BizNews Radio

Frans Cronje analyses the DA's high-stakes future following John Steenhuisen's exit; Patrice Motsepe retires as ARM executive chair; and the WeBuyCars founders move to take RMBH private. Plus, Telkom and AECI surge on turnaround results, the final chapter for Tongaat Hulett, and how an obscure AI white paper triggered a massive sell-off in US logistics stocks.

On tonight's BizNews Briefing: Donald MacKay questions the practical value of South Africa's proposed China trade framework; Bloomberg examines whether AI data centres in space can scale; investors weigh Alphabet's 100-year bond risk; and teen skier Thomas Weir shares his Winter Olympics journey for South Africa.

Following talks between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the South African men sold into combat in Russia are being processed for their return. In his latest interview with BizNews, the real founder of MKP, Jabulani Khumalo - who has been supporting the families - calls for the arrest of those among the “hijackers” of his party for their alleged involvement in the trafficking “…we are saying to the government of South Africa they must punish these people because they are known who they are. There are five that went to court, but it's not all of them….I don't know why they are still not behind bars…And they are still continuing to make a lot of problems within the communities because they are thugs.” Slamming former President Jacob Zuma, Khumalo says: “Jacob Zuma is allowing all these shenanigans because remember, the government has allowed him for very long to fool the government to abuse our money in going to courts just for him to stay away from jail. And because of that, thinks he's above the law…”

In today's Editor's Desk, Alec Hogg explores the internal tensions within the Democratic Alliance as John Steenhuisen warns against a "death wish" exit from the Government of National Unity. We also take a deep dive into South Africa's complex trade negotiations with China, the potential rise of a BRICS currency, and why wealthy Chinese entrepreneurs are swapping Singapore for the "bling" of Dubai.

In today's episode, retired US Colonel Chris Wyatt delivers a withering critique of the SANDF's deployment to the Cape Flats, labelling it a “dangerous admission of failure” by a government kicking the can down the road. Trade expert Donald MacKay pours cold water on the proposed SA-China trade framework being hyped up by Pretoria, explaining why the math simply doesn't add up for South African exporters. Plus, a sordid sex-tape blackmail scandal rocks Hungary's election race; US Secretary of State Marco Rubio navigates the "new Cold War" in Europe; the historic City of London name Schroders is snapped up by US giant Nuveen; and more.

In the latest NdB Sunday Show with Chris Steyn, US intelligence analyst, retired Colonel Chris Wyatt comments on the likelihood of US President Donald Trump imposing personal sanctions on some South African politicians in the face of continued provocation from the African National Congress (ANC); President Cyril Ramaphosa's SONA speech; his decision to send in the military to fight crime; the crime cartel infiltrated SAPS; the performance of Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen who has abandoned his bid for re-election as Democratic Alliance (DA) leader; as well as the bad treatment received by some of the 2,000 odd South African refugees that have gone to America.

Is Pretoria's rushed China framework a strategic masterstroke or political posturing amid rising US tensions? Trade expert Donald MacKay warns the economics don't add up and the risks could outlast Trump.

In today's Editor's Desk, Alec Hogg pulls back the curtain on the State of the Nation address, exploring why Pretoria may finally be waking up to the neglected potential of the mining sector. We dive into the "golden straitjacket" of international capital markets that is forcing a shift in South Africa's ideological approach to Eskom and privatization. Plus, a look at the staggering data from the Jeffrey Epstein email troves—revealing deep connections to global financial elites—and a defense of Paul O'Sullivan's recent interrogation by a parliamentary committee.

Seventeen‑year‑old Thomas Weir, born in Switzerland to a South African dad, is part of the country's largest‑ever Winter Olympics team at Milano Cortina 2026. One of just five athletes and one of two teens, he's racing in slalom and giant slalom, proudly putting South Africa on the winter map. Raised in Swizerland, he turned weekend fun into serious racing and chose to represent his father's homeland to help grow winter‑sports representation. Balancing school with year‑round training, glacier sessions in summer, non‑stop snow in winter, he says carrying the SA flag at the opening ceremony was his biggest moment yet. He keeps his energy up with biltong and keeps the braai spirit alive - even in the snow. His advice to any youngsters nervous about trying something new: just go for it; you never know what passion might kick in.

