When Was The Last Repo Rate Increase In South Africa?

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) last increased the repo rate in May 2024, raising it to 8.25%. Since then, the trend has shifted, with the SARB implementing cuts – the most recent being in January 2025, when the rate was reduced to 7.50%. 

In their March 2025 meeting, the SARB’s Monetary Policy Committee voted to maintain the repo rate at 7.50%. The decision wasn’t unanimous (4-2 split), with the majority citing economic uncertainty and potential inflation risks as reasons for caution. This careful approach stems from concerns about international trade tensions and global economic shifts that could affect South Africa’s financial stability and, consequently, home loan interest rates.