By: Ashley Lechman – IOL Business Report

The September 2025 Household Affordability Index has shown that the cost of putting food on the table remains a challenge for South African families, with the average household food basket recorded at R5 379,42.

This marks a slight month on month decrease of R1,20 from August but still represents a year on year increase of R123,74 or 2,4% compared to September last year.

The index, which tracks the prices of 44 essential foods from supermarkets and butcheries across major urban centres, highlights a mixed movement in food prices.

Of the items tracked, 21 increased in price while 23 declined.

Key price hikes included butternut up by 13%, green peppers up 9%, bananas up 8% and beef liver up 7%. Foods showing sharp declines included potatoes down 15%, tomatoes down 11%, onions down 7% and spinach down 9%.

Regional data showed varied results. The Joburg basket rose slightly to R5 554,41, up 0,1% month on month and 1,3% year on year.

Cape Town recorded the sharpest increase, climbing by 1% month on month and 6,4% year on year to R5 364,04. In contrast, Durban baskets fell by 0,5% month on month to R5 229,11, while Mtubatuba registered both month on month and year on year declines, with its basket costing R5 323,02 in September.

Statistics South Africa’s latest Consumer Price Index for August reflected headline inflation of 3,3%, while food inflation stood at 5,2%.

The Producer Price Index for July highlighted the pressure on agriculture, with live animals and animal products increasing by 12,2%.

For workers, the figures continue to underline a difficult reality.

The National Minimum Wage equates to R4 836,72 for a full working month, yet the average cost of a basic nutritional food basket for a family of four is R3 689,64.

When electricity and transport costs are factored in, which take up almost 60% of wages, only R1 974,87 remains for food and other essentials. This leaves workers’ families underspending on food by at least 46,5%.

According to the index, if all remaining money was directed solely to food, it would provide just R493,72 per person per month.

This is well below the food poverty line of R796 per person per month, underscoring that a nutritious diet remains out of reach for many households.

The situation is particularly concerning for women and children. In September the average monthly cost to feed a child a basic nutritious diet was R940,62, a slight decline from August.

However, with the Child Support Grant at R560, families remain severely short of what is needed.

The grant falls 30% below the food poverty line and 40% below the actual cost of feeding a child adequately.

These figures continue to shine a spotlight on the pressure low income households face as food inflation outpaces wage growth.

While some food items showed relief in September, the overall cost of household food baskets remains well above what many South African families can afford.

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