BizNews Radio

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.

South Africa's political turbulence intensifies as ANC heavyweights Malusi Gigaba and Senzo Mchunu spark disciplinary backlash, raising doubts about Cyril Ramaphosa's grip on the party. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie faces a formal Human Rights Commission probe over alleged racist remarks, while DA-led Midvaal stands out with clean audits and energy independence. On the corporate front, MTN reshuffles leadership, Sibanye Stillwater warns of restructuring, and Shoprite expands its logistics muscle. Internationally, Donald Trump pushes for a Zelensky-Putin summit, and YouTube eyes Academy Awards broadcast rights in a move that could transform Hollywood's biggest night.

General Rudzani Maphwanya, whose surname in his native Venda means “to crush”, is far from the politically appointed puppet assumed by many commentators. He is a battle-hardened warrior who commanded SA's most significant military action since 1994 when 200 SANDF troops defended the CAR president against 7,000 rebels for three days. This reality introduces a chilling aspect to statements the General made during last week's visit to Iran, an act threatening to torpedo SA's diplomatic efforts to moderate US tariffs that threaten a hundred thousand jobs in the motor industry and agricultural sectors. William Saunderson-Meyer, author of the Jaundiced Eye, discusses the implications with BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

In this vibrant discussion on a major court victory against South Africa's racist laws that moves into Government over-reach, Lichtenberg's collapse, Cape Independence, Steenhuisen's attack and even Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged, Sakeliga CEO Piet le Roux shares his insights with BizNews editor Alec Hogg. Joins many dots.

Today's BizNews Briefing unpacks the turmoil at South Africa's national dialogue after walkouts, protests, and sharp criticism from Moletsi Mbeki. We also look at the SANDF chief's controversial Iran visit that rattled Pretoria's US ties, insights into Trump's Alaska meeting with Putin, Israel's latest settlement push, and China's robotics rise. Plus, Rassie Erasmus admits to one of the Springboks' most embarrassing defeats as the Wallabies claim a historic Ellis Park win.

In the latest Sunday Show on BizNews, Chris Steyn hosts Renaldo Gouws, former Parliamentarian, industrial psychologist and Podcaster to talk about another tumultuous week in South African politics. He examines the motives of the African National Congress (ANC) with the National Dialogue and its move to control the Parliamentary Inquiry into the allegations made by the whistleblowing KZN General “Lucky” Mkhwanazi. “…Ramaphosa has never been the President of South Africa. Cyril Ramaphosa has always tried to be the President of the ANC and trying to save the ANC.” Meanwhile, people have also become “gatvol” of the Government of National Unity (GNU). “So the boogeyman that has been created by political parties, especially the DA, is that we need to stay in the GNU because we're keeping the real enemies out. What real enemies, though, if you've already passed the BELA Act, the NHI Act, the Expropriation Act? What more is there that the opposition would have stood against if you didn't pass what you've passed?” Gouws delves deeply into the racist tweet storm that has hit Sports, Arts and Culture Minister and the Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie. As for the visit to Iran by South Africa's top SANDF general and the misaligned spin from DIRCO, the Minister and the President, he says “…this just reinforces the belief that Cyril Ramaphosa is the weakest president that we've had in this country”.

Washington's patience with Pretoria is wearing thin. Senior fellow Joshua Meservey of the Hudson Institute warns that the head of South Africa's defence force, General Rudzani Mphawanya, may have dealt a fresh blow to US–SA relations with his recent trip to Iran and remarks in solidarity with its regime. In conversation with Alec Hogg, Meservey unpacks why the incident - whether sanctioned or not - will deepen mistrust, complicate trade negotiations, and feed growing US frustration over Pretoria's political choices.

South Africans love their rusks - or “beskuit,” as we say in Afrikaans. It's a ritual we can hardly imagine our morning coffee without. It was a habit embraced by most of the families Nelia Ngulube, affectionately known as Yaya, worked for - one that eventually prompted her to start baking her own. Yaya's Rusk has now grown into a thriving business and a fast-growing online presence. What began as a financial lifeline quickly snowballed into a social media phenomenon, with Yaya's Rusks gaining thousands of followers and orders within weeks. In this interview with Biznews, Yaya and her social media mentor Kate Wilkinson share the story behind South Africa's beloved Chief Rusk Officer - and what's next for her delicious empire.

