Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Alan Knott-Craig of fibertime™, who is taking on one of South Africa’s toughest challenges: bringing fast, affordable fibre internet to townships, connecting millions of homes and opening access to education, jobs and opportunity. Bruce also chats to economist David McWilliams about what South Africa can learn from global success stories and why attracting capital, backing entrepreneurs and putting growth ahead of ideology are critical to unlocking the country’s economic potential. Deon Gouws of Credo joins the show to unpack market volatility, geopolitical uncertainty and how investors are navigating a world shaped by conflict, shifting policy and fragile confidence.

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Simon Baloyi, CEO of Sasol, as the group benefits from a surge in oil prices driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East. Baloyi explains why the current spike is likely temporary, how Sasol is positioning itself through the cycle, and why the company's role in South Africa's energy security has never been more critical. Willem Kellerman, co-founder of Verify Tech, explains how a small, self-funded South African team used drones and machine learning to survey 150 000 hectares of bush, building one of the most accurate wildlife censuses ever conducted and unlocking new, data-driven insights into conservation. Bruce also chats to Jean-Pierre Verster, founder and CEO of Protea Capital Management, about market volatility, global uncertainty and what it all means for investors navigating a rapidly shifting environment. To catch every episode of Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week, click follow and subscribe on News24’s Spotify, Apple and YouTube podcast channels. New editions drop every Thursday at 17:00. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, we come to you live from News24’s On the Record summit, where one statistic sets the tone: if every unemployed South African stood in a line, it would stretch from Cape Town to Lagos, Nigeria. The focus is on creating 5 million new jobs over the next decade. The conversation draws first on insights from keynote speaker Dr Keyu Jin, who highlights the importance of a capable, coordinated state but emphasises that delivery, implementation, and a pragmatic, pro-growth agenda will ultimately drive job creation. Bruce is then joined by Mpumi Madisa, CEO of Bidvest Group, who argues for a more intentional role for big business – from creating entry-level jobs and opening supply chains to proving that technology and job creation can go hand in hand. Hendrik du Toit, founder and CEO of Ninety One, adds that while global shocks may disrupt markets, South Africa’s progress will depend on structural reform and turning policy into action. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec.To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Paul Hanratty, Group CEO of Sanlam, about the insurer's transformation into South Africa's most valuable insurance company and why India is becoming an increasingly important growth engine for the group. Bruce also chats to Dean Kowarski, Group CEO of Virgin Active, about how the traditional gym is evolving into a broader "social wellness club" experience that combines exercise, recovery, food and community as the global wellness economy expands. The show also features a markets wrap with Meryl Pick, portfolio manager at Old Mutual Investment Group, unpacking the hidden role maritime insurance plays in global trade and how tensions in the Middle East could disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and ripple through markets. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec.To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24's Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Pieter Engelbrecht, CEO of Shoprite, about how the group is expanding beyond groceries into adjacent businesses, including financial services, standalone pharmacies, pet retail and general merchandise. Bruce also chats to Samantha Skyring, founder of Oryx Desert Salt, about the realities of raising capital as a founder. After months of pitching and networking, a chance connection on a Lion’s Head walking club helped unlock a new investor to fund the brand’s next phase of global growth. The show also features a markets wrap with Chantal Marx, head of research at FNB Wealth and Investments, unpacking a volatile week for markets amid Middle East tensions, oil prices, and shifting interest rate expectations. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec.To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Peter Mountford, CEO of Super Group, about navigating a fast-changing vehicle market as Chinese and Indian brands surge in South Africa. Bruce also chats to Jo Farah, founder and CEO of The Lab, about turning a Cape Town sneaker-care start-up into a global biotech fashion-care business. Farah explains how probiotic-based cleaning tech has helped win major international clients, including Nike, New Balance, Dior and Karl Lagerfeld. The episode wraps with Deon Gouws, CIO at Credo, on the market shake-up sparked by the viral “Zetrini” report and the rotation out of big tech. He argues the doom narrative is overdone. