00:01South Africa's inflation rate edged slightly higher in March but remains relatively subdued overall.
00:07Annual consumer inflation rose to 3.1%, up from 3% in February, according to Statistics South Africa.
00:15On a monthly basis, prices increased by 0.6%.
00:20The main drivers behind the rise were housing and utilities, along with food and financial services.
00:27Six of the 13 major spending categories recorded increases, including transport, education and restaurants.
00:35Education continues to stand out.
00:38Tuition fees climbed by 5.4% this year, with private education seeing the sharpest rise at 7.5%.
00:46In contrast, transport costs remain in negative territory, down 1.6% compared to a year ago,
00:54although the pace of decline is slowing.
00:57Officials note the data was collected before April's fuel price increases,
01:02meaning upward pressure could build in the coming months.
01:05Food inflation eased slightly to 3.6%.
01:08A mixed picture, as South Africa balances easing price pressures with rising costs in key sectors.
01:15Food winners.
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