The Johannesburg Stock Exchange remained its downward slide on Wednesday at the close of the session, with South Africa's rand extending recent losses.

Banks and retailers were most affected, with the former index now having fallen 7.5 percent so far this week.

The local currency was at R15.47 to the U.S. dollar and R19.89 to the British pound at 5: 00 p.m, local time, registering its worst level since May 2016.

"While the Rand has been under pressure with the EM crisis currently in the market, the release of the second quarter GDP number only increased the negative sentiment on the rand," said Andre Botha, of TreasuryONE in a statement.

At the same time, the all share was down 1.36 percent to 57,102.13 points and the top 40 had lost 1.66 percent. Banks had fallen 2.85 percent, financials 1.53 percent and general retailers 2.07 percent. Enditem