BizNews Radio

South Africa's housing backlog exceeds 2.5 million units, with more than 4,000 informal settlements straining municipalities for serviced land. KwaMashu-born architect Wandile Mthiyane, who grew up in a mud-brick shack, is developing Ubuntu Home – an AI platform designed to provide people with land, services and AI tools so they can design and build their own homes. In a Biznews interview, Mthiyane recalls his aunt receiving a Mandela-era housing list number but recently dying still in the same shack. He says the crisis needs decentralised solutions, not more top-down contractors. The Obama fellow and future Harvard student launched the Walk for Home to raise R3 million to develop and scale the platform. He reports receiving many offers of accommodation, financial assistance, and support within days. – Linda van Tilburg

South Africa doesn't hear enough from politicians who do the unglamorous work of fixing the state. Jan de Villiers is one of them. The DA MP and chair of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration just drove through a landmark law that tightens the firewall between party politics and the civil service. You can't fix unemployment, crime, or service delivery with a compromised bureaucracy.

From Elon Musk's Pretoria beginnings to global dominance, this conversation dives into power, policy, and South Africa's economic crossroads. Solidarity's Dirk Hermann unpacks the growing backlash against BEE, arguing it stifles jobs, fuels elite enrichment, and deters investment. With pressure mounting from markets, citizens, and international players, is reform inevitable? A sharp, thought-provoking look at race, economics, and the battle over South Africa's future direction.

This Bloomberg Originals documentary explores the explosive rise of prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket — and the legal, ethical and political backlash that's followed. As these platforms go mainstream, questions are growing over insider trading, sports betting, and whether turning almost any real-world event into a wager comes at a cost.

In today's BizNews Daybreak, we dive into President Trump's announcement of a ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, alongside hints of a potential deal with Iran during upcoming talks in Pakistan. We analyze the grim reality of illegal mining, where heavily armed syndicates are causing massive environmental damage and poisoning water systems with mercury and cyanide. We also examine Netflix's 8% share slide following disappointing earnings, the US government's rollout of Anthropic's "Mythos" AI model for federal agencies, and the looming economic threat of a "second China shock" driven by massive state subsidies. Finally, South Africa's Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson outlines a radical shift toward managing the state's vast property portfolio as a commercial asset management business.

Heavily armed illegal mining syndicates are no longer just a problem for abandoned shafts and remote communities. In this interview, De Wet du Toit of the Blyde River Task Force tells BizNews how zama-zama operations linked to foreign criminal networks are threatening South Africa's water systems, tourism economy and wildlife heartland, while residents, farmers and activists face growing danger on the ground.

The Financial Times' Gideon Rachman discusses possible negotiated solutions to the Iran war with Suzanne Maloney of the Brookings Institution. What do Tehran's leaders want and how long can they hold out for a winning settlement that will ease the country's economic pain? What are the stakes for Trump and the global economy? And what role, if any, can Gulf countries play in curbing the regime's power to blight progress in the region? Clip: Fox News © 2026 The Financial Times Ltd.

In today's BizNews Daybreak, we unpack a possible extension of the US-Iran ceasefire, a development already driving the S&P 500 and Nasdaq to fresh record highs. We also examine the CFTC's probe into suspicious oil futures trading and an executive shake-up at Ford. Closer to home, we assess South Africa's evolving diplomatic strategy following Roelf Meyer's appointment as special envoy, alongside insights into ASML's pivotal role in the AI boom and signs of cooling demand in the luxury market, including brands like Hermès.

In his latest interview with Chris Steyn, US intelligence analyst, retired Colonel Chris Wyatt gives his take on why President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Apartheid-era politician Roelf Meyer as US ambassador. He slams US President Donald Trump's utterances that have offended both Christians and Muslims, as well as his attacks on NATO. Col Wyatt gives a status update on the war and the movements of ships. Lastly, after travelling extensively across America to meet with South African refugees, he details some of their triumphs and struggles.

