For every million rand that you owe on a home loan for example, your repayments have reduced by around R500 since September last year.

The South African Reserve Bank has cut rates by 25 basis points in line with expectations, but there are fears over a potential global trade war.

In a 4–2 split decision, the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 7.5% on January 30, the third consecutive reduction since it began easing policy last September.

The interest rate cut has been decision has been hailed as a timely lifeline for consumers grappling with debt.

South African businesses and households were hit by scheduled power cuts for the first time in 10 months on Friday due to breakdowns at state power utility Eskom's coal-fired power stations.