Julius Malema under siege, and the real reason load shedding disappeared
There was little change for the rand on Friday, as easing U.S. inflation boosted speculation of a rate hold from the Federal Reserve.
The rand traded at 16.18 against the dollar, with very little changing from its previous close of R16.19.
Risk sentiment remained fragile with the threat of increased economic pressure on Iran, signalling a possible prolonged Middle East conflict.
The rand normally benefits from increased risk sentiment, but the threat of reduced oil supplies might make investors cautious.
TreasuryONE currency strategist Andre Cilliers said, “The rand is consolidating within a R16.05/R16.25 range with good two-way flows in the market. From a technical perspective, the local currency is looking slightly overbought, and a correction is possible in the short term.”
South Africa’s benchmark 2035 government bond was slightly weaker early on Friday, with the yield rising by two basis points to 8.435%.
On Monday, 17 August, 2026, the rand was trading at R16.18 to the dollar, R21.92 to the pound, and R18.74 to the euro. Gold is trading at $4,392.39 an ounce, while oil prices were at $88.61 a barrel. [Reuters]
5 important things
AfriForum hits Julius Malema with R500,000 fine and 18 months prison sentence contempt of court application: AfriForum has filed a contempt of court application against EFF leader Julius Malema and his party over continued incitement to land occupation. [Newsday]
Real reasons load-shedding disappeared: Local electricity demand destruction and rapid uptake of self-generation are the two main reasons that load-shedding has disappeared in South Africa. [MyBroadband]
The two JSE-listed giants completely changing themselves for all to see: AB InBev and British American Tobacco must completely change their product offerings to better align with modern consumer needs. [DailyInvestor]
Why wealthy buyers are shifting to Gauteng’s luxury estates: Wealthy South Africans are increasingly moving towards Gauteng’s estates for their safety and reliable infrastructure. [BusinessDay]
Another problem for medical aid members in South Africa: South Africa’s prescribed minimum benefits system remains largely unchanged despite significant changes in healthcare costs, treatment and disease patterns. [BusinessTech]
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