The poverty line for a family of five living in Zimbabwe is now Z$20-million (about R1 200) a month, Harare’s Herald newspaper reported on Tuesday.
Its website quoted the Central Statistical Office as saying the average five-member Zimbabwe family has to spend at least Z$7,8-million a month on food to remain healthy.
This average family would need to spend just more than another Z$12-million a month for accommodation, transport to get to and from work to earn this money, fees to educate children at the cheapest government schools, clothes and shoes.
There is no provision for any luxury or even a toy, the paper said, adding than inflation is running at 600%. In South Africa, it is about 4%.
The minimum family income, just enough to live in frugal decency, went up by Z$3-million a month since December last year.
Even a single person requires just more than Z$4-million a month for food, housing and other basic expenses.
The Herald said those with incomes less than the poverty datum line are quite likely to be going hungry, living in very unhealthy housing or be inadequately dressed. — Sapa