Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni: Update on interventions to rebuild the economy

22 Jul 2021

Fellow South Africans and members of the media

Repo rate

Government welcomes the decision by the Monetary Committee of the Reserve Bank to keep the Repo Rate unchanged at 3.5%. Implying that fears of inflation on food and non-alcoholic beverages by some analysts may have no basis as government through the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition continues to take action to prevent inflated food prices. In addition, South African business in their engagement with the President have committed to prioritize the rebuilding of South Africa and the eradication of hunger and poverty.

Progress with investigations on the deaths and damage to property

The SAPS has revised the total number of deaths in Gauteng to 79 and KwaZulu-Natal to 258 as a related to the unrests. The revision of the records happens when those who were injured ultimately succumb to their injuries.

Of the reported deaths in Gauteng to date, 42 cases of murder have been opened and 37 inquest dockets have been opened. In KZN, 171 cases of murder have been opened and 87 inquest dockets opened. In addition, the SAPS have to date opened 132 cases of arson in KZN.

Law enforcement agencies are continuing with their investigations to ensure that instigators and key participants in the unrests are brought to book. There are no new updates on the arrests of the instigators.

Security situation

There are no new incidents of destabilization reported across the two (2) Provinces and we urge the public to regard as fake news claims that there have been incidents along the N3. Law enforcement agencies have verified that both the N3 and N2 are fully secured and operating smoothly.

I thank you

Issued by The Presidency, 22 July 2021