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President Ramaphosa doubles down on the National Dialogue as critics circle, while SA heads back to Washington to battle painful US tariffs. Abroad, Israel's strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar ramps up Middle East tensions. In business, Anglo American and Teck's $50bn copper mega-merger shakes up global mining. Back home, Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie stirs controversy, and Parliament erupts as the Sports, Arts and Culture Minister storms out after a fiery EFF clash.

Mining guru Peter Major unpacks Anglo American's surprise merger with Teck, the copper-driven strategy behind it, and what it means for South Africa's mining future — from Pan African's growth to Transnet's failures.

Ninety One CEO Hendrik du Toit has broken corporate silence, warning that South Africa risks “shooting itself in the foot and the head” as criminals infiltrate state institutions and assassinations go unanswered. In a rare rebuke, he calls on citizens and business alike to demand accountability, fix law enforcement, and seize SA's global opportunities before lawlessness destroys them.

From Hendrik du Toit's blistering critique of South Africa's decline to Anglo American's $40bn Canadian merger, Alec Hogg unpacks a day of seismic shifts in politics and business. Add in the real-life “Succession” ending, Macron's leadership woes, and JSE updates from SPAR and Super Group - it's a briefing packed with high-stakes moves and hard truths

The new party of former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Deputy President and MKP SG Floyd Shivambu is wooing the vast pool of unregistered South African voters for the support it would need to get the Afrika Mayibuye Movement (MAYIBUYE) into government. In this interview with BizNews, the party's Head of Political Education, Tumelo Mlangeni says: “Combined, the population that is not voting could be able to bring us to government…our primary focus is really not the EFF and the MKP. As mentioned, they are quite small organisations. Our focus is also not the ANC. The ANC is dying a natural death.” Meanwhile, MAYIBUYE has set down strict guidelines for the conduct of its leaders. “We are about to roll out a major induction programme to all the structures of Afrika Mayibuye…And that induction will be guided by the Manifesto, which clearly pronounces what we expect from them….Any thought of corruption within Afrika Mayibuye, is frowned upon. Just a thought….We are bringing about a new leadership core with values that are allergic to corruption.” Mlangeni also calls for the transformation of policing. “…if a government is corrupt and if a government is criminal in nature, the enforcers of the laws that are passed by government will obviously also take advantage of the society”.

Anglo and Teck join forces to form a copper giant, creating Anglo Teck plc as a formidable defence against BHP and Glencore.

Cape Town's safety chief, Alderman JP Smith, tells Alec Hogg how the city is deploying hundreds of new law enforcement officers, drones, cameras, and even bait cars to confront the surge of violent incidents on the N2 and R300. With pressure mounting on the national government to devolve policing powers, Smith warns that Cape Town is no longer waiting for Pretoria to act.

In today's BizNews Briefing, Ninety One CEO Hendrik du Toit defies the political consensus with a rare public critique, while Ramaphosa's land reform praise stirs growing unease. Cape Town ramps up policing to combat N2 violence, and BizNews prepares to launch the Ricardo Portfolio at the end of September. Also in focus: AI's disruption of Hollywood, Elon Musk's trillionaire trajectory, Altvest's bold Bitcoin bet, and key updates from AVI and Metrofile.

Journalist and author Stephen Cranston unpacks his book The Mavericks, revealing how Allan Gray, Coronation, and Investec's NinetyOne reshaped South Africa's financial services industry. From Coronation's explosive breakout to Allan Gray's long-term genius and NinetyOne's global ambitions, Cranston explores the partnerships, culture shifts, and bold moves that defined an era, and why the next wave may come from nimble niche players

In the latest edition of the NdB Sunday Show, Chris Steyn talks to Renaldo Gouws, former parliamentarian, industrial psychologist and podcaster. Joining the chorus of outrage over President Cyril Ramaphosa going to Zimbabwe and praising their Land Reform programme, he says: “…there's one president that deserves to be kicked out as soon as possible, that would be Squirrel RamaMampoer”. Lamenting the assassination of insolvency lawyer Bouwer van Niekerk, he says: “…it's just reached a point where these individuals need to almost wear bulletproof vests to protect themselves. But once again, because of the syndicates that we have, because of the government that we have, crime thrives, criminals are protected, and the people that want to blow the lid on corruption are ultimately the ones that are executed because that is what happened.” Gouws dissects the race scandal at Stellenbosch Municipality where the HR manager was recorded making a case for the exclusion of white men. Meanwhile, he is not surprised that US President Donald Trump has declined an invitation to the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa. “There's just been this constant attack from South Africa towards the United States. And ultimately, we are dealing with somebody that is far more powerful than us. And look, I understand that if we stood on principle, then that could be a valid reason. But what principle are we standing on?” Gouws also has something to say about the attacks on independent podcasters and alternative media

