Welcome to BizNews Radio where we interview top thought leaders and business people from South Africa and across the globe.
There have been “very, very few signs of a military coup or a revolution in South Africa” , says Elections Analyst Wayne Sussman in his latest interview on BizNews. He was reacting to a coup being one of the key threats listed in the National Security Strategy report for 2024 - 2028. “I can't think of an actor in our Defense Force who'd be positioned to be able to lead a coup,” he says. However, Sussman agrees that some of the other key threats identified are real challenges. He says the assassinations of key figures in the lead-up to elections “means that we won't attract good people into politics, won't attract good people to stick their heads up and get involved with business leaders or civil society leaders”. He agrees that sabotage too is a big threat that has “metastasised through the mafias we see over the country, blocking economic growth, blocking infrastructure spend, blocking service delivery”. Sussman further gives an in-depth analysis of the latest by-election results and previews upcoming by-elections that could set the tone for the 2026 municipal elections.
In the most recent annual assessment of trade relationships, the US listed three pages of ‘non-tariff barriers' imposed by South Africa, whose exports currently enter America duty-free. From August 1, Trump Tariffs will make SA goods 40% more expensive for Americans. Trade expert, former WTO senior official Johann Human rates the chances of SA avoiding Trump Tariffs at ‘zero' and in this powerful interview, says unless Pretoria starts to take US objections, SA goods will soon be priced out of the world's biggest marketplace, with a devastating impact on employment. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.
In today's BizNews Briefing, Prince Mashele slams Cyril Ramaphosa in a fiery SMWX interview; the ANC accuses the DA of undermining national interests amid tensions with the US. Alec Hogg hears from KZN exporters facing 40% tariffs and Dr Frans Cronje on why Helen Zille as Joburg mayor could be a political masterstroke. Minister Solly Malatse discusses Starlink's South African prospects, and Trump denies plotting to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
National Business Chamber chair Melanie Veness, whose day job is CEO of the PMB & Midlands Chamber, says whistleblowing Gen Nhalnha Mkhwanazi is fully supported on the ground in KZN. She says efforts by the provincial head of SAPS have been successful in turning the tide against crime and corruption - and that his disclosures of corrupt MPs being in cahoots with criminals is no surprise in a province wracked by the consequences of endemic corruption. She also shares suggestions for exporters struggling to see a future with 40% export tariffs looming. Veness spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi should be protected. So says Moira Campbell, the joint interim leader at Corruption Watch. “…we are concerned about the victimisation of Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi….it took a lot for him to come forward…We must get to the bottom of this - and he should be protected in the process.” Meanwhile, Campbell has some hope that the Commission of Inquiry - appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations of underworld links between politicians, cops and crime lords - might be more effective than previous commissions of inquiry. “…the high level nature of these allegations will make it quite difficult to circumvent any kind of attempts to derail the commission”. She describes how Corruption Watch has “for a long time been concerned about the infiltration of criminal syndicates into police structures…at different levels”, and did make submissions to the Zondo Commission back in 2019 already. However, despite a recommendation in the Zondo Commission report that it should be investigated, that did not happen. “…we might have avoided such a situation if those investigations had begun to sort of unravel the criminal links…the fact that these allegations have come to light now, almost forces the hand of the government to actually address this. But, we've lost a lot of time, we've lost opportunities and… it's more than regrettable. It's actually a real failure on the part of our leadership.”
Political scientist Dr Frans Cronjé unpacks South Africa's rapid transformation, Helen Zille's potential mayoral bid, ANC factionalism, and looming US tariffs. In conversation with Alec Hogg, he highlights both crisis and opportunity, urging bold leadership and investment reforms to steer the nation towards recovery and sustainable growth.
With just two weeks to go before 30% tariffs are likely to come into effect on the 1st of August, it has emerged that President Cyril Ramaphosa's Special Envoy Mcebisi Jonas has not even been able to get into the US because his diplomatic visa was denied and his credentials rejected. In this interview with BizNews, Emma Powell, the Democratic Alliance's spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation, warns that South Africa is “hurtling towards disaster at a rapid rate” while “once again, the “Presidency and the President's Envoy are missing in action”. Powell charges that President Cyril Ramaphosa is most likely saving face by retaining this Special Envoy despite the diplomatic visa having been rejected, despite the US having informed the Presidency that they will not engage with Jonas. “So, it's my contention here that President Ramaphosa is more invested in saving face than he is in acting in the national interest in ensuring that we get a deal across the line by the 1st of August.” Powell examines the possible reasons for the US' rejection of Jonas, as well his appointment in the first place. Meanwhile, she warns, “hundreds of thousands of jobs are on the line”.
