Cognisance has to be taken of South Africa’s sound economic fundamentals to allay these contagion fears which might emerge if economic conditions in Argentina, Zimbabwe and Turkey deteriorate. Secondly, the South African Government has given a clear and unequivocal commitment to the rule of law and has recently been seen implementing court decisions without delay in respect of a land-occupation problem at Bredell.
Fears regarding any land-reform programme in South Africa are unfounded. The best defence of a currency lies in the economic management of the country. South Africa pursues and will continue to pursue prudent macro-economic policies. I have no doubt that a carefully considered analysis of South Africa will lead to a retracement in the value of the rand’s trade-weighted index. 5.