BizNews founder Alec Hogg joins Bronwyn Nielsen to reflect on the 12-year journey from startup to multimedia platform. They explore BizNews' pivot from the political economy, the privilege of building a loyal audience, and the renewed focus on business journalism. Alec unpacks lessons learned, ownership rumours, and why Benjamin Franklin's aphorism that “knowledge pays the best interest” remains the organisation's guiding principle. The discussion also announces the launch of the Ricardo portfolio, set to debut at the end of the month on the EasyEquities platform, marking an exciting new chapter for the BizNews community.

In today's BizNews Briefing, South Africa's China ties come under The Economist's lens, Sibanye boss Neil Froneman retires, Sim Tshabalala flags G20 headwinds, and Alphabet drives portfolio gains. Banking guru Kokkie Kooyman dissects executive reshuffles and rate prospects, while we end with a viral video of a CEO stealing a hat.

In his latest interview with Chris Steyn, Ian Cameron, the Chair of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police, slams former Police Minister Senzo Mchunu for setting the Hawks on a satirist. “..it's just absolutely ridiculous, ludicrous to say the least - and that they would fly down a team from Johannesburg to come and waste time when there's actual real crime to fight. So proper North Korean-style operation…” Cameron calls 40 gunmen taking control of a municipal council in Northwest a “municipal coup d'etat". He says it begs the question whether we could expect “more on a provincial and even a national level” and says “this is exactly one of the reasons we should fight against the disarming of lawfully armed citizens”. Commenting on delays in the launch of the Ad Hoc committee that has to hear the Mkhwanazi allegations of Police Capture, Cameron says it is “extremely frustrating process…we continued to see the delays move forward. We just kept on hearing more excuses for things not happening. And now we're already more than a month in since when we could have started work in the beginning of August, and we still haven't finalised the programme”. Meanwhile, he laments the “bloodbath” on the Cape Flats. “…in the top 30 stations in the Western Cape, over the last month of August, we saw over 300 people being murdered. The impression is given that the police are doing what they can, but to be honest with you, they're not. They don't have the capacity even if they wanted to.”

From ABSA's revolving-door leadership to Nedbank's African retreat and Capitec's bold push into Mexico, banking guru Kokkie Kooyman unpacks the seismic shifts shaping South Africa's financial sector. With execs playing “musical chairs” across institutions and global interest rates in flux, Kooyman tells BizNews why investors should watch the banks closely — and why culture, confidence, and dividends matter more than ever

In his latest interview with Chris Steyn, elections analyst Wayne Sussman gives the backstory to gunmen taking control of a municipal council in Northwest where different factions of the African National Congress (ANC) are backing different mayors. “…this crazy scenario of the rival factions having gunmen in the municipality, gunmen near a council chamber, near the engine of this municipality, is greatly concerning, not just for our democracy, but also for service delivery in South Africa,” Sussman says. Furthermore, at least 148 municipal officials have been murdered since 2018 - and two by-elections in the space of seven days are because of assassinations. “… people resort to literally killing their opponents,” he says. Sussman gives an in-depth analyses of the by-election results of the last two rounds with trends showing that the Patriotic Alliance continues to “do a lot of damage” to the ANC, but that its support remains “absolutely rock solid" in Limpopo and in the Eastern Cape. Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance had a “morale boosting" victory in the Northern Cape.

