Finance News Update | 30 Mar 2026

General Headlines Great news for Capitec customers in South Africa Capitec, South Africa’s biggest bank by customer numbers, has expanded its self-service Smart ID terminals to branches in every province. After starting with seven branches earlier this month, the bank quickly added 40 more, giving it the widest national reach among banks. Currently, the service is only for Smart ID replacements—such as lost, stolen, or damaged cards, or swapping a green ID book for a Smart ID card. First-time ID applications are not yet available. The service is exclusive to Capitec clients, as fees are charged directly to their accounts. The process takes less than five minutes, requires no booking, and is securely linked to the Department of Home Affairs systems. The cost is R150 (R140 DHA fee + R10 Capitec logistics fee). Clients are notified when their ID is ready for collection at the branch. (BusinessTech)

Markets and Investments South Africa’s most valuable bank buys R1.5 billion stake in company from Dubai FirstRand Limited has invested about R1.5 billion to buy more shares in fintech company Optasia. This increases its stake to 26.1%, up from 20.1% acquired in October 2025 before Optasia’s IPO.The latest purchase involved 74 million shares at R20 each, bought from Optasia’s founder and non-executive director, Bassim Haidar. After the sale, Haidar still owns 1.5% of Optasia, remains on the board, and continues to support the company’s strategy. FirstRand, which owns FNB, RMB, WesBank, and Ashburton Investments, sees this as a continuation of its strategic investment in Optasia. (BusinessTech) Sarb holds rate steady at 6.75%Despite oil spike and inflation risks.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has kept its repo rate unchanged at 6.75%, meaning the prime lending rate stays at 10.25%. Governor Lesetja Kganyago said the decision was unanimous, reflecting a cautious approach amid global uncertainty. The recent Iran conflict has pushed Brent oil prices above $100 a barrel, raising fears of higher global inflation and possible recession. In South Africa, this could lead to sharp fuel price hikes in April—between R5 and R9 per litre—unless government steps in with relief measures. SARB noted that while inflation will rise in the short term and growth may slow due to supply-chain disruptions and rising costs, the longer-term outlook remains uncertain. (MoneyWeb) Property and Real Estates Garden Walk retail and lifestyle centre opens in Hartenbos

A new 20,000m² Garden Walk retail and lifestyle centre has opened in Hartenbos on the Garden Route. Developed by Moolman Group, Dorpstraat, and Organic Coral Developments, the centre features a Checkers FreshX (3,500m²) as its anchor, along with Food Lover’s Market and Dis-Chem.Other shops include Outdoor Warehouse, Agrimark, Clicks, PNA, Pick n Pay Clothing, Miladys, Mr Price Home, Pencil & Oak, Volpes, and PEP Home. Dining and coffee options range from Spur, Doppio Zero, Mugg & Bean, Seattle Coffee Company, Elvis Brew, Krust Café, Craft Biltong, Indoblu, Waterplaas, and KOALA.The design reflects the local coastal landscape, using natural textures, earthy tones, steel, timber, and brick. Key features include a central piazza, outdoor seating, restaurant terraces, a children’s play area, landscaped spaces, art installations, communal workspace with free Wi-Fi, and 502 parking bays. (PropertyWheel)