New BEE tax for South Africa, and the best news at Eskom in 9 years
The rand strengthened on Thursday against a weaker dollar, as South Africa saw lower-than-expected producer inflation data.
The rand was trading at approximately 16.53 to the dollar, up by roughly 0.8% from its previous close.
The U.S dollar index saw a slight downward shift, having a knock-on effect on the rand and other risk-sensitive currencies.
Data from Stats SA, released on Thursday, showed that producer inflation had slowed to 7.5% in June, down from 7.8% in June 2025.
The drop was lower than many analysts’ expectations of 7.9%, with many saying that lower fuel and food prices had caused the drop.
Nedbank economists said, “We expect PPI to continue to moderate in the second half of the year, boosted by favourable base effects, subdued food prices and the support from structural reform.”
The National Treasury also noted on Thursday that the country had a budget surplus of over R80 billion in June.
South Africa’s benchmark 2035 government bond firmed slightly, with the yield falling 3.5 basis points to 8.61%.
On Friday, 31 July 2026, the rand was trading at R16.49 to the dollar, R22.17 to the pound, and R18.98 to the euro. Gold is trading at $4,082.01 an ounce, while oil prices were at $87.51 a barrel. [Reuters]
5 important things
New BEE tax on the cards for South Africa: South Africa is considering a voluntary BEE tax of 3% of gross revenue that could allow businesses to avoid BEE regulations while funding transformation. [DailyInvestor]
Best news at Eskom in 9 years: On 20 July 2026, state-owned power utility Eskom recorded a daily Energy Availability Factor of 80.24%, the highest since 20 September 2017. [MyBroadband]
Driving licence validity in South Africa is officially being extended: The Cabinet has approved the extension of driving licence card validity in South Africa, which will increase the time between renewals from 5 to 10 years. [BusinessTech]
An ‘evil’ activity is causing financial problems across South Africa: Online gambling has become a problem for many people in South Africa, especially among poor households, where they see it as a way to make extra money. [NewsDay]
Kubayi announces suspension of three senior IDAC officials after explosive testimony: South Africa’s justice minister has suspended senior IDAC officials, following testimony from some of its members at the Madlanga commission. [BusinessDay]
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