BizNews Radio

There are growing fears that nuclear weapons could be used in the Iran war. That has brought renewed focus on that 2007 attempted armed robbery at South Africa's nuclear research site, Pelindaba, and the “security” of the country's large, high-quality enriched uranium stock. Chris Steyn asks Dr. Kelvin Kemm, a member of the South African Council for the Non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and the former Chairman of South African Nuclear Energy Corporation for his assessment. Asked whether it would be possible for South Africa to bypass the council and secretly gift another country some enriched uranium, Dr Kemm says: “It should not be bypassed because if the council is bypassed then the government is breaking its own rules and that would be serious…I would like to say that I think that's pretty much impossible.” Detailing South Africa's nuclear weapons programme under Apartheid, Dr Kemm says the country was busy with the seventh nuclear device when former President FW de Klerk ordered a stop. “A couple of them were smaller than the Hiroshima weapon of the Second World War and some of them were bigger than that.” Dr Kemm also details SA's future nuclear power plans.

From overconfidence to concentrated bets, Sean Peche unpacks the common traps that destroy wealth. His keynote offers a grounded, real-world approach to investing - and a reminder that staying rich is harder than getting rich.

Tonight's BizNews Briefing opens with Piet le Roux's warning that “transformationism” is unsustainable and that state failure — including a looming water crisis — is creating dangerous vacuums of authority. We then track a mixed JSE day as PSG Financial Services and AdvTech impress while Tungela and Oceana feel pressure. From BNC#8, Sean Peche, Piet Viljoen and Cy Jacobs unpack where AI helps investors — and where human judgement still matters most. We close with Ian Bremmer arguing the Iran war is not yet priced into markets, as Washington vacillates and the Strait of Hormuz remains the key economic lever.

Helen Zille delivered a hard-hitting BNC#8 address, drawing stark parallels between ancient Rome's collapse and Johannesburg's deepening crisis. She warns of failing infrastructure, entrenched corruption, and political fragmentation, arguing that only decisive governance and voter action can reverse decline. Her message is clear: Johannesburg stands at a do-or-die moment, and the outcome depends on the choices citizens make.

Join Alec Hogg for today's edition of BizNews Daybreak to cut through the noise and get the essential global and local business news you need to start your week. In this episode, we cover: Global Tensions & Oil Shocks: US President Trump issues a strict ultimatum to Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz, sparking significant volatility in the oil market. Consequently, South Africans must brace for brutal fuel price hikes, with DME now calculating that the current under-recovery is R8.80 per litre for petrol and a massive R15.10 per litre for diesel. Totalitarian Transformation? Sakeliga CEO Piet le Roux delivers a scathing critique of South Africa's BBBEE policies, arguing that the transformation framework is fundamentally totalitarian. SA as a 'Mafia State': In the wake of rising organised crime and targeted assassinations, Jonathan Deal speaks out on the political manipulation of the SAPS and the grim reality that South Africa is increasingly operating as a mafia state. Energy & Climate Narratives: At BNC#8 Nick Hudson took aim at the all-encompassing push for renewable energy in South Africa, characterising the climate crisis narrative as a "scam" orchestrated by global financial establishments. Market Wrap: A quick look at the overnight markets, featuring a drop in gold prices and stagnant movement for Bitcoin.

In a wide-ranging BNC#8 panel discussion, Piet Viljoen, Cy Jacobs, Peter Major and Sean Peche unpack where they still see opportunity after a strong run in South African assets, with ideas ranging from small- and mid-caps to copper and selected offshore shares. The quartet also debated crypto, AI's role in investing, gold's trajectory and the importance of culture, discipline and flexibility in navigating an increasingly uncertain market.

Piet le Roux delivers a fiery critique of South Africa's transformation agenda, warning it is fueling economic decline, state failure, and social division. Drawing on legal victories and frontline experience, he urges businesses to resist harmful policies and “state-proof” themselves. His message is stark: without decisive action, South Africa risks sacrificing both its prosperity and long-term future.

