By Stats SA
The cost of living rose by 3,1% in the 12 months to March, according to the latest consumer price index (CPI). This is slightly up from 3,0% recorded in February. Prices increased on average by 0,6% in March 2026 compared with February 2026.
Six of the 13 categories in the CPI basket recorded higher annual rates, including restaurants and accommodation services, education, transport, housing and utilities, information and communication, and recreation, sport and culture.
Education inflation quickens in 2026
The education component in the CPI is updated once a year in March. Tuition fees increased by 5,4% in 2026, higher than the 4,5% rise recorded in 2025.
Primary and secondary education rose by 6,2% (from 5,0% in 2025), while tertiary education increased by 4,2% (from 3,7% in 2025). Private secondary schools recorded the sharpest rise in 2026, climbing by 7,5%.
Transport inflation moves higher, but remains in
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