Inflation South Africa 1974
Average inflation: 11.7%
Inflation in 1974
Inflation is very high at 11.7%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in September at 14.3%. The lowest inflation was in April at 8.3%.
- Highest month
- September: 14.3%
- Lowest month
- April: 8.3%
- Difference
- 6.0 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Historical Context
Inflation is 4.0 percentage points higher than the 5-year average of 7.7%. This approaches the highest level since records began (11.7% in 1974).
- 5-year average
- 7.7%
- 10-year average
- 5.5%
- All-time high (1974)
- 11.7%
- All-time low (1962)
- 1.2%
Trend
Over the period 1972-1974, inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1973, inflation has risen by 2.2 percentage points.
- Change vs. previous year
- +2.2 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- September: +5.4 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 9.7 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 111.70 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1974
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1973 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10.9% | +3.9 |
| February | 10.9% | +3.9 |
| March | 10.6% | +1.3 |
| April | 8.3% | -3.3 |
| May | 10.4% | -1.2 |
| June | 12.5% | +0.9 |
| July | 10.2% | -1.2 |
| August | 12.2% | +3.3 |
| September | 14.3% | +5.4 |
| October | 12.0% | +3.3 |
| November | 14.0% | +5.3 |
| December | 14.0% | +5.3 |
| Average | 11.7% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 19/12/2025.