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec.To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Mike Fraser, CEO of Gold Fields, as the gold price surges past $5 000 an ounce and drives a record year for the miner. With profits nearly tripling, boosted by strong bullion prices and production at the new Salares Norte mine in Chile, they unpack what is fuelling gold’s rally, rising mining costs, and how the company is positioning for future growth. Bruce also chats to Grace Harding, CEO of Ocean Basket, about the brand’s global reinvention, from post-COVID restructuring to international expansion and new formats reshaping the South African seafood chain across markets from Cyprus to the Middle East. The episode wraps with a market update from Jean-Pierre Verster, founder and CEO of Protea Capital Management, who breaks down major mining results, commodity trends, and shifting inflation dynamics. Plus, a special tribute to South African futurist and strategist Clem Sunter, with reflections from Chantell Ilbury of Mindofafox. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec.To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Richard (Boris) Rivett-Carnac, the CEO of SAB, about navigating a tougher global beer environment as sales decline worldwide.With Heineken cutting jobs and AB InBev reporting pressure globally, SAB is nonetheless managing to grow volumes in South Africa. They unpack what’s driving resilience locally – from shifting consumer trends and illicit alcohol to excise taxes and the broader economic outlook.Bruce also chats to Alain Soriano, the founder of discount retailer Best Before, about finding opportunity in a fiercely competitive grocery market. From clearance pricing and food waste to brick-and-mortar expansion and delivery partnerships, Soriano explains why demand for discounted essentials is surging across SA.

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Marthinus Stander, CEO of Rainbow Chicken, about the company’s strong performance since being unbundled from RCL Foods and listed as a standalone business in 2024. Bruce also chats to Nick Dreyer, CEO of Made in RSA, about his new platform aimed at helping South African brands reach global markets, create jobs locally and turn homegrown products into international successes. The episode wraps with a market update from Jean Pierre Verster, founder and CEO of Protea Capital Management, who unpacks a busy week of trading updates, consumer pressure, and rising volatility across commodities and global tech stocks. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec.To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Azar Jammine, Director and Chief Economist at Econometrix, about the strength of the rand and the surge in precious metal prices, even asking whether gold is becoming “the new bitcoin”. Bruce is then joined by Ross Volk, Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa, to discuss the rebound in global travel and what South Africans are booking as confidence returns. Bruce also reflects on the South African Reserve Bank’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged and what that means for confidence and markets. The episode wraps with a market update from Chantal Marx, Head of Research at FNB, on softer Christmas trading, the resilience of South African consumers and heavy investment in AI by big tech. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Zak Calisto, founder and CEO of Karooooo, about the group’s strong quarterly results, South Africa’s role as its growth engine, and how a Singapore base is driving global expansion across Asia, Europe and beyond. He is then joined by Daneel Steinmann, CEO of Old School, to unpack the brand’s five-year retail partnership with Liverpool FC, why South Africa is one of the club’s biggest markets, and how African passion for the English Premier League is shaping future expansion. The episode wraps with Deon Gouws, Chief Investment Officer at Credo Group in the UK, who weighs in on investing in a world of heightened geopolitics, whether the “sell America” narrative holds, and if the AI boom is really a bubble. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Graham Wood, the newly appointed CEO of the V&A Waterfront, about taking the helm of one of Africa’s most iconic mixed-use precincts — and what the next phase of growth, investment and innovation looks like for a destination that attracts more than 25 million visitors a year.Bruce also chats to Melvyn Lubega, recently appointed to lead the Presidency’s Digital Services Unit, about why he chose to take on the challenge of working inside government and how building digital public infrastructure – from digital ID and payments to shared data systems – can transform how millions of South Africans access services and drive impact at national scale.The show also features a markets wrap with Meryl Pick, Portfolio Manager at Old Mutual Investment Group, unpacking key trends in precious metals and what lies ahead for South Africa’s resource sector and “SA Inc” as we look towards 2026.