In today's BizNews Briefing, with US tariffs looming, DA's Emma Powell warns SA faces a diplomatic crisis as Ramaphosa's envoy falters. Corruption Watch's Moira Campbell discusses whistleblower protections for General Mkhwanazi post-explosive revelations. Minister Gayton McKenzie gears up for a bombshell testimony. Investors flock to catastrophe bonds as climate risks rise, while Tesla enters India's car market and ASML rides the AI boom.
In a wide-ranging and provocative address to the Rotary Club of Hermanus, BizNews founder Alec Hogg unpacks why 'First Principle Thinking', championed by Elon Musk, is the key to solving South Africa's biggest challenges in governance, media, and the economy.
In today's BizNews Briefing, US President Donald Trump has warned Russia of 100% secondary tariffs unless a Ukraine deal is reached within 50 days, while pledging advanced US weapons to Ukraine, with NATO footing the bill. Meanwhile, RW Johnson says Trump's push to exempt US firms from South Africa's BEE laws has exposed its economic flaws. Nvidia resumes H20 chip exports to China, and Bitcoin hits $122,000 as US lawmakers eye pro-crypto legislation. Neil de Beer urges South Africans to drive change from the streets.
In today's BizNews Briefing, Cyril Ramaphosa places Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave amid organised crime allegations. Ian Cameron says Ramaphosa missed a chance to tackle SA's crime crisis, while John Steenhuisen questions why other corrupt ministers remain untouched. Also in this episode: praise for top cop Mkwanazi, Kganyago on inflation targets, and Nvidia's meteoric Wall Street surge.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has missed a “golden opportunity to draw the line in the sand” with regards to organised crime. So says Democratic Alliance (DA) Spokesperson on Police, Ian Cameron, in his reaction to the President's appointment of a Commmissioner of Inquiry to investigate allegations of links between the underworld and the police and politicians. “For us to reach this level of criminality and specifically with regards to organised crime, the only way to get there is essentially through serious State involvement, specific stakeholders in government playing a role to facilitate organised criminal activity…. So, the frustrated look on the President's face last night or the so-called surprise of, wow, is this happening? It's absolute nonsense. They've known about it for so long. And it's because a decision was never made, because there wasn't any form of backbone to actually resolve the issue that we are in the position that we are in now.” Meanwhile there is a “massive information war” raging. “…We mustn't forget that this isn't just a matter of good versus evil. There are significant factional battles inside the South African Police Service, the majority of it being linked to some form or another of politics…,” he adds.
In this wide-ranging interview, Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago speaks to Bronwyn Nielsen ahead of the impact of the Trump tariffs on Asa's agricultural and auto sector, the push to modernise payments, and why central banks are struggling to model a future clouded by global uncertainty. Kganyago also unpacks opportunistic disinflation, interest rate scenario planning, and what's needed to finally get South Africa's economic “orchestra” playing in tune.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is “not scared of all types of bombs”. So says former police commander Willem Els, who is now with the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) as Senior Training Coordinator in the ENACT organised crime programme. Els tells BizNews that the “bomb” dropped by the General last Sunday took “tremendous courage”. Els, who trained the General in Bomb Disposal, described him as a”disciplined officer, a straight talker, a straight shooter, a straight walking” officer who is doing “the right thing as a policeman in his heart, in his actions…”, stressing: “He's a policeman in heart and down to the bone.” Apart from training the General, Els also worked with him on s number of foreign missions, and the two even had to “hot extract” former President Thabo Mbeki and then Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma from a coup in Haiti. They also worked together in Mozambique “where we lifted arms caches and destroyed huge, huge numbers of arms and munitions”, as well as in Equatorial Guinea in preparation of an African Union Summit. Els warns that it would “hurt” President Cyril Ramaphosa “very much” if he deals with the general's allegations of police-underworld links by using the “old playbook that the ANC (African National Congress) has been using ever since they came to power”. As for threats that black and white citizens could even riot together if the KZN general is not treated right, Els notes there are people who say “we might see a repeat of 2021 if people feel that they're not being listened to…”
Centuries ago, the French Huguenots sowed the seeds of winemaking in South Africa. Now, the tables have turned—South Africans are bringing a taste of their own culture back to French soil. One of them is South African businessman Christo Lindeque, who, along with his wife Elbe, breathed new life into Château de Montfleur, a 15th-century turreted château that had stood uninhabited for decades. The manager of Château de Montfleur, Carel Nolte, told BizNews in an interview that there are now about 30 South Africans living in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, including artists and entrepreneurs who have opened shops. Although French bureaucracy can be challenging, Nolte says the community has been exceptionally welcoming—and the South Africans have even introduced their beloved tradition of ‘le braai' to the locals.
