BizNews Radio

Tonight's BizNews Briefing starts with Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo saying South Africa's public finances have reached a turning point, with debt stabilising and the deficit narrowing. Alec Hogg then reports from Parliament on bracket relief, a revenue surprise and improved “housekeeping” at Treasury. The programme shifts to the US for President Trump's economy-focused State of the Union, before closing with JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon warning that parts of the lending market are heating up again.

In today's BN Daybreak, we open with Bloomberg News Now on President Trump's first State of the Union of his second term — delivered just days after the Supreme Court overturned his emergency tariffs — as the White House sharpens its economic message ahead of the year's political battles. We then shift to the streaming wars, where Warner Bros. Discovery weighs a revised Paramount/Skydance offer — a $31-a-share cash bid — against its existing Netflix deal, with fresh negotiations now back on the table. From there it's all about Big Tech and the AI buildout: Meta is set to commit billions to AMD chips and AI systems over the next five years, underscoring the scale of the infrastructure race. In banking, JPMorgan boss Jamie Dimon warns he's seeing echoes of the pre-2008 rush for risky lending, calling out rivals for doing “dumb things”. Back in South Africa, energy expert Thomas Garner unpacks Eskom's warning that load-shedding could return in 2029 — and the political tug-of-war over an independent National Transmission Company. We close with economist Dawie Roodt's Budget preview: a possible revenue overrun, the temptation to spend windfalls, and what government should prioritise instead.

Tonight's BizNews Briefing spans energy, markets and policy. Thomas Garner explains why Eskom warns load-shedding could return in 2029 and what needs to change to prevent it. A SENS round-up then tracks improving property momentum, Aveng's return to profit, Super Group's resilience and a sharp drop in liquidations data. Bloomberg's Nassim Taleb warns that today's AI leaders may not remain tomorrow's winners, before Dawie Roodt previews Wednesday's Budget — with the revenue overrun the key swing factor.

In today's BizNews Premium Editor's Desk, Alec Hogg looks behind the curtain ahead of Budget lock-up — why South Africa's state has become too big, what a shrinking GDP-per-capita scoreboard signals, and what to watch for in the Minister's numbers. He also flags a sobering Financial Times read on Donald Trump's Iran dilemma and the rising risk of conflict, and ends with a practical Economist explainer on HRV — the wearable metric that may be the best indicator of overall health.

In this interview with BizNews, energy expert Thomas Garner looks at the reasons behind the warning in ESKOM's Medium Term Adequacy Report that loadshedding could return in 2029. He describes the various challenges ESKOM would have to overcome to prevent that, and shares what is possible to achieve in new grid capacity with different technologies: coal, nuclear, gas, solar and wind. He stresses that the challenges are “systemic and it comes a long way” and is also as a result of “the monopolistic nature of the animal ESKOM”. Commenting on President Cyril Ramaphosa's SONA statement that the National Transmission Company will be independent being contrary to what ESKOM and the Minister of Electricity had wanted, he says: “There's different factions within ESKOM. There's the faction that wants to see privatisation, a market, and full unbundling and then there's a faction that doesn't want to see it and wants to see the monopoly stay intact as it has been for the last hundred years. So it depends who's the management and it depends who's allowed to have the loudest voice.”

Today's BizNews Daybreak, hosted by Alec Hogg, covers sweeping international developments, market-rattling AI advancements, and crucial South African economic updates. Here is a breakdown of the key stories: Global Tariffs & Geopolitics: The White House is preparing a formal directive to increase the global tariff rate to 15%. Additionally, tensions between the US and Iran remain high, with the primary risk being the potential blockage of oil delivery from the Gulf Coast, which could push oil prices to $100. AI Disruptions & Market Moves: IBM shares tumbled 13% after Anthropic announced that its Claude code tool can modernize the Cobalt software language. This AI disruption led author Nassim Taleb to warn of impending software bankruptcies. On the M&A front, Paramount raised its all-cash bid to buy Warner Bros Discovery to $30 a share. Gold & Crypto: Gold surged 3% overnight to reach $5,250 an ounce. In contrast, Bitcoin lost 4%, dropping to $63,500. UK Political Scandal: UK police arrested Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to the US, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This arrest follows the release of emails allegedly showing him forwarding government information to Jeffrey Epstein. South Africa's Budget Windfall: Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will present the national budget with an estimated R50 billion windfall in additional revenue, driven by high gold and platinum commodity prices. Economist Dawie Roodt advises using these funds to cut corporate taxes and adjust personal income tax brackets, warning heavily against using the surplus to increase government spending. Local Parliamentary Inquiries: The ad hoc committee investigating police and political capture has drawn heavy criticism. Ian Cameron expressed disappointment, stating the proceedings resembled a "soap opera" driven by TikTok likes instead of serious questioning.