Roubini Macro Associates Chairman & CEO Nouriel Roubini talks about ending the Iran war through escalation and regime change, why he doesn't predict a US and global recession and the "tug-of-war" between stagflationary events and growth from the global tech boom. He speaks to Bloomberg's David Ingles at the Greenwich Economic Forum in Hong Kong.

In this Boardroom Talk, BizNews editor Alec Hogg details how President Cyril Ramaphosa's appointment of Roelf Meyer as South Africa's envoy to Washington is one of the smartest decisions of his presidency. Hogg says Meyer's credibility, history and stature could help thaw a badly damaged US-SA relationship, ease pressure around AGOA, and signal a long-overdue return to pragmatic, economically minded diplomacy.

In today's BizNews Daybreak, we dive into the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the looming threat of renewed trade tariffs. We explore massive tech moves, from Meta's multi-billion-dollar AI chip partnership with Broadcom to Amazon's $11.6 billion acquisition of Globalstar. Locally, we hear from DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis on ANC succession risks, while economist Nouriel Roubini warns that escalating Middle East tensions could trigger 1970s-style stagflation.

Newly-elected DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has warned that the ANC's looming leadership battle could destabilise both South Africa and the Government of National Unity. In an interview with Bloomberg's Joumanna Bercetche, he argues that bitter factional infighting inside the ruling party poses a major threat to reform, while also outlining the DA's stance on Iran, fuel-price pressure and its plan to grow support ahead of the local elections.

A new political party has entered the electoral landscape. In this interview with Chris Steyn, co-founder Khulu Radebe describes how The Service Movement for Metsimaholo (SMM) emerged from years of grassroots civic work carried out under the banner of the Metsimaholo Stakeholders Forum (MSF), a non-profit organisation founded in 201&, that tackled environmental, food security, and community welfare challenges in partnership with Sasol and Eskom and Seriti Mines. Radebe says the SMM's unifying civic theme is the “New Animal” because it represents the collective power of residents who refuse to accept broken promises and empty politics. SMM steps into a big political opening in Metsimaholo where no party has commanded the loyalty of voters for over a decade - and where the African National Congress' (ANC's) dominance has steadily eroded over three elections.

In today's BizNews Daybreak: The US and Iran are seeking a fresh round of face-to-face negotiations in Islamabad to secure a long-term ceasefire before current agreements expire. In tech, Amazon is in advanced talks to acquire Globalstar, potentially accelerating its satellite network competition with SpaceX. Internationally, Peter Magyar's landslide victory in Hungary signals a dramatic pivot toward the European Union. Locally, DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis emphasizes law and order as the foundation for economic growth while Alec Hogg warn South Africa is fumbling a massive gas opportunity.

At its 2026 Federal Congress at Gallagher Estate, the DA elected Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis as its new federal leader, marking the party's first major congress since entering the Government of National Unity. The weekend also brought a wider leadership reshuffle, with Solly Msimanga among those elected to senior roles, as the DA sought to present an orderly transition and a clearer sense of its ambitions for the years ahead.

Knysna Municipality has had 19 changes of Municipal Manager in four years. It has 111 critical positions unfilled. In this interview with Chris Steyn, The Accountability Group's (TAG's) Robert Winn and Eric de Jager share the alarming details revealed by a review of Knysna Municipality's January 2026 Section 71 report and the February 2026 Final Adjustment Budget: A surplus that vanished overnight; liquidity that is overstated; suppliers being paid late; repairs and maintenance below sustainable levels; staff costs signalling structural distress; outsourcing replacing capacity at escalating cost; and grants being returned unused. TAG will now use legal frameworks “to bring… accountability and make sure that we can get the answers that the residents deserve”.

In this Boardroom Talk podcast, BizNews editor Alec Hogg details how South Africa is sitting on extraordinary oil and gas potential just as the world searches for safer energy sources beyond the volatile Middle East. Using fresh discoveries in the Republic of Congo and Namibia as examples, he makes the case that regulatory paralysis, ideological resistance and government indecision are stopping South Africa from unlocking investment, jobs and badly needed growth.

In this episode, we examine the global fallout of a US naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on oil prices and growth. Locally, Magnus Heystek discusses the "invisible" collapse of South African middle-class wealth through property devaluation. We also explore the disconnect in municipal rates, the effects of employment equity on police recruitment, and a controversial new perspective on the Chris Hani assassination.

