Finance News Update | 19 Aug 2026
- Phophi K

- 6 days ago
- 2 min read

General Headlines
Changes proposed to South Africa’s petrol price slate levy
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has gazetted proposed changes to South Africa’s slate levy system, which could give fuel importers greater flexibility when global oil prices fluctuate. The proposed changes are aimed at improving the way levy adjustments are managed and could help reduce some of the pressure caused by sharp changes in international fuel prices. BusinessTech
‘Smaller’ tech mergers come under Competition Commission scrutiny
The Competition Commission has warned that it will increase its scrutiny of smaller mergers, particularly where there are concerns that transactions could reduce competition. The move reflects growing regulatory attention on potential anti-competitive behaviour beyond large corporate deals. Businesses involved in mergers may therefore face greater regulatory examination, regardless of the size of the transaction. BusinessDay
SAPVIA welcomes Eskom’s decision on small-scale solar penalties
The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has welcomed Eskom’s decision not to fine or disconnect residential customers who failed to register their small-scale embedded generation systems by the September 30 deadline. Eskom and some municipalities had previously warned that unregistered solar systems could result in disconnection or fines of up to R30,000. The decision provides relief to households that have invested in rooftop solar while the industry continues to work towards greater compliance and formal registration. Engineering News
Markets & Investments
Market and Stock Highlight
The rand remained relatively stable this week as investors awaited new inflation data for further insight into South Africa’s economic outlook and the potential direction of interest rates. South Africa’s benchmark 2035 government bond weakened, with its yield increasing by 4.5 basis points to 8.475%. On Tuesday, 18 August 2026, the rand traded at R16.26 to the dollar, R22.00 to the pound, and R18.81 to the euro, while gold traded at $4,391.55 per ounce and oil at $91.40 per barrel. BusinessTech
Property & Real Assets
R1.5 billion Mamelodi shopping mall sale recommended for approval
The Competition Commission has recommended that the proposed sale of Mams Mall in Mamelodi to Resilient REIT be approved without conditions by the Competition Tribunal. The 74,957-square-metre shopping centre is described by Kasi Economy as the largest township shopping mall in South Africa. The transaction highlights continued investor interest in well-established township retail assets and their potential to serve growing local consumer markets. BusinessTech



