South African salary earners remain under significant financial pressure as rising inflation, higher fuel costs and economic uncertainty continue to erode purchasing power. This is according to the latest PayInc Net Salary Index for May 2026, which tracks the monthly average nominal net salaries of around 2.1 million salary earners.

While the report paints a challenging picture for households, there are indications that some relief could emerge for the local economy in the coming months.

For more on the index and what it means for consumers, Independent Economist Elize Kruger joins the discussion.