Load shedding warning, and economic uncertainty worse than during Covid-19

The rand declined on Thursday due to risk-averse sentiment as the conflict between Israel and Iran entered its seventh day.

The rand was trading at 18.07 against the U.S. dollar, which is approximately 0.3% lower than Wednesday’s closing value and near its lowest point in a month.

This decline mirrored decreases in the currencies of other emerging markets, as investors sought refuge in safe-haven assets while considering the potential for U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict.

Locally, six major banks successfully completed an inaugural climate-risk stress test conducted by South Africa’s central bank, which assessed the resilience of the country’s financial system.

On Friday, 20 June, the rand was trading at R18.01 to the dollar, R24.30 to the pound and R20.75 to the euro. Oil was trading slightly lower at $77.27 a barrel.

Here are five other important things happening in and affecting South Africa today:

Load shedding warning: Eskom indicated that load-shedding would not be necessary this winter if unplanned outages remained below 13,000MW. However, recent data showed outages exceeding 14,800MW for 57% of the time in mid-June 2025. [MyBroadband]

Uncertainty worse than during Covid-19: SA’s financial system “remains resilient,” but increased geopolitical tension, fragile infrastructure, and the risk of sudden capital outflows have heightened since the November review. Nicola Brink, head of the Bank’s financial stability department, remarked that the current global financial instability is comparable to, and in some respects worse than, that seen at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. [Business Day]

Air quality concerns: A recent report highlighted that even low levels of air pollution can increase the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, mental health issues, and dementia. The World Health Organisation recommends a target level of 5 particles, but in South Africa, it currently stands at 20. [Primedia Plus]

Food shortage still on the cards: South Africa still risks a food shortage despite a partial lift on chicken imports from Brazil after an avian flu ban. This is because production delays and shipping times still threaten food security, especially for smaller suppliers. [Daily Investor]

Capitec CEO doubles down on unemployment stats: Capitec’s outgoing CEO, Gerrie Fourie, believes South Africa’s true unemployment rate is still lower than reported due to undercounting of informal sector activity. Drawing from his experience with Capitec’s 400 township branches, he noted vibrant trade and suggested that policymakers may be disconnected from areas like Tembisa and Vosloorus. [News24]