Household Affordability Index

The average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R46,29 (0,9%), from R5 420,30 in April 2025 to R5 466,59 in May 2025.

Year-on-year:  The average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R83,99 (1,6%), from R5 336,31 in April 2024 to R5 420,30 in April 2025.

The average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R16,14 (0,3%), from R5 313,22 in February 2025 to R5 329,36 in March 2025.

On our calculations, using Pietermaritzburg-based figures for electricity and transport, and the average figure for a minimum nutritional basket of food for a family of four, puts electricity, and transport, taking up 59,9% of a worker’s wage

The National Minimum Wage is R27,58 an hour and R220,64 for an 8-hour day. In January 2025, with 22- working days, the maximum National Minimum Wage for a General Worker is R4 854,08. 

For Black South African workers, one wage typically must support 4 people.  Dispersed in a worker’s family of 4 persons, the NMW, is R1 158,36 per person – this is below the upper-bound poverty line of R1 634 per person per month.

The average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R92,97 (1,8%), from R5 255,68 in September 2024 to R5 348,65 in October 2024.

The National Minimum Wage is R27,58 an hour and R220,64 for an 8-hour day. In September 2024, with 20 working days, the maximum National Minimum Wage for a General Worker is R4 412,80.

In August 2024, food baskets decreased by large amounts in Joburg and Pietermaritzburg.  Food baskets increased by small amounts in Durban, Cape Town, Springbok and Mtubatuba

In July 2024, PMBEJD calculates that workers’ families will underspend on food by a minimum of 40,3%.