Tonight's BizNews Briefing covers four key themes: Dawie Roodt on what matters most in Wednesday's Budget; a SENS round-up led by Sasol, Nedbank, SPAR and Gemfields; Ian Cameron's “no-compromise” pushback to proposed firearm law changes; and Anton Roux on what South Africa must do to make a credible case for Formula One's return.

Forty-one budgets later, Dawie Roodt isn't buying the hype. With a possible R50bn revenue surprise, falling bond yields and stabilising debt, South Africa has a rare window to reform. But will Treasury slash corporate taxes and ease bracket creep - or funnel more money into SOEs, grants and a bloated wage bill? Roodt warns that windfalls tempt politicians… and markets are watching.

In this latest interview with Chris Steyn, Democratic Alliance MP Ian Cameron speaks about the possible agenda behind plans to amend firearm legislation. “Why are you really wanting to disarm the law-abiding people in the country? The only logical answer to me is that they foresee some kind of government or State tyranny. The only reason why you would disarm law abiding populace is to do terrible things to them…either that is the direct intention or they know that they would then push certain types of legislation through and that there would be no kind of potential resistance from good people if government were to force anything onto them.” Cameron describes it as the “biggest threat to any kind of freedom that you are meant to have in South Africa”. Cameron also comments on the police and political capture inquiries at the Madlanga Commission and Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee; dissects the latest crime statistics; and plans to deploy the SANDF to help the police fight crime.

In today's Editor's Desk, Alec Hogg strips away the corporate polish to reveal why Sasol's 18-month share price high masks a "difficult" set of financial results and an $800 million debt hurdle. We explore a "software apocalypse" sparked by AI , Ruchir Sharma's take on why gold is breaking every traditional investment model , and the political earthquake of Helen Zille's return to her home turf in Johannesburg. Plus, we look at the whispers surrounding Patrice Motsepe's potential path to the presidency.

Massive global shifts set the tone for the week. In today's BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg unpacks implications for those selling into the world's biggest market - and specifically South Africans companies - after the US Supreme Court's decision to halt President Trump's controversial tariffs; update on the oil price which is hopping on military tensions between the US and Iran; another Anthropic innovation sparks a further stage in the Software Apocalpse; a clear warning to the SA government on handling the new US Ambassador, Brent Bozell III; and how CityMender SA, built by a 23-year-old student, is tracking service delivery issues across 25 municipalities.

In the latest NdB Sunday Show, Chris Steyn gets comment from US Intelligence Analyst retired Colonel Chris Wyatt on the litany of international companies exiting South Africa or scaling down their operations; the collapse of Tongaat Hullet; the agenda of the new US ambassador Brent Bozell III; President Cyril Ramaphosa's response to the SONA debate; President Donald Trump's 10% response to SCOTUS striking down his reciprocal tariffs; the United States being ready strike Iran at “a moment's notice”; the meeting of Trump's Peace Board; and powerful people across the world being toppled because of their links to Epstein, the latest casualty being former Prince Andrew of the UK.

CityMenderSA was created by KwaZuluNatal engineering student Keyuren Maharaj to help residents report and track local infrastructure problems, an idea sparked by his experience chairing a ratepayers' association in Durban. He told BizNews that the app began as a simple tool for documenting servicedelivery failures but has since grown into a national platform covering 36 categories of issues across South Africa.Reports logged on the app are escalated directly to municipal councils, with updates and followups managed through features like WhatsApp integration to encourage faster responses. Maharaj stresses that user privacy is central: the platform collects no personal data beyond the WhatsApp phone number. With AI now built in, CityMenderSA can estimate realtime water loss from leaks and analyse patterns across municipalities. When Maharaj ran the algorithm on seven months of Johannesburg data, even the small sample of issues logged on the app revealed hundreds of thousands of litres of water lost. Bootstrapped from the start, CityMenderSA is already available in Afrikaans, Zulu and English, with more African languages on the way. Maharaj describes it as a “virtual butler for service delivery.” Once an issue is logged, he says, users know it's being tracked, increasing the chances it will eventually be fixed.

