HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY

Thu 26 March 2026:

Here’s what’s happening in South Africa today:

◼️ SA heading for the eye of the storm: South Africa is experiencing an inflationary shock from rising fuel prices and disrupted oil supply from the Middle East. The Reserve Bank may need to navigate this period, potentially pushing inflation past the 3% target. This could signal the end of the interest rate-cutting cycle and lead to hikes if the conflict persists. Izak Odendaal, chief investment strategist at Symmetry, notes that the situation is more complex than past examples.
https://dailyinvestor.com/finance/125847/south-africa-heading-for-the-eye-of-the-storm/

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◼️ Africa eyes lunar race: Although Africa is not yet seen as a major player, Abebe believes the continent stands to benefit. “This renewed interest is becoming a catalyst globally, especially for African countries that have historically lagged behind. “The African Union launched the African Space Agency last year, and several nations are establishing their own agencies. We are encouraging students and young researchers to get involved,” he said.
https://www.citizen.co.za/lifestyle/technology/africa-eyes-lunar-race-nasa-prepares-artemis-ii-for-moon/

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◼️ Masemola charged under finance act, not corruption, Cachalia confirms: Masemola remains in office as national commissioner pending Ramaphosa’s response to the charges. “General Masemola has been charged. The charges are under Section 38 of the Public Finance Management Act. This concerns the standards that an accounting officer must meet in dealing with procurement decisions,” Cachalia told eNCA.
https://iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/2026-03-26-just-in-masemola-charged-under-finance-act-not-corruption-cachalia-confirms/

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◼️ Work-from-home: The government raised the idea of work-from-home as a practical way to mitigate what is shaping up to be a massive fuel price shock next month. A cabinet committee has also been established to discuss what can be done about the rising fuel prices. Officials from the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) suggested working from home as one way for households to cut transport costs and reduce fuel demand.
https://businesstech.co.za/news/motoring/854945/massive-work-from-home-shift-on-the-cards-for-south-africa/

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◼️ Fruit juice pulled from the shelves: The National Consumer Commission has confirmed a recall of specific batches of Slimsy Pomegranate Squash Concentrate (6% in one-litre bottles), with a best-before date of October 14, 2026. The recalled products, available from January 22 to March 23, 2026, total 2,894 cases or 17,364 units, distributed across Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal, according to Dynamic Brands Manufacturing.
https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-03-26-fruit-squash-drink-recalled-from-shop-shelves/

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