GOLD AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF THE BANK AS AT 31 AUGUST 1999

Issued by the South African Reserve Bank

2 September 199

The Bank's provisional gross gold and foreign exchange reserves amounted to R37,3 billion as at 31 August 1999, compared to R35,7 billion as at 31 July 1999. The utilisation of foreign credit lines at the end of August 1999 amounted to R16,9 billion, compa red to R15,2 billion as at the end of July 1999.

The net open foreign currency position (NOFP) was US$16,9 billion at close of business on 31 August 1999 compared to US$17,5 billion at the end of July 1999.

The outstanding oversold forward book of the Bank was US$20,2 billion at close of business on 31 August 1999, compared to US$20,9 billion at the end of July 1999.

Any possible changes to these preliminary figures will be reflected in the Bank's monthly Statement of Assets and Liabilities to be published on Wednesday 8 September 1999.