Inflation South Africa 1983
Average inflation: 12.4%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 12.4%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in February at 14.8%. The lowest inflation was in November at 10.6%.
- Highest month
- February: 14.8%
- Lowest month
- November: 10.6%
- Difference
- 4.2 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 11.8%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 11.8%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 11.8%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 11.8%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 1.5% lower than the 5-year average of 13.9%.
- 5-year average
- 13.9%
- 10-year average
- 12.8%
- All-time high (1981)
- 15.3%
- All-time low (1968)
- 2%
Trend
Inflation shows a downward trend. Compared to 1982, inflation has fallen by +2.3 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- -2.3 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- June: -4.4 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 10.4% 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 €112.40 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1983
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1982 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14.3% | +0.6 |
| February | 14.8% | +1.4 |
| March | 13.0% | -3.0 |
| April | 12.9% | -3.8 |
| May | 12.8% | -3.7 |
| June | 12.0% | -4.4 |
| July | 12.6% | -1.8 |
| August | 12.4% | -1.8 |
| September | 11.6% | -1.5 |
| October | 10.7% | -3.0 |
| November | 10.6% | -3.8 |
| December | 10.6% | -2.9 |
| Average | 12.4% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 19/12/2025.