Finance News Update | 01 June 2026

General Headlines Standard Bank wins global awards for Investment Banking and Sustainable Finance Standard Bank, Africa’s biggest bank, won awards for Sustainable Finance and Best Investment Bank in Africa at the 2026 Global Finance Awards. The bank helps fund energy and infrastructure projects that support growth and resilience across the continent. It focuses on clean energy like solar, wind, and hydro to improve energy security while reducing carbon emissions. Standard Bank believes Africa’s progress depends on balancing energy needs, economic opportunity, and environmental care. The bank plans to invest more in affordable clean technologies, strong infrastructure, and partnerships with governments, businesses, and communities to drive a fair energy transition. Through its investment banking, it helps clients raise money for projects in energy, transport, and urban development, ensuring long-term value and responsible growth. (BusinessTech) SA government scrambles to deal with anti-immigration protests Government ministers held a closed-door meeting to discuss rising anti-immigration protests led by the group March and March. These protests have spread across cities, sometimes turning violent with attacks on immigrants and looting of shops. The group has demanded that all illegal immigrants leave South Africa by 30 June 2026.Ministers said they are working on a national plan to tackle illegal immigration while also fighting racism and xenophobia. They stressed that protests are allowed under the Constitution but must remain peaceful.Some officials argued that other countries should solve their own problems so migrants aren’t “forced” into South Africa. After the meeting, March and March leaders expressed disappointment, saying no clear plan was offered. They repeated demands, including stopping refugee applications, and warned of more protests if the issue isn’t resolved. (MoneyWeb) Markets and Investments South African central bank raises key rate by 25 basis points

South Africa’s Reserve Bank raised interest rates by 0.25% to 7% to control inflation. Inflation jumped to 4% in April from 3.1% in March, mainly because fuel prices rose due to the US-Israel war against Iran. The bank aims to keep inflation close to 3%, within a 2–4% range. South Africa is one of the few African countries to raise rates during the war, alongside Rwanda, Botswana, and Mauritius. Most other African central banks have kept rates steady while watching how the conflict affects prices. (Engineering News) Property and Real Estates  Cape Town calls for comment on proposed Rondebosch Main Road revitalisation Cape Town plans to upgrade Rondebosch Main Road (M4) between Belmont and Woolsack Roads. The area includes landmarks like the Baxter Theatre, Rustenburg High, student housing, shops, restaurants, and the Rondebosch Shopping Centre. The city is asking for public input on ideas such as safer pedestrian spaces, better public areas, improved parking, and traffic calming. A public open day will be held at Mowbray Town Hall on Wednesday, 17 June from 5–7 pm. Comments and proposals close on 29 June 2026. (PropertyWheel)