Soaring food prices are putting immense pressure on grocery stokvels, forcing members to contribute more just to keep up with the rising cost of essentials. These community-based savings groups, popular among township residents—particularly women—are now struggling to maintain their usual bulk purchases due to inflation.
A reporter spoke with stokvel members in Mahikeng, who shared their frustrations over the financial strain. “It’s a challenge. We are now working just to afford food because it’s a basic need,” said Blessing, a stokvel member.
Previously, stokvels benefited from buying in bulk, securing discounts and savings. However, members now say they are cutting back on purchases and even eliminating certain items from their lists. “Some of the things we used to buy, we’ve had to stop because of the high costs,” Blessing explained.
Another member expressed discouragement, stating that even with collective savings, the rising cost of transport and groceries has made it difficult to sustain their stokvel. “It’s getting too much because of the cost of living,” she said.
Despite the challenges, some members remain hopeful, using stokvels as a way to save for December groceries, even if prices remain high.
The situation highlights the broader impact of inflation on South African households, with stokvels—once a reliable means of securing affordable food—now feeling the pinch. As food prices continue to climb, many are left searching for alternative ways to make ends meet.