Since the last South African Grand Prix was raced at Kyalami in 1993, the country has made several attempts to bring Formula One back. The circuit has been upgraded to FIA Grade 2 standards, and various promoters, including the Kyalami owners and international partners, have tried to secure a deal with Formula One Management. Most recently, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie conceded that the 2027 race “will not take place now,” but said government remained committed to landing a future Grand Prix. Anton Roux, a former member of motorsport's governing body, the FIA Senate, and a trustee of the FIA Foundation, says South Africa's real obstacles lie elsewhere, in strained ties with Washington and a lack of political commitment at home. Roux told BizNews that South Africa has not done the diplomatic groundwork needed to convince Liberty Media, the American company that owns Formula One. His advice to the sports minister was blunt: start by backing, and showing up at, the international motorsport events South Africa already hosts, to prove the country can deliver an event that other African nations, like Rwanda, are now openly keen to host. But first, the interview dives into a question many motorheads are asking: Why are electric vehicles so ugly? Is Italian design the answer?

In today's edition of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg unpacks a whirlwind of global and local developments, from escalating geopolitical tensions to startling political revelations. Here are the key takeaways from the broadcast: Market Movements: Sasol shares surged 11% to R142. Meanwhile, profit-taking led to declines for companies such as Telkom, Sibanye, and MTN. On the global stage, Amazon officially dethroned Walmart as the world's largest company by revenue. Geopolitics & Global News: US military forces are stationed in the Middle East as President Trump weighs a limited military strike on Iran. In the UK, the one-time royal formerly known as Prince Andrew was arrested in connection with his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. F1 in South Africa: Former FIA Senate member Anton Roux warns that strained political relationships with Washington, not the Kyalami track itself, are blocking Formula 1's return to South Africa. He also cautioned that Rwanda is actively competing to host the Grand Prix. Wall Street Culture: A lawsuit by 21-year-old former Centerview banker Catherine Shiber, who was fired after presenting a medical note requesting 8-9 hours of sleep per night, is sparking a major debate over investment banking's gruelling 100-hour work weeks. Apartheid-Era Justice: Retired Judge Chris Nicholson dropped a bombshell regarding the reopened inquest into the 1985 Cradock Four murders. He claims an "unholy pact" was formed between the senior leadership of the ANC and the old National Party to protect apartheid-era criminals from prosecution. Mining Tribute: The episode features tributes by Peter Major to Clem Sunter and the late Jan Nelson, the visionary creator of the top-performing gold company Pan African.

Two mining giants pass. Gold stocks surge. Copper becomes the new AI trade. Peter Major unpacks Pan-African's breakout, Jubilee's Zambian bet, Kumba's iron ore warning - and why Zambia and the DRC are pulling ahead while South Africa stalls.

Tonight's BizNews Briefing tracks a busy market day across mining, money and technology: Peter Major names his preferred gold counters while warning copper could still be a crowded trade; Gold Fields leads a bumper SENS round-up with a $1.7bn shareholder return; Mitchell Fieldgate explains how Section 12B solar deductions work; and Bloomberg reports on humanoid robots going viral at China's Spring Festival Gala.

The inquest into the Apartheid-era killings of the Cradock Four reopens next month. In this interview with Chris Steyn, retired judge Chris Nicholson, who wrote Permanent Removal: Who killed the Cradock Four, speaks about the sinister reasons why State Security Council members ordered the killings have escaped justice. “I think the senior leadership of the ANC, as with the senior leadership of the Nats, came together and had an unholy pact in terms of which they said, we'll let the rats and mice be prosecuted, but we'll steer clear. So part of that unholy pact - and there are letters to that effect - shows that they were to be left alone. The hierarchy, the senior members of the ANC and the senior members of the Nat government were not to be touched.” Nicholson now remains hopeful, albeit sceptical, that the findings of the reopened inquest and outcomes of the current Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) Case Inquiry would bring the necessary justice. “…the sad thing to me is that it'll be another commission that will make findings with recommendations. And then will the politicians carry out the recommendations? That always seems to be the problem.”

In today's Editor's Desk update, Alec Hogg dives into the political whispers suggesting Patrice Motsepe may be the "rabbit in the hat" the ANC needs for the 2029 elections. We examine how recent changes to his role at African Rainbow Minerals align with these political ambitions and what a Motsepe presidency might look like for South Africa.

South Africa mourns a visionary: The Fox has left the building. In today's episode of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg pays tribute to Clem Sunter, the legendary futurist who mapped South Africa's transition to democracy. We revisit a prescient warning he issued in 2020: that a developing nation cannot prioritize the "Green Flag" of climate change at the expense of its economic survival and entrepreneurs. Also in this episode: The Fed's Hawkish Reality Check: Global markets are on edge after the release of the Federal Reserve's January minutes. With the battle against inflation stalled, officials warn that interest rate cuts aren't guaranteed—and hikes might even be back on the table. Social Media's “Big Tobacco” Moment: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg takes the stand in a watershed trial accused of designing platforms to addict children. Bloomberg's Kurt Wagner explains why this legal battle is an existential threat to the tech giant's business model. Challenging History: Political analyst Moeletsi Mbeki offers a provocative take on 1994, arguing that the real power shift wasn't to the ANC, but to an alliance of the African middle class and organized labor—who remain the state's true beneficiaries today.

