Number Of The Day | 5% | 22 July 2026
5% is today’s Number of the Day.
That is South Africa’s annual consumer inflation rate for June 2026, up from 4.5% in May.
Gareth Edwards and Francis Herd unpack why fuel and transport are driving the latest increase and why the official rate may feel very different inside individual households.
A person who drives every day, relies on public transport or spends a large share of their income on essential goods may experience far greater pressure than the national average suggests.
The episode also examines how higher transport costs can spread into food, retail and other prices as goods move through the economy.
There are some signs of relief. Meat inflation has slowed considerably from its January peak, while selected grain, fruit and vegetable categories are cheaper than they were a year ago.
But the higher-than-expected inflation result has strengthened predictions of another Reserve Bank rate increase.
That may help prevent prices from accelerating further.
It could also increase bond and loan repayments for households whose living costs are already climbing.
Inflation has reached 5%. Will the cost of fighting it fall on the same people already feeling it most?
Catch up on all Number of the Day episodes here: https://www.enca.com/number-day-podcast
(00:00) South African Inflation Rises to 5%
(00:25) Higher Prices and a Possible Rate Hike
(00:32) Why Everybody Feels Inflation Differently
(00:52) Fuel Prices Jump More Than 34%
(01:19) How War Pushed Inflation Higher
(01:43) Why the Reserve Bank Raises Rates
(02:02) When Transport Inflation Spreads
(02:21) Food Inflation Begins to Ease
(02:47) Meat Inflation Falls From Its Peak
(03:15) The Latest Outlook for Pork Prices
(03:52) Grain, Fruit and Vegetable Prices Fall
(04:15) Will the Reserve Bank Raise Rates Again?
(04:52) Why the 5% Result Changes the Decision
(05:17) The Threat to Property and Bond Repayments
(05:34) The Meaning Behind 5%