In today's episode of BizNews Daybreak, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers a "game of two halves" State of the Nation Address—promising a R1 trillion infrastructure drive while admitting water has replaced electricity as South Africa's newest crisis. We dissect his branding of mining as a "sunrise industry" that just continues sliding into darkness despite the country sitting on R40 trillion in mineral reserves. Plus: Political Earthquake: The Patriotic Alliance surges in George, snatching a key stronghold by giving the Democratic Alliance another bruising, taking its head-to-head score to four from four in the by-elections. School Scandal: An emotional David Shapiro weighs in on Roedean School's refusal to play tennis against its Jewish counterpart, King David, sparking fierce debate about antisemitism and politics in sport. Market Moves: Gold breaks $5,000, the Rand strengthens, and Sasol jumps 7%.

Tonight's Briefing moves from David Shapiro's reaction to the Roedean–King David controversy to Peter Major's Mining Indaba view on South Africa's reform delays. Wayne Sussman then unpacks the political risk around Gauteng's water crisis, before Siemens CEO Roland Busch tells Bloomberg that US data-centre demand remains strong.

As the world's mining heavyweights packed Cape Town for the biggest Indaba yet, veteran mining analyst Peter Major delivered a blunt verdict: metal prices are booming, Africa is surging, but South Africa is still shackled by policy paralysis. In this Director's Cut with Alec Hogg, Major unpacks the upbeat global mood, why Congo is racing ahead, and the two reforms that could unlock billions for SA overnight.

A cancelled tennis fixture between Roedean and King David has ignited a far bigger debate. In this hard-hitting conversation, David Shapiro argues the incident crossed a dangerous line, warning that antisemitism is resurfacing in subtle but troubling ways. From elite schools to corporate boardrooms, he questions the silence - and what it means for South Africa's moral leadership.

Discover how Westbrooke Alternative Asset Management provides South African investors with access to global private markets. In this discussion, we explore Westbrooke's $1 billion AUM milestone, its diversified focus on private credit, real estate, hybrid capital, and private equity, and why Yield Plus delivers stable 7–8% returns in pounds. Learn how private lending differs from banks, the benefits of UK real estate investments, and how Westbrook's experienced team and niche strategy help minimise risk while maximising long-term growth.

In today's edition, Alec Hogg reveals the true architect behind the "greatest private equity deal of all time"—the Naspers acquisition of Tencent—and shares a personal story of South African honesty encountered on the road to Mossel Bay. He also addresses the disturbing cancellation of a school tennis match between Roedean and King David, calling for a rejection of the ignorance and "bad agents" that threaten South Africa's inherent culture of tolerance.

In the latest edition of the Electoral Roadshow with Chris Steyn, Elections Analyst Wayne Sussman dissects the latest by-election results in which the Patriotic Alliance (PA) won big again, while the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) managed to hold MKP at bay. “In 2021, the Patriotic Alliance only won one single Proportional Representation seat in George.They weren't a player in George politics. This morning as we wake up, they are now the third largest party in the George council. They have won five consecutive by-elections. They've won a seat off the GOOD party and now four off the Democratic Alliance, including three seats in the space of three weeks. The DA are in deep trouble in George and the PA are on the rise.” Sussman further comments on Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's hotel shower amid the severe water supply crisis in the province. “This is a major challenge. And if the ANC and its coalition partners cannot turn it around…there'll be a lot of ANC councillors who will lose their proportional representation seats at the very least come the next election.” Sussman also previews tonight's State of the Nation Address (SONA).

