Police officers criminally charged paid R116 million in salaries and bonuses, and criminal tactic targeting motorists in South Africa
The rand weakened against a firmer US dollar on Tuesday as investors also weighed data showing higher unemployment and lower manufacturing output.
The rand traded at 16.5250 against the dollar, about 0.9% weaker than its previous close.
The greenback strengthened about 0.5% against a basket of currencies after hotter-than-expected US inflation data bolstered expectations that the Federal Reserve would raise interest rates next month.
Domestically, South Africa’s unemployment rate rose marginally in the third quarter, underscoring a key concern for voters at last week’s municipal elections, when the African National Congress suffered a drubbing.
South Africa’s statistics agency also published manufacturing figures, which showed that output fell 3.5% year-on-year in September, after falling by a revised 4.1% year-on-year in August.
On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Top-40 index was down about 0.3%. South Africa’s benchmark 2035 government bond also weakened, as the yield rose 10 basis points to 8.365%. [Reuters]
On Wednesday, 11 November 2026, the rand was trading at R16.52 to the dollar, R22.05 to the pound, and R18.44 to the euro. Gold is trading at $4,047.64, while oil prices are at $92.47 a barrel.
5 important things happening in South Africa today
Police officers criminally charged paid R116 million: The Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, revealed that the South African Police Service paid R115.57 million to 767 SAPS members who were criminally charged. He shared this information in response to a Parliamentary question from National Assembly member Crossby Shongwe. [Newsday]
Warning over criminal tactic on South Africa’s roads: Security and crime experts have warned motorists using certain on- and off-ramps in and around Pretoria about a recent increase in tyre-spiking attacks and armed robberies. [TopAuto]
Unemployment rate increases: South Africa’s unemployment crisis has deepened, with the unemployment rate rising to 33.7% in the third quarter of the year, up from 33.6% in Q2. [BusinessTech]
Millionaire ministers get salary increases: President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that public office bearers will receive salary increments of between 3.5% and 4%. [Daily Investor]
Ramaphosa wants to avoid working with the DA: President Cyril Ramaphosa has told ANC leaders to explore a Johannesburg coalition without the DA, adding momentum to calls within the party to cut ties with its government of national unity partner in Gauteng. [TimesLive]
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