Tonight's BizNews Briefing spans infrastructure, energy, markets and global tech risk. Stephen Moore argues Gauteng's water crisis needs urgent, ring-fenced funding. Dylan Bradfield outlines why Blue Label's non-Eskom power route into municipalities could be a breakthrough. We then track a bumper SENS day led by Glencore's copper pivot and gold-sector windfalls, before Bloomberg explains how AI disruption fears are hitting stocks beyond tech. And we pay tribute to Clem Sunter (1944 - 2026), renowned South African scenario planner and one of the BizNews tribe's most loved contributors.

Blue Label's long-awaited reset is underway. In this Director's Cut, Sharenet Wealth portfolio manager Dylan Bradfield unpacks Cell C's first post-listing results, Telkom's resurgence through Openserve, and the potentially game-changing move: Blue Label selling independent power to municipalities. With dividend potential, fintech growth and energy optionality all in play, Bradfield explains why Blue Label remains his top pick.

In South Africa, high earners face a 45% marginal rate with limited deductions, making Section 12B of the Income Tax Act a powerful tool to ease the tax burden while investing in renewable energy. In an interview with Biznews, Mitchel Fieldgate, wealth manager and alternative investment lead at Pangea Wealth, revealed they have facilitated R1 billion in deductions over the last two years. He noted that while this provides relief for high earners, it has also mobilised billions into commercial solar projects, reducing reliance on Eskom and alleviated load shedding. Fieldgate explained who might not benefit from the tax relief, clarified that it is not a tax loophole, and stressed that the 12B opportunities are not a one-size-fits-all solution. He suggested the government introduce similar tax breaks for repairing other infrastructure, such as water systems or roads, “because it mobilises money and there's no leakage.”

In today's edition, Alec Hogg explores a significant demographic milestone: new data reveals that African and white households are now level-pegging in South Africa's upper-middle-class income bracket. We delve into the implications of this shift, the migration of taxpayers from Johannesburg to Cape Town, and a critical look at Cyril Ramaphosa's presidency—a leadership defined by well-intentioned instructions that are rarely implemented in what has become a "Republic of no consequences".

South Africa's water crisis is becoming the new electricity crisis – with Joburg losing nearly half its supply to leaks. We unpack the DA's urgent warning. Meanwhile, corporate SA makes bold moves: MTN announces a massive all-cash deal to control its African towers, and Blue Label Telecoms gets the green light to broker electricity. Plus, the 'fatal mistake' that sank Tongaat Hulett.

In tonight's BizNews Briefing, Alec Hogg leads with a SENS-driven round-up: BHP's copper-led earnings, Afrimat's mixed operating picture and Blue Label's new energy-trading licence. David Woollam then weighs in on Tongaat Hulett, saying accountability gaps remain despite heavy professional-fee spend. Dino Zuccollo explains why UK property-backed private debt still appeals for defensive sterling income. The programme closes with Bloomberg's warning that AI demand is tightening global memory-chip supply.

After seven years sounding the alarm, analyst David Woollam breaks down Tongaat Hulett's implosion, the controversial Vision consortium takeover, and the looming economic fallout for KwaZulu-Natal's North Coast. With billions at stake and livelihoods on the line, this is the inside story of governance failure, corporate manoeuvring and what happens next.

From loadshedding electricity to load shifting water…The water supply crisis in many parts of South Africa against the background of the threat of global water bankruptcy - and the upcoming Local Government Elections is the topic of Chris Steyn's interview with Stephen Moore, the Democratic Alliance's spokesperson on Water and Sanitation. He describes how protests by long suffering residents have “really actually have galvanised” national government. “So we're seeing a response to the protests, which is which is key. But the honest truth is if nothing happens again, the next summer we're going to have this exact same thing…If we start having water outages in September, October, this issue is going to be the issue of the election.” Moore urges for budgets to be put in place “that are going to fix this, that are going to enable teams to handle this and start turning things around”. Meanwhile, the urges the public to keep up the pressure “because in an election year, maybe we can convince people that the unsexy infrastructure maintenance is the most important thing”.

In today's premium briefing, we dive into why the "rich getting richer" narrative fails when viewed on a post-tax basis and why entrepreneurs are reaching a breaking point with global tax hikes. Alec also explores the long-term reality of the AI revolution and a significant shift in South African monetary policy that could see the end of the traditional prime overdraft rate by 2027.

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.