The latest Household Affordability Index by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group has painted a grim picture of the cost of basic food items in South Africa. The index found that the average cost of South Africa's Household Food Basket increased by 0.3% in March, from R5 313,22 in February 2025. Consumers continue to buckle under the country's high cost of living, despite a decision by Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana to add more VAT zero-rated food items. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group Advocacy Coordinator, Sibusiso Mboto. Meanwhile, the Competition Commission's Essential Food Price Monitoring report has noted a slight decrease in poultry and egg producer prices after avian flu, which affected the industry in 2023. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Competition Commission Senior Economist, Kagiso Zwane