By Dylan Bettencourt
- The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity group says Durban’s average food basket cost R5,229.11 in September.
- Cape Town families now pay R5,364.04, while Johannesburg remains the most expensive with a basket at R5,554.41.
Durban is now the cheapest metro for groceries in South Africa. But families there are not celebrating, because the savings are only a few rand.
According to the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity group, the average Durban household food basket cost R5,229.11 in September. That is just R23.97 less than in August, and almost the same as a year ago.
Cape Town is in second place, but families are still paying more. A Cape Town food basket costs R5,364.04, up R323.86 from last year.
Johannesburg is the hardest hit. A Joburg basket cost R5,554.41 in September, nearly R200 above the national average of R5,379.42.
Food inflation has slowed down overall, but certain basics are still climbing fast. Samp and maize meals are more expensive, while beef and other meats remain painfully high.
Families across the country are feeling the squeeze, even as officials talk about slowing price hikes.
Pictured above: Durban families pay the least for food, but the savings are small.
Image source: Pexels