Stanlib's chief economist Kevin Lings warns that South Africa has run out of options: ballooning government debt, crippled SOEs, and shaky politics mean the state can no longer drive growth. The only path left? Public-private partnerships to unlock business confidence, leverage strong corporate balance sheets, and revive infrastructure. With retail spending up, inflation low, and markets flying, Lings says the spark is there — but without urgent reform, the flame won't catch

In this episode of MiningWeb Weekly, Peter Major offers sharp insights into global mining trends, the US gold resurgence, and challenges in Mali. He unpacks South Africa's deteriorating mining environment, government overreach, and missed opportunities. With commentary on Sibanye's gains, Goldfields' strategy, and Zimbabwe's stagnation, Major paints a candid picture of the mining sector's shifting global landscape.

In tough times, savvy investors tend to overlook the growth hype and focus on stocks with solid management, strong business models, and resilient markets. Building supplies retailer Cashbuild always fitted the bill, but lost its shine after a R350m acquisition didn't go according to plan. As a result, the share price dropped 20% in the past six months. Cashbuild's low-key CEO Werner de Jager spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg after this morning's publication of the FY25 results. There's a lot for existing and potential shareholders to like about what he shared.

Ramaphosa sparks uproar backing Zimbabwe's land grabs, just as SA readies joint naval drills with Russia and China before the G20. Across the Atlantic, America's Supreme Court boosts Trump's power while Elon Musk bets Tesla's future on humanoid robots, not cars

President Cyril Ramaphosa has been slammed for describing Zimbabwe's land confiscation process as “essential” and “ambitious”. In his reaction, Willie Aucamp, the Democratic Alliance's National Spokesperson, said Zimbabwe was “destroyed by the ideology and the implementation of their land grabs. And for our president to now go and praise the land reform efforts that Zimbabwe instituted in early 2000s is unacceptable…you're getting into a position where you are very afraid of what the real ideological ideas behind the Expropriation Act is…if you've got a president standing on an international stage like the one that he was on over the weekend, praising them for an absolute catastrophe of land reform implementation, it is going to deter investors away from our country and it's going to harm our economy - and it should not be allowed.” Aucamp stresses that the DA is “totally in favour” of redistribution of land, providing it takes places within the bounds of the Constitution. Meanwhile, Aucamp feels conficent that his party's court case against the Expropriation Act will succeed.

South Africa's plan to conduct naval exercises with Russia and China in the same month it is hosting the G20 summit, has been slammed by US intelligence analyst retired Colonel Chris Wyatt. “This is intentional. This is provocative. This is meant to insult Donald Trump and the United States.” As for the visit of SA's top SANDF general to Iran, Col Wyatt charges: “Quite frankly, I think he should be court-martialed for his actions because they were provocative.” Col Wyatt calls for the removal of “useless” Defence Minister Angie Motshekga. Also commenting on the mounting legal challenges being faced by MTN because of its relationship with Iran, Col Wyatt notes that its Chairman is Mcebisi Jonas, SA's Special Envoy to the US, “the man who's never been to America, is a Special Envoy who…doesn't have a diplomatic visa and…hasn't been accredited because he's been rejected by the United States government because of his conduct”. He warns: “This case might be the thing that finally just leads to the US taking action against South Africa.”

In today's BizNews Briefing, tributes continue to pour in for Neil de Beer, while intrigue between Pretoria and Washington deepens with allegations of influence campaigns involving South Africans abroad. We cover the bizarre battle over the body of Zambia's late president, weigh gold's record-breaking rally against diamonds dragging Botswana's economy, and unpack Shoprite's robust results alongside Glencore's ferrochrome retreat. Plus, all eyes turn to Eden Park as the Springboks prepare for their biggest clash since the Rugby World Cup final.

In today's BizNews Briefing, we honour Neil de Beer, a true patriot and a national treasure. Also on the agenda: Cape Town's deadly N2 gauntlet, shocking revelations about the perks and pay of South African MPs, Nvidia's results shaking global markets, Cell C's high-stakes restructure, Bidvest's steady but pressured numbers, and CA Sales' strong growth despite currency headwinds.

