Finance News Update | 13 May 2026

General Headlines

The worst may still lie ahead for South Africa

South Africa has not yet experienced the full economic consequences of the ongoing Middle East conflict, with analysts warning that the most severe effects could emerge in the months ahead if tensions persist. Businesses are expected to struggle to continue absorbing escalating operational costs, which will likely result in higher prices being passed on to consumers. Economists caution that this could trigger a renewed inflationary shock, complicating the Reserve Bank’s efforts to stabilise inflation at its 3% target. What was initially expected to be a temporary setback in the inflation outlook may now evolve into a prolonged challenge for policymakers. Daily Investor

Concerns deepen over governance at South African universities

South African universities are facing growing governance and leadership challenges, with corruption and institutional instability increasingly threatening the sector’s credibility, according to a report by Universities South Africa (USAf). Higher education leaders have expressed alarm at the extent of institutional capture taking hold through weakened governance systems, poor leadership, and blurred accountability structures that undermine the academic mission of universities. Institutions highlighted in the report include MUT, the University of Fort Hare, CPUT, and WSU. Mail & Guardian

Transfer of provincial roads to Sanral deemed unsustainable in the long term

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has cautioned that the transfer of approximately 13 000 km of provincial roads to the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) since 2013 is not a viable long-term solution. Speaking during her Budget Vote on Tuesday, Creecy warned that the continued expansion of Sanral’s maintenance responsibilities could place significant strain on the agency’s ability to sustain the national road network without eventually resorting to widespread tolling measures. Engineering News

Markets & Investments

Market and Stock Highlight

Oil prices climbed nearly 3% amid heightened concerns over fuel supply disruptions and continued shipping constraints through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude prices surged following US President Donald Trump’s rejection of Iran’s latest peace proposal response, raising fears that tensions in the region could persist and further disrupt critical global shipping routes.

Meanwhile, shares in Bytes rose almost 6.5% on Tuesday despite the technology group reporting lower profits. Investor sentiment was boosted after CEO Sam Mudd delivered an optimistic outlook, highlighting strategic changes that are expected to strengthen the company’s ability to expand service offerings alongside major partners such as Microsoft. Business Day

Property & Real Assets

Octodec posts 11% growth in distributable income

Octodec Investments Limited reported strong financial performance for the six months ended 28 February 2026, with distributable income increasing by 11.1% to 92.6 cents per share. The growth follows Emira Property Fund’s successful voluntary offer, which increased its shareholding in Octodec to 23.5%.

The company reported rental collections of 98.5% across its portfolio, while vacancy levels continued to decline, signalling improving stability within its retail segment. Octodec’s residential portfolio remained a significant contributor to performance, recording a 5.5% increase in rental income during the period, alongside lower vacancies of 7.7% and a rental growth of 5.7%. Property Wheel