Ninety One, managing £130.8bn, released a white paper, “The Unstoppable Dollar Meets the Immovable Mr Trump,” predicting the end of a 14-year US dollar upcycle. Sahil Mahtani, Head of Macro Research, told BizNews the dollar faces an inflection point driven by geopolitics, interest rates, investment trends, and currency interventions. He forecasts a potential 25% decline, signalling a multi-year bear market with implications for asset allocation. Mahtani notes investors are diversifying from US equities, potentially boosting non-US assets in emerging markets and Europe. He says the Chinese renminbi's global reserve status hinges on China easing capital controls.
The pot-boiling strategy of destructive ANC economic policies is typified in its approach to employment equity, a quota-based employment system that SA businesses are obliged to implement from September. Sakeliga executive director Russell Lamberti explains why his organisation and Neasa are approaching the courts to block the ANC's most granular racial policy yet attempted. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.
South Africa's sluggish economic growth since 2010 has left its citizens 40% poorer than the global average. Osagyefo Mazwai, investment strategist at Investec Wealth & Investment International told BizNews in an interview that the country's GDP per capita decoupled from global peers in 2010, with growth averaging just 1% annually compared to 4.5% for emerging markets. This has resulted in a nominal GDP of R7.4 trillion today, versus a potential R11.5 trillion had growth kept pace. The R5 trillion shortfall in government revenue could have reduced national debt and funded critical infrastructure, like Eskom's R400 billion transmission network expansion. He said key barriers to growth are energy shortages, logistics inefficiencies, crime, and an under-skilled workforce and called for urgent government action to stabilise electricity, improve logistics, reduce crime, and enhance workforce skills and to foster a business-friendly environment with less red tape.
In his latest interview with BizNews, Elections Analyst Wayne Sussman explains why KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's Press Conference was “absolutely devastating”. He says the General's claims “go to the heart of the challenge of the ANC, that President Ramaphosa was going to reform the ANC and course correct after the devastating years of Jacob Zuma leading the ANC”. Intead, “here you have one of his trusted lieutenants, one of his right-hand men, one of the people in the party he's extremely close to, being fingered with the most damning of evidence with ties to the underworld”. He notes that the implicated Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was going to play “a key role in the next election for the ANC to recover all that lost support in KwaZulu-Natal”. Sussman also laments the assassination of African National Congress (ANC) councillor Thabang Masemola in Ward 10 in Mamelodi, saying that “this is becoming too common a feature of Gauteng politics”. Dissecting the latest by-election results, Sussman says the “the DA will say that they are on track on the road to Tshwane, which will be a battleground metro in 2026; uMkhonto weSizwe make inroads in ANC heartland, in Xhosa-speaking heartland; the Freedom Front will say…that they have some hope in the Free State”. He also gives a preview of upcoming elections that could be “really narrative forming on the road to the 2026 local government elections”.
In today's BizNews Briefing, Cyril Ramaphosa lashes out at Donald Trump over BRICS trade threats; economist Dawie Roodt unpacks the bleak outlook for South Africa's growth; the DA slams the Public Investment Corporation as corrupt; Capitec CEO Gerrie Fourie questions official unemployment stats; and Canada reveals sweeping new energy reforms. Plus, JP Morgan's top economist forecasts no Fed rate cuts before year-end.
