell in August, but higher fuel costs and weak salary growth may limit household relief.

  • Ashley Lechman
  • Yogashen Pillay
6 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
The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) August 2026 Household Affordability Index released on Wednesday indicated a decrease by R50,72 from July 2026, providing some relief to consumers; however an increase in the basket year on year was recorded.
FOOD AFFORDABILITY

Food basket costs ease by R50,72 in August, but poor households remain under pressure

Food basket costs ease by R50,72 in August, but poor households remain under pressure

  • Yogashen Pillay
4 min read
Why does the grocery bill seem so much more expensive?
FOOD AFFORDABILITY

Ever been shocked that a small grocery shop costs R1,000? You’re not alone

Food inflation is slowing, but the grocery bill remains a squeeze.

  • Yogashen Pillay
8 min read
For community gardens that produce more vegetables than households can consume, selling the surplus provides another benefit.
FOOD AFFORDABILITY

The backyard revolution: How Joburg is growing its own food

Explore how community gardens in Johannesburg are transforming food security by providing fresh produce, practical skills, and income opportunities for local households.

  • Willem van de Putte
6 min read
As South Africa approaches the end of its 2025/26 maize harvest, experts highlight a record yield tempered by rising production costs and market pressures.
MAIZE PRICE

South Africa has maize in abundance. So why is food still so expensive?

As South Africa approaches the end of its 2025/26 maize harvest, experts highlight a record yield tempered by rising production costs and market pressures.

  • Yogashen Pillay
7 min read