Inflation South Africa 1989
Average inflation: 14.7%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 14.7%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in June at 15.6%. The lowest inflation was in January at 13.4%.
- Highest month
- June: 15.6%
- Lowest month
- January: 13.4%
- Difference
- 2.2 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 11.0%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 11.0%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 11.0%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 11.0%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 1.0% lower than the 5-year average of 15.7%.
- 5-year average
- 15.7%
- 10-year average
- 14.6%
- All-time high (1986)
- 18.7%
- All-time low (1970)
- 5%
Trend
Inflation shows a downward trend. Compared to 1988, inflation has fallen by +1.9 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- +1.9 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- June: +3.3 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 12.7% 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 €114.70 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1989
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1988 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 13.4% | -0.8 |
| February | 13.6% | +0.4 |
| March | 13.7% | +0.3 |
| April | 14.2% | +1.3 |
| May | 14.7% | +1.6 |
| June | 15.6% | +3.3 |
| July | 15.4% | +2.5 |
| August | 15.5% | +3.2 |
| September | 15.1% | +2.9 |
| October | 14.6% | +2.2 |
| November | 15.0% | +2.7 |
| December | 15.5% | +3.0 |
| Average | 14.7% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 19/12/2025.