Now that Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee into police and political capture has concluded its hearings, Safe Citizen Founder Jonathan Deal tells Chris Steyn why South Africans should pay close attention to the final testimonies of Generals Fannie Masemola and Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. “When specialised units are allegedly dismantled under questionable circumstances, when 121 dockets can be controversially moved, when sworn testimony speaks of interference, weak vetting, procurement irregularities, and possible infiltration of the criminal justice system, the man in the streets understands exactly what this means. Extortion, assassinations, failed cases, fear, and criminals acting as if they were untouchable.” Deal slams the leadership of the Government of National Unity (GNU) for being “largely silent on the shocking things that are emerging in public”. He talks about the feared Big 5, and expresses the fear that despite the public exposure of crooked cops and criminal cartels, organised crime bosses will continue to try and capture politicians and top police officials. “I think that they might be a little bit more cautious, but it is after all, if one is in the criminal syndicates in South Africa, it is the only thing that you do. It's your source of income and the vested interests there are enormous.”

With one in five people in the world suffering from hearing loss, hearing care remains one of the least accessible areas of healthcare globally. A South African innovation led by University of Pretoria professor De Wet Swanepoel has helped to change that reality, using smartphones to take hearing screening, diagnostics and even treatment out of clinics and into communities. In an interview with BizNews, Prof Swanepoel explains how hearX, a company he founded and which was spun out of the university, developed digital tools for screening, clinical testing and selftest solutions that caught the attention of the World Health Organization. Prof Swanepoel highlights how hearX developed a probe to enable hearing screening for newborns, and how the company is addressing the exorbitant cost of hearing aids, which are now available over the counter in the United States. He says other countries, including South Africa, are watching this space closely. hearX has also launched a free AIenabled WhatsApp training programme for teachers, which he says is delivering measurable improvements in awareness and knowledge of hearing loss. – Linda van Tilburg

Nick Hudson delivers a controversial keynote linking state expansion, global finance and political power, arguing that the true drivers of today's system operate far beyond public view.

Piet dismantles the myth of market prediction, arguing that success comes from judgment, discipline, and respect for history. Drawing on timeless lessons, he reveals why human behaviour drives cycles, why diversification and liquidity matter, and why survival beats brilliance. In a world obsessed with forecasts, this approach focuses on resilience, patience, and compounding long-term wealth.

Buckle up, South Africa—a historic economic shock is heading straight for the petrol pumps. In today's episode of BizNews Daybreak with Alec Hogg, we break down the perfect storm of geopolitical tensions and local pressures threatening your wallet, alongside the latest market and political shifts shaping the nation and the world. In today's episode: Historic Fuel Shock: South Africans are bracing for record fuel hikes, with current under-recoveries showing a R7.50-per-litre shortfall for petrol and a massive R12.25 shortfall for diesel. Geopolitics & Energy Markets: The US is considering lifting sanctions on Iranian oil to suppress global prices, while major LNG liquefaction facilities face disruptive attacks. The US Defence Surge: The Pentagon is seeking an additional $200 billion to rapidly scale up missile and munitions production, sparking a boom for defence contractors like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. The Great Wealth Exodus: Magnus Heystek reflects on the staggering R1.6 trillion that has legally left South Africa since offshore allowances were increased in 2015. KZN Political Earthquake: The IFP claims decisive victories in three KwaZulu-Natal by-elections, while support for Jacob Zuma's MK Party falls and the ANC collapses dramatically. Preparing from Dry Taps: Thirsty Water founder Rob Hoatson explains how the failure of local municipal water infrastructure created a booming bottled water industry.

Magnus built his career on questioning narratives and pursuing truth - first in journalism, then in financial advice. From navigating market volatility to championing global investing, his journey reflects resilience and independence. In a challenging South African economy, his message is clear: think critically, stay global, and never compromise on honest, objective advice.

