Cost Of Living
latest news & developments
Pump pain hits workers hard
South African trade unions warn that the latest fuel price hike will drive up food and transport costs, intensifying calls to review fuel taxes and adjust wages to match the…
The cost of living does not reward breaks
It does not pause because you have given birth. It does not soften because you are tired. It demands that you keep moving, bruised and battered if necessary.
Reserve Bank hikes interest rate for first time since 2023 as oil shock, inflation risks mount
South African Reserve Bank raises interest rate to 7%, warning that oil shocks, food inflation and global instability could drive prices higher
Paying more for less power
Citizens are paying far more for electricity despite using less of it, as rising tariffs, fixed monthly charges and municipal costs reshape household bills and intensify…
Single women lead home buying
Many of them buy for control over their own lives and protection rather than prestige. That’s worrying
Future of SRD grant uncertain, treasury says
The Universal Basic Income Coalition said the government’s proposals to link the grant to employment-related conditions could exclude eligible beneficiaries
Fuel prices to fall sharply, driven by lower global oil markets
From 7 January, 93-grade unleaded petrol will decrease by 62 cents a litre while 95-grade petrol will cost 66 cents less
In South Africa, when expectations collapse the poor revolt against the downtrodden foreigners
Revolutions are seeded not just in hunger, but in the fear of decline, particularly among those who thought they had escaped it
Editorial: Retirement a daunting prospect
A declining number of middle class people are saving for retirement in South Africa
Union demands pension fund for domestic workers
About 850 000 people are employed as domestic workers in South Africa, contributing to 5.2% of the country’s total employment
Eskom’s unaffordable tariff hikes need a review
Massive proposed electricity price increases will leave many South Africans having to choose between buying food or having power
Ramaphosa’s speech to parliament listed South Africa’s old problems – but no new solutions
The address should have set out how things would be done differently and better under the new government, instead of being a wish list
The political education of Kenyan president William Ruto
When he came in as president, he destroyed the old system but failed to build something new – and now Ruto is paying the price
Moody’s concerned about Kenya’s capacity to implement measures to improve fiscal position
The Kenyan government said it would reduce spending to compensate for the scrapped tax measures.
Protests in African nations have more than doubled in the past five years
Struggling economies on the continent are leaving many unable to afford basic staples