Inflation South Africa 2001

Average inflation: 5.7%

Inflation in 2001

Inflation is very high at 5.7%, far above the ECB target.

Peak and Trough

The highest inflation was in February at 7.8%. The lowest inflation was in October at 4.0%.

Highest month
February: 7.8%
Lowest month
October: 4.0%
Difference
3.8 percentage points
Months with data
12 of 12

Historical Context

Inflation is 0.7 percentage points lower than the 5-year average of 6.4%. This approaches the lowest level since records began (5.3% in 2000).

5-year average
6.4%
10-year average
8%
All-time high (1986)
18.7%
All-time low (2000)
5.3%

Trend

Over the period 1999-2001, inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 2000, inflation has risen by 0.4 percentage points.

Change vs. previous year
+0.4 percentage points
Largest monthly swing
February: +5.5 percentage points

ECB Target

Inflation is 3.7 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 105.70 next year at this inflation rate.

Multi-year trend

Monthly figures 2001

Inflation by category

Food and non-alcoholic beverages
5.4%
-0.3 vs avg.

Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.

Month overview

Month Inflation Difference vs. 2000
January 7.1% +4.5
February 7.8% +5.5
March 7.4% +4.0
April 6.5% +2.0
May 6.4% +1.3
June 6.3% +1.1
July 5.3% -0.7
August 4.6% -2.3
September 4.4% -2.5
October 4.0% -3.0
November 4.3% -2.7
December 4.6% -2.4
Average 5.7%

Data source

Data from OECD. Last updated: 19/12/2025.

See also