UASA Media Release: 19 November 2025
Image Source: www.statssa.gov.za
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
Although the South African Reserve Bank has previously warned of an inflation increase towards the end of the year, the recent consumer price inflation (CPI) increase ahead of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting might not be good news for consumers.
Stats SA announced today that the CPI was 3.6% in October 2025, up from 3.4% in September. The CPI increased by 0,1% month-on-month in October. Sadly, this is still the highest CPI in 13 months since the 3.8% recorded in September 2024.
The CPI announcement comes a week after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana stated in his medium-term budget policy statement that South Africa’s official inflation target would be adjusted downwards to 3%, the first such adjustment in 25 years.
For consumers, the increase in the CPI might pose a financial challenge over the festive season, as the MPC will announce its final interest decision for the year tomorrow. Despite the high recorded inflation rate, core inflation (excluding food and energy prices) remained at 3.1%, just slightly above the Reserve Bank’s now-official 3% target.
Housing and utilities, as well as food and non-alcoholic beverages, were the main contributors to the upward trend. With the annual rate for transport turning positive at 3.3%, the first positive reading since August 2024, we hope that fuel prices will not spiral into higher costs that will result in financial constraints for consumers in the festive season.
We hope costs for food, fuel, utilities, and other essentials will remain within the affordable cap to help consumers financially and to provide a positive economic outlook for the new year. We trust the MPC will consider all contributing factors when deciding on the interest rate tomorrow.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.