In tonight's BizNews Briefing, South Africa's deepening water infrastructure failure is exposing both state decay and private-sector opportunity. Meanwhile, the JSE sees a notable reshuffle as earnings updates from Investec, Exxaro and Momentum move markets. Globally, rising oil prices and geopolitical tension are sharpening the case for China as a long-term energy and investment hedge.

From police with rifles storming a rural sawmill to building a fast-growing water empire, Rob Hoatson pulls back the curtain on doing business in South Africa. In this Nightcap, he exposes state overreach, shares lessons from scaling Thirsti, and explains why failure in government often creates opportunity for entrepreneurs willing to act.

The results for last night's six by-elections are dissected on that latest stop of the Electoral Roadshow with Elections Analyst Wayne Sussman and Chris Steyn. He describes the Inkatha Freedom Party's (IFP's) “very big night” in KwaZulu-Natal where it won its third consecutive ward off the National Freedom Party (NFP). “...there's a lot of dissatisfaction with the NFP leadership over the leader's desire and wish to remove the party from the Government of Provincial Unity,” Sussman says. In another good by-election night for the Patriotic Alliance (PA), it won another ward off the African National Congress (ANC). “... this is a continuation of the theme that in rural areas, particularly the Western part of the Eastern Cape, much of the Northern Cape, and of course rural areas in the Western Cape, the Patriotic Alliance are a real force to be reckoned with.” Meanwhile, the ANC managed to hold two wards, and the South African Communist Party (SACP) had its first double-digit result with 12% of the vote in Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

The Middle East is a powder keg. Following Israel's latest airstrikes on Iranian targets, global stability appears to hang by a thread. Does this spell World War III? Or an opportunity for massive gains in commodities? In this episode of BizNews Daybreak, hedge fund heavyweight Cy Jacobs shares his contrarian strategy for profiting amid global chaos. We also hear from entrepreneur Rob Hersov on the “multi-polar” myth, Ahmed Al Omran on Saudi Arabia's vulnerable oil wealth, and Prince Mashele with a blistering political plan to save South Africa from its own political demise. From global conflict to domestic turbulence, we break down what it all means for your money.

BNC#8 keynote speaker Cy Jacobs delivered a no-notes, high-conviction masterclass on navigating chaos – from geopolitical shocks to shifting market cycles. Backing South African commodities, questioning Europe, and eyeing fresh opportunity in beaten-down US tech, Jacobs reveals how smart money reads fear, predicts turning points, and positions ahead of the next global move.

In today's BizNews Briefing, Cy Jacobs explains why easing Middle East tensions could calm oil markets and lift investor sentiment. We also cover BHP's appointment of South African veteran Brandon Craig as CEO, strong updates from Vukile, Astral and PPC, Prince Mashele's call for a new black-white political compact, and Nvidia's renewed push into China.

Political scientist Prince Mashele delivers a provocative take on South Africa's political past, present, and future. He argues the country has exhausted “white,” “black,” and fragmented coalition politics - and now faces a final choice: true joint governance. With bold, controversial proposals, he outlines a ten-point plan to rebuild institutions, restore accountability, and reignite economic growth before it's too late.

Welcome to BizNews Daybreak with Alec Hogg for Wednesday, March 18, 2026. In today's episode, we dive into the shifting tectonic plates of global geopolitics, escalating tensions in the Middle East, and the hard realities of coalition governance in South Africa. Today's Top Stories: Middle East Tensions & Market Impact: Crude oil surges past $96 a barrel after Israel assassinates two senior Iranian security officials, including security chief Ali Larijani. SA's Political Future: Longest-serving MP Corné Mulder (FF+) delivers a hard truth about the ANC's inability to self-correct and explains why coalition governments are the unavoidable new reality for South Africa. Global Security Warning: Tom Karako from CSIS warns that the US is rapidly depleting its missile defence interceptors, potentially leaving the Pacific and Taiwan vulnerable to Chinese expansionism. Tech & Domestic Markets: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announces a renewed push to supply AI chips to China. Locally, the Rand strengthens to R16.66 against the Dollar, while Sasol shares jump 5% on the JSE. US Hegemony: Rob Hersov offers a sobering reality check on global power dynamics, arguing that the US remains the ultimate centre of the geopolitical chessboard.

