Inflation South Africa 2021
Average inflation: 4.6%
Current Inflation
Inflation is high at 4.6%, well above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in December at 5.9%. The lowest inflation was in February at 3.0%.
- Highest month
- December: 5.9%
- Lowest month
- February: 3.0%
- Difference
- 2.9 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Transport with an average of 9.1%. The lowest price increase was in Communication with an average of -0.5%.
- Highest increase
- Transport: 9.1%
- Lowest increase
- Communication: -0.5%
Historical Context
Current inflation is around the 5-year average of 4.3%.
- 5-year average
- 4.3%
- 10-year average
- 4.7%
- All-time high (2016)
- 6.6%
- All-time low (2020)
- 3.2%
Trend
Inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 2020, the difference is minimal (+1.4 percentage point).
- Change vs. previous year
- +1.4 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- May: +3.4 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 2.6% above the ECB target of 2.0%. This means purchasing power is declining faster than intended.
Purchasing Power
At this inflation rate, purchasing power noticeably decreases. Without a salary increase, you can buy less with the same money.
What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €104.60 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 2021
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3.2% | -1.2 |
| February | 3.0% | -1.5 |
| March | 3.1% | -1.1 |
| April | 4.5% | +1.5 |
| May | 5.3% | +3.4 |
| June | 5.0% | +2.8 |
| July | 4.7% | +1.5 |
| August | 5.0% | +1.9 |
| September | 5.1% | +2.2 |
| October | 5.1% | +1.8 |
| November | 5.4% | +2.2 |
| December | 5.9% | +2.9 |
| Average | 4.6% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 13/01/2026.