On the first Sunday Show since the passing of the irrepressible Neil de Beer, host Chris Steyn honours his fearless spirit of resistance by renaming it the NdB Sunday Show. In his tribute, commentator Renaldo Gouws describes De Beer's life “as a testament to courage, conviction, and an unyielding love for our nation”. He goes on to tackle some of issues that would have equally enraged Neil, including “Special Leave” Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's unleashing an “extraordinary amount of force and also abusing his power in order to do that” on a podcaster who had bruised his ego with a satiric sketch. To better enlighten voters, Gouws, a former Parliamentarian, reveals all the perks MPs get in addition to their salaries. He also warns what drastic lifestyle changes are in store for politicians if they are hit with personal sanctions. “…it's going to be a very tough time. And I think that would be the thing, ironically, that would actually put South Africa on the correct path again because if you hit these cadres where they feel it the most, which is in their pockets, then that is when we will see a change in South Africa.” Lastly, he calls on Parliament's Ethics Committee to act against Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema following the Equality Court finding that he and his party are guilty of hate speech and incitement to violence.

iLaunch, South Africa's leading woman-led recruitment agency, is transforming tech and talent acquisition. Founded by Toni Volschenk, the company bridges the gap between top-tier professionals and dynamic industries, from finance to AI. With a people-first approach and a 95% female team, iLaunch blends empathy, innovation, and strategy to deliver powerful, future-focused hiring solutions across the country.

Wayne Coetzer and anti-crime activist Paul Treleven share chilling first-hand accounts of deadly attacks along the N2 highway near Cape Town International Airport. With boulders hurled at cars, tourists targeted, and law enforcement absent, they warn Alec Hogg that without urgent action the Western Cape's booming tourism and wine industries could face devastating consequences.

The General Botha was originally an ex-Royal Navy cruiser, later converted into a training ship that served as a nautical college from 1922 to 1989. To honour the proud legacy of South Africa's only training ship, former students established the SATS General Botha Association Bursary Fund in 2011. The fund aims to provide life-changing educational opportunities for young South Africans pursuing careers in maritime studies. In an interview with BizNews, Tony Nicholas - chairman of the association and himself a former cadet, shared what it meant to train four Chiefs of the South African Navy, a Victoria Cross recipient from World War II, and a Mayor of Johannesburg. Nicholas explained that the training includes compulsory school projects, mentoring, and a range of activities such as swimming, pre-sea training, sailing, and motor boating, all supported by skilled volunteers. He noted that the Bursary Fund is viewed as a way to perpetuate the legacy of the General Botha and honour all those who trained aboard her.

State-owned Denel is “standing naked in the US courts” after being sued by a US company for non-delivery of jets. Armscor is “struggling”. The SA defence sector is “in tatters”. The SANDF is “rudderless…and in free fall”. Such is the crisis in the Defence Force that Chris Hattingh, the Democratic Alliance spokesperson on Defence and Military veterans, warns: “We are in a very precarious position and we see what's happening in North Mozambique. We see what's happening in the Mozambique Channel…and we are exposed”. Asked how likely it is that South Africa could face that kind of Islamic insurgency somewhere along its borders, Hattingh says: “Well, that's speculation, but remember that once we become defenseless, we become an easy target. There's a saying that there will always be a capable military on our soil, whether it's our own, it's our own choice.” Hattingh also slams the failure of both the President and the Minister of Defence to act on the SANDF-Iran scandal. “…we have this deafening silence from the Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF, the President, on this issue. The President can act, he can act now. It's opportune, but we don't really have a history of the President taking decisions specifically on issues such as that, and certainly not in a hurry.”

In Today's BizNews Briefing, South Africa's “Boere Buffett” Jannie Mouton leaves a R7bn legacy by turning Curro into a non-profit. Tshwane's corruption scandals deepen as Cilliers Brink speaks out, while Denel's mismanagement haunts taxpayers. Peter Major unpacks gold's explosive run, the FT highlights Bitcoin's role in collapsing Venezuela, and corporate results from Rainbow Chicken, Impala Platinum and Harmony Gold. We wrap up with All Black banter ahead of the Springbok clash.

Studying abroad is becoming more complex for South African students as visa rules tighten, and compliance thresholds rise. Brent Morris from Sable International told BizNews that UK institutions now risk losing their licence to sponsor international students if over 5% of visa applications are rejected. He said, while the UK and USA remain top choices, interest is growing in postgraduate options in Germany, Spain, Ireland, and Australia. Sable International, which claims a 100% placement success rate, recently secured a German university acceptance in just two hours. Morris says the company stays closely connected with students, helping them land internships and jobs abroad. And the most common question asked by parents: "How will my child feed themselves?". The company is hosting educational expos across South Africa in September, offering students a chance to meet university representatives and advisers.