In this explosive edition of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg unpacks two major confrontations shaking South Africa. First, SAAI's Dr Theo de Jager exposes a "Covid-style" scam in the agricultural sector—alleging cronies lining up to charge farmers R300 for Foot-and-mouth disease vaccines that should cost just R55. He argues the cadres are using "biosecurity" as a smokescreen for profit-gouging and control. Plus, we take you inside Parliament for a fiery showdown between EFF leader Julius Malema and forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan, where accusations of espionage and fake qualifications flew across the committee room. Also in this episode: Gun Law Warning: Jonathan Deal of Safe Citizen explains why new legislation could leave vulnerable South Africans defenceless. Market Wrap: Capitec's muted reaction to strong numbers, Sasol's rise, and why the US is cosying up to Venezuelan oil. Global Shifts: Tension in Iran and a a boost for coal-based electicity production. Listen now for the context you need to win the day.

In tonight's BizNews Briefing, Dr Theo de Jager assesses South Africa's foot-and-mouth response, while Bloomberg covers a US jury trial over claims social platforms were designed to addict teens. Jonathan Deal then outlines firearms bill concerns, and Peter Major closes with a Wealth Building view on AfriMat.

As South Africa's dairy and beef sectors teeter on the brink, agriculture leader Theo de Jager goes head-to-head with government over foot-and-mouth disease. With vaccines allegedly delayed, prices questioned and bureaucratic control under fire, he warns: every day lost could cost farms – and food security – dearly.

The Firearms Control Amendment Bill is likely to be presented to Parliament next month. In his latest interview with Chris Steyn, Jonathan Deal, the Founder of Safe Citizen, warns: “…they have …created a set of well-crafted steps that make it literally impossible for the average person to actually get a self-defense license were this Bill to become law…it simply focuses on law-abiding firearm owners who are the very people that actually play a positive role in our societies, which was ably demonstrated in July 2021 in KwaZulu-Natal. And quite frankly, who are the only people that can respond to a violent public incident if necessary, and not only looking after themselves, but other people in the public.” Giving an update on the pushback from civil society, Deal says: “And I think quite simply, until the ANC is unseated and until the influence they have within and over the police of South Africa is interrupted and halted, they will continue to be able to float legislation like this.”

After a fascinating long weekend, I'm back with the real story behind Naspers' legendary Tencent deal and a personal reminder of the honesty that defines the "real" South Africa. I also weigh in on the disturbing intolerance surfacing in our schools—and why we must fiercely protect our culture of multiculturalism.

In this bumper edition of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg dives into the biggest questions shaking global markets. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claims Chinese speculators are manipulating gold prices—Morgan Stanley's Amy Gower weighs in on whether the precious metal is still a safe haven. Meanwhile, the bond market is betting big on AI longevity as Alphabet issues a massive 100-year bond. We also break down Spotify's record-breaking surge, Robinhood's controversial move into sports betting, and Xero CEO Sukhinder Singh Cassidy's defiant stance on why her company won't be replaced by AI bots. In this episode: Gold Wars: Is market manipulation or Chinese demand driving volatility? The 100-Year Bet: Why creditors see Alphabet's debt as a "trophy" asset. Spotify's Comeback: Record user growth sends shares soaring 15%. Robinhood's Gamble: The trading app pivots to "prediction markets" (sports betting) to boost revenue. Pharma Fight: Novo Nordisk sues Hims & Hers over copycat weight-loss drugs. Xero vs. The Bots: Why the accounting giant says their data moat is AI-proof.

In today's BizNews Briefing, Harith's proposed acquisition of FlySafair enters a key regulatory phase, while Dean Macpherson outlines a 2026 plan to unlock value from a R148 billion Public Works property portfolio. Bloomberg tracks Alphabet's planned $15 billion bond raise amid AI capex pressure, and Peter Major explains why Jubilee Metals remains a stock to watch.

The Democratic Alliance has embarked on a Local Government Election Year strategy of fielding strong mayoral candidates in places with poor service delivery. In this interview with Chris Steyn, one of those, veteran independent political commentator Professor Theo Venter speaks about his announcement as Mayoral Candidate for JB Marks Municipality. He gives he reasons for joining the DA after never having been a member of a political party. He gives an update on the service delivery challenges that await him should he be elected - and lists his highest priorities. He also gives the assurance that he has the stomach for the inevitable dirty politics. The Professor confides that he will also have to play detective to trace the fate of the missing Mayoral Chain and vehicle.

