Why South Africa Needs a New Approach to Interest Rates and Jobs

Summary

South Africa’s economy faces a major challenge as the central bank keeps interest rates very high to control inflation. However, independent economist Roelof Botha argues that the real problem is high unemployment, not inflation. High interest rates can make loans expensive for businesses and individuals, which can stop companies from growing and creating jobs. This situation hurts South Africans who are looking for work or trying to start small businesses. Botha suggests that the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) should rethink its approach. Instead of focusing mainly on inflation, the MPC needs to balance interest rates with the need to encourage job creation and support economic growth. If interest rates remain too high, South Africa risks slowing down its economy even more, making it harder for people to find work and improve their lives.