South Africa's rand extended its losses early on Thursday before manufacturing and mining data releases, a day after the national budget was tabled before lawmakers and met with resistance.

Leading currency expert Bianca Botes unpacks the crucial factors that will influence the South African rand in 2025, from global trade tensions to commodity market volatility. Essential reading for businesses and investors navigating SA's economic landscape.

The South African rand declined on Friday (7 March) following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that he would cut all federal funding to the country. However, the dollar weakened after data revealed that the U.S. economy added fewer jobs than anticipated last month.

South Africa's rand weakened on Thursday as the dollar recovered some ground after recent losses, a day after South Africa's national budget was tabled before lawmakers and met with resistance. At 1504 GMT,

South Africa has entered unchartered waters following deep divisions in the coalition government over the national budget that has finally been tabled after a month-long delay. This is the view of analysts after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's budget drew a backlash from various quarters,