In today's BN Daybreak, we move from Prof Theo Venter's take on John Steenhuisen's exit and the DA leadership race, to fresh Epstein fallout in the US and UK. We then track Alphabet's rare 100-year bond push, AI's Super Bowl advertising dominance, and Bitcoin's sharp swings around the $70,000 mark.

Tonight on the BizNews Briefing: Col Chris Wyatt on ANC-Iran relations, Prof Theo Venter on alleged political-policing overlap, Bloomberg's take on Keir Starmer's leadership strain, and Peter Major's Wealth Building view on Orion Minerals after added recognition from BHP.

In this episode of the BizNews Daybreak, we move from South African refugee debate in the US to UK political fallout linked to the Epstein story, then to Japan's snap-election shake-up. We also unpack the latest gold market volatility before closing with AURA's Justin Suttner on scaling South African emergency-response tech globally.

In the latest NDB Sunday Show with Chris Steyn, US Intelligence Analyst retired Colonel Chris Wyatt assesses testimony of police and political capture following the suicide of a prime suspect in the murder of Witness D. He gives an update on the 2000 refugees now in the US, some of whom have been treated badly by their case officers. The Colonel takes a deep dive into the apparent cover-ups behind the Lady R's real cargo (now believed to have been proximity fuses for artillery); the alleged disobeyance of a Presidential order to exclude Iran from joint Naval exercises; the supposedly unsanctioned solidarity visit to Iran by SANDF Chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya; as well as South Africa's 27-year-long deployment to the DRC. “… there's enough smoke there after all these incidents that we need serious external look at what's going on. Or we need honest politicians come forward and tell us truth.” Col Wyatt also slams the latest “own goal” of the African National Congress (ANC) with Minister in the Presidency, Sindisiwe Chikunga, celebrating the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution and reaffirming close ties between South Africa and Iran in her address at the commemoration.

South Africans looking to work or settle abroad, whether for a few years or permanently, are increasingly trapped in a bureaucratic maze created by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and National Treasury. In an interview with BizNews, immigration tax specialist William Louw of Sable International argues that these authorities operate with overlapping mandates and conflicting definitions of “residency”, leaving ordinary people confused and exposed. The result, he says, is damaging with expats severing all financial ties with South Africa, extract every cent and asset they can, and abandon any intention of returning with their skills or capital. According to Louw, the system even discriminates against South African ID holders living abroad, granting them fewer rights than foreign non‑residents, a contradiction that raises constitutional concerns. Far from protecting the economy, Louw contends, these policies accelerate capital flight, deter future investment and ultimately undermine South Africa's long‑term economic prospects.

Bitcoin is down almost half from its peak, trading below $65k as a "crisis of faith" hits crypto. Wall Street is selling off, Amazon is tanking, and JSE miners are shedding value fast - and for the second time, Rio and Glencore are walking away from a potential merger. Alec Hogg gives you the context you need to navigate the sea of red. Also: The FT's Chris Cook on the chaotic Epstein file release, and why SA's generals need to get out of politics.

Tonight's BizNews Briefing unpacks the gold and silver whipsaw, with Peter Major pointing to Chinese margin rule changes as the core trigger. It then tracks signs of US-China stabilisation, examines South Africa's tax and exchange-control headaches for emigrants, and closes with Cathie Wood's latest read on where global investment flows are heading in 2026.

More and more shocking testimony of police and political capture is being heard at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee. In his latest interview with Chris Steyn, policy and political expert Professor Theo Venter dissects the evidence of Witness F and other recent testimony. “I think this is an interesting spin on the investigation that's emerging over the last three or four evidences that we received that politicians would use organised crime, and let's use Cat Matlala as the example, to carry political messages to the police…or use somebody like Brown Mogotsi almost as a facilitator of the message and thereby not go directly into the police. And I think it's the Brian Mogotsi-Senzo Mchunu relationship that opened that of worms for the first time.” Professor Venter looks at the implications for suspended Deputy National Commissioner General Shadrack Sibiya and former Police Minister Senzo Mchunu who is on special leave. He also shares all the names that have crossed his desk for the next leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA).

