Bad news for licence disc renewals in South Africa, and the problem driving Joburg’s decline
The rand strengthened on Wednesday amid easing inflation rates, which slowed for the first time in months thanks to lower food inflation.
The rand traded at 16.15 to the dollar, up approximately 0.7% from its previous close.
Consumer inflation eased to 4.3% year-on-year in July, down from 5% in June and below many economists’ expectations of 4.5%.
Analysts warned that inflation could rise again with Middle East conflicts driving oil prices higher since July.
“We forecast headline inflation to end the year at around 4.1% and to average 4% in 2026. However, risks remain tilted to the upside, primarily due to uncertainty surrounding the U.S.-Iran conflict,” Nedbank economists said in a note.
Separate data from Stats SA showed that retail sales rose 1.6% year-on-year in June, after rising by a revised 2.2% in May.
South Africa’s 2035 benchmark government bond strengthened slightly, with the yield falling seven basis points to 8.465%.
On Thursday, 20 August 2026, the rand was trading at R16.11 to the dollar, R21.92 to the pound, and R18.81 to the euro. Gold is trading at $4,490.99 an ounce, while oil prices were at $91.84 a barrel. [Reuters]
5 important things
Bad news about online licence disc renewals in South Africa: South African motorists have fewer online licence disc renewal services available to them than in previous years, and the price of the cheapest option recently increased by roughly 43%. [MyBroadband]
Leadership turmoil is the main driver of Joburg’s decline, says CDE: Repeated leadership changes have caused Johannesburg’s decline, according to the Centre for Development and Enterprise. [BusinessDay]
Warning about cheaper electricity prices in South Africa: The announcement of an overhaul of South Africa’s electricity tariff framework has drawn sharp criticism from energy experts, who warn that it is unlikely to translate into lower prices. [DailyInvestor]
Major banks still facing prosecution for rand manipulation in South Africa: The Competition Commission says it will pursue prosecutions against seven major banks as part of its investigations into rand manipulation. [BusinessTech]
R4 billion in fresh produce lost at the Port of Cape Town last season: Problems at the Port of Cape Town resulted in the loss of R4 billion in fresh produce last season, and there is a risk of a repeat this season. [Newsday]
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