Here are five important things happening in and affecting South Africa on Monday, 31 August 2026.
The rand was slightly higher in trading on Friday, as investors awaited U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s speech in Jackson Hole.
The rand was trading at 15.97 to the dollar, up 0.2% from its previous close.
Investors were waiting for Warsh’s speech for signals about the U.S. economy’s future, but Warsh pushed back against the idea of forward guidance.
“Although the USD-ZAR downside bias remains intact, there are enough developments to make investors think twice about how much stronger they think the rand might go,” ETM Analytics said in a note.
Like other risk-sensitive currencies, the rand tends to take its cues from global developments, including U.S. economic data and policy signals.
In South Africa, investors will be awaiting the release of key statistics this week, such as July money supply, private sector credit extension, trade data, and vehicle sales.
On Monday, 31 August, 2026, the rand was trading at R16.17 to the dollar, R21.90 to the pound, and R18.74 to the euro. Gold is trading at $4,421.9 an ounce, while oil prices were at $90.26 a barrel.[Reuters]
Extreme low-altitude rugby stadium flyover in South Africa sets world record: A flyover of two Airlink Aircraft for the Springboks versus All Blacks game on Saturday in Cape Town has set an unofficial record for one of the lowest flights in the world. [MyBroadband]
99.97% of all United States refugees come from South Africa: The United States’ latest report on refugee arrivals by state and nationality for the 2026 financial year showed that nearly all people came from South Africa. [Newsday]
431 bank branches where you can get Smart IDs in South Africa: There are 431 bank branches in South Africa where people can obtain a new Smart ID card to replace their green ID book. [DailyInvestor]
Nedbank targets richer clients with integrated private banking offering: Nedbank’s head of personal and private banking said it is doing everything it can to appeal to high-net-worth clients. [BusinessDay]
Bad news for anyone buying certain peanut butter off the shelf in South Africa: South African consumers buying peanut butter from supermarket shelves could see some imported products become more expensive. [BusinessTech]
