Inflation South Africa 1979
Average inflation: 13.3%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 13.3%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in December at 14.8%. The lowest inflation was in January at 11.3%.
- Highest month
- December: 14.8%
- Lowest month
- January: 11.3%
- Difference
- 3.5 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 15.9%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 15.9%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 15.9%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 15.9%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 1.3% higher than the 5-year average of 12.0%. This approaches the highest level since records began (13.5% in 1975).
- 5-year average
- 12%
- 10-year average
- 9.9%
- All-time high (1975)
- 13.5%
- All-time low (1962)
- 1.2%
Trend
Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1978, inflation has risen by +2.2 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- +2.2 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- March: +4.2 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 11.3% 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 €100 this year will cost approximately €113.30 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1979
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1978 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 11.3% | +0.2 |
| February | 12.5% | +1.4 |
| March | 13.8% | +4.2 |
| April | 12.2% | +2.9 |
| May | 12.2% | +2.9 |
| June | 13.4% | +4.1 |
| July | 14.1% | +2.3 |
| August | 14.0% | +2.3 |
| September | 13.8% | +0.8 |
| October | 13.6% | +0.8 |
| November | 13.6% | +0.8 |
| December | 14.8% | +3.4 |
| Average | 13.3% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 19/12/2025.