South Africans could soon pay less for food — Here’s why
As the country continues to deal with rising inflation, South Africans could soon be paying less for food
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As the country continues to deal with rising inflation, South Africans could soon be paying less for food, thanks to a strong summer grain harvest and abundant fruit and vegetable crops.
This is according to Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, who said the good harvest is expected to ease food inflation and improve affordability for millions of households struggling with food access.
"The August 2025 Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) production forecast for summer grains estimates a good harvest for this year, mainly supported by favourable summer rains and the decent area plantings. This is expected to provide South African consumers with lower prices and improved food access in the country," Steenhuisen said in parliamentary reply.
IOL previously reported that household food budgets are under pressure as food and non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) inflation accelerated to 5.7% in July, up from 5.1% in June. Meat, vegetables, and other food items drove the increase, with beef remaining the main contributor.
Steenhuisen added that "improvements in food prices, coupled with the ongoing agricultural support to households, are expected to ensure that food reaches the millions of South African households that are struggling with food access problems".
"The Department of Agriculture (DoA), through its producer support interventions, promotes household self-sustenance and income generation. The latter is purely in response to aid vulnerable households while creating opportunities for self-employment through participation in the agricultural sector"
"The current intervention of note includes the Smallholder Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP), which helps smallholder farmers to appreciate that farming is a business, and the need to understand market requirements before producing, while the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) provides funding for applications for support. Other interventions include support with skills development and market access interventions"
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mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za