From presidential away-tours to Parliament to PPI, we’ve got you covered on what to expect this week.
Politics
Ramaphosa in South East Asia
President Cyril Ramaphosa concludes his three-country South East Asia Tour in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday 28. On Sunday, Ramaphosa participated as Guest of the Chair at the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit. This followed state visits to Indonesia and Vietnam.
Africa Kaizen Annual Conference
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Competition will host the Africa Kaizen Annual Conference (AKAC) today and Tuesday under the theme, “African Industrialisation through Fostering Competitive Firms and Value Chains on the Continent”.
According to the Ministry, “the AKAC creates a platform to bring policymakers, academics, and practitioners together to share and exchange knowledge and experiences about quality and productivity improvements in various industrial sectors. AKAC was started in 2017 by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the framework of the Africa Kaizen Initiative (AKI).”
The conference will have a strong focus on the automotive sector.
MP investigated for contempt of Parliament
On Wednesday, the Powers and Privileges Committee will consider allegations of conduct constituting contempt of Parliament by Marlon Daniels, an MP from the Patriotic Alliance (PA). Daniels is alleged to have brought in another MP during the sitting on the fiscal framework, on 2 April 2025, after the doors had been closed.
Daniels is no stranger to controversy. In 2023 he apologised to then-Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga after he called her a ‘bitch’ in a video he posted on social media.
Questions to the Deputy President
Deputy President Paul Mashatile faces questions in the National Assembly on Thursday. Questions will focus on agricultural support, water shortages, the government’s continued response to HIV/AIDs and gang-related violence.
Economics
M3 Money Supply and PSCE
This week’s first drop lands on Wednesday 29 at 08:00, when SARB releases September’s M3 Money Supply (YoY) and private-sector credit read out. PSCE is likely to hold near 5.9% YoY, with loans and advances excluding investment and bills likely edging to about 6.5% YoY. That points to a slightly firmer mix across households and corporates.
Household credit growth is likely to inch to around 3% YoY as softer inflation and lower debt-service costs steady finances. The slow recovery in household credit mainly reflects continued worries about job prospects in a slow-growing economy facing mounting headwinds from higher US tariffs and the end of AGOA. Corporate credit is likely to hover near 9.8% YoY off a low base as firms delay expansion amid excess capacity and sluggish demand. M3 will offer a read on liquidity and momentum after August’s 6.18% YoY print, with markets watching whether household lending is finally turning.
PPI
On Thursday 30 at 11:30 SAST, Stats SA publishes September’s producer prices. PPI is expected to rise to about 2.7% YoY from 2.1% in August. Food does most of the lifting, with meat still the main driver amid ongoing foot-and-mouth constraints. Base effects are set to firm several other food categories, while subdued field-crop prices help the overall basket. Fuel is still down, but the drag is smaller this month as global crude prices have edged higher and capped local relief.
Generally, with crop prices soft and supply chains calmer, the food-price cycle looks near its peak and should start easing into year-end. A higher print would stiffen wage demands in sectoral talks, while an in-line outcome keeps the SARB comfortable holding rates where they are, as it weighs growth against disinflation.
Trade balance
The week’s data drops come to a close on Friday 31 at 14:00 with SARS’ September trade balance. The surplus looks set to narrow again, from about R4bn in August toward roughly R1.2bn, as import volumes outpace exports. Export prices are likely to have stayed supportive, helped by stronger gold and PGM prices, but shrinking volumes may offset the gains amid tariff headwinds and subdued global demand.
On the import side, steadier domestic demand should have lifted volumes. Markets will parse composition closely. Also on the tape is the monthly budget balance (MoM) for September, due on Friday morning, which will offer a quick read on revenue collection and borrowing needs. Any slippage will be likely to lift bond yields and pressure the rand.
Top image: Rawpixel/Currency collage
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