Workers ‘drowning’ in cost-of-living crisis ahead of May Day
South African workers are struggling with a deepening cost of living crisis, with prices for essentials like electricity, water, and food rising significantly over the past five years. The labour federation Cosatu has criticized the government's budget for not providing sufficient relief for the poor and unemployed.
South African workers are facing a severe cost of living crisis ahead of International Workers' Day. The price of electricity has risen by 68%, water by 50%, and food by 45% over the past five years, according to the Competition Commission 'Cost of Living Report'. Cosatu spokesperson Zanele Sabela said working-class households are spiralling into debt as they try to make ends meet. The labour federation has welcomed the government's temporary fuel levy relief but criticized the lack of relief for households using paraffin. Unemployment stands at 41.1%, and Cosatu has expressed disappointment with the government's budget, which it says fails to stimulate economic growth or provide sufficient support for the poor and unemployed. The government has extended its fuel levy reduction until July and paused the tax on diesel to cushion consumers from price increases.
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