Bumper crops, yet food prices are spiralling. Why? Something is not right
South Africa is a hungry nation.
Households spend almost R200 per month more on essentials than five months ago, according to the latest Household Affordability Index.
The Index tracks food prices in 44 supermarkets and 30 butcheries in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg, and Springbok.
It is compiled by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity group (PMBEJD).

Foods driving this (% increase in five months):
-
Sugar beans (33%)
-
Maize meal (15%)
-
Samp (7%)
-
White sugar (5%)
-
Cooking oil (4%)
-
Potatoes (4%)
-
White bread (4%)
-
Brown bread (4%)
-
Rice (3%)
-
Cake flour (3%)
-
Onions (2%)
The national minimum wage is R3321.60, which is less than the average cost of the “Household Food Basket” of R4051.20.
In other words, the poorest South Africans – even if they work hard at a low-paying job - cannot eat enough nutritious food.
Our economy is not life-sustaining; we are not feeding our kids.
Lester Kiewit interviewed Mervyn Abrahams, Programme Coordinator at PMBEJD.
A basket of basic foods has breached the minimum wage. About 60% of employed South Africans earn at that level…
Mervyn Abrahams, Programme Coordinator - PMBEJD
We’re not tracking any luxuries, only basic foods, basic vegetables, and a bit of fruit…
Mervyn Abrahams, Programme Coordinator - PMBEJD
Maize meal – we had a bumper crop last year! I don’t see lower prices coming through…
Mervyn Abrahams, Programme Coordinator - PMBEJD
Listen to the interview in the audio below [skip to 5:09].

Source : https://www.123rf.com/photo_102210594_feeding-the-poor-helping-each-other-in-society.html
More from Business

Sars plans to tax retirement funds if you leave SA, target offshore assets
The proposal to tax retirement fund members when no longer tax-resident in SA is not unreasonable, says Prof. Osman Mollagee.
Read More
Med scheme covers chemo treatment but not weekly Covid test required by hospital
Consumer ninja Wendy Knowler follows up on the case of a patient who'd been paying his membership dues for more than 40 years.
Read More
No tax increases: A 'good news' Budget but SA not out of the woods
'We owe a lot of people a lot of money' says Tito Mboweni. Wide-ranging reaction to Budget 2021 on The Money Show.
Read More
Facebook and Australia, what it means for the rest of us
Will the deal with Australia help publishers around the world?
Read More
Uber class action suit in SA: 'Drivers deserve employee rights', says law firm
Uber South Africa is facing a class-action lawsuit over the employment rights of drivers.
Read More
'Kenya Airways said SAA is our role model! We want lots of government money!'
Kenya wants to nationalise the minority-privatised airline, providing a massive bailout. Bruce Whitfield interviews Dianna Games.
Read More
Does an emotive Sars advert make you feel better about paying tax?
It's Budget day tomorrow and branding expert Sizakele Marutlulle chooses a topical campaign as her advertising hero of the week.
Read More
Kumba Iron Ore reports record earnings: 'We're confident in terms of the future'
It's thanks to global demand and a quality product - The Money Show’s Bruce Whitfield interviews Kumba CEO Themba Mkhwanazi.
Read More
Foreign investment boost of R1.6 billion for digital-only TymeBank
The opportunity is a game-changer for the fledgling SA bank. Bruce Whitfield interviews TymeBank CEO Tauriq Keraan.
Read More
Pineapple leaf nappies and sanitary wear wins this innovative woman an award
Inners of Leafline products are made from a natural pineapple Leaf fibre called Pina Fibre making them environmentally friendly.
Read MoreMore from Opinion

Does an emotive Sars advert make you feel better about paying tax?
It's Budget day tomorrow and branding expert Sizakele Marutlulle chooses a topical campaign as her advertising hero of the week.
Read More
A South African fraudster fleeced US Big Tech out of R620 million ($42 million)
Stephen Timm on his new book, "At Any Cost: The South African Fraudster Who Took the Tech World for More Than $40 million".
Read More
We’re producing in the hopes we’ll see an uptick - Jack Black founder
The Money Show’s Bruce Whitfield asks Jack Black founder Ross McCulloch if he has any tips for Tito.
Read More
Banks unwittingly employ criminals in rush to meet BEE targets - David Klatzow
"In the rush to employ people who meet racial requirements, you’re dropping your standards," says investigator Dr David Klatzow.
Read More
Lawlessness in Cape Town: 'Gangs have infiltrated crime intelligence'
"Speak about Donkie Booysen; the whole community – apart from police – knows," says Willem Els (Institute of Security Studies).
Read More
'Mboweni must remember revenue windfall means SA just in slightly smaller hole'
Tips for Tito: The Money Show interviews Ninety One's Nazmeera Moola ahead of the finance minister's Budget speech next week.
Read More
'The Aussies are arrogant; it’s our turn! Host Lions in S Africa, or postpone'
Australia wants to host South Africa and the British Lions. "We must put pressure on them to postpone," pleads Wynand Claassen.
Read More
Bheki Cele is having tea with Jacob Zuma at Nkandla
Lester Kiewit interviews EWN’s Nkosikhona Duma and political analyst Ralph Mathekga.
Read More
We don’t understand the gravity of the profession – accounting student
"Medical students understand they have someone’s life in their hands," says a young accounting student in a stirring call.
Read More
Should South Africa risk a trade-war with US by taxing Google, Facebook, etc?
"The French tried, and immediately the US retaliated with tariffs on their wine," warns Wally Horak. "You must satisfy the US."
Read More