Rising Costs Squeeze South African Households
Everyday life is getting tougher for many families in South Africa. Fuel, food and rent keep climbing faster than wages, forcing people to make hard choices about what they can afford. The Competition Commission’s latest cost‑of‑living report shows that essential items such as electricity, basic groceries and transport are still putting pressure on household budgets, especially for lower‑income earners.
Voices from the Streets
Elderly Perspective – Busani Bhengu
Seventy‑five‑year‑old Busani Bhengu from Durban says life has become a daily calculation. Even though apartheid ended 32 years ago, he feels black South Africans are still not free. “If you want to see what that freedom has brought us, go where I come from and you will see the suffering,” he explains. Many people walk to the mall because they cannot afford a taxi fare of R17‑R20. He adds that the R370 government subsidy is far too little to live on, and most unemployed residents spend their days just wandering the shopping centre to pass time. Bhengu suggests that growing food at home might become a necessary survival strategy.
Small‑Business View – Jabulie Zondi
Jabulie Zondi runs a fast‑food restaurant in Durban’s CBD. She says rising fuel prices are hitting her from two sides: the cost of getting supplies to her shop and the expense of taking a taxi to work. “When I order my supplies, the prices are likely to go up because fuel is more expensive. Also, getting to work will cost me more,” she notes. The fuel increase is tied to higher global oil prices and a weaker rand, which makes imported fuel pricier.
Unemployed Struggle – Mfanafuthi Mzobe
Mfanafuthi Mzobe from uMlazi is currently unemployed and describes each day as a battle. “You wake up and don’t know how to survive or what to eat. For people like us, there is no real change. Life is still hard, even after so many years. When you have no income, even small things become a problem—transport, food, everything.”
What Experts Say
Economists Warn of Ongoing Pressure
Dr. Simiso Msomi (University of KwaZulu‑Natal)
Dr. Msomi believes the cost of living will keep rising as global fuel markets stay volatile. “Oil is a factor of production in almost every sector, so when its price goes up, the cost of producing goods and services rises too.” He adds that the central bank may try to calm prices by raising interest rates, which would cut people’s disposable income even further. Wages are not growing fast enough to match these increases, leaving already strained households under more pressure.
Dr. Elias Ndou (University of South Africa)
Dr. Ndou points out that low‑income families are feeling the squeeze most sharply. “Customers’ budgets are very tight right now. People now have to spend money on planned expenses like transportation and food.” He notes that even when subsidies increase, the purchasing power of those grants erodes quickly because food prices are climbing faster than the aid.
The Bigger Question – What Does Freedom Mean?
For many South Africans, the idea of freedom is no longer just about political rights; it is also about being able to meet basic needs without constant worry. When a large part of the day is spent figuring out how to afford a bus ride or a meal, the concept of freedom feels hollow. As Busani Bhengu put it, “A black man is not free.” The struggle to survive is reshaping what people expect from democracy and economic policy.
Looking Ahead – Can Things Improve?
Experts agree that without stronger wage growth, more stable fuel prices, and targeted support for the poorest households, the pressure will likely continue. Some suggest investing in local food production and public transport could ease the burden. Others call for policies that link subsidies directly to inflation so that aid keeps pace with rising costs.
Conclusion
South Africa is facing a cost‑of‑living crisis that goes beyond numbers on a spreadsheet. It is shaping daily decisions, influencing how people view freedom, and highlighting the gap between economic promises and everyday reality. Addressing the issue will require a mix of sound economic policy, community‑based solutions, and a renewed focus on making sure that every citizen can afford the basics that make life dignified.