In this edition of the NdB Sunday Show, Chris Steyn hosts retired High Court Judge Chris Nicholson to talk about his book “Who Really Killed Chris Hani?” This past Friday 10 April was the anniversary of his assasination in 1993. Nicholson challenges the bizarre narrative that a Right Pole Janusz Walus and a White Supremacist Clive Derby-Lewis operated without outside assistance. Nicholson takes viewers through his list of suspects, including Hani's foes in the intelligence world, the captains of industry, and his rivals in the African National Congress (ANC). He further describes the similarity in motives for the murder of the “incorruptible” South African Communist Party (SACP) leader and those of five others: Anti-Apartheid Advocate Anton Lubowski, UN Commissioner for Namibia Bernt Carlsson, Swedish Prime Minister Olaf Palme, former Republic of Congo Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba, and former UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld. He also deals with the suspicious death of Paul Madaka, who headed the National Intelligence Agency's (NIA) Anti-Corruption Unit. Nicholson describes how different a country South Africa would have been had Hani lived.

South Africa's Hartebeesthoek ground station has once again proven its strategic value in deep space exploration, delivering critical tracking support for NASA's historic Artemis II mission, the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years. SANSA Space Operations Executive Director Raoul Hodges told BizNews in an interview, how the station's veteran 12-metre antenna provided essential one-way data to help pinpoint the Orion spacecraft, the excitement in the control room during passes behind the Moon's far side, and why South Africa's Southern Hemisphere location remains vital for global lunar missions. Looking ahead, Hodges outlines plans for the new Matjiesfontein ground station and efforts to train the next generation of South African space professionals as the country positions itself for Artemis III, IV and the intensifying international space race. – Linda van Tilburg

South Africa's future hinges on one simple truth: jobs come from growth, and growth comes from political choices. This sharp discussion unpacks how policy, ideology, and global alignment are choking investment and costing livelihoods. Inside the ANC, paralysis, fear, and patronage block reform - despite clear evidence of what works. Yet there's hope: ordinary South Africans remain pragmatic and solutions-driven. Shift the mindset, unlock investment, and growth can follow. The path forward exists - but it demands courage, clarity, and decisive change now.

Durban businessman Roy Tilley says a deeply flawed municipal rates formula is pushing property owners and small businesses toward a financial breaking point. In this interview, the Queensmead industrial property owner explains why he believes ever-rising rates are becoming impossible to absorb, hurting tenants, jobs and investment, and argues that Parliament must step in to cap what municipalities can charge.

A sharp, no-holds-barred conversation on South Africa's financial reality - rising offshore limits, shrinking property values, and the struggle for economic revival. From Johannesburg's decline to gold's surge, and investor psychology to policy failures, this discussion cuts through the noise. It's a candid look at risk, resilience, and the tough choices shaping wealth, opportunity, and the country's future.

Today's BizNews Daybreak unpacks a fragile US-Iran ceasefire ahead of pivotal peace talks in Pakistan, with Donald Trump warning Tehran against disrupting Strait of Hormuz shipping. Regional tensions persist as Israeli strikes hit Lebanon, while Anthropic's “Mythos” model raises fresh cyber risk concerns. At home, the Rand rallied after talks between Cyril Ramaphosa and US Ambassador Brent Bozell - though deeper diplomatic strains remain.

In this Members Only episode of Boardroom Talk, Alec Hogg unpacks one of the most dramatic 24-hour market reversals in years. After weeks of geopolitical tension driven by the Iran conflict and soaring oil prices, a surprise ceasefire triggered a powerful global rebound — with the JSE leading emerging markets and the rand surging. From collapsing crude prices to shifting interest rate expectations and renewed investor confidence, this deep dive breaks down what's driving the rally — and what it means for rational investors navigating volatile markets.