In a landmark act of philanthropy, “Boere Buffett” Jannie Mouton's foundation is buying out Curro's minority shareholders for R7.2 billion, converting the 189-school group into a non-profit. The Jannie Mouton Foundation will own Curro outright, reinvesting all profits into bursaries and new schools for underprivileged children. It's the biggest private education donation in SA's history - a bold move that Mouton's son Jan says reflects his father's belief that fixing education is key to South Africa's future.

In this episode of Miningweb Weekly, Peter Major discusses the resurgence of global mining, the impact of critical minerals, and South Africa's complex investment climate. From Rio Tinto's exit plans to potash's new strategic status, Major offers sharp insights into the forces shaping the sector - and why now might be a pivotal moment for mining worldwide.

Amid outrage over government's delay to launch the Commission of Inquiry into the explosive allegations of Police Capture made by whistleblowing general Lucky Mkhwanazi - and fears of a cover-up in the making, BizNews speaks to Juanita du Preez of Action Society over the smoke and mirrors behind the scenes. “If people have very big secrets to conceal…,they will do anything to keep it covered and secret. That's why we see everybody scrambling around and we don't know what is going on exactly behind the scenes, where the alliances are.” She questions whether Police Minister Senzo Mchunu - who is on special leave -might be seeing his alliances dry up. As for former Police Minister Bheki Cele, she says: “…I don't I don't think his alliances are that strong anymore…maybe he overstepped into the criminal world too much. We all know he was involved in the criminal world, but maybe his alliances were not as strong as he thought. And people are covering their own backs, not his, because he doesn't have power anymore.” As for General Mkhwanazi who is continuing to open cans of worms, Du Preez says: “We should be careful not to make him a messiah, but at least he's a whistleblower. And it seems like he really does have...the best interest of the South African Police Service and South Africans at heart.”

In today's BizNews Briefing, South African legend Jannie Mouton announces a bold shift to turn Curro into a non-profit, reshaping education's future. A new poll puts the DA ahead of the ANC, raising questions about Ramaphosa's presidency. Plus, Trump's assault on the Federal Reserve sparks global alarm, and Cadillac makes a high-profile entry into Formula One.

Polling expert Gareth van Onselen unpacks the DA's surge in South Africa's key metros, saying the ANC's steep urban decline could put standalone DA governments within reach. From Tshwane to Johannesburg and beyond, Van Onselen explains why local elections favor opposition parties, the ANC's coalition struggles, and what big shifts may lie ahead for SA's political landscape

Political fireworks and hard truths dominate today's BN Briefing. Helen Zille slams a DA poll she calls “nonsense,” Naledi Pandor shocks her own party with brutally honest criticism, and SA's licence backlog chaos drags on. Plus, Donald Trump makes bold moves on Ukraine and Gaza, while markets eye Palantir's lofty valuation.

In today's BizNews Briefing, MTN chairman Mcebisi Jonas claims he is the target of a treasonous “info war” undermining US–SA ties, while critics question his diplomatic role and MTN's dealings in Iran. DA's Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink stresses why citizen engagement is vital to fixing broken cities. On the global stage, Apple weighs using Google's Gemini AI for Siri, and markets dissect Fed Chair Jerome Powell's Jackson Hole message. Evelyn Farkas examines Russia's grip on Trump and security guarantees for Ukraine. Plus, Rassie Erasmus reflects on the Springboks' gritty 30–22 win over Australia in Cape Town.

Westbrooke Yield Plus is a UK-based private debt investment, offering South Africans access to stable, tax-efficient offshore returns. With a proven seven-year track record delivering 7–8% per annum in GBP, it lends to income-generating UK real estate. Managed by experts with deep market knowledge, Westbrooke Yield Plus provides diversification, capital preservation, and predictable income in a volatile global environment.

In the latest Sunday Show, Chris Steyn hosts Renaldo Gouws, former Parliamentarian, podcaster and industrial psychologist. He speaks about the litany of woes besetting the once mighty African National Congress (ANC) that is now “bleeding” support: the breaking of ranks by Senzo Mchunu, the Police Minister on special leave, and long-time Jacob Zuma ally Malusi Gigaba. He warns that the raging factional battles in the party could force out President Cyril Ramaphosa if a secret ballot is allowed in the upcoming Vote of No Confidence. Gouws questions the “attempted hijacking” narrative around the attack on Police Portfolio Committee Chair Ian Cameron, as well as the political relevance of Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa who threw an on-air tantrum last week. Gouws further dissects the “double standards” at the heart of the saga of Kleinfontein, the Whites-only settlement threatened with demolition by the City of Tshwane. He also comments on his own Press Ombudsman victory against News24.

