Johannesburg - South Africa's rand weakened slightly on Friday as doubts over Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan's tenure and uncertainty in global markets over the path of interest rates in the United States and Europe sapped the currency's recent momentum.
The rand had slipped 0.3 percent to 14.1900 per dollar by 06h40 GMT compared to Thursday's session high of 13.8310.
Gordhan, at two separate events on Thursday, questioned the motive of a police investigation into his role in setting up a surveillance unit at SA’s tax service.
Manufacturing and mining growth output disappointed, dampening hopes that South Africa could avoid recession and downgrades to “junk” at year-end.
The government's benchmark 2026 bond also weakened, yield up 11 basis points to 8.705 percent.
The blue-chip stocks futures index was up 0.4 percent, indicating the bourse would open flat at 07h00 GMT.
REUTERS