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.

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.

In-depth financial issues, profiling of African businesses doing well internationally, stocks & market updates.

In-depth financial issues, profiling of African businesses doing well internationally, stocks &amp; market updates.

Business Africa

Africa in Business

South African salary earners feel the squeeze as inflation and fuel costs bite

As anti-illegal migrant marches continue to spark debate across South Africa, attention is turning to their broader impact beyond politics and public safety. While supporters argue that the demonstrations are aimed at addressing crime and undocumented migration, critics warn they could harm South Africa’s international reputation, weaken investor confidence, discourage tourism, and fuel perceptions of xenophobia.

To unpack the potential economic and branding implications, the programme is joined by economic brand specialist and Managing Director of Reputation 1st, Tshepo Matseba.

As anti-illegal migrant marches continue to spark debate across South Africa, attention is turning to their broader impact beyond politics and public safety. While supporters argue that the demonstrations are aimed at addressing crime and undocumented migration, critics warn they could harm South Africa&rsquo;s international reputation, weaken investor confidence, discourage tourism, and fuel perceptions of xenophobia.
To unpack the potential economic and branding implications, the programme is joined by economic brand specialist and Managing Director of Reputation 1st, Tshepo Matseba.

Debate grows over economic impact of anti-illegal migrant protests

In today’s market segment, the focus is on the economic week that was, including oil prices, which have fallen to pre-war levels. Attention also turns to South Africa’s consumer confidence, which declined in the second quarter of this year.

To unpack these developments and what they could mean for the economy, FNB senior economist Koketso Mano joins the discussion.

In today&rsquo;s market segment, the focus is on the economic week that was, including oil prices, which have fallen to pre-war levels. Attention also turns to South Africa&rsquo;s consumer confidence, which declined in the second quarter of this year.
To unpack these developments and what they could mean for the economy, FNB senior economist Koketso Mano joins the discussion.

Africa market update with FNB senior economist Koketso Mano

Africa’s agri-food sector is in focus as Nairobi hosts the FINAS 2026 Summit from June 30 to July 2, bringing together over 1000 stakeholders from government, finance and business. The summit aims to close a financing gap of more than $100 billion and boost investment into Africa’s food systems, which employ over 60% of the workforce.

Discussions will focus on climate-smart agriculture, blended finance and new investment models to support farmers and agribusinesses across the continent.

Joining the discussion to share more on the summit is Professor Hamadi Boga, Chair of FINAS and Vice President in charge of programme delivery at AGRA.

Africa&rsquo;s agri-food sector is in focus as Nairobi hosts the FINAS 2026 Summit from June 30 to July 2, bringing together over 1000 stakeholders from government, finance and business. The summit aims to close a financing gap of more than $100 billion and boost investment into Africa&rsquo;s food systems, which employ over 60% of the workforce.
Discussions will focus on climate-smart agriculture, blended finance and new investment models to support farmers and agribusinesses across the continent.
Joining the discussion to share more on the summit is Professor Hamadi Boga, Chair of FINAS and Vice President in charge of programme delivery at AGRA.

South African salary earners feel the squeeze as inflation and fuel costs bite

Business Africa

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