By Dylan Bettencourt
- On average, one wage supports between 3.7 and 3.9 people in South African households.
- When shared across families, the minimum wage falls far below basic poverty lines.
Most low-income households in South Africa are surviving on a single salary that must support almost four people, according to the latest Household Affordability Index.
The data shows that, on average, one wage supports about 3.7 people nationally, rising to nearly 3.9 people in Black South African households. This means a single income is often stretched across entire families, not just one worker.
When the national minimum wage is shared this way, the money available per person drops sharply. The index shows that once divided across a household, the minimum wage leaves each person with far less than what is needed to meet basic living costs.
After covering unavoidable expenses like transport and electricity, even less money remains for food.
This makes it difficult for families to afford enough to eat, despite having someone employed and earning a regular wage.
Pictured above: Grocery shopping.
Image source: File
