What does the USD/Rand foreign exchange manipulation scandal mean for Botswana?
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 | 8770 Views |
Slippery ground: The South African rand has lost significant value in recent years PIC: GETTYIMAGES
This case had originally been brought against 27 banks including Standard Chartered, Barclays now known as ABSA, FNB, Nedbank, Citibank and many other mainly international banks. The case alleged that the 27 banks were colluding to manipulate the Rand foreign exchange rate against the Dollar in a bid to make undue profits.
In 2017, Citibank agreed to a fine of ZAR63 million. In March 2023, the Competition Commission passed a judgement finding these banks guilty of manipulation of the Dollar/Rand exchange rate but since then, all of the banks have been appealing and objecting to the judgement; with this admission of guilt by Standard Chartered Bank breaking the ranks.
Whilst the project received mixed reactions from members of the public, the project is indeed a welcome development, which needs to be implemented as soon as possible. Many shared their opinion, with those against the project decrying that if implemented, it will kill the already struggling public transport industry.Many countries around the world have state-run public transport, and those who have travelled to such countries will give testimony...