In today's analysis, I've unpacked how Anthropic's new AI tools are dismantling the corporate software world and why the latest Epstein disclosures have the British establishment—and Peter Mandelson—under fire. I also take a look at the "derangement" in Zimbabwe, where government propaganda about bumper crops is being met with the reality of empty shops.

Are tech giants spending too much on AI? Alphabet's capex is set to double, rattling investors. Alec Hogg breaks down the numbers, alongside a 7% drop in crypto and a weaker Rand. The briefing also covers the political earthquake in the DA with Steenhuisen's exit, Elon Musk's new "Muskverse" play, and the startling revelations found in leaked suspicious activity reports regarding Jeffrey Epstein.

In this BizNews Briefing, SAA returns to the spotlight with a fresh boost: a codeshare partnership with private airline CemAir. We then hear Zimbabwean activist Tendai Mbofana's blunt assessment of decay and elite enrichment. Bloomberg Tech unpacks Elon Musk's plan to combine SpaceX and xAI, before Cathie Wood argues AI will fuel entrepreneurship and job creation rather than mass unemployment.

A wild week in global metals markets has rattled traders and investors alike. Veteran mining analyst Peter Major explains what really triggered the gold, silver and copper swings, why panic selling creates opportunity, and which South African mining stocks still offer real value.

I'm weighing in on John Steenhuisen's surprise decision to step down as DA leader and why his "moonshot" successor might be just what the party needs. Plus, we look at the latest Epstein file dump—and the prominent South African name that's cropped up in the pages.

In the latest edition of the Electoral Roadshow with Chris Steyn and analyst Wayne Sussman, he dissects last night's by-elections in which the Democratic Alliance (DA) won two seats off the African National Congress (ANC), one in the Cape Winelands and another in the West Coast. “…it's clear that the ANC are in big trouble in the Western Cape,” Sussman says. The ANC's reversal of fortune continued in Gauteng where voter support in one of its traditional strongholds fell from 73% to 57%. “This means that if the party had to continue with this trajectory or this trend line, they will no longer be the largest party in a key municipality like Mogale City after 2026. So across the board, the ANC having a difficult night.” Sussman also previews today's Press Conference by embattled DA leader John Steenhuisen. “I think today will be a press conference on John Steenhuisen's terms where he will get to put …his side of the story. And I'm sure it's going to be a very difficult day for him, but he'll want to pen his own obiutuary as the party leader.”

In this episode of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg unpacks a volatile morning on the global stage as the US Navy shoots down an Iranian drone, sending oil and defence stocks climbing. On Wall Street, Anthropic's latest release triggers a "SaaS apocalypse" sell-off, raising questions about the survival of legacy software firms. Back home, private airline CemAir celebrates its 20th anniversary by inking a strategic code-share with SAA, while tax expert William Louw exposes the bureaucratic maze that traps South Africans looking to emigrate. Plus, a heartbreaking look at Zimbabwe's economic collapse and the widening gap between the elite and the impoverished.

From courtroom battles to code-share partners. Cemair founder Miles van der Molen explains why teaming up with SAA now makes commercial sense, how airline partnerships really work, and what this means for ticket prices, competition and the future of South African aviation.

I'm weighing up the implications of Elon Musk's massive SpaceX/xAI merger and what the brutal 21% gold crash means for your portfolio. Join me as we also look at South Africa's high-stakes "moment critique" on the global stage and a fresh perspective from our new partners at The Common Sense.

South Africans looking to work or settle abroad, whether for a few years or permanently, are increasingly trapped in a bureaucratic maze created by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and National Treasury. In an interview with BizNews, immigration tax specialist William Louw of Sable International argues that these authorities operate with overlapping mandates and conflicting definitions of “residency”, leaving ordinary people confused and exposed. The result, he says, is damaging with expats severing all financial ties with South Africa, extract every cent and asset they can, and abandon any intention of returning with their skills or capital. According to Louw, the system even discriminates against South African ID holders living abroad, granting them fewer rights than foreign non‑residents, a contradiction that raises constitutional concerns. Far from protecting the economy, Louw contends, these policies accelerate capital flight, deter future investment and ultimately undermine South Africa's long‑term economic prospects.

