Stats SA reports increase in cost of basic survival in South Africa
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Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) released updated national poverty lines on Thursday, reporting that the cost of basic survival increased between 2025 and 2026. The food poverty line rose to R868 per person per month, the lower-bound line increased to R1,457, and the upper-bound line reached R2,962. These figures, which incorporate 2022/23 survey data and May Consumer Price Index trends, reflect the rising cost of a 46-item food basket and essential non-food needs like shelter and medicine. The new benchmarks track a long-term upward trend that began in 2006, when the food poverty line stood at R228.
Consequences
The updated thresholds provide a revised benchmark for tracking the number of individuals living below various poverty levels in South Africa. The data highlights the continued financial pressure on households struggling to afford basic food and essential non-food items.
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