HIGH FOOD PRICES HURTING LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS, AFFORDABILITY INDEX FINDS

THE HOUSEHOLD food baskets for Durban, Cape Town and Pietermaritzburg increased marginally this month by

R31.87, R51.28 and R12.04, respectively, while those of Joburg and Springbok declined marginally by R28.45 and

R21.03, respectively, according to the Household Affordability Index compiled by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD). The PMBEJD said yesterday that high food prices continued to hurt low-income families and removed nutritious food from the plate, while making families (particularly women because sacrifice their nutritional needs for the sake of their families) and children (who need highly nutritious foods to develop properly) more vulnerable to disease. PMBEJD programme coordinator Mervyn Abrahams said although they welcomed what appeared to be a greater commitment by the government to provide relief to households, workers and small businesses, it still seemed they were trying to get blood out of a stone. “Given the reality on the ground, it is unlikely that the relief measures announced by the president will be enough to prevent hunger and to quell civil disorder and put South Africa firmly on a path to recovery,” said Abrahams. |