Finance News Update | 13 Feb 2026
- Phophi K

- Feb 13
- 2 min read

General Headlines
New State-Owned Water Entity on the Way
In response to South Africa’s escalating water supply crisis, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced plans to establish a new state-owned entity aimed at addressing infrastructure failures and supply disruptions. Residents in several areas, including Johannesburg and Knysna, have endured prolonged water outages. Speaking during the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), the President attributed the crisis to years of neglected municipal infrastructure. He confirmed that government is in the final stages of creating the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency to strengthen oversight and improve long-term water security. Business Tech
IMF Raises Red Flags Over Public Debt
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cautioned South Africa that while the economy has recovered from the COVID-19 shock, public debt levels remain elevated and structural reforms are progressing too slowly. The warning follows the IMF’s Article IV Consultation ahead of the 2026 Budget. Although economic activity improved in 2025, with GDP growth estimated at 1.3% and average inflation moderating to 3.2%, the IMF noted that global volatility, trade policy uncertainty, and rising protectionism continue to weigh on the outlook. The Fund stressed the need for sustained fiscal discipline and accelerated reform. Business Tech
New Income Support Grant to Be Introduced
President Ramaphosa has reiterated that a redesigned income support grant will be introduced this year. The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant will be extended indefinitely but restructured in 2026 to incorporate employment-seeking requirements. Initially introduced as a temporary relief measure, the SRD grant has evolved into what the President described as a vital tool in combating extreme poverty. Business Tech
Markets & Investments
Gold Slips as Dollar Strengthens
Gold prices declined on Thursday after stronger-than-expected US January employment data boosted the dollar and dampened expectations of near-term interest rate cuts. The dollar index rose following the robust jobs report, reflecting confidence in the resilience of the US economy. A firmer dollar typically pressures gold prices by making dollar-denominated commodities more expensive for international buyers. Investors are now awaiting upcoming inflation data for further direction on monetary policy. Business Day
Property & Real Assets
Hyprop Sells 50% Stake in Woodlands Boulevard
Hyprop Investments Limited has agreed to dispose of a 50% undivided share in Woodlands Boulevard for R791 million. The buyers, Primegrowth Retail Property Pty Ltd, Witfontein Mile Pty Ltd, and Twin City previously acquired Atterbury Value Mart from Hyprop in 2021. Under the new agreement, asset management responsibilities will be shared between Hyprop and its new partners, while Twin City will oversee the on-site property management operations. Property Wheel



