The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity group's Household Affordability Index has highlighted significant price increases in South Africa for October 2021. The index noted increases in the prices of essential and luxury food items, including vegetables like butternut and potatoes, maize meal, full cream milk, and non-essential items like boerewors and canned beans. These increases range from 1% to 56%, with maize meal and full cream milk experiencing a 4% increase, and boerewors and canned beans experiencing a 4% increase. The rise in food prices is affecting the purchasing power of South African households, leading them to seek cheaper alternatives or reduce consumption.