Durban records steepest rise in food prices
Durban has recorded the steepest rise in food prices over the past month, compared to the rest of the country.
A household affordability index has also revealed that many residents in KwaZulu-Natal are facing what is known as an "unaffordability crisis."
Mervyn Abrahams, from the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group, says food is now more expensive than a month ago.
The average cost of the household food basket increased by R90,94 (1.7%) between March and April went up from R5 329,36 in March 2025 to R5 420,30 in April 2025.
"The likelihood of malnutrition and hunger continues to stalk most of South Africa's households as well as the households in the eThekwini district."
READ: CPI drops for first time in 5 months
He says the minimum wage is not enough to feed the average family.
Abrahams says the cost of a food basket for a family of four in Pietermaritzburg has now increased to over R5,000.
"When we looked at a national minimum wage, we see that that wage would have brought in something in the region of R4,500. And when a transport has been paid, when electricity has been paid, that leaves something in the region of R1813 for food. Per capita, there is an expenditure of R453 per person, which is well below the food poverty line."
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