South Africa's rand edges up, market still focused on finance minister

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's rand was a touch firmer against the dollar on Wednesday but could extend its nine-day losing streak, with investors still nervous about possible charges being laid against Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan. * Rand at 14.4600 to the dollar by 0646 GMT, up slightly from Tuesday's close at 14.5000. * Government bonds pare heavy losses, yield on 2026 benchmark dips 2.5 basis points to 8.955 percent. * Little market reaction to central bank data showing growth in private sector credit demand slowed to 6.78 percent year-on-year in July from revised 7.23 percent in June. * Blue chip futures index slips 0.15 percent, signalling slightly soft start for stock market at 0700 GMT. (Reporting by Stella Mapenzauswa; Editing by Ed Cropley)