The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: April 06, 2025
Today: April 06, 2025

South African rand slides as budget vote puts coalition on shaky ground

South African Rand coins are seen in this illustration picture
April 02, 2025
Sfundo Parakozov - Reuters

By Sfundo Parakozov

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -The South African rand dropped sharply on Wednesday as a fractious budget vote threw into doubt the solidity of the coalition government.

At 1640 GMT, the rand traded at 18.7725 against the dollar, about 1.4% weaker than Tuesday's closing level.

While the budget's fiscal framework and revenue proposals passed in parliament, the second-biggest party in the coalition, the pro-business Democratic Alliance, voted against them and said it would challenge the outcome in court.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said he did not think a party could vote against a budget and then be part of its implementation.

"The clear divide between the ANC and DA puts the state of the Government of National Unity in question," said Shaun Murison, a senior market analyst at IG.

The African National Congress, the biggest party in the coalition, secured the backing of an assortment of smaller coalition partners and parties outside the coalition to get the legislation passed.

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange's Top-40 index closed down 0.9% while the yield on the benchmark 2030 government bond rose 21 basis points to 9.315%.

(Reporting by Sfundo Parakozov; Editing by Alexander Winning and Hugh Lawson)

Share This

Popular

Africa|Economy|Europe|Political|World

France, Algeria resume dialogue, but rocky path ahead

France, Algeria resume dialogue, but rocky path ahead
Africa|Political|US|World

Rubio says US is revoking all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders

Rubio says US is revoking all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders
Africa|Political|US|World

US revokes all South Sudan visas over failure to repatriate citizens

US revokes all South Sudan visas over failure to repatriate citizens
Africa|MidEast|Political|World

Congo, M23 rebels hold first talks after months of conflict

Congo, M23 rebels hold first talks after months of conflict

Political

Asia|Election|Political

South Korea assembly speaker proposes revising constitution to curb presidency

South Korea assembly speaker proposes revising constitution to curb presidency
Health|MidEast|Political|World

Palestinian teenager who died in Israeli prison showed signs of starvation, medical report says

Palestinian teenager who died in Israeli prison showed signs of starvation, medical report says
Crime|Food|Political|US

Texas county that swung to Trump grapples with immigration crackdown after bakery is targeted

Texas county that swung to Trump grapples with immigration crackdown after bakery is targeted
Europe|Political|World

Three injured in Russian missile strike on Kyiv, Ukraine says

Three injured in Russian missile strike on Kyiv, Ukraine says