For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Shomolekae.

Making headlines: DA supports inquiry into TRC prosecution delays; South African rand holds gains after Reserve Bank focuses on lower inflation target; And, Kenya inflation slows to 3.8% year-on-year in May

DA supports inquiry into TRC prosecution delays

The Democratic Alliance today expressed support for the establishment of a commission of inquiry into delays in investigation and prosecution of Truth and Reconciliation Commission cases, noting the allegations of interference with South African Police Service and National Prosecuting Authority processes.

On Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation for the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to determine whether attempts were made to prevent the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes.

The commission will be chaired by retired Constitutional Court Judge Sisi Khampepe, assisted by retired Northern Cape Judge President Frans Diale Kgomo and Advocate Andrea Gabriel.

DA spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development Advocate Glynnis Breytenbach said the delay of investigations and prosecutions of these cases flies in the face of the ideals upon which the TRC was established.

The Presidency explained that the establishment of the commission of inquiry was part of an agreement reached in settlement discussions in a court application brought by families of victims of apartheid-era crimes.

The commission must inquire into, make findings, report on and make recommendations on whether, why, to what extent and by whom attempts were made to influence members of the Saps or NPA not to investigate or prosecute cases identified by the TRC.

South African rand holds gains after Reserve Bank focuses on lower inflation target

The South African rand held most of the previous day's gains in early trade today, after the central bank stressed its strong preference for a lower inflation target at a monetary policy announcement.

The South African Reserve Bank presented detailed modelling of the impact of a 3% inflation target, compared to the 4.5% level it aims for at the midpoint of its current 3% to 6% target range.

The Reserve Bank, which resumed interest rate cuts on Thursday after a pause in March, added that its Monetary Policy Committee felt a 3% target was "more attractive" and said it would continue to consider scenarios based on that target at future rate meetings.

Other factors that point to more rand resilience include a solid trade surplus, tight credit cycle and signs of prudence in government finances, the research firm added in a note.

And, Kenya inflation slows to 3.8% year-on-year in May

Kenya's inflation fell to 3.8% year-on-year in May from 4.1% a month earlier, the statistics office said today.

In month-on-month terms inflation was 0.5% in May from 0.3% a month earlier, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics said in a statement.

The office said the food and non-alcoholic beverages index was up 6.3% compared with May 2024, while the transport index rose 2.3% over the same period.

Kenya's inflation remains well within the central bank's 2.5% to 7.5% target range.

The central bank is due to announce its next lending rate decision on June 10.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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