PIETERMARITZBURG - Food costs are rising, wallets are shrinking, and the festive season pressure is on.
The November Household Affordability Index shows the average food basket costs over 5-thousand-3-hundred rand, a price out of reach for many.
This is up by 0.2% from last month and nearly a percent % higher than a year ago.
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With higher prices for essentials like chicken and bread, and the January school rush looming, families face a tough season ahead.
Sibusiso Mboto from the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group spoke to eNCA.