The consumer confidence index, sponsored by the First National Bank (FNB) and compiled by the Bureau for Economic Research, slumped to a reading of minus 23 points, from minus 8 points in the fourth quarter of 2022.
The first-quarter plunge is the lowest on record since 1994 and indicative of extreme concerns among consumers about South Africa's economic prospects and their household finances, according to the survey.
Vast majority of consumers believe it was inappropriate to buy durables like vehicles, furniture and household appliances in anticipation that South Africa's economic growth over the next 12 months will deteriorate, the survey showed.
"The alarming increase in power outages since December and the concomitant deterioration in South Africa's economic prospects no doubt rocked consumer sentiment during the first quarter," said FNB chief economist Mamello Matikinca-Ngweny.
Analysts say rolling power cuts nationwide may also be fueling price pressures.
Headline inflation rose slightly in February to 7% from 6.9% in the prior month, data showed on Wednesday, fueling bets that the South African Reserve Bank would hike interest rates by 25 bps at its meeting next week.
