Inflation South Africa 2017
Average inflation: 5.2%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 5.2%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in January at 6.9%. The lowest inflation was in July at 4.2%.
- Highest month
- January: 6.9%
- Lowest month
- July: 4.2%
- Difference
- 2.7 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Miscellaneous goods and services with an average of 7.2%. The lowest price increase was in Communication with an average of -1.2%.
- Highest increase
- Miscellaneous goods and services: 7.2%
- Lowest increase
- Communication: -1.2%
Historical Context
Current inflation is around the 5-year average of 5.6%.
- 5-year average
- 5.6%
- 10-year average
- 6%
- All-time high (2008)
- 9.9%
- All-time low (2004)
- -0.7%
Trend
Inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 2016, the difference is minimal (-1.4 percentage point).
- Change vs. previous year
- -1.4 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- November: -2.7 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 3.2% 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 €105.20 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 2017
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6.9% | +0.7 |
| February | 6.5% | -0.4 |
| March | 6.1% | -0.4 |
| April | 5.3% | -1.2 |
| May | 5.3% | -1.2 |
| June | 5.0% | -1.6 |
| July | 4.2% | -2.3 |
| August | 4.5% | -1.9 |
| September | 4.8% | -1.7 |
| October | 4.8% | -1.9 |
| November | 4.3% | -2.7 |
| December | 4.5% | -2.4 |
| Average | 5.2% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 13/01/2026.