End of an era for green ID books in South Africa, and South Africa’s 10-year driving licence in the works
The rand remained stable on Friday as investors turned their attention to next week’s inflation data and monetary policy meeting, where the central bank is widely anticipated to raise interest rates.
The currency has been buoyed by stable commodity prices following the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate increase and its indication that further monetary tightening may be on the horizon.
Traders are now looking ahead to August’s consumer inflation data, which will be released on Wednesday, for new insights into the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) interest rate plans.
In July, headline inflation dipped to 4.3% year-on-year, marking the first decline in five months.
South Africa’s central bank surprised both investors and economists at its last meeting by keeping the main lending rate unchanged, stating that its current policy is sufficiently restrictive to bring inflation back to its target within two years.
“The SARB is in a predicament as to whether to increase rates or not. A hike would attract yield investors, but would mean a curtailing of domestic activity,” said Umkhulu Treasury.
South Africa’s benchmark 2035 government bond showed slight firmness in early trading, with the yield decreasing by 1.5 basis points to 8.615%.
On Saturday, 19 September 2026, the rand was trading at R16.27 to the dollar, R21.78 to the pound, and R18.68 to the euro. Gold is trading at $4,383.45, while oil prices were at $103.9 a barrel.
5 important things happening in South Africa today
End of an era for green ID books in South Africa: South Africans with green ID books have two years to transition to a smart ID card, as the Department of Home Affairs will no longer support the old documents. [Daily Investor]
South Africa’s 10-year driving licence in the works: The Department of Transport’s public comment period on extending the validity of driving licence cards from 5 to 10 years has ended. Motorists must now wait for the upcoming changes. [MyBroadband]
New laws on the cards for foreigners: Proposed legislation to regulate the employment of foreign nationals is now open for public comment. The Employment Services Amendment Bill requires employers to check for the availability of specific skills in South Africa before hiring foreign nationals. [EWN]
SAA in hot water: The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a ruling from the Special Tribunal that has set aside South African Airways’ (SAA) decision to extend a R85 million dry-lease agreement with local aviation company Flyfofa Airways. [BusinessTech]
Major problems with Gauteng’s water system: Nico de Jager, a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, stated that the province’s water system is failing. [Newsday]
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