ASP Isotopes CEO Paul Mann explains why the group is doubling down on South Africa - from turning around the Renergen gas asset to building a global isotope business spanning nuclear medicine, semiconductors and clean energy, backed by a strong balance sheet and US government support.

In this episode of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg covers the global tech shake-up and critical local stories moving the markets. Top stories: Musk's New Titan: Elon Musk is merging SpaceX and xAI to create a "vertically integrated" tech giant valued at $1.25 trillion—essentially building data centres in orbit. Palantir's "Category of One": DA Davidson's Gil Luria explains why Palantir has no competition, smashing the "Rule of 40" with a score of 127% and accelerating growth while peers slow down. SA's Tech Secret: ASP Isotopes CEO Paul Mann reveals how South Africa is producing the critical materials needed to keep Moore's Law alive and power the next generation of semiconductors. Local Industry Crisis: The DTIC runs out of funds for film incentives, leaving the local movie industry owed over R660m and facing a 50% contraction. Markets: Gold stabilises after its collapse, the Rand holds at R16/$, and Bitcoin rebounds 5%. Plus: A global backlash hits baby formula giants Nestle and Danone after a supply-chain toxin scare.

In this BizNews Briefing, the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related emails triggers fresh controversy after Jacob Zuma's name surfaces — with a strong warning against jumping to conclusions without verified context. We also examine the booming illegal trade in rare succulents, and unpack a historic plunge in the gold price.

ASP Isotopes CEO Paul Mann explains why the group is doubling down on South Africa — from turning around the Renergen gas asset to building a global isotope business spanning nuclear medicine, semiconductors and clean energy, backed by a strong balance sheet and US government support.

Shoprite is crushing it while AI fears are hammering software stocks – join me as I explore what these major shifts mean for your portfolio. We also look at BHP's vote of confidence in Orion Minerals and uncover fresh insights on the ‘Goolam' mystery.

Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau is in the crosshairs for not releasing over 600 million Rand of government approved payments for completed TV and film projects. In his latest interview with Chris Steyn, Toby Chance, the Democratic Alliance's spokesperson on Trade, Industry and Competition and Portfolio Committee member says: “…it's our job as the committee to summon the minister to account for his inaction in this regard”. Chance has also written to the Speaker requesting an urgent Parliamentary debate on the matter. “…it's a serious problem and companies not just are closing down, but they're relocating; some are relocating to Portugal, some to Malta. They're just closing shop - and it was actually tragic on Wednesday when we were walking through the crowds and talking to these producers about how their livelihoods over many years have just been trashed.”

It's a red start to the week for commodities and crypto, with Gold taking a massive $600 knock and Bitcoin tumbling to 2025 levels. On today's BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg unpacks the market carnage; Col Chris Wyatt offers his insights into the mysterious death of online activist Goolam; we also look at the "convergence of the Musk-verse" as rumours swirl about a Tesla-SpaceX merger, and hear from CapeNature on the relentless poaching of SA's marine and floral heritage.

In the latest NDB Sunday Show, Chris Steyn and US intelligence analyst, retired Colonel Chris Wyatt talk about former president Jacob Zuma's name popping up in the Epstein Files; the mysterious death of Goolam whose posts on X had made him the target of many a politician; African National Congress SG Fikile Mbalula's latest description of US-South Africa relations as a Cold War; the tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions between Israel and South Africa; US President Donald Trump's readiness to strike Iran; the Trump Derangement Syndrome of his haters; and calls from certain groups in South Africa to boycott the next FIFA World Cup in North America.

In an age obsessed with speed, noise and instant success, this address takes a different route. Drawing on the mental models of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger, it strips life back to first principles: how to avoid failure, how to protect the one asset you cannot replace, and why reliability has become the rarest currency of all. Alec Hogg's keynote delivered to the Class of 2025 in the Overberg, is not a motivational speech, but a practical framework for living well in a difficult country and an even more difficult world.