With the Ramaphosa government digging in its heels over black empowerment rules amid increasing pressure to abolish regulations that have advantaged a small percentage of black business leaders in South Africa, Gary Bannatyne, Managing Director of Shaper, has challenged some of the negative perceptions surrounding Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE). Bannatyne highlights the transformative potential of B-BBEE if it is not merely a box-ticking exercise in uplifting unemployed youth, boldly stating, "Not all BEE is bad." He describes Shaper's fit for the workplace programme as a process where they “panel beat” young individuals to make them work-ready. He notes the overwhelming talent entering the market from universities, with sometimes 3,000 applicants for just 10 positions, many of whom have heartbreaking stories. To upskill these young graduates and matriculants, B-BBEE can serve as a "cheat code"—if executed correctly, he says, "it is almost like gaming the system."
Derangement describes the detached armchair observers who judge those in the arena. Capitec CEO Gerrie Fourie and Kasinomics author GG Alcock have had their fill of these critics - and explain why to BizNews editor Alec Hogg in this forthright interview about the unappreciated slug of South Africa's economy. The two champions of SA's Emerging Sector explain why the official data is badly wrong - and how the country's unemployment rate is closer to 10% than the widely quoted 30%. Hitting back at the hand-wringers with a message of hope - and reality.
Evidence-based insights into the latest Trump Tariffs from California-based Bheki Mahlobo, economist and partner at Frans Cronjé Private Clients. His conclusion: South Africa is a mountain of missed opportunities, the result of own goals scored through poor decisions. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.
In today's BizNews Briefing, Donald Trump earned a Nobel Peace Prize nomination from Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu for his peacemaking efforts as the Israel-Hamas truce talks progressed. In South Africa, Aubrey Matshiqi exposes a “deep state” of rogue politicians and business figures looting the nation. Sakeliga's Piet le Roux critiques BEE and “equity equivalence” deals as patronage networks blocking firms like Starlink. Economist Bheki Mahlobo warns that South Africa's foreign policy missteps are repelling US investment. Agbiz's Wandile Sihlobo stresses export diversification over reliance on China. Cathie Wood discusses Tesla, Apple's talent issues, and Meta's AI strategy.
The primary focus for South African trade this week is on United States policy and tariffs. In this interview with BIzNews, Wandile Sihlobo, the Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), warns that South Africa “cannot just substitute the US” and that “it's really about listening to what the US puts on the table, about what they demand, and see what South Africa can continuously improve on the offer that we have”. He lists all the reasons why China should not be seen as a replacement for the US market. He further cautions that trade with BRICS countries should also not be viewed as a replacement for the US or other markets. "We can't because…the US is about 4% of our agricultural exports, but the African continent, which is largely not part of the BRICS, accounts for about half of South Africa's agricultural exports. The EU accounts for about 19% of South African agricultural exports.” Sihlobo also gives an overview of major developments in the agriculture sector over the past 31 years, and lists all the steps needed to keep the sector on a positive footing.
In today's BizNews Briefing, South Africa faces a 30% US tariff, among 14 countries, despite President Ramaphosa's claims of a successful White House meeting. Plus a potential BRICS surcharge. Joel Pollak told BizNews' Alec Hogg that tensions stem from South Africa's land reform policies and its ICJ case against Israel, fueling US perceptions of anti-Americanism. A proposed US bill threatens aid freezes and Global Magnitsky Act sanctions to pressure Pretoria's foreign policy. The DA's Ian Cameron demands that Ramaphosa address Police Commissioner Mkhwanazi's allegations, highlighting a national security crisis. Meanwhile, Elon Musk's “America Party” proposal raises questions about his rift with Trump, potentially impacting Tesla shareholders further. This, as US markets continue to breach record levels.
South Africa was singled out for special mention by US President Donald Trump in the White House last night when he announced an extension of its ‘reciprocal' tariffs deadline by three weeks. Trump said SA goods would be hit by a 30% tariff from 1 August. Breitbart senior editor Joel Pollak, whose knowledge of both countries saw him widely tipped to be Trump's SA ambassador, provides context. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.
