Since 1979, much has changed in South Africa, including the prices of everyday goods, which have become exorbitantly expensive due to the economy. Let’s look at what they were like 30 years ago.
Newspapers were filled with specials on groceries, cars, furniture, and take-out food in 1979. In today’s economy, the prices of these items were shocking to the average person. Work jumped off every empty page in every newspaper.
Property was affordable and valuable, with prices in the paper ranging from R67,500 for a four bedroom to R185,000 for a four bedroom double story, depending on the location of your property.
| Item | Price in 1979 | Price now |
| Buns per doz. | R2,40 | R15,99 |
| Milk 2 litre | R1,72 | R24,99 |
| Bacon 250g | R1,59 | |
| Lamb chops | R6,69 p/kg | R191,67 p/kg |
| Toothpaste | R1,09 | R12,99 |
| Pasta | R0,99 | R10,99 |
| Pepsi | R1,99 for 6 pack | R17,49 per 2l |
| Rice 2 kg | R1,19 | R29,99 |
| Dog food | R8,69 per 8 kg | R123,00 |
| Wine | R3,99 | R120,99 |
| Whiskey | R19,99 | R288,99 |
| Simba chips | R0,99 | R14,99 |
| Dozen eggs | R1,32 | R59,99 |
| Sta-soft | R1,99 | R44,99 |
| Kellogs | R1,49 | R36,49 |
| Mushrooms 250g | R1,19 | R21,99 |
| Cheese | R5,99 p/kg | R117,95 |
