In many cases, workers in South Africa are left with only R1,653.35 for food and other necessities throughout the month after utility and travel bills have been paid.
According to the latest household affordability report from the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD), electricity and transport expenses consumed R3,183.45 in August, which accounts for 65.8% of the worker's salary.
This data demonstrates the extremely limited budgetary cushion of households, even despite some decrease in prices for certain foodstuffs.
The average cost of a household's food basket in August was R5,479.80. Although this was 0.9% cheaper than in July, the amount remained 1.8% higher than in 2025. Out of 44 tracked PMBEJD products, prices increased on 19 items and decreased on 25.
However, the group's director, Marvin Abraham, emphasized that families do not receive income but rather allocate money according to fixed categories: the most essential expenses, such as rent or mortgage, electricity, and transport, are paid first. Food is purchased only from the remaining funds.
Abraham noted that this leads people to buy less and less nutritious food because food is bought after all other mandatory payments have been covered. He concluded that the accessibility crisis cannot be viewed solely through the lens of food prices, but must consider the overall competition for funds.
In August 2026, the Competition Commission's Cost of Living Report also warned that rising fuel and transport costs put additional pressure on family budgets. The Commission indicated that the first half of 2026 was characterized by a 'significant increase in fuel costs,' driven by geopolitical tensions and disruptions in global oil supply chains, exacerbated by exchange rate pressure.
Fuel and transport intensify pressure
The Commission reported that the rise in fuel and transport prices has affected not only daily commutes but has also increased production, logistics, and distribution costs across the economy, creating upward pressure on essential goods. Furthermore, the Commission warned that the increase in basic services such as water and electricity is putting extra strain on poorer households that may not receive low-income support.
For workers, the issue boils down to whether wages can keep pace with rising costs. Abigail Moyo, a representative of the United Association of South Africa (UASA), stated that households are already on the brink of collapse. She stressed that the increase in fuel prices will only exacerbate the financial pressure on ordinary South Africans whose budgets are already severely constrained.
Moyo countered that the solution cannot be to expect workers to absorb the increased costs themselves. She pointed out that the adjustment of fuel prices is the reason why UASA and its members in the sugar sector have gone on strike to fight for wage increases and benefits that match inflation. She called on the government to review fuel pricing mechanisms, including fuel and slate levies, and employers to recognize inflation-linked wage indexing as necessary for workers' survival amid the rising cost of living. She added that pensioners are feeling particular pressure.