With MTN facing mounting legal challenges because of its links to Iran, BizNews interviews US Attorney Nicholas Reddick whose firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher and partner firm Sparacino have filed five lawsuits on behalf of over 500 American veterans and family members who lost their loved ones in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “…there have been former employees or officials at MTN that have come forward and provided evidence that we believe establishes our allegations that MTN was knowingly supporting terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan…we believe we've obtained evidence and have, again, well-founded allegations that everyone at the highest levels of MTN knew what was going on”. Asked if President Cyril Ramaphosa's name features in the lawsuits, Reddick says: “Yes, so he does appear in our complaint. You know, he was heavily involved in the leadership at MTN for a time.” As for the US Government's Grand Jury investigation into MTN, Reddick - a former Department of Justice Prosecutor - says: “Typically when the department opens a grand jury investigation, it's because they believe they have well founded evidence of wrongdoing.” **Read MTN's full response to the interview here: https://www.biznews.com/sa-investing/right-reply-mtn-group-rejects-claims-terrorism-support

Many African cultures use body parts, claws, teeth and hides in rituals. Vultures are often targeted because their keen eyesight is believed to grant clairvoyance. In Limpopo's Blouberg Nature Reserve, VulPro is raising awareness of vultures' vital role; community involvement and youth engagement have reduced muti‑related killings. CEO Keri Wolter told BizNews that school programmes have shifted young people's attitudes — more now report sightings and value vulture protection. Wolter says vultures uniquely consume diseased carcasses and that her interest began after raising an abandoned chick. She said Vulpro is hoping to use the success of the Limpopo project to other hot spots area of South Africa where there is side-by-side living with culture colonies.

Iranian-born and bred economist Dr Iraj Abedian is baffled by loyalty expressed by SANDF general to his homeland's theocratic regime - arguing it carries zero upside and substantial downside for South Africans. Abedian says those who pay General Rudzani Maphwanya's salary - and soon his generous pension - should be demanding an explanation. In this insightful interview, the academic-turned-entrepreneur also offers context on the significant challenges its Iranian connection is causing MTN. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

Multi millions of Rands are lost to sextorion, extortion, and extreme extortion by police impersonators and corrupt cops in South Africa. So says Specialist Investigator Mike Bolhuis who has investigated many such cases. “It is too much to count and it's too difficult to give the statistics, but just to shock the public: We have more than I would say 10 million photos, if not more, during the last 20 years of sextortion alone, which we have stored and kept and which we keep as to see if they're going to be used again.” Bolhuis further describes how kidnappers are weaponising sexual violence for extortion by filming threats of rape or actual rape to ensure a bigger faster payout from the family who would want to prevent distribution of the material. He reveals that in 90% high-level kidnappings, the ransoms are paid out. He says the kingpins walk free because these organised crime syndicates have all the facets of a Mafioso infrastructure organisation. “It is so strong that it hijacks the country; it completely controls the country - and it is untouchable.” However he expresses the hope that the recent allegations by whistleblowing General “Lucky” Mkhwanazi will “will implode and explode this complete stronghold that this organised crime gang, Mafioso group, has in our country.” Meanwhile, Bolhuis has some advice for especially the rich and famous on how best to protect themselves.

In today's BizNews Briefing, South Africa's BEE debate intensifies as Dawie Roodt warns of “black billionaire empowerment,” while Cape independence draws fresh attention from Washington. Mining expert Peter Major likens ANC exploration policy to a “tourniquet” choking the sector's lifeblood, and columnist William Saunderson-Meyer cautions that the nation is in a “very dangerous place.” Plus, Bloomberg exposes gaming of the US work visa system, Spur and Exxaro release results, and Atterbury battles boardroom upheaval - all wrapped up with a light-hearted viral clip of a singing dog.