In today's BizNews Briefing, Cyril Ramaphosa vows the national dialogue will proceed without the DA, as John Steenhuisen hits back at Thabo Mbeki's criticism. Deputy President Paul Mashatile highlights tensions threatening the GNU's stability, while Trump's looming tariffs send shockwaves through South Africa's citrus industry. Plus, Bloomberg questions whether BRICS can fill the global void left by a retreating America.
There has been a swell of public and Parliamentary party political support for KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi after he made explosive allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. In this interview with BizNews, Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on Police, Ian Cameron says: “..all the political parties are at one that they must come to Parliament to account…I would find it very shocking that a provincial commissioner like General Mkhwanazi would take the risk, both physical and in terms of his job, his entire career, would take the risk that he took yesterday if he didn't have something to back it up with”. Cameron - who once had high hopes for the new Police Minister - adds: “I can't defend the Minister in any way. He hasn't answered substantially to any significant corruption matters that were reported to him by the committee, by myself as well.” As for the response from President Cyril Ramaphosa, Cameron says: “The President (stated) that he would give urgent attention to the matter and that it is a matter of national security. And I agree, it definitely is…. It comes back to one, the President, it comes back to the Minister of Police and to the National Commissioner of Police. Those three people should be held accountable for the disaster that we're currently in. “
In the latest Sunday Show on BizNews, Neil De Beer, the President of the United Independent Movement, and journalist Chris Steyn talk about the latest political drama. De Beer charges that South Africa is in pseudo undercover dictatorship - despite the African National Congress (ANC) being “in ICU”. He comments on all the options ranging from a Vote of No Confidence in President Cyril Ramaphosa to Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Chair Helen Zille dropping either the nuclear bomb or atom bomb “which she says she holds”. He weighs the strengths of the factions in the ANC and says, in the last NEC, there was such a stand-off between President Cyril Ramaphosa and SG Fikile Mbalula over the party staying in the GNU that rumour has it that the president actually got up and left. Meanwhile, word on the street has it that Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is losing popularity. As for future elections, De Beer warns: “The ANC has an attitude with its gatherings, its giving of Kentucky, its giving of the T-shirt and the cap, and it wins those logistics every time. And until the DA and all of us don't get it that we've got to fight fire with fire, we will never get that power change in this country.” Turning to “murder by power', De Beer laments the assassination of the Ekhurhuleni Audit Chief, as well as the alleged involvement of Special Forces soldiers in a “hitsquad unit to kidnap and take people out”.
Croquet may conjure images of British lawns and cucumber sandwiches. Or, if you've read Alice in Wonderland, you might recall the phrase “Off with their heads!” - with the Queen using flamingos as mallets, hedgehogs as balls, and playing cards as hoops. These aren't images typically associated with South Africans, who are more known for their sporting prowess on rugby fields, cricket pitches, and in swimming pools. And yet, one of the world's greatest croquet players, Reg Bamford from Cape Town, who first picked up a mallet at the age of four in Rondebosch, has just claimed his 13th British Golf Croquet Open Championship title - adding to a glittering list of accolades that includes multiple world championships. Although he has lived in the UK for years, Bamford continues to represent South Africa on the international stage. Most recently, he captained the national team at the World Croquet Championships in Tasmania, securing their place in the sport's top tier. Bamford, who is also the founder of immigration specialists Sable International, told Biznews in an interview that he's becoming an inventor, developing a sleek, portable swing trainer designed to help players perfect their technique. A prototype, he tells us, will be available soon.
In today's BizNews Briefing: the Financial Times tracks Trump's looming tariff deadline; the DA rejects the R30bn human settlements budget over corruption claims; Professor Theo Venter urges quiet diplomacy to stabilise the GNU; OUTA's Wayne Duvenage shares his hopes for SA's future; Ian Cameron welcomes more funds for the police; and Wedbush warns Musk to tread carefully with Trump - for Tesla's sake.