After weeks of war and a fragile ceasefire, Iran's atomic energy chief, Mohammad Eslami, says his country will not curtail its enriched uranium programme. In this interview with Chris Steyn, US intelligence analyst, retired Colonel Chris Wyatt warns: “They don't want to give it up. Well, this won't end unless that is given up.” He adds: “No one's leaving the Gulf. This gives the US a respite to - after six weeks of 24-hour day combat - to re-group and be ready to hit Iran even harder.” Col Wyatt lists the military objectives that have been achieved to date. He also comments on Israel's continued attacks on Lebanon. He reacts to reports that Russia is doubling its main oil revenue because of the war. Lastly, he slams President Cyril Ramaphosa for his “insulting” conduct during the presentation of the credentials of US Ambassador Brent Bozell III.

Sitting down with Alec Hogg, Anthony Ginsberg discusses South Africa's economic future, global positioning, and urgent need for pragmatic leadership. From strained US relations and missed trade opportunities to AI disruption and investment potential, the discussion highlights both risk and opportunity. With billions in foreign capital waiting, the message is clear: engage, negotiate, and act decisively. South Africa's growth hinges on stronger diplomacy, business-friendly policies, and embracing global partnerships before the window of opportunity closes.

A gripping, no-holds-barred discussion unpacking global power plays, Iran's ideological conflict, and the ripple effects on South Africa's fragile political landscape. From Trump-era strategy to ANC silence, it exposes how influence, religion, and realpolitik collide with devastating human consequences. With firsthand insight into communication blackouts and life under bombardment, the conversation warns of global fallout if the regime endures - and challenges business, civil society, and leaders to break their silence before it's too late.

In today's BizNews Daybreak: A fragile two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran faces immediate strain as conflicting reports emerge regarding shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and the exclusion of Hezbollah from the deal. Meanwhile, President Trump has voiced sharp criticism of NATO's performance during the conflict. Locally, concerns mount over South Africa's 40 "transformation funds," with experts warning of a lack of oversight for billions in taxpayer-funded disbursements.

In this interview with Chris Steyn, Garth Brook, the founder of River Rangers in Clarens, details his five-year battle with the Public Protector to ensure outstanding salaries are paid for a community-based programme that - at its height - employed over 180 people in one of the country's most poverty-stricken areas. Brook says when he first approached the Public Protector, he thought “in my stupidity and naivety that this is where God settles the deal. These are the people that protect the public. That's not true. That is absolutely not true.” Brook describes five years of evidence, submissions, patience, and “Stalingrad”-like silences… “I need an attorney that eats live crocodiles for breakfast…. I'm looking for a tough bullet-nosed attorney so that we can take this Public Protector to the cleaners and say, guys, sorry, the nonsense has got to stop.”

Donald MacKay pulls back the curtain on 40 "slush funds" draining billions from South African taxpayers without oversight. From the opaque Black Industrialists Fund to the staggering R43 billion automotive subsidy, MacKay reveals why a Mercedes-Benz costs R300,000 more at home than in Manhattan. Discover how decentralisation, the BRICS alliance, and government-protected monopolies are stifling growth, inflating costs, and leaving the nation's manufacturing sector vulnerable. It's time to follow the money - if only we could find it.

Pietermaritzburg stands at a crossroads. Melanie Veness paints a stark picture of governance failure, economic strain, and post-riot trauma - yet resilience runs deep. From crumbling infrastructure to bold private-sector action, the city's future hinges on leadership, accountability, and smart investment. As political uncertainty looms in KZN, the stakes couldn't be higher. Will voters drive meaningful change, or deepen the crisis? Amid the chaos, one truth emerges: South Africa's recovery will depend on empowered communities and businesses stepping up where the state has fallen short.

In today's BizNews Daybreak: President Trump agrees to a two-week ceasefire with Iran in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, delaying planned military strikes to allow for further negotiations. Meanwhile, South Africa implements the Public Service Amendment Act to professionalise administration and curb political "cadre deployment". Plus, Ian Cameron gives his take on the "kill the boer" chant controversy, Cuba's reliance on Chinese solar power amid a US oil blockade, and growing legal chaos in global energy markets.

