A Pietermaritzburg-based organisation has tracked the increase in the prices of basic goods since the start of lockdown, as well as monitoring the desperate measures people resort to in order to put food on the table. 
Food prices have seen an increase of as much as 30% throughout the lockdown period, and according to research, things could get even worse.

We speak to Mervyn Abrahams, Researcher at the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group

A Pietermaritzburg-based organisation has tracked the increase in the prices of basic goods since the start of lockdown, as well as monitoring the desperate measures people resort to in order to put food on the table.&nbsp; Food prices have seen an increase of as much as 30% throughout the lockdown period, and according to research, things could get even worse.
We speak to Mervyn Abrahams, Researcher at the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group

POWER Breakfast is a fast paced three-hour news and current affairs show, alternating between the latest breaking news, political coverage, analysis, sport, market reports, weather and all your calls. Whether you’re in business, the public service or just want to stay informed, tune in as Thabiso TT Tema connects you to your world.

POWER Breakfast is a fast paced three-hour news and current affairs show, alternating between the latest breaking news, political coverage, analysis, sport, market reports, weather and all your calls. Whether you&rsquo;re in business, the public service or just want to stay informed, tune in as Thabiso TT Tema connects you to your world.

The Best of POWER Breakfast

POWER Breakfast

South Africans spending 30% more on basic food items since lockdown began

On Friday Ramaphosa announced the closure of spaza shops implicated in food-borne illnesses that claimed the lives of 22 children in recent weeks. He said all spaza shops and food handling facilities must be registered with municipalities within 21 days. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has issued a stern warning to individuals he described as “citizens who want to sell out the country” by registering spaza shops on behalf of foreigners. With regards to spaza shops, Lesufi said the machines that they would be using to register people’s businesses are watertight and would not miss any name. Thabiso Tema spoke with Ashraf Essop Immigration Lawyer.

On Friday Ramaphosa announced the closure of spaza shops implicated in food-borne illnesses that claimed the lives of 22 children in recent weeks. He said all spaza shops and food handling facilities must be registered with municipalities within 21 days. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has issued a stern warning to individuals he described as “citizens who want to sell out the country” by registering spaza shops on behalf of foreigners. With regards to spaza shops, Lesufi said the machines that they would be using to register people’s businesses are watertight and would not miss any name. Thabiso Tema spoke with Ashraf Essop Immigration Lawyer.

Spaza shop Registrations: What does the law say about Asylum seekers and refugees wanting to own and run informal businesses such as spazas?

Johannesburg, often hailed as the economic powerhouse of South Africa, has been officially designated as the host city for the G20 Summit in 2025. This prestigious status is not merely a point of pride for our city; but it represents a transformative opportunity to reshape our economic landscape and elevate our global standing. As such, the non-profit organisation, Jozi My Jozi (JMJ), will be working closely with the teams tasked with delivering the Summit to ensure its success not only for Johannesburg, but for the country as a whole, and across the continent. Thabiso Tema spoke with Dawn Robertson, Creative Catalyst at Jozi My Jozi.

Johannesburg, often hailed as the economic powerhouse of South Africa, has been officially designated as the host city for the G20 Summit in 2025. This prestigious status is not merely a point of pride for our city; but it represents a transformative opportunity to reshape our economic landscape and elevate our global standing. As such, the non-profit organisation, Jozi My Jozi (JMJ), will be working closely with the teams tasked with delivering the Summit to ensure its success not only for Johannesburg, but for the country as a whole, and across the continent. Thabiso Tema spoke with Dawn Robertson, Creative Catalyst at Jozi My Jozi.

Jozi My Jozi ready to support province, city in lead up to G20 Summit 2025

The Basic Education Department will have to get legal permission from parents or guardians of matric pupils who are under the age of 18 to publish their results in newspapers or other media. Until then, the Information Regulator has banned the publication of the learner’s personal details, saying it was in violation of the Protection of Information (POPI) Act. In the past, matric pupils’ names, surnames and results were published. But the department moved in recent years to only publish student numbers. Thabiso Tema spoke with Adv Collen Weapond Information Regulator Member responsible for POPIA. 

The Basic Education Department will have to get legal permission from parents or guardians of matric pupils who are under the age of 18 to publish their results in newspapers or other media. Until then, the Information Regulator has banned the publication of the learner’s personal details, saying it was in violation of the Protection of Information (POPI) Act. In the past, matric pupils’ names, surnames and results were published. But the department moved in recent years to only publish student numbers. Thabiso Tema spoke with Adv Collen Weapond Information Regulator Member responsible for POPIA.

South Africans spending 30% more on basic food items since lockdown began

In 1 playlist(s)

POWER Breakfast

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips