South Africa: a less prosperous Christmas than before the Covid for the poorest
Audio 01:20
A woman and a child in front of a Christmas tree in a Johannesburg shopping center, Friday, December 24, 2021. AP - Denis Farrell
Text by: RFI Follow
2 min
South Africa is also celebrating, this December 25.
The country, in the middle of the southern summer, celebrates Christmas around a good meal with the family.
But the economic situation has darkened the festivities.
South Africa, one of the most unequal nations in the world, was already in recession before the pandemic and has been severely affected by the crisis.
The Omicron variant and the July riots weighed on growth a little more, which should be lower than expected in 2021. It is therefore a less prosperous Christmas than before the crisis for the most disadvantaged households in the townships.
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With our correspondent in Johannesburg,
Claire Bargelès
Percy came to do his last Christmas shopping with a friend.
But in the parking lot of this Soweto supermarket, his trunk is too empty for his liking.
“
The prices are too high.
We're trying to find something to add a bit, because there really isn't enough.
However, we spent nearly 170 euros, but here it is ...
"
Like nearly 35% of the population, Percy is unemployed.
He lost his job as a cook during the pandemic.
A few cars farther on, Linda returns with a half-full cart.
“
We pool the money with my family, but it's still a smaller Christmas because of the economy.
We just bought the essentials, that's all.
But I am happy with what I have.
"
Even Junia, a mother who always takes it in advance, had to revise her budget down this year.
“
I plan very early, often two or three months before Christmas.
But I tried to reduce from usual, I would say maybe 40%.
For example I always buy fireworks for the kids, but not this year because I don't have enough money.
"
Through bulk purchases, she was still able to refuel.
“
There, for example, it's oil, and I bought a whole box.
And there all that corn powder, to make pap.
These are not the quantities that I would like, but hey, it's better than nothing.
"
All the same, everyone is delighted to have something to meet up with as a family, around a meal, after a difficult year.
►Read also: In Africa, Christmas preparations follow one another and are not alike
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