07/09/2026
INFLATION IS AT 5%. BUT WHAT’S ACTUALLY DRIVING IT?
When we hear that inflation has climbed from 3% to 5%, it sounds like bad news.
But the headline number doesn’t tell the whole story.
A big contributor to the recent increase has been fuel, driven by global oil prices, conflict and international supply disruptions.
Meanwhile, some of the inflation that affects South African households every day is looking much better.
Food inflation is down to just 1.4%.
Why does this matter?
Because if the underlying inflation picture remains under control, and pressure from fuel starts to ease, it gives the Reserve Bank more room to consider interest rate cuts again.
And for property, lower interest rates mean:
• Lower bond repayments
• Better affordability
• More buying power
• More confidence in the property market
So while 5% inflation might grab the headline, what’s happening underneath that number may actually be the more important story.
Read Dr Roelof Botha’s full September economic update on the Phoenix Bonds website.