Mervyn Abrahams, Programme Coordinator, Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group

Interview| The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group has published new data showing the price changes for essential goods in May 2021In May 2021: The average cost of the Household Food Basket is R4
137,11.Month-on-month (between April 2021 and May 2021): The average cost
of the Household Food Basket decreased by R61,82 (-1,5%).
 Over the past nine (9) months (between September 2020 [the first
data release] and May 2021):  The average cost of the Household Food Basket
increased by R280,77 (7,3%), from R3 856,34 in September 2020 to R4 137,11
in May 2021.At an average cost of R2 232,12 in May 2021, these core foods are relatively
very expensive in relation to the total money available in the household
purse to buy food.The National Minimum Wage for a General Worker in May 2021 is R3 643,92.
Transport to work and back will cost a worker an average of R1 260 (34,6% of
NMW), and electricity an average of R647,50 (17,8% of NMW).  Together
transport and electricity, both non-negotiable expenses, take up 52,3% (R1
907,50) of the NMW, leaving R1 736,42 to secure all other household
expenses. Guest: Mervyn Abrahams, Programme Coordinator, Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group