Survive

South African businesses are shutting down in higher numbers as fears grow that the war in Iran will put more pressure on the local economy.

South Africans face a massive financial blow this Wednesday as petrol and diesel prices shoot up to record highs because of global oil price increases.

Trade unions say workers are drowning in debt as the high prices of food, water, electricity and fuel destroy the salaries of South African families.

The Red Ants and police destroyed small business structures at the Mamelodi Hostel, leaving many local families without homes and cutting off their only income.

Nelson Mandela University student Noluthando Dlamini struggles to buy enough daily food because her monthly government allowance cannot cover rising meat, bread and transport costs.

South African households are paying much more for a bag of onions this month after prices jumped in cities across the country in April.

A Cape Town mother says raising her autistic son costs a lot of money because she has to buy specific food and pay for injections.

The government extended its temporary fuel levy reduction to June but Soweto commuters say they are still struggling because taxi fares have already gone up.

Uniq Brows founder Unaiza Suliman wants beauty salons across South Africa to train young people in Halaal brow styling to build skills and create jobs.

Limpopo mentor Ashirus Monhla says young people must learn basic money skills to survive hard times and job losses linked to the Middle East war.

The government is extending its fuel levy relief into May to fight another big jump in petrol and diesel prices for all South African drivers.

South African drivers must watch out for fake diesel mixed with paraffin. This illegal fuel can seriously damage vehicle engines while pump prices remain high.