South Africa’s neighbour pays white farmers R8.45 billion, and state-owned company loses R7.3 million in one year
The rand was on track to lose nearly 2% for the week as of Friday, primarily due to a stronger dollar and rising global bond yields that prompted investors to reduce their exposure to riskier assets.
The rand was up 0.2% at 16.6675 against the dollar, only slightly alleviating losses from the previous session, as higher US Treasury yields continued to weigh on emerging-market assets.
The currency fell by approximately 1.5%, despite positive domestic data, including lower-than-expected producer inflation and a trade surplus that exceeded forecasts.
ETM Analytics noted that rising US bond yields pose challenges for emerging and frontier markets, as they tend to attract capital away from riskier investments, putting additional pressure on local currencies.
They also mentioned that a prolonged selloff in bonds could trigger a more significant correction in global equity markets.
The rand has weakened for four consecutive weeks and is on track for its steepest decline in that period, while the dollar is set for a third consecutive weekly gain.
On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Top-40 index was up 0.9% in early trading, and South Africa’s benchmark 2035 government bond showed slight strengthening, with the yield down by 2 basis points to 8.845%. [Reuters]
On Saturday, 3 October 2026, the rand was trading at R16.66 to the dollar, R22.02 to the pound, and R18.71 to the euro. Gold is trading at $4,140.80, while oil prices were at $102.30 a barrel.
5 important things happening in South Africa today
Zimbabwe pay white farmers R8.45 billion: Zimbabwe said that compensation to White farmers for land seized 26 years ago has now reached $508 million (R8.45 billion), as the southern African nation seeks to restore access to international capital markets. [Daily Investor]
Necsa loses R7.3 million in one year: The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) has reported a R7.3-million loss for its 2026 financial year, representing a sharp fall from the R125-million profit reported in the previous financial year and its first loss since 2022. [Engineering News]
Petrol price disaster coming: South Africans will face record-high petrol and diesel prices next week, with month-end data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) all but guaranteeing over R30/litre at the pumps. [BusinessTech]
Prison time for spam callers: The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has published draft guidelines for South Africa’s new opt-out registry regulations, warning that repeat offenders could face criminal prosecution and one year in jail. [MyBroadband]
Rand takes a hit. The rand has continued to weaken, falling to its lowest level in more than two months. The currency has weakened beyond R16.70 to the US dollar on Thursday, a level last seen in late July.[eNCA]
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