South African Reserve Bank
The South African Reserve Bank is the central bank of South Africa, responsible for monetary policy, financial stability and the regulation of the country's banking system. Established in 1921, it is headquartered in Pretoria and operates under the South African Reserve Bank Act. The bank's primary mandate is to protect the value of the rand in the interest of balanced and sustainable economic growth. It sets the repo rate, which influences borrowing costs and inflation, and targets an inflation band of 3% to 6%. The Reserve Bank also manages the country's gold and foreign-exchange reserves, oversees the national payment system and acts as banker to government and commercial banks. It is governed by a board of directors and led by a governor appointed by the President. The bank operates with a degree of independence, though its mandate is set by Parliament. Unlike many central banks, the South African Reserve Bank has private shareholders, a legacy of its founding, though this does not affect its policy independence. It plays a central role in South Africa's financial architecture and is a key voice in debates over interest rates, currency stability and economic policy. The bank publishes regular monetary policy statements and economic reviews that are closely watched by markets and policymakers.
South African Reserve Bank Updates
Daily Podcast – September 10, 2026
10th September 2026 September 10, 2026. For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is Polity’s daily podcast. →
South Africa's current account records Q2 deficit as Iran war drives up import costs 
By: Reuters 10th September 2026 South Africa recorded a current account deficit in the second quarter after a strong surplus in the first three months of this year, as the Iran... →
Daily Podcast – September 09, 2026
9th September 2026 Making headlines: South Africa’s 3% inflation goal is robust, Central Bank study shows EFF heads to court over Parly’s 'irrational' reversal on... →
South Africa’s 3% inflation goal is robust, Central Bank study shows
By: Bloomberg 9th September 2026 South Africa’s 3% inflation target can withstand a range of economic shocks as expectations have become better anchored and more forward-looking,... →
Manufacturing, mining weigh on second-quarter economic growth; GDP contracts by 0.2% q/q
By: Creamer Media Reporter 8th September 2026 South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 0.2% quarter-on-quarter for the second quarter, following growth of 0.4% in the first... →
It is your money. Moving It offshore is your choice - But staying within the exchange control rules matters more than you think
3rd September 2026 You have earned your money. You are entitled to use it at your discretion, including buying an upmarket apartment in a buzzing global city,... →
RMB/BER Business Confidence Index stabilises after second-quarter setback
By: Sabrina Jardim 2nd September 2026 The Business Confidence Index (BCI) published by financial services firm RMB and economic research organisation the Bureau for Economic Research... →
SARB launches commemorative coins to honour Charlotte Maxeke and 1956 Women’s March
26th August 2026 The South African Reserve Bank has launched two commemorative circulation coins to celebrate the legacy of Charlotte Maxeke and the women who... →
What South Africa, Rwanda and Zimbabwe's latest reforms mean for crypto regulation in Africa
26th August 2026 When Webber Wentzel published its Virtual Assets Regulation Across Africa guide, the continent's regulatory landscape was still taking shape. While... →
ANC lays criminal charges against coalition partner's Mark Burke
By: Creamer Media Reporter 21st August 2026 The ANC said on Friday it has pursued criminal charges against DA MP Dr Mark Burke, as well as the fintech company Kastelo, following a South... →
