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Welcome to BizNews Radio where we interview top thought leaders and business people from South Africa and across the globe.
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Welcome to BizNews Radio where we interview top thought leaders and business people from South Africa and across the globe.
In a candid conversation with BizNews editor Alec Hogg, incoming BUSA CEO Khulekani Mathe discussed the recent breakthrough in talks with President Ramaphosa on National Health Insurance (NHI). While legal challenges loom, Mathe emphasised the importance of constructive dialogue and presented business-driven solutions aimed at bridging gaps and advancing universal healthcare without resorting to the courts
In his keynote session at BNIC#1 in Hermanus, Piet Viljoen reflected on both good and bad investments, emphasising how bad investments can cause significant losses, while "Lollapalooza" outcomes—extremely profitable investments—are rare but attainable. He suggested inverting investment strategies, avoiding bad decisions, and seeking undervalued opportunities like energy stocks or South African equities for potential Lollapalooza returns, highlighting past success stories like Naspers and Nvidia.
In this second edition of the BizNews Briefing, host Alec Hogg takes us through the business news of the day, markets and contributions from Kokkie Kooyman, Frans Cronje, Herman Mashaba and more
In this insightful interview, Kokkie Kooyman, a leading investment expert, offers a deep dive into the latest market trends and financial developments. From discussing FirstRand's robust performance and strategic moves to evaluating the impact of global and local economic shifts, Kooyman provides valuable perspectives on key investment opportunities. He highlights how companies like Capitec and HighProp are navigating challenges and seizing growth prospects, while also examining the effects of shifting consumer confidence and political dynamics on the market. Kooyman's analysis sheds light on the evolving landscape of banking and property investments, offering viewers a comprehensive understanding of where the smart money is headed.
ActionSA Leader Herman Mashaba is set to enter negotiations for an alternative municipal coalition government in the capital Tshwane - after leaving the Multi-Party Coalition with the Democratic Alliance. In this interview with BizNews, Mashaba states: “The only thing that is now left is whether ActionSA will be able to put together a new government with other parties that subscribe to our values of fighting corruption, focus on service delivery to the residents of Tshwane, and ethical leadership. If we can pass this, then we'll be able to really form a new government with other parties without the DA. But in the event we fail - because we are not going to go into an arrangement with other parties for the sake of going - we've taken a decision that come the 26th, ActionSA is happy and comfortable...to really be on the opposition benches.” While Mashaba stresses that he is not going to be “unreasonable”, he is also adamant that he is fully prepared to “walk away” in the event that parties don't agree. “I think the only thing I'm asking the ANC to do is that, guys, if you're going to co-govern with us, we've got to declare corruption public enemy number one. We've got to put in professional people to run our government. We've got to save all communities, suburbs, townships, villages.” As for the DA, he states: “…one thing that we want to make clear to South Africans is that the DA coalition in Tshwane can forget about getting the support from our councillors in Tshwane.”
In a compelling keynote session at the BizNews Investment Conference BNIC#1, Dr Frans Cronje offered a deep dive into South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU), unravelling its strategic importance and potential pitfalls. Cronje emphasized that the GNU’s strength lies in its coalition between the ANC and DA, aligning the aspirant and established middle classes. He highlighted key challenges such as radicalization and energy policy, cautioning that the success of the GNU will depend on navigating these issues effectively. Cronje’s analysis provides a crucial perspective for investors and policymakers looking to understand South Africa’s evolving political landscape.
In this debut edition of the BizNews Bulletin, host Alec Hogg takes us through the business news of the day, markets and contributions from David Shapiro, Mteto Nyati and more.
Some 27 years after they introduced business radio to the country, South Africa’s favourite stockbroker, Sasfin Securities’ chief global equities strategist David Shapiro, reunites with Alec Hogg in the debut of the new BizNews Briefing. Here’s the full interview, where Shapiro explains why he aligns with BNIC#1 keynote speakers Piet Viljoen and Cy Jacobs, who maintain JSE-listed small and medium-cap shares are the place to invest money today.