In his latest interview with BizNews, US intelligence analyst, retired Colonel Chris Wyatt, dissects the latest visit by yet another Afrikaner delegation to the White House; reveals that more Afrikaner refugees have arrived in the US in recent days, but warns that people's expectations of this programme are “wildly unrealistic”. He also gives the backstory to US President Donald Trump threatening to pull subsidies to billionaire Elon Musk companies. On the military front he has high praise for the US strikes on Iran, but a scathing verdict on the state of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). “And this is a consequence of racist policies and underfunding. The two have played a major role in destroying the South African National Defense Force. And it's embarrassing, but the South African National Defense Force couldn't defeat Namibia right now, might even not be able to beat Lesotho or Eswatini.” He further warns that South Africa had “a dress rehearsal at a coup d'etat” in July of 2021 in KwaZulu-Natal and in parts of Gauteng - and says: “And I think there are elements inside the government that are disloyal to the government of South Africa. And we saw that play out in July 2021. And they're still there. No one has removed these people. And if the proverbial cow dung hits the fan, I think we'll see where people's true loyalties lie, which might frighten a lot of South Africans.”
In his latest interview with BizNews, Ian Cameron, the Chair of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police, gives his take on the apparent assassination of the Head of the Ekurhuleni Forensic Audit Investigation Division, Mpho Mafole, saying: “…what happened with him, it unfortunately has become the norm, especially for people that work in these types of departments”. Commenting on the arrests of Crime Intelligence (CI) chief General Dumisani Khumalo and other high-ranking police officers, Cameron states: “…if cases are proved through this and successful prosecution does happen, it will stand as one of the biggest moves of its kind in South Africa, ever, from what I know.” He also has some good news about the latest SAPS budget: “I must tell you from all the annual performance plans, strategic plans that I've ever seen of the South African Police Service, this is really the best one.” One of the highlights is a “massive push” to better allocate resources to Public Order Policing. However, he expresses “huge concerns” about the integrity management of PSiRA where the very people being implicated in significant corruption just stay in their positions. “South Africans can't go without private security, but now the very people that need to police private security also need policing.”
A dozen years after their accelerating exercise in State plunder began, former Transnet and Eskom bosses Brian Molefe and Anoj Singh are back in the spotlight after this week's court appearance. Civic society body OUTA played a major role in accumulating evidence that put them in the dock. OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage reminds us how the Gupta family used willing puppets like Molefe and Singh to fleece tens of billions from South African taxpayers through inflated contracts with Chinese suppliers. Duvenage spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.
In today's BizNews Briefing, US President Donald Trump announced that the tariff pause would end on 9 July, threatening new duties in countries like Japan if trade talks falter. Meanwhile, Afrikaner leaders Corné Mulder, Theo de Jager, and Gerhard Papenfus returned from Washington, discussing South Africa's challenges. Mulder, Freedom Front Plus leader, highlighted US awareness of local realities. De Jager warned that bad policies, not race, deter investment and risk AGOA. Papenfus criticised ANC ideology and BEE laws for harming investor confidence. The DA is charging Minister Nkabane with fraud. Figma filed for a US IPO, a much-anticipated tech listing.
Fresh from high-level meetings in Washington, Afrikaner leaders Corné Mulder, Theo de Jager, and Gerhard Papenfuss return with a warning: unless South Africa changes course on BEE, farm murders, land expropriation, and inflammatory rhetoric, US relations - and critical trade benefits - are on the brink. In this powerful BizNews interview, the trio reveals the four conditions set by the White House to reset ties with Pretoria and warns of the economic and political fallout if the ANC continues to double down.
On today's BizNews Briefing, Elon Musk reignites his verbal spat with Donald Trump, slamming the Senate's tax bill for cutting electric vehicle credits. The DA threatens a no-confidence motion against Ramaphosa, warning of economic collapse if ousted from the GNU. From the archives, ANC's Zikalala reminds us why they favoured the DA, and rejected an EFF coalition. Top cops face scrutiny as Paul O'Sullivan vows to uphold the rule of law. Africa's BPO sector booms, but automation looms. US markets hit record highs.
Forensics for Justice founder Paul O'Sullivan has made it his mission to go after corrupt cops. In this interview with BizNews, he speaks about the ultimatum he has issued to Police Chief Fannie Masemola to suspend all the top cops arrested and charged last week by today or face an urgent High Court case. He also wants the Commissioner gone. “I've made it clear to Masemola…that I'm going for him. I want him out. I want him gone.” Speaking in the wake of the arrests of Crime Intelligence (CI) boss General Dumisane Khumalo and other top cops, O'Sullivan describes how the criminal justice system has been infiltrated by the underworld - and how it is being “played” by dirty cops and dirty lawyers. Meanwhile, O'Sullivan has spent at least R15-million of his own money on exposing dirty cops. He has had a hand in the downfall of two commissioners of police, one head of The Hawks, 15 generals and 17 brigadiers over the past 20 years. “…if you're a dirty cop and you're out there, my warning to you is watch this space because if you're a dirty cop and you're out there, we're coming for you.”
