Inflation South Africa 1973
Average inflation: 9.5%
Inflation in 1973
Inflation is very high at 9.5%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in April at 11.6%. The lowest inflation was in January at 7.0%.
- Highest month
- April: 11.6%
- Lowest month
- January: 7.0%
- Difference
- 4.6 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Historical Context
Inflation is 3.5 percentage points higher than the 5-year average of 6.0%. This approaches the highest level since records began (9.5% in 1973).
- 5-year average
- 6%
- 10-year average
- 4.6%
- All-time high (1973)
- 9.5%
- All-time low (1962)
- 1.2%
Trend
Over the period 1971-1973, inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1972, inflation has risen by 3.1 percentage points.
- Change vs. previous year
- +3.1 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- April: +6.7 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 7.5 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 109.50 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1973
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1972 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7.0% | -0.5 |
| February | 7.0% | -0.5 |
| March | 9.3% | +4.4 |
| April | 11.6% | +6.7 |
| May | 11.6% | +6.7 |
| June | 11.6% | +6.7 |
| July | 11.4% | +4.1 |
| August | 8.9% | +1.8 |
| September | 8.9% | +1.8 |
| October | 8.7% | +1.7 |
| November | 8.7% | +1.7 |
| December | 8.7% | +1.7 |
| Average | 9.5% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 19/12/2025.