Government Takes Steps to Tackle Cost of Living

Initiatives in Food Security, Social Grants & Basic Services

In recent years, the South African government has intensified efforts to ease the burden on households facing rising inflation, energy costs and global economic headwinds. Recognising that many families struggle to cover essentials, the national strategy now emphasises food security, basic-service relief and stronger social-grant systems.

Strengthening Food Security

Food security lies at the heart of the cost-of-living challenge. To ensure that more households have reliable access to nutritious food, the government has boosted programmes that:

• Provide nutrition at primary-healthcare level and in schools.
• Expand community-based food-distribution initiatives.
• Work to make basic food supplies more affordable through subsidies and infrastructure support.

Enhancing Social Grants & Free Services

Under a broader social-protection agenda, several measures are helping ease cost pressure on vulnerable households:

• Social grants (old-age, disability, child support) have been increased to help households cover rising costs.
• Provision of free basic services — such as water, electricity, and primary education — means families can use what they save on services for essentials like food.
• Policy frameworks explicitly list “reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living” as a strategic national priority.

Impact on Households & Communities

These combined efforts aim to free up household income, allowing more spending on food, health and essentials rather than just survival. For low-income families, this means stronger resilience to economic shocks, and for communities, it signals a shift toward more inclusive stability.

Looking Ahead

As global inflation, supply-chain disruption and energy price volatility persist, South Africa’s strategy reflects an understanding: tackling cost of living isn’t a one-off fix, but a sustained policy commitment. Through food-security measures, grant enhancements and service relief, the country is working to build greater equity and stability.