In this episode, Bruce talks to Stephan Bredell, who started Platō Coffee with his brother Petrus in 2019. Bredell explains how being “just dumb enough” – and understanding the next-generation coffee market – has been key to Platō‘s success. Also on the show, Jean Pierre Verster, founder and CEO of Protea Capital Management, discusses the red-hot markets. Then, Matthew Schulz, managing director and co-owner of Galileo Open Air Cinema, explains the growing appeal of outdoor movies. Finally, we round off the show with certified financial planner Warren Ingram, who shares tips on how to build wealth. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode of Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce polishes his crystal ball, looking at the biggest risks 2026 hold for the world and local economy. He chats to Sir Bradley Fried, former chairperson of the Bank of England, about how courageous decisions can change the course of your life. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode of Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Old Mutual CEO Jurie Strydom, who says he is surprised by the sheer breadth and depth of the 180-year-old company, and how such a ship can be steered. He shares his views on redefining success — and not fixing what isn’t broken. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode of Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce talks to Lincoln Mali, a former Standard Bank executive. He currently serves as CEO for Southern Africa for Lesaka Technologies, a Nasdaq and JSE-listed fintech company which now owns Bank Zero. He inspires by being a force for driving financial inclusion, but what Lincoln does in his spare time, building development rugby, is what might make you tear up a little. Here, he chats to Bruce about how rugby builds character. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode of Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce interviews Dino Paulo, a former Survivor SA winner and competitive formation skydiver, who hints that his business will be anything but boring. Paulo co-owns HintHunt Africa, the company that started the escape game craze in SA, and has since branched out to online games and “amazing races”. News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson shares his insights on the biggest news stories of 2025, from US President Donald Trump’s obsession with South Africa to all revelations at the Madlanga Commission. Finally, we round off the show with certified financial planner, Warren Ingram, who reminds us not to put all of our eggs in one basket. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode of Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce talks to Old Mutual CEO Jurie Strydom, who stepped into the role earlier this year, about the impact of AI in South Africa. A former fintech entrepreneur, Strydom has strong views on how AI will change industries, but doesn’t believe it will be a “big bang”. Bruce also chats to Sheldon Tatchell, founder of Legends Barbers. He quit his job at a call centre and has built an empire of 79 stores. Tatchell explains how taking notes on what customers talk about made all the difference in his business. Chantal Marx, head of investment research and content at FNB Wealth and Investments, takes a look at the recent rerating in banking shares. Certified financial planner Warren Ingram gives tips on how to build wealth. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode of Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce talks to Dr Richard Friedland, CEO of Netcare, the largest private hospital group in South Africa. Friedland bemoans government taking the “low road” as it plans to push ahead with National Health Insurance in its current form, and says the only real winners will be lawyers as court battles over the plan heat up. But Friedland also highlights good news about an easing in SA’s nursing crisis and, following a recent trip abroad, found that other countries are “nowhere close to where we are” when it comes to the country’s private healthcare. Also on the programme, behavioural strategist Joni Peddie, whose new book, From Can’t Do to Can Do, offers a practical guide to business leaders on how to leverage their human edge in a world shaped by AI. Meryl Pick, Old Mutual Investment Group’s head of equities research, discusses US president Donald Trump’s new threats against SA. She also looks at the remarkable turnaround of Tiger Brands. Certified financial planner Warren Ingram gives tips on how to build wealth. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode of Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce talks to Warren Myers, CEO and one of the founders of AURA, a South African emergency response platform that connects users to the nearest private security or medical responders. Companies like Uber and FNB uses AURA to offer their clients emergency support in South Africa, and it also has operations in the UK and other African countries. After a recent R270 million investment in the company, it is now making a big push into the US, where its service is currently being rolled out in 12 major US cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, and Seattle. Also on the programme is Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of SA. He explains how the US move to exempt key foods from import tariffs will help SA. Following Nvidia’s surprisingly strong results on Wednesday, Deon Gouws, chief investment officer at Credo Group, makes the case why Warren Buffett and other doubters may be wrong about AI. Also discussed on the programme: a report that Pep may be partnering with Investec to build a bank; why Black Friday 2025 may turn out to be a reality check; how Telkom is eating its competitors’ prepaid lunch and US attempts to strong-arm SA at the G20. Certified financial planner Warren Ingram gives tips on how to build wealth. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode of Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.