South Africa’s Reserve Bank is expected to leave interest rates unchanged at its July 20 meeting, according to a Reuters poll released on Monday, but economists expect a dovish statement as the Bank gets closer to its easing cycle.

Twenty-four of 27 economists said the Reserve Bank will hold rates at 7.00 per cent tomorrow. Two predicted a 25-basis- point cut and one expects the repo rate to be cut by half a per cent.

Economic growth in South Africa will be weaker this year after the country slipped into recession in the first quarter, and with inflation easing an interest rate cut is expected in the first quarter of next year.

"While our consumer price index view indicates that the SARB has room to ease rates from as early as next week, it will first look to change its inflation rates narrative before pulling the trigger,” said Jeffrey Schultz, an economist at BNP Paribas.

Schultz said at least two members of the Monetary Policy Committee could vote in favour of a 25-basis-point cut next tomorrow. At its May meeting, only one of the six committee members voted for a cut.

"This should send a signal that September is a ‘live’ meeting,” he said.

At 5.4 per cent in May, inflation has been slowing after a drought last year and will probably average 5.4 per cent this year and 5.3 percent next year.

The rand is expected to end this year around 13.60 per dollar. It is currently at 12.96 with slower rate increases now expected in the United States.

Agencies.