In the debut episode of Miningweb.com's flagship show featuring inimitable Peter Major, the conversation covers topical developments of interest to investors. This week's menu kicks off with Anglo American's results and an aborted coal sale to Peabody and accelerates. Major spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

South Africa's economic chickens are coming home to roost. Economist Dawie Roodt warns that Black Economic Empowerment has enriched a politically connected elite while leaving the majority trapped in poverty. He says powerful trade unions are pricing workers out of jobs and strangling productivity, while the state is failing in its most basic duty to keep citizens safe. For Roodt, the penny is finally dropping - South Africans are waking up to the link between bad policy, job losses, and a shrinking economy.

In today's BizNews Briefing, The Economist delivers a stinging critique of South Africa's BEE policies, warning they enrich the few while impoverishing the nation. Generals Maphwanya and Mkhwanazi dominate headlines - one for a controversial trip to Iran during tense US trade negotiations, the other for exposing deep collusion between politicians, unions, and criminals. Meanwhile, parliamentary oversight comes under fire - literally - as Ian Cameron and colleagues are attacked during a SAPS visit. On the business front, DRD Gold posts robust dividends, Naspers veteran Koos Bekker's lieutenant steps down a billionaire, and AI stocks face a sharp Wall Street correction. The national dialogue also takes heat, this time from a young student leader giving voice to South Africa's frustrated youth.

Ian Cameron, the Chair of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police and the Democratic Alliance Spokesperson on Police. has vowed to continue his work following a horror attack on his life in which two of his colleagues were also injured. In this interview with BizNews, he describes the violent attack following an oversight visit to the Phillipi SAPS Training Academy that has been mired in allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Despite previous Threat and Risk assessments done by the police that indicated that some kind of protection was necessary for Cameron, that has still not been implemented. As for the motive behind yesterday's attack, Cameron says: “It's not going to stop us, whether it was targeted or not. We're going to continue doing what we do.” At the time of interview two of the three attackers were in custody, one - shot by Cameron - in a critical condition under police guard, while the third was being traced.

A small contingent of around 200 South African soldiers faced a force of up to 7,000 Seleka rebels during the Battle of Bangui in March 2013, a conflict that lasted for three days. The South African troops fought with extraordinary bravery and tactical skill, suffering 13 fatalities and 27 injuries while inflicting up to 800 casualties on the rebels. Their allies from the Central African Republic's army (FACA) and the regional force (FOMAC) abandoned them, leaving them exposed and outnumbered. The mission, rooted in a 2007 defence agreement, highlighted significant strategic missteps and severe military capability gaps, including a lack of air support and strategic airlift. This harrowing story underscores the human cost of geopolitical decisions and the critical need for a nation's military ambitions to align with its actual capabilities. Disclaimer: This podcast was created by Google's NotebookLM, with content checked and edited by BizNews.

A lot of empty plastic bank bags were among the expensive bottles of whiskey and boxes of cigars left behind by the Guptas when they fled South Africa. So says Clive Lazarus, the Director of Park Village Auctions (PVA), the house that has sold the infamous Gupta compound where politicians and businessmen entertained lavishly during the State Capture era. The compound' three properties, numbers 3, 5, and 7 Saxonwold Drive, Sandton, Gauteng, and their contents of furniture and appliances fetched an estimated total of R34,500,000. To date, PVA, on behalf of the Business Rescue Practitioners, has successfully disposed of Gupta-owned assets previously belonging to Confident Concept, Islandsite Investments, Koornfontein Mines, Optimum Coal Mine, Optimum Coal Terminal, The New Age Medial and VR Laser Services, clawing back “maybe in the hundreds of millions,” says Lazarus, adding, however: ”but the Business Rescue Practitioners have sold a lot privately, not through auction. That amount I wouldn't be able to give you, but it's a considerable amount of money. I would presume in the hundreds of millions of rands.” He notes that PVA is “proud” to be involved in many State Capture auctions.

Despite being the focus of a concerted campaign to eject him from the country, Western Cape Independence protagonist Phil Craig is continuing his fight to get the province out of the country tacked together in 1910 by a colonial power. In this interview with BizNews editor Alec Hogg, the co-founder of the Cape Independence Advocacy Group explains how a five-week working trip to the US - and continued own-goals by Pretoria - has injected fresh momentum into the project.