VAT increase: NGO says food prices must be adjusted
A KZN NGO is calling for food prices to be regulated.
It says the VAT increase - from 14 to 15% this month - has dealt a blow to already cash-strapped consumers.
The Pietermaritzburg Agency for Community Social Action has been reflecting on its research into how much low-income earners pay for a basket of goods - month on month.
The group's Julie Smith says food prices have reached their highest levels since September. She says low income households are now forking out just over R3100 for groceries every month.
Smith says before the VAT hike - this amount was R200 less. Smith says government needs to work on interventions to help the poor survive.