Helen Zille, Chair of the DA Federal Council, asserts the party won't be forced out of the Government of National Unity. She warns of severe economic consequences if ousted and criticises the ANC's breaches of their agreement. Zille confirms the DA is ready to escalate matters, including a no-confidence motion.
Tensions rise in South Africa's government of national unity as DA leader John Steenhuisen slams Ramaphosa over a travel spat involving Andrew Whitfield. ANC's Mbalula hits back, accusing the DA of blackmail, while Julius Malema eyes a DA exit as his party's path to power. Neil de Beer weighs in on the GNU chaos, and Jacob Zuma takes the ANC to court over his expulsion. Plus, Nvidia edges toward a record-breaking $4 trillion valuation.
Two days of nail-biting drama in the Government of National Unity (GNU) is on top of the agenda in today's Sunday Show with Neil de Beer, the President of the United Independent Movement, and journalist Chris Steyn. After another round of sabre rattling by the Democratic Alliance (DA) that is once again staying in the GNU to “prevent a Doomsday Coalition', De Beer says: “We are already in a Doomsday Coalition…because the ANC is sitting in the current GNU and they're running it as if it is their own. So what is the difference between a ANC-EFF-MK coalition partnership agreement than the current GNU that just gets overridden? In the current GNU, you just get told to shut up, but in the other side, you just steal more…” Talking BizNews viewers through the exposure of Deputy President Paul Mashatile's Lotto license links; the arrests of Crime Intelligence (CI) boss General Dumisami Khumalo, four other generals and two brigadiers; and those of a dozen South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers in connection with the murder of a Hawks investigator, De Beer says South African “is not becoming a Banana Republic. We are Fruit Salad. Klaar. We are sommer 'n Fruit Salad, not just a Banana.” As for the latest visit by Afrikaner leaders to Washington, De Beer warns that US President Donald Trump seems to have moved on to bigger issues. “We, as South Africans, will have to find our own way.”
South Africans have developed inventive ways of tackling what the Automobile Association estimates to be a staggering 25 million potholes nationwide. Children have turned cavernous craters into makeshift swimming holes, and in Pretoria North, a local councillor planted trees in potholes as a form of protest. Across the country, private citizens and businesses alike have stepped up. One corporate player making a notable impact is Discovery Insure, which has helped fill 280,000 potholes in Johannesburg over the past four years. Discovery's Chief Commercial Officer, Precious Nduli, told BizNews the initiative is a partnership with the City of Johannesburg and the Johannesburg Roads Agency. Their mandate focuses on repairing smaller potholes, and they've even established a Pothole Repair Academy - yes, "pothole repairer" now appears to be an official trade. Nduli noted that beyond the physical improvements, initiatives like these speak to something deeper. Restoring what's broken restores a sense of collective optimism and perfectly embodies the South African spirit of tackling problems head-on. – Linda van Tilburg
The African National Congress' (ANC's) collaboration with the IRGC (The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) “is akin to them being complicit in the mass murder and genocide of black Christians throughout Africa through IRGC funded terrorist entities”. That is the charge from Brooke Goldstein, the executive director of the Lawfare Project, who says black African Christians throughout the Middle East were also being slaughtered by Islamist terrorist groups funded by Iran. In this interview with BizNews, She warns: “…it's dangerous because again, ANC members can be sanctioned, their accounts can be sanctioned. I think that's really where we're going… And so the ANC really has to look long and hard to see what they're doing and at what cost their relationship with the IRGC.” She also warns that millions of dollars of funding from the United States for the University of Cape Town (UCT) is at risk because members of Hamas and Hezbollah have allegedly addressed students on campus. Giving an update on the war in the Middle East, she says: “All of the Iranian regime proxies are still active. They still have weapons. They still have declared war. There's Muslim Brotherhood sleeper cells, Hamas and Hezbollah sleeper cells around the world. They are continuing to threaten world stability and security. I don't think the '12 Day War' is really an accurate description of what's going on here.”
