The latest Household Affordability Index report reveals a stark reality for South African workers, who are spending over 57% of their monthly earnings on transport and electricity. This leaves them struggling to afford basic necessities such as food. The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (Giwusa) has criticized the government for failing to address the cost-of-living crisis and called for an end to neoliberal policies.
The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (Giwusa) has expressed grave concerns over the findings of the latest Household Affordability Index report, which reveals a stark reality: the average South Africa n worker spends over 57% of their monthly earnings on transport and electricity. The union argues that these alarming figures underscore the persistent and debilitating cost-of-living crisis faced by its members and the broader working class.
Giwusa president Mametlwe Sebei stated that the report serves as a powerful reminder of the daily struggles endured by working-class South Africans. The report paints a grim picture, showing that the average cost of a basic food basket for a family of four stands at R3,830,05 for January 2025. A staggering 57.7% of a worker's wage, or R2,802,97 out of R4,854,08, is consumed by electricity and transport expenses. This leaves a mere R2,051,11 for food and other essential needs. The union criticizes the National Minimum Wage (NMW), calling it a poverty wage that fails to keep pace with the rising cost of living. The maximum wage of R4,854,08, when distributed among a family of four, amounts to R1,213,52 per person per month, a sum that falls below the upper-bound poverty line of R1,634 per capita per month.Giwusa argues that the NMW, coupled with minimal annual increases that do not adequately reflect inflation, enshrines a low-wage system and traps millions of workers in poverty. The union demands that the government take swift and decisive action to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis and ensure that workers can live with dignity. They call for an end to neoliberal policies and austerity measures, including the South African Reserve Bank's (SARB) inflation-targeting policies, which they believe have further impoverished the working class. Sebei asserts that the SARB's monetary policies, driven by neoliberal ideals, have stripped workers of their assets, facilitated wealth transfer to banks and the elite, and exacerbated the cost-of-living crisis. The union views the situation as a direct consequence of the government's failure to address the escalating prices of electricity, transport, and food, forcing workers to make impossible choices between basic necessities
Labor South Africa Cost Of Living Crisis South Africa Workers Affordability Minimum Wage Transport Electricity Neoliberal Policies General Industries Workers Union Of South Africa (
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
South African Public Sector Workers Receive Revised 5.5% Salary Increase OfferPublic sector workers in South Africa have received a revised salary increase offer of 5.5% after initially rejecting a 5% proposal. The offer includes improvements in non-financial benefits and aims to be finalized before the February budget.
Read more »
Resilience and sacrifice: South African healthcare workers’ experiences during Covid-19Discover the inspiring stories of South African healthcare workers who displayed remarkable resilience and dedication during the Covid-19 pandemic, overcoming immense challenges to save lives.
Read more »
Viral Video: South African Lady Shares Essential Advice for Domestic WorkersA South African woman, Zimasa, has gone viral for her practical advice to house assistants on how to maintain their employment and avoid being fired. In a widely shared video, she emphasizes the importance of professionalism and avoiding overstepping boundaries in a domestic setting.
Read more »
South African Workers Spend Over Half Their Income on Transport and ElectricityA new report reveals that the average South African worker spends over 57% of their monthly earnings on transport and electricity, highlighting the worsening cost-of-living crisis. The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) blames the government's policies, particularly the privatization of electricity generation, for the escalating costs. GIWUSA urges the government to take immediate action to alleviate the burden on workers.
Read more »
Rwanda Denounces South Africa Over DRC ConflictRwandan President Paul Kagame has refuted South Africa's portrayal of events in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), accusing the South African government of supporting armed groups and hindering peace efforts. Kagame condemned the South African National Defence Force's (SANDF) involvement in the conflict, claiming it was aiding the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (DFLR) and exacerbating tensions in the region. He disputed South African claims that the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) and M23 rebels attacked the SANDF, asserting that the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (DFLR) were responsible for the deaths of 13 South African soldiers.
Read more »
Parliament Committee to Continue Investigating SARU and SAFA FinancesSouth Africa's Parliament sport, arts and culture committee vows to continue investigating the financial practices and management of the South African Rugby Union (SARU) and the South African Football Association (SAFA).
Read more »