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The African National Congress (ANC) welcomes the decline in headline inflation from 5.0% in June to 4.3% in July 2026, while food inflation fell to a 16-year low of 0.9%. Although prices remain high, the slower rate of increase provides some relief to poor and working-class households facing persistent cost-of-living pressures.

This positive development must translate into greater stability in the prices of essential goods and services. The ANC also welcomes the Revised Electricity Pricing Policy approved for public comment. The policy proposes transparent and cost-reflective tariffs, clearer billing and stronger oversight of electricity pricing by Eskom and municipalities.

It must protect vulnerable households and prevent inefficiencies, excessive mark-ups and unpaid debt from being transferred to paying consumers. Electricity must be affordable for households while supporting the sustainability and competitiveness of businesses.

South Africa has recorded 455 consecutive days without loadshedding, while Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor has reached 67.55%, its strongest performance in six years. The ANC remains focused on eliminating load reduction and supports efforts to mobilise investment for new generation, transmission infrastructure, localisation and job creation.

These achievements demonstrate the impact of sustained interventions to stabilise and reform the country’s electricity system. As the ANC launches its Local Government Elections Manifesto on 23 August 2026, reducing the cost of living, stimulating inclusive growth and creating jobs will remain central to our programme.

The easing of inflation is encouraging and may create conditions for further interest-rate relief, subject to the South African Reserve Bank. The ANC will continue working to ensure that economic progress produces tangible improvements in the daily lives of all South Africans.

Issued by the African National Congress