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The Patriotic Alliance (PA) has shown huge gains in by-elections at the expense of both the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA). In his latest interview with BizNews, elections analyst Wayne Sussman describes how the DA and the ANC are being affected by the PA's performances “across the length and breadth” of the Western Cape. “And this is a huge marker on the road to 2026. And Gayton McKenzie and the PA will be celebrating this victory today.” He was speaking after the PA's shock win in Mossel Bay last night. Sussman also analyses the DA performance in Tshwane where it held a ward last night, as well as the ANC seeing “some recovery” in Mpumalanga. Sussman further dissects the latest dramatic developments in the City of Joburg where the ANC Mayor survived a Vote of Confidence, but the ActionSA Speaker was ousted.
On today's BizNews Briefing, President Ramaphosa defended BEE in the NCOP, calling it vital for growth and a "national project," dismissing claims it hinders investment. He proposed an "equity equivalent" model for firms like Starlink to invest while prioritising transformation. IRR's Marius Roodt labelled Ramaphosa's BEE stance "empty rhetoric," advocating economic growth over redistribution. Dr. Corné Mulder criticised BEE as punishing future generations, urging equal opportunities. Afrikaner delegates met White House officials to rebuild ties. Accounting firms eye IPOs, and the Springboks face the Barbarians this weekend, 30 years after their 1995 Rugby World Cup triumph.
Donald Trump lashes out with an F-bomb over Israel-Iran ceasefire breaches, sparking global concern. Paul Mashatile faces scrutiny over alleged Lotto licence meddling, while DA youth leaders warn MP Liam Jacobs may regret his defection to the Patriotic Alliance. Finance Minister Godongwana's proposal for full state funding of political parties draws fire from Neil de Beer, calling it “DoF Moment No. 2.”
Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau was “surprised” by the links of Deputy President Paul Mashatile to the new Lotto licensee appointed by him at the end of May. So says Toby Chance, the Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on Trade, Industry and Competition, after the Minister was questioned today. “Minister Tau didn't appear to be aware of it, which raises serious questions of due diligence in the Lottery adjudication process.” Chance says there are lots of unanswered questions “and unfortunately, it's a classic case - yet again - of how State Capture and corruption works. It's a dubious connection between politicians, business people and public officials. which has led to the downfall of so many of our institutions.” Chance adds that the corruption charges laid against the Deputy President by the DA over a year ago are still pending. “And so I think that what Mr. Tau is able to uncover, if he does go ahead with this investigation into Sizekhaya's shareholding, could be the beginning of a slippery slope for the Deputy President.”
The shock defection from the Democratic Alliance to the Patriotic Alliance of Liam Jacobs has opened a can of worms. In this interview with BizNews, interim DA Youth Federal Leader Ndipiwe Olayi describes the reasons Jacobs put forward as “really unfair and untrue”. He recalls being with Jacobs the day before he made the announcement when “he was actually celebrating how the DA has been performing”. Olayi notes that in Jacobs's live social media appearance “he was a bit manic - and it was hysterical to be very honest… And I think he will come to regret that decision.” Oyali also outlines what it takes to rise to the highest office in the DA Youth; his own track record in local government; his future politicas aspirations - and the vision of the DA Youth to deal with especially rampant youth unemployment. He has harsh words for the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) where “board members and individuals that are employed in the structure are employing cronies aligned to the ANC (African National Congress) Youth League. And we find that this billion-ran budget, if not more, because it gets a lot of investment from the private sector as well, it's mismanaged and misused.”
On today's BizNews Briefing, Tuesday, Trump claims an Israel-Iran ceasefire is in effect, urging on Truth Social: “Do not violate it!” Bloomberg notes that fighting persists. Iran's 400 kg+ near-weapons-grade uranium raises US-Israel concerns, per the Financial Times. In Washington, Freedom Front Plus' Corné Mulder pushes US partnerships, criticising ANC's Western alienation. Hudson Institute's webinar with Mulder's delegation warns ANC policies drive South Africa's decline. DA's Toby Chance slams Musina-Makhado as a wasteful project. Amabhungane reveals lottery tender ties to Deputy President Mashatile's sister-in-law.