Lesetja Kganyago: Reflections on the global and South African economy South African and the role of the South African Reserve Bank

Remarks by Mr Lesetja Kganyago, Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, at the annual dinner in honour of the Ambassadors and High Commissioners to the Republic of South Africa South African Reserve Bank, Pretoria, 31 July 2018.

The views expressed in this speech are those of the speaker and not the view of the BIS.

Introduction

Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Counsellors and Diplomats, ladies and gentlemen – a very good evening and a warm welcome to the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to you for accepting our invitation to this annual event.

This year, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Nelson Mandela. Earlier this month, for the first time in the nearly 100-year history of the SARB, we issued a commemorative banknote series as well as a third commemorative R5 circulation coin in honour of the life of former President Mandela. Tonight, I would like to briefly reflect on what we can learn from Tata Madiba’s legacy, both as a statesman and as a champion of institutions.