For months, the bank has signaled it wants to lift rates.
The bank has signaled that it wants to continue raising short-term interest rates from the current 0.25 percent if the economy keeps improving.
The big banks are already signaling that they will do what it takes to get approval for the mergers.
The bank also signaled that it had no plans to raise interest rates.
Some banks remained open and continued to issue notes, signaling no distinct end to the paper currency problem.
To some, the central bank also signaled that this cut was only the beginning.
The central bank signaled the half-point increase at midday by raising a key money market intervention rate.
But analysts said the central bank had not signaled any decision to ease policy further.
Analysts predict the bank may signal a change in policy on the rand, which the bank has tried to keep strong.
Today, the bank signaled it was watching events closely, and would inject funds into the market if necessary.