The latest Household Affordability Index by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group has highlighted a concerning increase in the cost of essential food items in South Africa. According to the report, the prices of zero-rated foods have risen by 4.1% over the past year, with staple goods such as maize meal, cooking oil, and rice seeing notable increases. The organisation warns that the ongoing rise in food and fuel […]
By Kouthar Sambo Food price volatility has not settled, and South Africans are concerned as the cost of living is breaking the banks. But what are the financial implications for residents? Speaking on VOC's breakfast show on Thursday morning, Programme Coordinator at the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group Mervyn Abrahams described the financial situation. “In the last month, we saw a slight decline in the cost of our basket […]
By Lee-Yandra Paulsen The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group (PMEJD) regularly monitors the purchasing habits of households and analysis the impact of rising costs on their economic well-being. In their latest report for June 2023, the group's Programme Coordinator, Mervyn Abrahams, shed light on the affordability of essential goods and services. While there was a slight decline in the overall cost of the food basket, a closer examination of […]
By Lee-Yandra Paulsen South Africa is experiencing a cost-of-living crisis, with skyrocketing food and fuel prices, as well as severe rate hikes, forcing households to make tough decisions. Programme Coordinator at the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group, Mervyn Abrahams spoke to VOC Breakfast on Friday about the Household Affordability Index in terms of the food basket for May. “The food basket for the working class now stands at R5,071. […]
By Lee-Yandra Paulsen “Social grants are essentially spent on food and if you look at our food basket which increased with 12%. This means even with the increase for social grant, people receiving these grants can buy less food this year compared to last year.” This is according to the Programme Coordinator at the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group, Mervyn Abrahams who spoke to VOC Breakfast on Monday morning […]
Food prices increased at the fastest pace in almost 14 years in January, when Eskom intensified rolling blackouts. Annual food and nonalcoholic beverage inflation quickened to 13.4% from 12.4% in December, Pretoria-based Stats SA said Wednesday in a statement on its website. That’s the highest rate since April 2009, it said. The increase in food prices came as the state power company imposed power cuts of as long as 12 […]
The tough economic climate that many South Africans find themselves submerged in amid the 2020 pandemic will not be easier this festive season. This is according to new data which revealed that the price of basic goods could increase during the festive season. The financial impact was felt across the globe as government-imposed lockdown restrictions stifled movement and saw businesses incurring added sanitizing and labour expenses, being driven into debt […]
VOC became the first Muslim radio station in South Africa when a special events license was granted to the station in Ramadan/January 1995. Subsequent temporary broadcast licenses were granted, permitting the station to broadcast for 24 hours.
