The Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, in consultation with the Minister of Finance, today announced that the Deputy Registrar of Banks, Mr Errol Kruger, would temporarily assume the duties of the Registrar of Banks until a new Registrar has been appointed. Mr Kruger has with the approval of the South African Reserve Bank been assigned and delegated all powers and duties of the Registrar of Banks as set out in the Bank's Act, (Act No. 94 of 1990). Mr Kruger has worked in the Bank Supervision Department for almost 17 years and has been an employee of the South African Reserve Bank for 25 years. He was appointed Deputy Registrar of Banks on 1 September 2001. Mr Christo Wiese, the Registrar of Banks, started his pre-retirement leave today. Pre-retirement leave is a benefit for all employees of the bank. Mr Wiese's tenure of more than 15 years at the South African Reserve Bank entitles him to three months pre-retirement leave.