Inflation South Africa 2026
Average inflation: 3.9%
Inflation in 2026
Inflation is high at 3.9%, well above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in June at 4.8%. The lowest inflation was in February at 2.9%.
- Highest month
- June: 4.8%
- Lowest month
- February: 2.9%
- Difference
- 1.9 percentage points
- Months with data
- 9 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Transport with an average of 5.7%. The lowest price increase was in Furnishings, household equipment and maintenance with an average of 0.6%.
- Highest increase
- Transport: 5.7%
- Lowest increase
- Furnishings, household equipment and maintenance: 0.6%
Historical Context
Inflation is 1.0 percentage points lower than the 5-year average of 4.9%.
- 5-year average
- 4.9%
- 10-year average
- 4.6%
- All-time high (2008)
- 9.9%
- All-time low (2025)
- 3.2%
Trend
Over the period 2024-2026, inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 2025, inflation has risen by 0.7 percentage points.
- Change vs. previous year
- +0.7 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- June: +1.8 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 1.9 percentage points 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 ZAR 100 this year will cost approximately ZAR 103.90 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 2026
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3.4% | +0.3 |
| February | 2.9% | -0.3 |
| March | 3.0% | +0.3 |
| April | 3.8% | +1.0 |
| May | 4.4% | +1.6 |
| June | 4.8% | +1.8 |
| July | 4.1% | +0.6 |
| August | 4.2% | +0.9 |
| September | 4.4% | +1.0 |
| Average | 3.9% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 28/10/2026. Not all months available yet.