Why Red Meat Still Eats Into Household Budgets

Loading player...
GUEST – Paul Makube, Senior Agricultural Economist, FNB Commercial



Why does red meat remain the heaviest weight on household food budgets even as broader food inflation shows signs of easing? After peaking at 5.5% in July, food inflation slowed to 5.2% in August, thanks to cheaper cereals, vegetables, and dairy products. Strong harvests and a firmer rand have pushed grain prices down sharply, but meat continues to buck the trend, keeping pressure on South African households.
22 Sep 2025 4PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

BofA Slashes SA Growth Forecast as Inflation Surges

Bank of America has cut South Africa’s 2026 GDP growth forecast to 1.3%, warning that higher oil and fertilizer prices will keep inflation above 4% for most of the year. Economist Tatonga Rusike explains
23 Apr 3PM 11 min

Understanding SA’s First Wealth Score

Franc unveils South Africa’s first-ever Wealth Score, revealing that financial habits—not income—are the strongest predictor of financial health. We unpack why SA’s national score is 45/100 and the behavior gap between knowing and doing with Dr. Thomas Brennan, founder and CEO of Franc.
23 Apr 3PM 13 min

Clicks Lifts HEPS 8% Despite Warehouse Disruptions.

Clicks delivered firm interim results with diluted HEPS up 8.1%, even as warehouse system delays cost an estimated R175 million in lost sales. CEO Bertina Engelbrecht discusses pharmacy growth, trading margins, and festive‑season competition.
23 Apr 2PM 16 min