Editor's Thoughts.

It may be a short working week ahead, but there is no shortage of big issues competing for our attention: the rand, interest rates, healthcare access and financial inclusion. None of which stop on Thursday, but Heritage Day does provide a good moment for us to reflect on the financial, health and social systems that shape everyday life in South Africa.

This week’s big news is the SARB’s MPC meeting on Wednesday. Mike van der Westhuizen (CAM Asset Management) sees Wednesday’s interest rate decision as a coin toss. But his view: a hold is likely (but probably with distinctly hawkish guidance). And all eyes have been on the rand – with many of us wondering how on earth it’s been able to give off calm aura vibes in the calamity that is 2026. In her article today, Bianca Botes (Citadel Global) cautions that the rand’s resilience rests on a favourable yield differential and foreign capital inflows … both of which could be tested by a hawkish US Federal Reserve, high oil costs and South Africa’s widening current account deficit.

Away from markets, Dr Ali Hamdulay (Metropolitan Health) makes the important point that healthcare has a hidden “time tax”. Travelling, queueing and taking time off work can make care inaccessible even when services exist. And Dianne Boyd (Allmed) reminds families that professional home based care can offer both dignity for patients and practical relief for loved ones.

The EBnet team is still managing to squeeze 5 days of great content into 4 this week. Tomorrow’s episode of Beyond Benefits is a goody and, of course, our webinar on Wednesday will be unpacking at my second favourite f-word: fees. Don’t miss out - register here.

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