I'd like to introduce you to a concept called 'The Milk Reaction'. It occurs when a large group of individuals in an important sector strike with the aim of a salary increase. If enough individuals strike, or when the group strikes for long enough, the prices of everyday goods increase. The reaction continues when said increase necessitates another strike for higher wages due to the high cost of living, thus causing prices to increase again. The process continues ad infinitum.
What is important to note about The Milk Reaction is that the size of the group of individuals striking for higher wages increases at each repetition of the cycle, since an increasing number of people can't afford basic necessities despite being employed.
The prolonged occurrence of The Milk Reaction will eventually give rise to The Curd phenomenon, which is when the middle class is solidified in poverty.
Example
I visit my local Pick 'n Pay every day. Among the things I buy is a 1.5l long-life milk. It's currently on special for R11.99, and normally retails at R15.23. Once the special is over, the price will jump to R19.99 (not sure about the decimals). This has been confirmed by staff in the store. They further state that there are many other items that will become a lot more expensive very soon.
This is ridiculous. I'll need more money to just maintain the modest lifestyle I'm leading now.
As a country we're in a bad situation. If nothing is done soon, we might just achieve what's known as A State of Cheese, which is just another way of saying "The excrement hath hitteth the fan-eth."
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