The R560 child support grant falls short of meeting the basic food needs for children, according to the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group’s latest Household Affordability Index report released on April 30. The grant is 30% below the official food poverty line and 42% less than the average cost required to provide a basic nutritious diet for a child.
Food prices continue to rise sharply. The cost to feed a child a basic nutritious diet rose from R951 in March to R973.25 in April 2025. The report explains that as children grow, their nutritional needs increase, pushing up food costs. However, the child support grant remains a fixed amount and does not adjust for a child’s age.
Currently, the grant of R560 is well below both the food poverty line of R796 and the average cost of R973.25 to secure a basic nutritious diet for a child.
Staple food prices have surged dramatically over the past year. Maize meal prices increased by 21%, from R293.65 for a 30kg bag in April 2024 to R355.18 in April 2025. Other foods such as samp, oranges, bananas, carrots, and beef liver also saw price increases. Oranges experienced the highest jump, with a 7kg bag rising 18% from March to April and 25% year-on-year.
The overall cost of the average household food basket rose by R90.94 (1.7%) from R5,329.36 in March 2025 to R5,420.30 in April 2025. Compared to April 2024, the basket cost increased by R83.99 (1.6%).
Core staple foods, which households prioritize and purchase first to avoid hunger, also became more expensive. Their cost rose slightly from R2,923.52 in March to R2,923.58 in April 2025, up R53.28 year-on-year. These staple foods make up 54% of the total food basket cost.
The report warns that when core food prices rise, families have less money to buy other nutritious foods like meat, eggs, dairy, vegetables, fruits, and protein-rich items essential for children’s growth and immune health. This results in fewer nutritious options on the table, negatively affecting overall health and child development.
Zero-rated foods, such as maize meal, tinned fish, brown bread, cabbage, and milk, also increased by R80.14 from R2,849.18 in March to R2,929.32 in April. Even these basic items are becoming less affordable.
Value-Added Tax (VAT) remains a significant burden on low-income families. Nearly half (46%) of the food basket cost is on VAT-applicable items. VAT on the household food basket totaled R324.91 in April 2025, almost equal to the price of a 30kg bag of maize meal (R355.18). This tax reduces money available for families to spend on food.
The report highlights the urgent need to reconsider the child support grant amount and food tax policies to ensure children receive adequate nutrition and families can afford a basic healthy diet.
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