Economics
‘Ramaphoria’ Evaporates as Reality Sets In for South Africa
- Rand is trading at levels last seen when Zuma was in power
- Political risks including land reform fuels currency malaise
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If there were any doubts that the euphoria following Cyril Ramaphosa’s election as president of South Africa has worn off, this week’s slump in the rand has removed them.
The currency has plunged to a level last seen when Jacob Zuma was still in charge, having retreated from a three-year high against the dollar amid a toxic cocktail of negative economic news, political risks and falling commodity prices. An investor retreat from emerging markets has accelerated its slide of almost 10 percent against the dollar this month.