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By Dylan Bettencourt
- 43.8 percent of Black South Africans live below the poverty line of R1,300 per person per month.
- 20.8 percent live below the food poverty line of R777 per person per month in South Africa.
Nearly half of Black South Africans are living below the poverty line, according to the January Household Affordability Index.
The data shows that 43.8% fall below the poverty line, which is set at R1,300 per person per month . This poverty line reflects the minimum amount needed to cover both food and basic non-food items.
The index also shows that 20.8% of Black South Africans live below the food poverty line of R777 per person per month . The food poverty line represents the minimum amount required to afford basic nutrition.
These figures are recorded before additional January pressures such as school expenses and rising monthly food costs are added to household budgets.
The January data shows that the average household food basket costs more than R5,400 a month . For families already living below poverty thresholds, this makes it extremely difficult to secure enough food.
Pictured above: An informal settlement.
Image source: Pexels
