South African Reserve BankIn the news
US President Donald Trump addresses the 81st United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, on September 22, 2026.
MARKETS ON MONDAY

Week of drama ahead for financial markets

Markets shrugged off last week’s Iran shock – but the next few days could put that resilience to the test.

  • Chris Harmse
4 min read
Transnet Group CEO Michelle Phillips said the entity's recovery plan is finally producing measurable results.
THE NATIONAL EXCLUSIVE
Video

Inside Transnet’s remarkable R4.6 billion turnaround

In an exclusive interview, CEO Michelle Phillips opens up on the decisions, setbacks and battles behind Transnet’s recovery.

  • Siphelele Dludla
6 min read
Oil prices have retreated from recent highs, but supply disruptions, refinery constraints and rand volatility mean relief at the pump could take longer to arrive.
FUEL PRICE

October fuel price hike: Why cheaper oil may not mean cheaper petrol

Brent crude is falling. Your petrol price isn't. Here's why.

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
Seeff Property Group chairman Samuel Seeff says the Reserve Bank should hold the repo rate this week, warning that another increase would put further pressure on households, property owners and the economic recovery.
SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK

Property sector urges SA Reserve Bank to hold repo rate and protect fragile economic recovery

Seeff Property Group chairman Samuel Seeff says the Reserve Bank should hold the repo rate this week, warning that another increase would put further pressure on households,…

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago. File picture: Simphiwe Mbokazi
INTEREST RATE

Brace yourself, South Africa: a rate hike could be on the cards this week

Economists unpack the forces that could shape the Reserve Bank’s interest rate decision.

  • Ashley Lechman
6 min read
South Africa’s inflation rate fell sharply to 4.3% in July, but rising oil prices and higher fuel costs could push inflation higher again in the months ahead.
INFLATION

South Africa inflation outlook in focus as oil prices put pressure on September rate decision

South Africa’s inflation eased to 4.3% in July, but higher oil and fuel prices could slow further progress ahead of the Reserve Bank’s September interest-rate decision.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
The US Federal Reserve’s September interest-rate decision could influence the rand, fuel prices and the South African Reserve Bank’s policy debate. Economists are divided between a rate hike and a hold as inflation and growth data send mixed signals.
FOMC

Fed rate decision could put pressure on rand and South African households

How the US Federal Reserve's September interest-rate decision could impact the rand and South African fuel prices?

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
Brent crude opened the week above $108 a barrel, while the rand weakened against major currencies as investors awaited US and South African interest-rate decisions. Analysts warned that sustained high oil prices could add to inflationary pressure.
OIL

Oil prices climb to four-month high as rand gives back recent gains

Oil prices are rising as South Africa’s economy contracts. Could inflation force the Reserve Bank to raise rates?

  • Ashley Lechman
3 min read
South Africa’s economy contracted by 0.2% in the second quarter, while higher oil prices and a weaker rand put further pressure on financial markets and fuel costs.
MARKET ANALYSIS

Monday Markets: R2/litre petrol shock looms in October

Oil is surging, the rand is weakening and motorists could be in for a nasty October surprise.

  • Chris Harmse
4 min read
Consumers face mounting pressure.
GDP

GDP contraction puts pressure on South African consumers

South Africa’s latest economic number tells a bigger story.

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
A sustained rise in Brent crude towards $120 ((R1944) a barrel could raise fuel prices, inflation and interest-rate pressure in South Africa, while economists differ on whether it would trigger a global recession.
BRENTCRUDE

Oil shock looms: $120-a-barrel forecast sparks stagflation fears for South Africa

Could a sustained rise in Brent crude towards $120 a barrel trigger a global recession?

  • Yogashen Pillay
5 min read
Many consumers postpone saving until they receive an increase or debt has been paid off, but waiting for an easier time can result in saving continually being postponed.
DEBT

Why higher earners are falling into debt review in South Africa

New debt-review data shows that higher incomes do not guarantee financial security.

  • Nicola Mawson
5 min read
Brent crude has moved closer to $100 a barrel as renewed US-Iran tensions disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, raising the risk of another South African fuel-price increase in October.
OIL

Brent nears $100 after Hormuz tensions, raising fuel-price concerns

Brent crude has moved closer to $100 a barrel as renewed US-Iran tensions disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, raising the risk of another South African fuel-price…

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
Fuel-price increases are putting the spotlight on commuting costs, location and the long-term affordability of owning a home.
FINANCES

Fuel price effect: How pump hikes are reshaping SA property hotspots

As pump prices surge, home buyers are forced to recalculate the true cost of suburban living versus urban proximity.

  • Given Majola
5 min read
Petrol prices will rise by R1.34 a litre and diesel by up to R3.15 from Wednesday, 2 September, adding pressure to household and transport budgets.
FUEL PRICE

Spring brings pain at the pumps as fuel prices increase for September

Petrol and diesel prices will rise from Wednesday, 2 September, adding pressure to household and transport budgets.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
Rising living costs squeeze budgets and it's being felt across the board.
ECONOMY

South Africa’s economy improves, but households remain under pressure

Inflation has eased and salaries rose, but debt, high costs and low savings still squeeze South African households.

  • Ashley Lechman
  • Vivian Warby
  • Yogashen Pillay
8 min read
Lesetja Kganyago, Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. The South African rand has shown unexpected strength, raising speculation about a potential reduction in the repo rate. This article explores the economic factors at play and what they mean for consumers and businesses alike.
SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK

Could the strengthening rand lead to a repo rate cut?

The South African rand has shown unexpected strength, raising speculation about a potential reduction in the repo rate. This article explores the economic factors at play and…

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, in his Budget speech this year, said Treasury will introduce reforms to manage unclaimed financial benefits.
ENOCH GODONGWANA
Breaking News

Treasury proposes centralising R88bn in unclaimed financial assets and a time cap

National Treasury unveils a discussion paper proposing the centralisation of over R88 billion in unclaimed financial assets, aiming to improve tracking and management while…

  • Edward West
3 min read
Statistics South Africa reported a decrease in Consumer Price Inflation for July, yet consumers continue to face rising costs, particularly in fuel and essential goods.
INFLATION

Despite CPI decline, South Africans brace for higher fuel prices

Statistics South Africa reported a decrease in Consumer Price Inflation for July, yet consumers continue to face rising costs, particularly in fuel and essential goods.

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
Stats SA Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) on Wednesday indicated a decrease for the first time in July since February, with inflation having been increasing for the last four months, attributed to rising fuel and global oil prices caused by the Middle East tensions. Economists have welcomed the decrease in inflation.
INFLATION

South Africa's inflation sees first decline in five months amid easing fuel prices

Consumer Price Inflation in South Africa has decreased to 4.3% in July 2026, marking the first decline in five months. Economists and government officials welcome this…

  • Yogashen Pillay
4 min read