Finance News Update | 04 Sep 2026
- Phophi K

- 26 minutes ago
- 2 min read

General Headlines
Eskom spent R233.4 billion on a power station still unfinished after 18 years
Eskom began construction of Kusile Power Station in 2008, with completion originally scheduled for 2017 at an estimated cost of R121 billion. However, 18 years later, the project has cost approximately R233.4 billion and remains incomplete. Eskom now expects Kusile to be fully completed during the 2028 financial year, highlighting the significant cost overruns and delays that have affected major infrastructure projects. Daily Investor
Interest rate hikes back on the table as diesel prices rise
The escalating conflict between the United States and Iran has pushed global oil prices higher, with South African diesel prices potentially increasing by as much as R3 per litre. Such a sharp increase could feed into transportation and production costs, adding further pressure to already elevated inflation. This could increase the likelihood of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) raising interest rates later this month if inflation risks continue to build. BusinessTech
€300 million in JET-linked loans to support municipal trading services
National Treasury has secured €300 million, equivalent to approximately R5.6 billion, in concessional financing to support its Metro Trading Services Reform (MTSR) programme. The initiative aims to improve the delivery and financial sustainability of electricity, water and sanitation, and solid waste services across South Africa’s eight metropolitan municipalities. The funding has been provided by German and French development finance institutions and forms part of broader efforts to strengthen municipal service delivery and infrastructure. Engineering News
Markets & Investments
Market and Stock Highlight
The South African rand strengthened on Thursday, supported by a weaker US dollar and higher gold prices. On Thursday, 3 September 2026, the rand was trading at R15.98 to the dollar, R21.62 to the pound and R18.58 to the euro. Gold was trading at $4,474.18 per ounce, while oil prices stood at $95.73 per barrel. BusinessTech
Property & Real Assets
SA REITs retreat in August 2026 despite resilient income growth
South African Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) recorded a weaker performance in August, delivering a total return of -5% for the month. The decline largely reversed the gains recorded in July, although the sector’s performance differed from the typical relationship between REITs and bond markets. While REITs gained in July as bonds weakened, the sector declined in August despite relatively stable bond markets. Property Wheel



