Finance News Update | 12 Dec 2025
- Phophi

- Dec 12, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 16, 2025

General Headlines
South Africa to Establish New Electricity SOE
The Minister of Electricity has approved Eskom’s revised unbundling plan, paving the way for a new state-owned electricity company independent of Eskom. The proposal outlines a strategy to dismantle Eskom’s long-standing monopoly by breaking it into smaller, autonomous units. (Newsday)
Potential Insider Trading Ahead of R7.2bn Curro Deal
The Financial Sector Conduct Authority is investigating allegations of insider trading linked to Curro shares before the Jannie Mouton Foundation’s R7.2 billion takeover offer. The regulator confirmed it received reports of suspicious trading activity prior to the announcement and is currently reviewing the complaint. (Moneyweb)
Majority of South Africans Want BEE Scrapped
More than half of South Africans believe race-based empowerment policies should be abolished in favour of merit-based hiring and promotions, according to the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation. The survey also found that two-thirds feel racial classifications do more harm than good. Despite decades of empowerment initiatives, unemployment remains disproportionately high among Black South Africans at 35.8%, versus 8.1% for White citizens. (Newsday)
Investments
SA Draws Strong Demand as Infrastructure Bond Sale Raises R11.8bn
South Africa secured R11.8 billion in its debut infrastructure bond issuance, attracting more than double the targeted demand. The Treasury issued R7 billion in 10-year notes at 8.575% and R4.8 billion in 15-year bonds at 9.13%, with total bids exceeding R26 billion. The raise supports President Ramaphosa’s plan to revitalise ports, rail, power, and water infrastructure to boost economic growth to 3.5% by 2030. (Business Tech)
Property
Major Shopping Mall Sold for R300m at Significant Discount
The Competition Commission has approved the sale of the 37,000 m² Balfour Park Mall to Tradecco Properties, jointly owned by three shareholders. The asset forms part of a broader disposal programme by its previous owner, the JSE-listed Burstone Group, which operates a diversified property portfolio across South Africa, Australia, and Europe. (Business Tech)
Average Rent Climbs to R9,286 as Inflation and Arrears Rise in Q3 2025
South Africa’s rental market continued to soften in Q3 2025, with annual rental growth easing to 4.9% from 5% in Q2, according to the PayProp Rental Index. Average rent increased by R430 year-on-year to R9,286, while rising inflation narrowed the gap between rental growth and CPI. Tenant arrears ticked up to 17.2%—the highest in a year but still near the historic low of 16.9%. (Property Wheel)



