Inflation South Africa 1971
Average inflation: 6.0%
Inflation in 1971
Inflation is very high at 6.0%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in March at 7.9%. The lowest inflation was in August at 5.0%.
- Highest month
- March: 7.9%
- Lowest month
- August: 5.0%
- Difference
- 2.9 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Historical Context
Inflation is 2.0 percentage points higher than the 5-year average of 4.0%. This approaches the highest level since records began (6.0% in 1971).
- 5-year average
- 4%
- 10-year average
- 3.2%
- All-time high (1971)
- 6%
- All-time low (1962)
- 1.2%
Trend
Over the period 1969-1971, inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1970, inflation has risen by 1.0 percentage points.
- Change vs. previous year
- +1.0 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- March: +5.2 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 4.0 percentage points above the ECB target of 2.0%. This means purchasing power is declining faster than intended.
Purchasing Power
At this high inflation rate, purchasing power rapidly decreases. This has a major impact on households, especially without adequate salary increases.
What you could buy for ZAR 100 this year will cost approximately ZAR 106 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1971
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1970 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5.3% | +1.8 |
| February | 5.3% | +1.8 |
| March | 7.9% | +5.2 |
| April | 5.1% | 0.0 |
| May | 5.1% | +0.3 |
| June | 5.1% | +0.3 |
| July | 5.1% | +0.6 |
| August | 5.0% | -2.2 |
| September | 5.0% | -1.6 |
| October | 7.5% | +1.4 |
| November | 7.5% | +1.7 |
| December | 7.5% | +2.2 |
| Average | 6.0% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 19/12/2025.