Weapons-grade material so valuable it’s under 24/7 surveillance in South Africa, and technically insolvent fund wants more money from South Africans
The rand softened in early trading on Thursday as a stronger dollar and expectations of another Federal Reserve rate hike weighed on risk-sensitive currencies, while investors awaited domestic mining production data.
The rand traded at 16.62 against the dollar, 0.2% down from its previous close.
Statistics South Africa is due to publish September mining production data, with economists expecting another contraction after output fell 12.7% year on year in August.
The dollar climbed to a 19-month high against major peers, supported by expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate hike.
Traders ramped up bets on further Fed tightening after stronger-than-expected October inflation data and a series of hawkish remarks from US central bank officials.
These officials expressed concern over stubborn inflation and left open the possibility of a larger 50-basis-point increase.
Like other risk-sensitive currencies, the rand often takes its cues from global factors, particularly US monetary policy, as well as domestic economic data.
South Africa’s benchmark 2035 government bond was steady in early deals, with the yield at 8.465%. [Reuters]
On Friday, 13 November 2026, the rand was trading at R16.76 to the dollar, R22.17 to the pound, and R18.54 to the euro. Gold is trading at $3,915.05, while oil prices are at $95.65 a barrel.
5 important things happening in South Africa today
Asset under 24-hour surveillance: South Africa has a stockpile of highly enriched uranium, including weapons-grade material from its former nuclear weapons programme, which is under 24-hour surveillance in a secure vault. The vault is located at the Pelindaba nuclear facility near Pretoria, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitors the stockpile by camera. [MyBroadband]
Technically insolvent fund wants more money: The Road Accident Fund (RAF) proposed a 33% increase in its fuel levy, which Transport Minister Barbara Creecy is unwilling to agree to. This comes as the RAF’s longstanding financial and administrative failures continue to put the fund into a precarious position. [Daily Investor]
New 24-hour SARS requirements for anyone travelling: All persons entering or leaving South Africa are now required to submit a Traveller Declaration before embarking on their journeys. On 1 July 2026, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) imposed a new rule for all travellers, requiring them to submit an online declaration no more than 24 hours before they leave on their trip. [TopAuto]
Geordin Hill-Lewis meets with Herman Mashaba: ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba said that he had a frank and productive meeting with DA Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis. Michael Beaumont, ActionSA’s National Chairperson, described the meeting as “another productive coalition discussion”. [Newsday]
30-day Level 2 water restrictions hit South Africa’s capital: The City of Tshwane has announced an escalation of its water restrictions to level 2, which will result in higher tariffs for households that consume excessive water. The city issued an alert to all residents, businesses, institutions and water consumers that Level 2 water restrictions will be implemented with immediate effect. [BusinessTech]
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