South African consumers have their backs against the wall.  With the rising interest rates , the soaring costs of food and fuel and the nersa power price hike for Eskom, consumers disposable income continues to come under pressure. Analysts say South Africans are going to be forced to make difficult decisions about their priorities as they expect these tough times to continue for  a while. This week the Competition Commission also added its voice, expressing concerns over opportunistic increases in food prices.  Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Patrick Buthelezi, Economist at Sanlam