Zuko Komisa
- South Africa’s inflation hit 3% in June, up from 2.8% in previous months.
- The main drivers were sharp increases in food and housing costs, especially beef and some vegetables.
- However, dairy products are cheaper, and fuel prices have dropped for four consecutive months.
South African consumers are feeling the pinch as inflation crept up to 3% in June, a slight rise from 2.8% in April and May, according to figures released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Wednesday. The increase, driven primarily by significant hikes in food and housing expenses, signals growing strain on household finances.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) saw a monthly change of 0.3%, reflecting the mounting pressure on everyday budgets. Patrick Kelly, Stats SA’s Chief Director for Price Statistics, highlighted that food prices were the chief culprit behind the uptick.
“The annual rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages climbed to 5.1% in June, marking its highest point in over a year,” Kelly explained. “Meat, particularly beef, continues to be the main driver.”
#ZAinflation || Annual consumer price inflation was 3,0% in June, up from 2,8% in May.
— Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) (@StatsSA) July 23, 2025
Listen here for more: https://t.co/F78pqMrWKz #StatsSA #ZACPI #GovZAupdates pic.twitter.com/qoLmhOtfKv
Beef prices have surged for the third consecutive month, with stewing beef rocketing by 21.2% year-on-year—the sharpest increase recorded since the current CPI series began in January 2017. Mince and steak also saw similarly steep rises.
Kelly attributed the persistent price pressure in fresh produce to “broader supply chain challenges and seasonal effects.”
Despite the recent rise, inflation remains comfortably within the South African Reserve Bank’s target range of 3% to 6%.
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