Finance News Update | 15 Apr 2026

General Headlines Municipal water, electricity losses total R25bn a year South African municipalities lose about R25 billion every year on water and electricity they buy but never sell, according to National Treasury. In some cities, as much as 40% of water and 25% of electricity is lost. The main reasons are leaking pipes, transmission losses, electricity theft, and outdated meters that big users bypass. These costs end up being covered by customer tariffs. Treasury revealed this problem during a media briefing on 13 April, noting that it has set aside R54 billion over six years for a new Metro Trading Services Reform Programme. The goal is to fix the cycle of poor infrastructure investment, which causes bad service delivery, weak revenue collection, and leaves little money for repairs or upgrades.(MoneyWeb) South Africa agrees new climate loan, critical minerals cooperation on Germany visit Germany has agreed to give South Africa a €200 million ($234 million) concessional climate loan to boost the country’s power grid and renewable energy projects. Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola announced this after meeting German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Berlin. In addition, Germany and the EU have extended more than €270 million in funding for cooperation on green hydrogen and battery development. Lamola expressed gratitude for Germany’s support, noting that it helps South Africa feel included in the G20 despite tensions with the US during Donald Trump’s presidency, when South Africa was excluded from some meetings. He said South Africa values the backing from Germany and other G20 members. (EngineeringNews) Markets and Investments Bad news about interest rates in South Africa Hopes for interest rate cuts in South Africa have faded due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. The South African Reserve Bank had been expected to lower rates early this year, but US and Israeli attacks on Iran - and Iran’s retaliation - disrupted those plans. A 50 basis point cut was anticipated for 2026, following earlier reductions in 2024 and 2025. Instead, the conflict has driven fuel prices sharply higher: petrol rose by R3 in April and diesel by R7, even after the government reduced the fuel levy. Mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund showed further under-recoveries of about R3 for petrol and R10 for diesel, suggesting more increases ahead. Although the US and Iran agreed to a ceasefire, peace talks failed, and the US has now imposed its own blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices above $100 per barrel. The rand also weakened slightly, sliding from R16.60 to R16.90 against the dollar. (BusinessTech) Oil prices will soon converge to reflect crisis, IEA says

The International Energy Agency (IEA) says oil prices haven’t yet shown the full impact of the supply crisis caused by the Iran war, but they soon will. Around 13 million barrels of oil per day have been cut off due to the conflict and the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz. More than 80 energy facilities have been damaged, and recovery could take up to two years. The IEA calls this the biggest supply disruption in history. Oil prices are already near $100 a barrel in London - up 64% since the start of the year - but still below the highs seen after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine or in 2008. To ease markets, IEA members like the US, Japan, and Germany recently released emergency oil reserves. (MoneyWeb) Property and Real Estates Attacq, Rabie announce Waterfall City Conference Centre & Hotel Attacq Limited and Rabie Property Group are investing R750 million to build the new Waterfall City Conference Centre and Hotel. The centre will host up to 1,350 delegates in one venue, or 2,000 across 16 flexible spaces, with outdoor areas for open-air events. The connected hotel will have 180 rooms and apartments, a restaurant, wellness facilities like a gym and spa, a swimming pool, and private dining spaces. Operations will be handled by the experienced team behind Century City Conference Centre and Hotels. This project also launches African Rain Collection, a new hospitality brand managing conference and hotel assets in Cape Town and Johannesburg, with Waterfall City as its first major development.(PropertyWheel)