SOWETAN | The risk of high cost of living: The fast-rising cost of staple food such as maize meal is likely to push millions of South Africans further into poverty.
According to Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group, the price of a bag of 30kg maize meal – a staple food for many households – has risen by 25% in the last 12 months. The World Bank estimates that 13.8-million South Africans are already experiencing food poverty.
Last week, the Reserve Bank increased interest rate to 8.25% from 7.75% which means many people are paying more to service their debts and on their home loans. The hike brought the interest rate to its highest level since 2009. It means that South Africans will suffer the outrageous prices of necessities and enjoy a lesser quality of life for a prolonged period. The impact of last week’s interest rate hike is only beginning to be widely felt this week by many households as loan repayments are due.
Unemployment is already sky high, the economy is stagnant and workers’ wages have been depressed since Covid-19 hit. For the working class, the rising cost of everything comes alongside the fact that their salaries have not improved much for years. It means there is nothing left to tighten their belts on.
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