CC Cost of Living Report

The Cost-of-Living Report (COL) aims to provide essential insights into the affordability of basic goods and services, allowing individuals and households to assess their financial capacity to sustain a reasonable standard of living. This analysis plays a crucial role in identifying the economic pressures experienced by various socio-economic groups, particularly low-income households, in a time of fluctuating prices and growing inequality. Furthermore, the COL sheds light on disparities in living costs across income groups. In South Africa, it has been observed that poorer households have consistently experienced the highest inflation rates, highlighting the heightened vulnerability of low-income populations to economic shocks.1 Such findings are crucial for understanding the broader implications of inflation and cost pressures on society’s most marginalised communities. Ultimately, the COL serves not only individuals but also businesses and policymakers by offering a comprehensive view of prevailing economic conditions. 2. The current cost of living crisis in South Africa highlights the deeply entrenched economic Eye Witness News. Stats SA reveals that poor households are grappling with high cost of living. 12 December 2024. Available [Online] https://www.ewn.co.za/2024/12/12/poor-households-still-grappling-with-high-cost-of-living-reveals-stats-sa Daily Maverick. Rising global cost of living is a looming human rights crisis in southern Africa. 13 July 2022. Available [Online] https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-07-13-rising-global-cost-of-living-is-a-looming-human-rights-crisis-in-southern-africa/ Food Forward SA. Rising Food, Fuel and Electricity Prices put Further Pressure on Struggling Households. 10 February 2025. Available [Online] https://foodforwardsa.org/2025/02/10/rising-food-fuel-and-electricity-prices-put-further-pressure-on-struggling-households/ My Broadband. South Africa’s electricity prices way above average — and more expensive than most of Africa: July 2024. Available [Online https://mybroadband.co.za/news/energy/543829-south-africas-electricity-prices-way-above-average-and-more-expensive-than-most-of-africa.html MSN. South Africa’s energy crisis: from load shedding to unaffordable electricity. May 2025. Available [Online] https:// www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/south-africas-energy-crisis-from-load-shedding-to-unaffordable-electricity/ar- AA1DfIAn?ocid=BingNewsVerp Times Live.