Inflation South Africa 1980
Average inflation: 13.6%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 13.6%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in December at 15.8%. The lowest inflation was in August at 11.2%.
- Highest month
- December: 15.8%
- Lowest month
- August: 11.2%
- Difference
- 4.6 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 19.0%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 19.0%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 19.0%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 19.0%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 1.6% higher than the 5-year average of 12.0%. This approaches the highest level since records began (13.6% in 1980).
- 5-year average
- 12%
- 10-year average
- 10.7%
- All-time high (1980)
- 13.6%
- All-time low (1962)
- 1.2%
Trend
Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1979, inflation has risen by +0.3 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- +0.3 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- August: -2.8 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 11.6% 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 €113.60 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1980
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1979 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 13.5% | +2.2 |
| February | 13.3% | +0.8 |
| March | 13.2% | -0.6 |
| April | 13.0% | +0.8 |
| May | 14.1% | +1.9 |
| June | 15.1% | +1.7 |
| July | 12.4% | -1.7 |
| August | 11.2% | -2.8 |
| September | 13.1% | -0.7 |
| October | 14.0% | +0.4 |
| November | 15.0% | +1.4 |
| December | 15.8% | +1.0 |
| Average | 13.6% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 19/12/2025.