Zuko Komisa

South Africa’s monetary policy, the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) announced a 25-basis-point reduction in the repo rate, bringing the benchmark rate down to 7.25%.
The decision was finalised at the conclusion of the MPC’s May meeting on Thursday, 29 May 2025.
This marks the first repo rate cut since the MPC previously paused its rate-cutting cycle, indicating a renewed approach to managing inflation and economic growth.
The MPC decided to reduce the policy rate by 25 basis points, with effect from 30 May. pic.twitter.com/42l4zy0nBS
— SA Reserve Bank (@SAReserveBank) May 29, 2025
Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago revealed that the vote was largely in favor of the reduction, with five MPC members supporting the 25-basis-point cut, while one member advocated for a more significant cut.
Governor Kganyago attributed the decision to a favorable inflation outlook.
“Moving to prices, inflation was below 3% again in April,” he stated.
“The undershoot of the target mainly reflects falling fuel costs, but underlying inflation is also well contained. Core inflation came in at 3%, at the bottom of our target range.”
The new repo rate of 7.25% will take effect on Friday, 30 May 2025. This decision comes as welcome news to consumers and businesses, potentially easing borrowing costs and stimulating economic activity.
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