The skills shortage in the United Kingdom has created opportunities for South African businesses to hire and recruit staff locally and relocate them to the UK. According to Saskia Johnston from immigration specialists Sable International, the British government is particularly interested in entrepreneurs and tradespeople, especially bricklayers. “Why bricklayers?” you might ask. Johnston explains, “The average South African bricklayer lays about a thousand bricks a day, compared to the average British bricklayer who lays around three hundred.” Additionally, South African bricklayers can earn three times what they make at home. Cable layers are also in high demand. In an interview with BizNews, Johnston outlines the route entrepreneurs should follow to establish businesses in the UK, the challenges they may encounter, and the steps they should take.
In his latest Sunday Show with BizNews, United Independent Movement President Neil de Beer gives his take on the political dramas of the past week: Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen’s failed blackmail attempt of President Cyril Ramaphosa over the signing of the BELA Bill, and having to get rid of his Chief of Staff; Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s public collapse, possibly because of food poisoning, and many ANC supporters clamouring for Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to take his place; the torrents of opposing sentiment unleashed by the death of former Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan and his controversial legacy. He also speaks about how Economic Freedom Fighters CIC Julius Malema is being politically slaughtered by former President Jacob Zuma’s MKP. And before he weighs in on the latest Presidential debate in the US, De Beer names the Flop of the Week and the Hero of the Week.
Pravin Gordhan, who passed away this week, was a respected ANC Cabinet Minister renowned for his battle against state capture and his two terms as Finance Minister. Tributes have poured in, highlighting his pivotal role in strengthening the South African Revenue Service against state capture, with whistleblower Johann van Loggerenberg dubbing him a “superhero.” In the heady days of the nineties, following Nelson Mandela’s release from prison and amidst the negotiations for a new Constitution at Kempton Park, Gordhan was entrusted to lead the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) and the Transitional Executive Council (TEC), which set the stage for the country’s first democratic elections in 1994. Working closely with Gordhan at that time was Theuns Eloff, who served as the head of administration for the multiparty negotiation process. Eloff described Gordhan in an interview with Biznews as a principled negotiator and facilitator who understood compromise in order to reach the best solution. “There were three individuals during the negotiations who, behind the scenes and not in the public limelight, really made the process work: Mac Maharaj, Fanie van der Merwe, and Pravin Gordhan.” Regarding the criticism levelled at Gordhan over his handling of state-owned enterprises, Eloff said that what he accomplished during the negotiations and as Finance Minister overshadows “any rightful criticisms one might have regarding his time at Public Enterprises.” He concluded that Gordhan’s legacy is “largely positive.”
Action Society, the former home of crime fighter Ian Cameron, who is now the Chair of the Portfolio Committee on Police in Parliament, is continuing its fight for justice for victims and their families. In this interview with spokesperson Juanita du Preez, she describes how former Police Minister Bheki Cele was an “obstacle” in the fight against crime. Discussing the official crime statistics for between April and June this year when 6 228 people were murdered, she says “…we often say that it's a war zone or a bloodbath and we keep coming back to those. We are suffering to find new synonyms for that, but it is appropriate… I think the legacy of Cele, unfortunately, we will still see for quite a while.” However, the new Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, “does seem like a better fit”. Du Preez lists the urgent reforms needed not just in law enforcement, but in the justice- and parole systems as well. Praising new Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald for the measures he is taking, she says currently “40% of people out on parole just go out and re-offend…not just stealing an apple or something like that: serious crimes: murder, rape, sexual offenses…It’s just a pause before they can commit the next crime.” Meanwhile, she hails Cameron for bringing “urgency” to his new role.
