R42 billion sale of Coca-Cola in South Africa gets green light, and explosive allegations about Eskom and Ramaphosa
The South African rand appreciated on Tuesday against a weaker dollar after US consumer inflation eased more than expected in June, eliminating the likelihood of a Federal Reserve interest rate increase this year.
The rand was trading at 16.3725 against the dollar, which is approximately a 0.6% increase from its previous close.
The US dollar weakened by about 0.5% compared to a basket of currencies after data from the US Labour Department revealed that consumer prices rose by 3.5% in the 12 months ending in June, down from 4.2% in May.
Like many other risk-sensitive currencies, the rand often responds to global factors, such as U.S. policies, as well as domestic economic data.
In May, South Africa’s mining output fell by 5.4% year-on-year, a stark contrast to the 8% increase recorded in April, according to Statistics South Africa.
On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Top-40 index gained approximately 0.2%. South Africa’s benchmark 2035 government bond declined, with its yield rising 7.5 basis points to 8.42%.
On Wednesday, 15 July 2026, the rand was trading at R16.35 to the dollar, R21.92 to the pound, and R18.70 to the euro. Gold is trading at $4,026.89 an ounce, while oil prices were at $85.63 a barrel.
5 important things happening today
Sale of Coca-Cola in South Africa gets the green light: Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC), listed in London, is set for a secondary listing on the JSE after South Africa’s Competition Commission recommended its $2.6 billion (R42 billion) acquisition of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA). The commission will advocate for the deal’s approval by the Competition Tribunal, conditional on HBC’s decision to list in Johannesburg. [Business Day]
New streaming service launched: Former Eskom chairman, Professor William Makgoba, shared explosive allegations about political interference during former Minister Pravin Gordhan’s tenure. [Newsday]
Top CEO leaves for Australia: Lance Foxcroft, CEO of Ceramic, a subsidiary of Italtile, will take early retirement to move to Australia to join his family. [Daily Investor]
Another product pulled from shelves: South Africa’s eviction laws are undergoing a major change with the introduction of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act (PIE). [BusinessTech]
Change coming for security guards scanning people’s driving licences: Many access control workers in South Africa lack proper training to handle visitors’ personal information at gates. Governance structures, like owners and bodies corporate, face legal risks for non-compliance, not the guards. The Information Regulator published a draft Code of Conduct in April outlining owners’ responsibilities for data processing at gated accesses. [MyBroadband]
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