United States eyeing a small South African town, and R9,000 warning for solar power users
The rand fell sharply on Friday, heading for a third consecutive week of losses, ahead of a much-anticipated interest rate decision by the South African Reserve Bank next week.
The rand traded at 17.05 against the dollar, down 1.7% from Thursday’s close and hovering around its weakest level since early December 2025.
Analysts expect continued pressure on the rand amid concerns that rising oil prices will lift inflation in net energy‑importer South Africa.
They noted that oil prices have now become a barometer of risk appetite. The higher the oil price, the lower the risk appetite that drives emerging-market currencies.
The local currency fell by more than 3% the week before last, declined by over 2% last week, and is on track for a further drop of about 1% this week.
In contrast, the US dollar has emerged as one of the clearest safe-haven winners, strengthening by over 2% so far this month.
Next week, domestically focused investor attention will be pinned on the central bank’s rate decision on Thursday.
Economists polled by Reuters expect the central bank to keep its main lending rate steady at 6.75%.
Other economic indicators due next week include the composite leading business cycle indicator on Tuesday and producer inflation data on Thursday. On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Top-40 index was last down 0.4%.
As of Saturday, 21 March, the rand is trading at R17.13 to the dollar, R22.65 to the pound, and R19.64 to the euro. Gold is currently valued at $4,494.10 per ounce, while oil prices have risen to $112.20 per barrel.
5 important things happening in South Africa today
United States eyes small South African town: Simon’s Town is becoming a key naval base on a crucial global shipping route since the US-Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February. Major shipping companies Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have rerouted their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope to bypass the Middle East. This shift has heightened Simon’s Town’s profile at a key trade choke point. Political analysts have noted the potential for South Africa to leverage Simon’s Town in a trade deal with America and to attract substantial investment, arguing that the US knows this, as the town plays a vital role in controlling the Indo-Pacific and accessing the Atlantic Ocean. [Daily Investor]
R9,000 solar warning: Fewer than 2 weeks remain for Eskom’s free registration offer for rooftop solar power systems. Households and businesses with sub-100kW grid-tied and hybrid systems must register as small-scale embedded generators (SSEGs). To encourage registration, Eskom is waiving administrative charges and smart meter fees for SSEG customers until 31 March 2026, which Eskom estimates could save users over R9,000. [MyBroadband]
Doubling down on BEE: Deputy President Paul Mashatile defended broad-based black economic empowerment as “non-negotiable”. He announced a two-phase review to improve compliance, address enforcement gaps, and focus the policy on measurable economic outcomes. [Business Day]
Calls for automotor manufacturing crackdown: South African automotive component manufacturers, facing challenges from US tariffs and an influx of inexpensive vehicle imports from China, have insisted that foreign investors looking to establish manufacturing operations in the country must use local expertise, create employment, and transfer skills. [TimesLive]
Bad to worse for petrol prices next month: The latest data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) shows that the underrecovery on 95-octane petrol was R5.20 per litre over the three weeks to 19 March. For wholesale diesel with 0.05% sulphur, the underrecovery is R8.52 per litre, and for 0.005% sulphur, R8.63. [News24]
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