The cost of living is still under pressure as rising inflation patterns continue.
On 26 February 2025, Statistics South Africa (SA) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for January, which has been raised to 3.2%, up from 3.0% in December 2024.
The CPI measures the average change of prices of goods and services typically bought by South Africans. It is a key indicator of inflation as it shows how the cost of living is rising or falling.
The contributors to the annual inflation rate include housing and utilities, food and non-alcoholic beverages, and restaurants and accommodation services.
The increase in prices affects people at all levels, including cash-strapped students. Luthando Nzama, a second year Fine Arts Student at the Wits School of Arts (WSOA), said students can’t keep up. “Whenever we go to Checkers or shopping centre’s the prices are really high and that affects the amount of groceries we (can buy),” she said.
Sizwe Gumede, a second year Civil Engineering student at Wits University has also experienced the brunt of inflation. “Based on my experience, we aren’t able to afford some of the services and goods that we need,” he said.
Gumede said many students struggle to buy themselves essentials such as toiletries and thinks increased allowances may help.
“I heard that NSFAS will be going up, but for the past couple of years it’s been at the same rate while inflation is increasing. This left us students vulnerable to not (being able to) survive off this kind of funding,” he added. Last week, NSFAS confirmed that allowances for university students would increase by 4% and 46% for those studying at TVET colleges.
Various sources have researched the monthly average students need to get by, it ranges between R1500 to R3000 for groceries alone and between R500 and R1000 for other personal items.
As inflation increases, young people on the ground continue to be affected by the rising cost of living and are attempting to make ends meet.
FEATURED IMAGE: South African cash notes. Photo: File.
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