Amazon’s ‘no whites’ programme in South Africa, and Takealot increases minimum order for free delivery
The South African rand weakened on Tuesday following the publication of the latest purchasing managers’ index (PMI) survey.
It indicated that manufacturing sentiment deteriorated in August due to a slump in business activity. The rand traded at 16.1375 against the dollar, down about 0.2% from its previous close.
The seasonally adjusted PMI, sponsored by South African bank Absa, fell to 45.8 in August from 46.8 in July. This marks the fourth consecutive monthly decline and represents the lowest reading since 2023.
In a separate report, data from South Africa’s automotive industry body, NAAMSA, showed that new vehicle sales increased by 11.4% year-on-year in August, down from the 11.9% growth recorded in July.
The US dollar index strengthened against a basket of currencies as renewed hostilities between the US and Iran raised inflation concerns.
On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Top-40 index was last down 0.8%. Additionally, South Africa’s benchmark 2035 government bond weakened, with the yield rising by 8.5 basis points to 8.675%. [Reuters]
On Wednesday, 2 September 2026, the rand was trading at R16.18 to the dollar, R21.84 to the pound, and R18.73 to the euro. Gold is trading at $4,306.52, while oil prices were at $95.34 a barrel.
5 important things happening today
Amazon’s ‘no whites’ programme in South Africa: Amazon Web Services (AWS) is promoting diversity and inclusion in South Africa through its Equity Equivalent Investment Programme, which only accepts 100% black-owned businesses. Launched in 2019 as part of a R365 million investment, the program disqualifies any company with white shareholders. [Newsday]
Takealot increases minimum order for free delivery: South Africa’s largest online marketplace, Takealot.com, has increased the minimum order value to qualify for free delivery to R750. It also selects premium delivery options at checkout by default. [MyBroadband]
US win for South Africa: The United States Congress has passed an extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), cementing its continuation through the end of 2028. [BusinessTech]
Eskom executive whose salary increased by 90%: Eskom CFO Calib Cassim’s pay package grew by 90.78% to R13.52 million in the 2026 financial year, as the finance chief readies for his retirement. This pay package means that Cassim earned more than Eskom CEO Dan Marokane, who received R12.18 million in the 2026 financial year. [Daily Investor]
23 new cars for South Africa: At least 23 new cars are set to appear in South Africa in the near future, and nearly all of them are coming from China. [TopAuto]
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