ME Electmetal, a global mining supply company based in Chile, has acquired the Prima Foundry located in Benoni, South Africa, recognising the country’s potential as an investment destination in the mining sector. Eduardo Munoz, the Group Head of International Business told Biznews in an interview that the acquisition aligns with ME Electmetal’s strategic objectives to expand globally amid the rising demand driven by the electric vehicle revolution and the green economy. This economy will according to Munoz provide the mining industry with new opportunities. Elecmetal, he said was encouraged by South Africa’s drive for investment and the improvement of loadshedding, calling it “encouraging news for a new foreign investor.” He expressed optimism about South Africa’s future and said he was pleased by technical skills the company had found at the Benoni Prima Foundry. Elecmetal was planning to export the Prima’s products globally. Munoz reassured stakeholders that job retention is a priority.
A French multinational company has become embroiled in a third tender controversy, this time to produce “smart driving licence cards” at an inflated cost of R898,597 million - nearly double the budget. In this interview with BizNews Wayne Duvenhage, the CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), describes how the findings of its investigation into the tender led to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy’s decision to refer it to the Auditor-General (AG) for further investigstion. The same company recently had its R115-million contract with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) terminated. And there have been delays in its delivery on a Home Affairs contract. Meanwhile, more whistleblowers are coming forward with inside information on the latest tender awarded to the company. “So the more evidence we gather, the more we'll pass over to the Auditor General. Hopefully then to the police and what we're actually asking for the authorities and the Minister is don't only cancel this tender, find out who in your department is involved, have disciplinary hearings, fire them if need be and then don't stop there, have them charged for the criminal conduct that they have instituted.”
In this week’s Sunday Show with Neil de Beer, he dissects the coalition battles between the DA and ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba in Gauteng, where Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink is becoming “cannon fodder”, and between the FF Plus in the Western Cape where Corné Mulder “is not standing back and has decided to continue removing the DA out of power”. De Beer asks: “..what the hell is going on in the spirit of the GNU. Because everything that is happening on the top shelf is absolutely collapsing on the bottom end…it seems we're going for a full blown war in 2026 between the parties.” De Beer describes how ANC Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Vice-President Paul Mashatile are positioning themselves towards the ANC elective conference. “…Lesufi is 100% making himself politically relevant. You can clearly see that Paul Mashatile is dreading either the knock of The Hawks or the people just staying calm so that he can take that seat.” De Beer also speaks about the battle for the soul of the judiciary with Justice Minister Thembi Simelane and former judge John Hlophe in the firing line. And PA Minister Gayton Mckenzie gets a thumbs up from him for his handling of a Parliamentary war-of-words with EFF CIC Julius Malema. Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here.
Political scientist and chairman of the SRF, Dr Frans Cronjé, described SA’s post-election choices as taking the high road to prosperity or the Chernobyl Option. Three months on, the outcome most South Africans wanted is becoming ever more firmly entrenched. In this interview with BizNews editor Alec Hogg, Cronjé explains why the GNU is sustainable until at least next year - and identifies two significant obstacles thereafter, which, if surpassed, will define responsible governance for a generation.
In this BizNews interview, market expert David Shapiro breaks down the latest market trends, highlighting the surprising challenges faced by the telecommunications sector and the ongoing strength of luxury brands like Richemont. Shapiro shares key insights on why telecoms are struggling to maintain profits amid intense competition, while luxury goods continue to thrive despite economic turbulence. Discover what this means for investors and the future of these industries.
In Episode Five of the BizNews NewsWrap - a tale of two very different coalitions - Hersov on the GNU; Mayor Brink on Tshwane; plus Universal healthcare in SA IS affordable (Friedland); Political mergers (Zibi); Bringing plunderers to account (Trollip; De Beer); RIP Greg Krumbock; and the week’s news that matters.
Not quite a year and a half into recovery, the Tshwane Metro is again on the brink of descending into chaos. In this interview, Tshwane’s executive mayor, Cilliers Brink, unpacks why this is happening. He says the national leaders of Action SA, specifically its founder/president Herman Mashaba, are imposing their will on the party’s members in the capital city. Action SA, with 19 seats, is currently in coalition with the DA (69), Freedom Front Plus (17) and a few smaller parties in the group governing the 214-member council. Taken to its logical conclusion, Mashaba’s decision to withdraw Action SA from a functional alliance will re-introduce an ANC/EFF “doomsday coalition”. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.
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