Eight-year driver’s licence still coming for South Africa, and warning to people drinking alcohol over Easter
During early Thursday trading, the rand dropped over 1% after US President Donald Trump announced plans for more aggressive military measures against Iran.
This news unsettled investors who had been anticipating a quick resolution to the ongoing conflict.
The rand was positioned at 17.0250 against the dollar, marking a 1.3% drop from its previous closing value.
In a nationwide address late Wednesday, Trump stated that the United States would be launching aggressive strikes on Iran in the next two to three weeks.
This announcement resulted in an increase in the value of the US dollar and oil prices, which reduced demand for emerging market currencies and heightened inflation worries for nations like South Africa that rely on energy imports.
The rand has been significantly affected by global market sentiments since the start of the conflict in February, which involved the US and Israel and Iran’s subsequent response.
Analysts note that the rand had a strong performance in 2025 and began 2026 positively, making it susceptible to a market correction.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s benchmark 2035 government bond remained stable in early trading, with a yield of 8.885%.
Here are five important things happening in South Africa on Saturday, 4 April 2026.
As of Saturday, 4 April, the rand is trading at R16.97 to the dollar, R22.43 to the pound, and R19.56 to the euro. Gold is currently valued at $4,676.4 per ounce, while oil prices have risen to $109 per barrel.
5 important things happening in South Africa today
Eight-year driver’s licence on the cards: Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has confirmed that the extension of the validity period for South African driver’s licenses from five years to eight years will still take place. In her response to a letter from the civil rights group AfriForum, which was sent in February, she addressed the organisation’s request for the implementation of the proposed extension. [MyBroadband]
Warning to people drinking alcohol over Easter: The Drinks Federation of South Africa is urging responsible alcohol consumption over the Easter weekend amid rising household financial pressures that may fuel the illicit alcohol trade. Research indicates that economic instability could increase the sale of counterfeit products at lower prices. [EWN]
R5 billion pledge from Uber: Uber commits R5 billion over the next three years, aiming to strengthen the e-hailing sector by investing in EV infrastructure and fleet support, and by forming partnerships to reduce drivers’ costs, including fuel, tyres, and vehicle financing. [Moneyweb]
New R2.3 billion target by the “water mafia”: South Africa is investing around R2.3 billion in water tankers due to widespread water outages. Reports indicate that criminal groups, dubbed the “water mafia,” are sabotaging water systems to create demand for these tankers, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. [DailyInvestor]
New commissioner of SARS: President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu as the new commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for five years, starting May 1. [CBNC]
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