Big changes for SIM cards in South Africa, and Eskom calls out for help
The rand was stronger on Friday, remaining stable despite a strengthening global risk appetite that affected emerging-market currencies.
The rand traded at 16.44 against the dollar, representing an approximately 0.3% increase from its previous close.
The dollar index, which measures the strength of the greenback against a basket of six major currencies, was near its highest level since May 2025, as US inflation data continued to influence expectations regarding Federal Reserve interest rates.
Meanwhile, prices for South Africa’s key mineral exports declined, with gold on track to experience its fourth consecutive weekly drop.
“For now, global sentiment remains the dominant driver of USD/ZAR, but local structural risks continue to limit the rand’s upside,” said currency strategists.
South Africa is currently facing a rise in attacks on foreign nationals in certain areas of the country.
Anti-immigrant groups have set a deadline of June 30 for undocumented foreigners to leave, which has created fear among migrant communities.
Next week, domestic investors will focus on data related to the money supply, private sector credit, trade balance, and budget balance figures, as well as the purchasing managers’ index and vehicle sales.
On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Top-40 index recently decreased by 0.6%.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s benchmark 2035 government bond strengthened, with the yield falling by 2.5 basis points to 8.185%.
On Saturday, 27 June 2026, the rand was trading at R16.99 to the dollar, R21.72 to the pound, and R18.74 to the euro. Gold is trading lower at $4,071.95 an ounce, while oil prices were at $71.99 a barrel.
5 important things happening
Big changes for SIM cards: The easy purchase of activated SIM cards in South Africa is ending as the government and telecommunications industry work to close loopholes. Irregularly registered SIM cards are linked to serious crimes, including banking fraud, cash-in-transit heists, and kidnappings. [MyBroadband]
Eskom asks private sector for help: Eskom supplies over 80% of South Africa’s electricity and is calling on the private sector to help enhance its security measures to better protect the national grid and key infrastructure from sabotage and theft, which could lead to nationwide blackouts. [BusinessDay]
Say goodbye to experienced prosecutors: The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has entered into attractive early-retirement agreements with senior prosecutors, resulting in the departure of 47 experienced prosecution staff members by the end of April 2026. [Newsday]
The R5 billion security estate turned nuclear power plant : Zilkaats Estate in Hartebeespoort is set to become the site of a small modular reactor after a nuclear technology company purchased the land. [DailyInvestor]
Trouble brewing for South African Airways: South African Airways Technical (SAAT) is seeking close protection services for employees investigating alleged fraud and a criminal syndicate. [TimesLive]
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