How could the findings of Shoprite's food security index affect the South African Reserve Bank?
High food costs and inflation could increase pressure on the South African Reserve Bank. The Shoprite index found that 9.4-million people experienced hunger in 2025, driven by rising living costs. The report detailed that food inflation contributed to the deterioration of the country’s food security score, while housing and utilities accounted for 39% of headline inflation by March 2026. This sustained high cost of living and food price pressure directly challenges the South African Reserve Bank's mandate to stabilize prices and curb inflation, potentially forcing a review of current monetary policy stances.
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How it reaches South African Reserve Bank
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The South African food security index 2026, commissioned by Shoprite Group, found that household hunger reached its highest level since 2010. The country’s overall food security score fell to 52.6 in 2025 from 56.5 in 2024. The index found that more than 9.4 million people experienced hunger in 2025, representing 14.7% of the population.
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The persistent high cost of essential foodstuffs, compounded by rising housing and utility costs, creates sustained inflationary pressure across the economy. This situation directly impacts the South African Reserve Bank's core responsibility to manage and stabilize the national price level.
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- More than 9.4-million people experienced hunger in 2025, with 14.7% of the population going hungry.timeslive.co.za
- The country’s overall food security score fell to 52.6 in 2025 from 56.5 in 2024.timeslive.co.za
- Housing and utilities accounted for 39% of headline inflation by March 2026.timeslive.co.za
- The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group’s September 2026 household affordability index put the average household food basket at R5,488.06.timeslive.co.za
Why it matters
The findings highlight a structural economic challenge in South Africa where food availability does not translate into household access, driven by affordability issues. For the South African Reserve Bank, this sustained cost-of-living crisis represents a significant challenge to its monetary policy goals, as high food and utility costs are key drivers of overall inflation.
This issue is compounded by structural inequality, as the index found rural female-headed households were particularly vulnerable, with the proportion living below the food poverty line rising from 38.4% in 2023 to 41.7% in 2025. This suggests that policy solutions must address both market forces and underlying social protection.
What we don't know yet
- Will the South African Reserve Bank adjust its monetary policy in response to the sustained food price pressures?
- How will the government respond to the findings regarding structural inequality and food access?
Is this still moving?
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Reporting
- timeslive.co.zaOct 1
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