Filmmaker and YouTuber Joe Emilio speaks to Alec Hogg about his viral documentary on the Tygerberg Raceway land invasion. He says a 1998 law meant to protect the vulnerable has instead eroded property rights and fuelled a nationwide wave of land grabs.

Today's BizNews Briefing spotlights multimillion-rand salaries for underperforming SOE bosses, more political parties withdrawing from the national dialogue, and PRASA's R2.5bn refurbishment scandal. Internationally, Donald Trump prepares for a high-stakes summit with Vladimir Putin, while markets eye possible Fed rate cuts. Plus, Apple readies ambitious AI-powered devices, and the Springboks gear up for their Rugby Championship clash with Australia at Ellis Park.

South Africa's human rights landscape is a complex and highly contested terrain, marked by a sharp divergence in perspectives between international observers and the national government. A 2024 US Human Rights Report paints a grim picture of deterioration, citing significant concerns over land rights, violence, and state conduct. Conversely, the South African government has strongly refuted these claims, labeling the report "inaccurate and deeply flawed" and part of a "campaign of misinformation." This briefing examines the key themes of this debate, drawing from the US report, government rebuttals, independent fact-checking, and media coverage.

A sea-cavorting social media influencer's"swimming in poo" video has sparked a much more serious problem for the tourism magnet that is Cape Town - its centuries-old practice of pumping sewerage into the sea is posing an increasing threat to its tourism boom. One of SA's leading water scientists, Prof Leslie Petrik, unpacks the issue with BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

More and more parties and organisations are withdrawing from the National Convention amid fears that the National Dialogue will become an African National Congress (ANC) monologue. In this interview with BizNews, Dr Theuns Eloff of the Afrikaner Leadership Network (ALN) says: “There are, for good reason, fears and suspicions that the Presidency has taken this over, not as a Government of National Unity, but as an ANC Presidency to steer this process into a certain way and to avert any negative criticism that can come to the ANC.” On top of that there is a real fear that the ANC could misuse the dialogue to boost its chances in local government elections next year. “It's like the ANC says we don't have enough money in our own coffers to run a campaign, let us use the National Dialogue for that. And if the ANC goes ahead alone with these things with public money, then they have a campaign. They can wage their campaign without interference from anyone else.” Furthermore, Dr Eloff expresses concern that President Cyril Ramaphosa sees the National Dialogue as his personal legacy. “It's said in the Presidency that he wants a thousand people there because he wants to make a speech. Now that is not a National Dialogue. That is exactly an ANC monologue.” Meanwhile, Dr Eloff outlines the dialogue options open to civil society organisations.

In today's BizNews Briefing: The DTIC outlines US-SA trade relations amid looming tariffs, DA leader John Steenhuisen warns against expanding the GNU, and Cape Town's mayor prioritises job creation and basic services. Sports Minister Gayton Mackenzie faces backlash over resurfaced racial slur tweets, while JP Morgan predicts a possible Fed rate cut in September. Elon Musk threatens legal action against Apple over OpenAI preference, and China's Evergrande prepares to delist in a dramatic property market collapse.

In an explosive interview, investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh unpacks his undercover work that exposed rot at the Independent Development Trust — a state entity meant to serve South Africa's poorest. From a brazen R60,000 cash bribe to offers of tender kickbacks, Myburgh details how public funds meant for clinics, schools, and oxygen plants were looted, and why corruption thrives under a culture of impunity.

The KwaZulu-Natal Public Works and Infrastructure Department has been hard at work the past few months to turn around the dysfunction there. In this interview with BizNews, MEC Martin Meyer gives an update of the milestones reached. He says the rot was “deep” regarding corruption and maladministration. “And even though it was a small group of officials, they were well embedded and we had to take some very strong action regarding those officials…Currently, our HOD is going through his disciplinary and four other senior officials were successfully prosecuted within the department and their services with us terminated.” He further lists various radical cost-cutting measures - including moving away from consultants - to save millions. Meanwhile, huge progress has been made to pay contractors, some of whom had been waiting five years. Furthermore, a proactive stance against the Construction Mafia has resulted in “many arrests…, and the NPA is now charging people…and in the last six months we've had zero disruptions at any of our building sites”.

