SARB Rate Hike, DStv Shake-Up, and the End of ProNutro
If you missed the whirlwind of local headlines this week, South Africans are facing some major economic shifts, entertainment updates, and a heartbreaking goodbye to a breakfast table staple.
Here is a quick, engaging breakdown of everything making waves across the country right now—from interest rates to the latest pop-culture and business news.
1. Economy & Markets: SARB Hikes Rates as Inflation and Fuel Pressures Mount
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has officially raised its key interest rate by 25 basis points to 7.25%, pushing the rand to trade around R16.37 against the dollar, R21.68 to the pound, and R18.63 to the euro.
The Reason: SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago emphasized that steering inflation back down to the central bank’s 3% target is critical, especially as global oil prices hover above $102 a barrel.
The Inflation Picture: Statistics South Africa reported that headline inflation edged up to 4.4% year-on-year in August. While this was lower than market expectations of 5%, soaring fuel prices in September and looming record highs for October threaten to push inflation even higher in the months ahead.
Commodities: Alongside high oil prices, gold remains steady at $4,288.71 an ounce.
2. Entertainment & Media: DStv Overhauls Packages and Launches “Wethu+”
If you’ve noticed some changes on your TV screen, you aren’t imagining things. DStv officially rolled out a massive overhaul of its packages and launched a brand-new channel called Wethu+ on 17 September 2026.
What is Wethu+? It’s a convenient three-in-one channel that combines the best programming from Mzansi Wethu, Mzansi Bioskop, and Mzansi Magic Music, giving viewers more of their favorite local content in one place.
3. Business & Industry: The End of an Era for ProNutro & Major KZN Road Upgrades
South Africa is preparing to say goodbye to a breakfast favorite, while major infrastructure investments push forward.
Farewell, ProNutro: After 64 years, PepsiCo has decided to discontinue the iconic cereal in South Africa. Following public backlash over a formula change, the company tried—and failed—to successfully replicate the original taste, opting to pull the plug rather than compromise on quality.
R52 Billion Infrastructure Push: The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) is making steady progress on crucial N2 and N3 highway upgrades in KwaZulu-Natal. The N2 program includes 11 work packages valued at R19 billion, while the N3 upgrades represent another R33 billion investment in regional connectivity.
AGOA Deadline Looms: Trade union Solidarity has warned that the United States is set to announce its eligible countries for the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) review at the start of November, ahead of the January 2027 implementation deadline.
4. Politics: Julius Malema Responds to Afriforum Case
In political news, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has hit back at his looming crimen injuria case. Malema claimed the legal action is driven by the right-wing organization Afriforum, stemming from public statements and social media posts regarding Jaco Pieterse, the former principal of Bergview College in Matatiele.
What are your thoughts on the latest interest rate hike and the discontinuation of ProNutro? Let us know in the comments below!