In this fully licensed episode of the Financial Times' Unhedged podcast, Katie Martin and energy editor Malcolm Moore unpack the escalating global energy crisis triggered by disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. With millions of barrels of oil effectively trapped and supply chains under strain, the impact is already being felt from Asia to Europe — and here in South Africa at the pumps. As prices surge and shortages loom, this sobering deep dive reveals how fragile the global energy system really is — and why the worst may still lie ahead.

President Cyril Ramaphosa's assent to the Public Service Amendment Bill has been hailed as the most significant reform since 1996. In this interview with Chris Steyn, Ivor Chipkin, the Director of New South Institute (NSI), says “we've got now in law a distinction between political office and administrative office…Our politicians, our president, our cabinet ministers and our MECs no longer have the power to recruit and to make operational decisions inside departments. And senior officials extraordinarily can no longer be office bearers of political parties. Again, quite extraordinary…it blocks cadre deployment, makes cadre deployment essentially illegal or …very, very difficult.” Chipkin predicts that the new law is also going to change “the shape of…elite contestation”, saying: “Essentially what the new act does is it reduces the ability of a dominant political party, whether it's the ANC or any other party, to deploy people into the State directly and therefore to gatekeep access to State resources.” Chipkin also explains how South Africa's foreign policy is “strongly influenced” by political networks, both within the ANC, but also outside the organised political networks.

While the world has been captivated by the celebrity-funded rise of Wrexham, a South African hedge fund manager has been quietly writing an even more impossible football fairytale. Clive Nates, leading a consortium of South African investors, has just engineered Lincoln City's historic promotion to the English Championship—a tier the club hasn't reached in 65 years. Defying massive 1,000-to-1 odds and competing with a budget that ranked near the very bottom of League One, Nates applied "Moneyball" analytics and pure passion to outsmart the giants. Next season, this underdog squad will face off against massive English clubs, proving that South African grit and data-driven strategy can still conquer the beautiful game.

Behind the headlines lies a far more dangerous reality. Ian Cameron unpacks hidden corruption, failing policing systems, rising violence, and political power plays shaping South Africa today. From shocking testimony to hard truths about crime and accountability, the conversation reveals just how deep the crisis runs - and why fixing it may be harder than anyone admits.

In today's BizNews Daybreak we cover President Trump's aggressive deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, threatening the total demolition of Iranian infrastructure. While oil prices climb and the UN warns of international law violations, the Artemis II mission makes history by breaking space travel distance records. Locally, experts debate "state-proofing" South Africa through private sector independence and examine how a permanent global "deep state" may be dictating domestic policy over elected officials.

South Africa's crime crisis is under the spotlight as insiders expose rising kidnappings, failing leadership, and police misconduct. From shocking stories of VIP protection abuse to real risks facing ordinary citizens, this conversation pulls no punches. Hear how corruption, weak accountability, and poor systems are fueling insecurity - and what can actually be done to fix it. With firsthand experience and bold opinions, this is a gripping look at a country battling to restore trust, safety, and justice.

In a wide-ranging and controversial Q&A, Nick Hudson connects the dots between the Epstein files, global power networks and what he calls a “permanent bureaucracy” shaping decisions behind the scenes. From South Africa's policy direction to global finance and war, Hudson argues the real story lies beneath the surface — and it's not what most people think.

Adriaan Wildschutt came so close to an Olympic medal in Paris, delivering the country's strongest performance at the 2024 Games. With no track world championships on the calendar this year, Wildschutt shifted his focus to the roads and stormed to victory at the New York City Half Marathon in a blistering 59:30. Speaking to BizNews from Arizona, where he trains at altitude, Wildschutt reflected on a journey that began in Ceres and was propelled by a Zola Budd athletics scholarship that took him to the US. He now has his eye on the marathon at the LA Olympics in 2028. Alongside his athletic ambitions, Wildschutt is preparing for the release of his memoir, Change of Pace, which explores how hard work carried him from humble beginnings to the world stage, and has colaunched an electrolyte drink, Hybrid Water. The 27yearold, who has an MBA, emphasises the importance of good grades for athletes who want overseas scholarships and shares one gripe about South Africa: professional runners can't access university tracks without special permission, making it especially tough for young athletes without resources. – Linda van Tilburg

South Africa stands at a crossroads: lagging growth, rising pressure on taxpayers, and a state stretched to its limits. This sharp discussion contrasts the US, Europe, and emerging markets, arguing that real progress lies in empowering the private sector, cutting red tape, and restoring confidence. From unemployment realities to global risks and policy failures, it's a candid look at what's holding the country back - and the bold, practical shifts needed to unlock growth and secure a more resilient economic future.