Today's BizNews Briefing features Pieter-Louis Myburgh on exposing IDT graft, Dr. Pieter Groenewald's thoughts on revisiting the death penalty, and KZN MEC Martin Meyer on fighting corruption. Plus, Donald Trump's controversial 15% levy on Nvidia chips to China, Taiwan's semiconductor snub to South Africa, and Mark Bristow's diplomatic spin after Barrick's billion-dollar Mali mine loss.

Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald opens up to BizNews on South Africa's broken prison system – from inmates languishing for years over R100 bail, to overcrowded cells, foreign nationals draining millions, and his controversial call to revisit corporal punishment and even the death penalty.

Big disagreements and divisions are at the heart of some major current political developments here in South Africa and abroad. We speak to columnist and commentator Jonathan Katzenellenbogen. He dissects the row between former president Thabo Mbeki and President Cyril Ramaphosa over the process for the National Dialogue; the row between Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana over prospects for a tighter inflation target; US President Donald Trump's ongoing Tariff War and African National Congress (ANC) SG Fikile Mbalula's defiance over possible sanctions against the party's leaders; Trump's upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin from which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Europeans are excluded; as well as divisions that have emerged between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Force (IDF) chiefs and allies over Gaza.

In today's BizNews Briefing: Neil de Beer demands President Ramaphosa's resignation, while Paul O'Sullivan brands SAPS head Mkhwanazi a criminal. Plus, why South Africa's Taiwan downgrade risks cutting off critical semiconductor supplies - and how AI is already shaking India's outsourcing industry.

After an absence of four Sundays, Neil De Beer, the President of the United Independent Movement (UIM), was back on the Sunday Show today with Chris Steyn. Calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down, he says: “… Wake up, resign…Mr. Ramaphosa, can't you see the signs? Can't you see they don't like you? Can't you see that they are conspiring against you?” With legacy foundations deserting the preparatory task team of Ramaphosa's National Dialogue, De Beer says: “…slowly but surely all of them will leave the rat's cage”. Responding to the charge that he himself is spearheading the #ANCMustFall movement, De Beer says: “…the ANC is doing it themselves to themselves…” He urges both the President and his party to “Voetsek”. Commenting on the crisis in SAPS, he says: “I see ourselves having to totally, totally re-educate and totally rebuild the policing service of this country. They've annihilated themselves.” As for the latest Commission of Inquiry appointed by the President, De Beer says: “..they're not commissions, they're complications because they are a way that Cyril puts things aside…if we don't have civilian action against these people, we're not going to get action at all”.

More than a century of mining in the Witwatersrand has left behind vast mine dumps stretching from Randfontein to Springs. But at the Brakpan tailings facility, wildlife is making a comeback. Mining company DRDGold has rehabilitated the site by cladding mine waste with soil, allowing natural vegetation to return spontaneously. This, in turn, has attracted wildlife back to the area—prompting the company to reintroduce zebras, blesbok, and wildebeest. In an interview with BizNews, CEO Niël Pretorius said the initiative is part of a broader effort to reverse the environmental legacy of over a century of gold mining. Next on his rehabilitation list: the Russell Stream, which runs from Braamfontein to Orlando. Pretorius also shared how DRDGold has benefited from the financial windfall of soaring gold prices, which have climbed from R65,000 to R1.9 million. This surge, he said, is enabling significant capital investments.

In an interview with BizNews founder Alec Hogg, Ryan Smith, the DA's new Spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation, discusses his challenging roles and South Africa's foreign policy 'follies'. He criticises ruinous 30% Trump tariffs, citing negotiation failures. Smith strongly condemns Ronald Lamola's "ridiculous decision" to downgrade the Taiwanese embassy. He highlights Taiwan's crucial role as the sole supplier of vital semiconductor chips (TSMC), arguing this alienates essential trade, hindering SA's manufacturing and job creation efforts. Smith advocates for a truly non-aligned, South Africa-first foreign policy driven by economic development, not ANC party interests, stressing the need for career diplomats. The DA seeks new agricultural markets to offset these challenges.