Locals shocked at high food prices

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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Locals, especially those reliant on SASSA grants, are reeling from the high cost of food.

Many said they had noticed prices had spiked since the looting in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng last month.

"I don't know what I would do if my children did not help me," pensioner Carina Uys told the Mossel Bay Advertiser this week.

"There are many luxuries I no longer buy. I make use of the 'three for the price of two' specials - that is if I need three of something."

Stephanie Booysen said: "Prices of basic items such as rice, potatoes, bread and flour have gone up. I've just paid R60 for a 7kg pocket of potatoes. Not long ago this cost R39."

Senior citizens Johan and Elaine Calitz said: "We only buy what is necessary, but even rice has gone up. Our rent is R3 500 per month and we do not have much to spend after paying that."

Photo gallery: Cost of living keeps going up

Riana Venter, also a pensioner, said: "I buy a lot of eggs because they are cheaper than meat and when I buy full-cream milk, I dilute it so it goes further. Prices have risen a lot, definitely."

Mauritz Kloppers complained that six litres of long life milk cost him R80 on special.

"Everything has gone up. Prices are sky high. I have got myself a second job in order to cope."

Rainer and Margaretha Wippich try to buy "two for the price of one".

'Look for bargains'

Rainer and Margaretha Wippich, reliant on SASSA grants, said: "Fortunately we are not battling, but we look for bargains, especially two for the price of one specials."

Annemarie Reis said: "Fortunately I still work full-time. I am finding things expensive, but I use my supermarket loyalty card and my bank card which earn me bonus points.

"I buy food on special and store it. I eat slowly and enjoy my food," she says.

"Many of us are still fortunate. We eat well and live well."

Annemarie says coffee beans are one of the few luxury items she buys. She grinds them herself at home because she loves a good cup of coffee.

Sandra Heunis complained: "Chicken used to be the least expensive meat; now it is unaffordable."

She pointed to a takeaway meal she had just bought for herself at a supermarket: a R13,99 breakfast roll and two vetkoek for R5. "I'm only buying cheap stuff," she said.

A young shopper, who did not wish to be named, said: "I had a good day, simply because most of the food I bought was on special. One litre of milk was R10, for example. But I know many people are struggling, with the high price of food."

Johan and Elaine Calitz buy only the necessities.