In today's BizNews Daybreak, SpaceX's confidential IPO filing and Alec Hogg's analysis of Natie Kirsh's historic $29 billion Jetro sale. Outspoken entrepreneur Rob Hersov warns of national bankruptcy under the ANC's current trajectory, while political analyst Prince Mashele calls for a new political project led by competent, ethical leaders to replace the current system. Plus the "icy conclusion" of the legendary Warren Buffett and Bill Gates partnership.

In this Boardroom Talk, Alec Hogg unpacks the extraordinary rise of Natie Kirsh — from Potchefstroom entrepreneur to global business titan — as his Jetro empire is sold in a multibillion-dollar deal. It is a story of resilience, second chances and world-class value creation, showing how a South African businessman rebuilt from setback to create one of the biggest offshore success stories in the country's history.

DA finance spokesperson Dr Mark Burke explains why partial fuel-levy relief creates a major funding gap — and argues government should plug it by cutting waste and tapping underused state “pots of money” like the Compensation Fund. Alec Hogg's Bottom Line then covers Natie Kirsh's $29bn sale of Jetro to Sysco, Absa's strategy reset under Kenny Fihla and René van Wyk, and Sasol's successful $750m bond refinancing. Sakeliga CEO Piet le Roux urges South Africans to stay optimistic but warns a “bad wave” of policy risk is coming, requiring business and civil society to act beyond voting. Bloomberg closes with analyst Jessica Genauer saying President Trump is at a crossroads in Iran, with no good options while Tehran retains Hormuz leverage.

A bold call to action: South Africa needs more than talk - it needs execution. Educated citizens must step into politics, fund change, and build a credible, merit-driven alternative to failing systems. This vision demands courage, sacrifice, and unity across races and classes to restore hope, drive growth, and reclaim the country's future through competent, ethical leadership.

The suspension of Fort Hare Vice Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu has been hailed by Grant Abbott, the General Secretary of the National Tertiary Education Union. “He came in as a corruption buster, saying he's going to renew the institution and root out corruption. If anything, he's allowed the corruption to continue. He's allowed it to be further entrenched. He's not rooted out anything,” Abbott charges.” He points out that the 20 odd people under arrest currently in the Fort Hare saga, were appointed as employees or service providers during the VC's tenure. “So while this suspension right now might look like it's an isolated incident, it is not. It is what I would describe as the last straw that broke the camel's back.” Abbott also urges the investigation of other people that have also been implicated in financial irregularities, but are still there. “Don't cover for them. Let them clean out the thing, but let's do that thing properly, not how Buhlungu allegedly said he was going to do.”

A friendship that defined modern capitalism is quietly unravelling. In this episode of Boardroom Talk, Alec Hogg explores the growing rift between Warren Buffett and Bill Gates - and what it reveals about power, reputation, and the consequences of association in the highest circles of global business.

Rob Hersov exposes South Africa's deepening crisis: weak governance, failing education, and a disengaged electorate. Speakers argue that poor voter understanding and lack of accountability keep destructive policies in power, while real economic drivers go unrecognised. With frustration mounting, solutions range from grassroots action to political funding and international pressure. The warning is stark - without meaningful reform and informed participation, the country risks further decline, leaving citizens to shoulder the consequences of leadership failures and missed opportunities.

In this episode of BizNews Daybreak, global markets rally as President Trump predicts an end to the war in Iran within weeks. Locally, Remgro announces a massive R16.5 billion deal to simplify its Mediclinic holdings. We also examine the mechanics of South African fuel prices with Mark Burke, while by-election data reveals ANC support hitting a historic low of 34%.