
SARB moves to scrap prime rate as loan reference benchmark
The central bank’s consultation paper outlines a structured transition to policy-rate-based lending, with fallback protections for legacy contracts.

The central bank’s consultation paper outlines a structured transition to policy-rate-based lending, with fallback protections for legacy contracts.

The shift from prime to a repo-plus model won’t cut your debt overnight, but it promises more transparent lending.

Governor Kganyago signals target reform ‘as soon as is practical’ while policymakers pause cuts.

The Reserve Bank’s repo rate cut by 25bps to 7% signals the start of a more accommodative cycle as inflation remains firmly under control.

SARB economist Thuli Radebe explains how targeting lower inflation could ease borrowing costs and support growth – challenging fears that a 3% goal means more interest rate hikes.

The prescribed interest rate isn’t just a technicality – it determines how much extra you’ll pay (or receive) in a legal dispute, and once it applies to a debt, it stays locked in, even if rates drop later.

Stable growth and fiscal discipline could see South Africa’s credit rating rise two notches in the next three years.

How low will the repo rate drop, and how fast? Economists share their insights.

Economists assess the possible impact of the reforms on household consumption, real fixed investment, inflation, government debt, and GDP growth.

The annual inflation rate remained unchanged at 5.2% in May, but it is still some way from the Reserve Bank’s target of 4.5%.

Governor Lesetja Kganyago says the central bank will remain committed to reining in inflation if a new government spends more and the deficit increases.

Headline inflation softened to 5.2% in April, but the upside risks remain, particularly from food prices.

Bank Zero’s chief executive agrees that the Corporation for Deposit Insurance has the potential to boost the competitiveness of the new digital banks.

The markets are pricing for a rate reduction next year, and headline inflation is expected to return to the midpoint of the target band only in the last quarter of 2025.