sarblatest news & developments
While August inflation remained relatively contained, persistent services inflation and renewed oil price pressures could keep South African interest rates higher for longer.
INFLATION

South African Reserve Bank rate hike puts inflation and growth on a collision course

South Africa’s inflation outlook is becoming more challenging as higher oil prices, rising services inflation and food price risks complicate the path towards lower interest rates.

  • Ashley Lechman
6 min read
South African Reserve Bank Governor Governor Lesetja Kganyago announced an increase in the interest rate on Wednesday.
SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK

Sarb hike: Are higher-for-longer rates back?

Could this be the last rate hike – or just the beginning?

  • Ashley Lechman
6 min read
The Sarb Monetary Policy Committee's decision to increase the repo rate to 7.25% brings added pressures to homeowners and entrants into the property market.
INTERESTRATEHIKES

Repo rate hike: Dual impact on buyers and property owners

The repo-rate hike tightens the market for prospective buyers and reduces disposable income for bonded homeowners.

  • Given Majola
3 min read
South African households face higher debt repayments after the Reserve Bank raised the repo rate to 7.25%, with Debt Rescue warning that consumers have little room left in their budgets.
SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK

Repo rate rises to 7.25% as South African households face renewed financial pressure

South African households face higher debt repayments after the Reserve Bank raised the repo rate to 7.25%, with Debt Rescue warning that consumers have little room left in their…

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
South African Reserve Bank Governor Governor Lesetja Kganyago.
SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK

Sarb Governor Lesetja Kganyago announces interest rate increase

The South African Reserve Bank has increased the repo rate to 7.25%, warning that fuel, food and electricity-price pressures could push inflation higher in the coming months.

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago.
LESETJA
Video

Watch: Sarb Governor Lesetja Kganyago announces September interest-rate decision

SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago is due to announce the MPC’s September decision on South Africa’s 7% policy rate, after economists differed over a 25-basis-point hike or a hold.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
Brent crude has fallen from recent highs, but South Africa’s October fuel prices are largely determined by earlier oil-price and rand movements, limiting the impact of the latest decline.
FUEL PRICE HIKES

Brent crude retreats, but October fuel prices could still jump

Oil is falling – so why could South Africans still face a big fuel-price hike in October?

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
Economists say interest rates are likely to rise.
LESETJA KGANYAGO

How much could the Reserve Bank raise rates this week? Economists weigh in

The Fed has raised rates, fuel prices are climbing and the rand is under pressure. What will the Reserve Bank do?

  • Ashley Lechman
4 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
Economists are split over whether the South African Reserve Bank will raise rates as higher oil prices threaten to reverse recent progress on inflation.
FEDERAL RESERVE

Federal Reserve raises interest rates again, complicating South Africa’s rate outlook

The Fed has made its move. Now economists are watching South Africa — and what happens next could matter far beyond interest rates.

  • Ashley Lechman
3 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
South Africa’s new Industrial Development Strategy is built around “3Ds” — decarbonisation, digitalisation and diversification. But parliamentary warnings over funding raise a central question: can the plan reverse industrial decline without a dedicated, multi-year financing framework?
INDUSTRIAL

Without a funding framework, South Africa’s industrial strategy risks becoming another wish list

South Africa’s new Industrial Development Strategy is built around “3Ds” — decarbonisation, digitalisation and diversification. But parliamentary warnings over funding raise a…

  • Redge Nkosi
6 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
The Reserve Bank’s decision to hold the repo rate at 7% highlights the limits of monetary policy as South Africa faces imported inflation, weak growth and deep municipal dysfunction.
LESETJA KGANYAGO

A 7% interest rate won't fix an oil shock, or a broken municipality

The Reserve Bank’s decision to hold the repo rate at 7% highlights the limits of monetary policy as South Africa faces imported inflation, weak growth and deep municipal…

  • Redge Nkosi
7 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
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
Harry Scherzer, CEO of Future Forex
FOREIGN INVESTMENT

Receiving international investment? Have you factored in forex?

Explore the intricacies of receiving international investment in South Africa, including compliance with Forex regulations and the importance of proper documentation for a smooth…

  • Harry Scherzer
5 min read