With the arrest of the first suspect in the murder of Witness D, Security Strategist Andy Mashaile talks to Chris Steyn about the likely consequences facing both officials and politicians when the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee hearings conclude with reccommendations. “..there will be prosecutions - and I am confident with this arrest that the Special Investigations Task Team has started…the momentum is rolling.” Mashaile details the urgent institutional reforms that should be introduced to address the systemic weaknesses in policing and prosecution, and states what is expected of the government in the next six months: “The people of this country are sick and tired of commissions and reports. The people of this country actually want to see arrests and accountability as well as convictions..” Mashaile hails the establishment of the Special Investigation Task Team - “...it is important that we send out a message, as South Africa, to organised crime networks that says we have teams that can come after you” - and believes the task team's arrest of the alleged killer of Witness D could signal a turning point in the protection of whistleblowers in South Africa.

At BNC#8, Rob Hersov delivers a fiery keynote, arguing that South Africa is drifting dangerously off course as the global balance of power shifts back toward the West. From America's renewed dominance to China's cracks and Russia's weakness, Hersov warns that the ANC has aligned with the wrong players at the worst possible time. His message is blunt: geopolitical reality is changing fast, and South Africa risks paying a heavy price for ignoring it.

A fiery critique of South Africa's failing municipalities, this speech exposes collapsing service delivery, poor governance, and entrenched political dysfunction. It argues that meaningful reform hinges on voter action and coalition politics, urging citizens to reject apathy and drive peaceful regime change through the ballot. The message is clear: accountability, cooperation, and active participation are essential to rebuilding the country's future.

After drawing more than 65,000 pupils and students last year, the JSE Investment Challenge has set its sights on 100,000 as it looks to build a new generation that's money and investment savvy. In an interview with BizNews, senior JSE CSI officer Ralph Speirs said the impact is clear, with the challenge opening young people's eyes to how they can grow their money over time, and to career opportunities they may never have considered. He says it attracts learners from very different backgrounds, from city schools to rural areas where these conversations often don't happen at home. The 2026 challenge kicks off on 16 March, with registration open until June. – Linda van Tilburg

In today's episode of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg unpacks the escalating geopolitical tensions and local crises shaping global markets. In this episode, we cover: Global Conflict: US President Donald Trump has postponed his scheduled trip to Beijing due to the escalating war in Iran. Geopolitics: The US is appealing to global allies, including China, to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. SA Water Crisis: Cilliers Brink exposes the systemic failures that cause 50% of Johannesburg's municipal water to leak before reaching consumers. Diplomatic Tightrope: Eskom Chairman Mteto Nyati calls for a move back to a truly non-aligned foreign policy stance. Diplomatic Tightrope: Backlash after a constructive BNC#8 speech by the new US Ambassador, Brent Bozell, sparked manufactured outrage among local commentators. Market Movements: WTI crude drops to $93.50 a barrel, while Bitcoin rallies near $74,500 and Gold holds steady just over $5,000 an ounce.

In a frank BNC#8 keynote, Eskom chairman Mteto Nyati says the end of loadshedding and Eskom's return to profit show what capable leadership can achieve. But he warns South Africa's modest growth remains far below its potential. Nyati argues the country must unlock its vast mineral wealth, make it easier for business to invest and restore law and order if it hopes to lead the green industrial revolution.

In his latest interview with Chris Steyn, US intelligence analyst, retired Colonel Chris Wyatt reacts to the new US Ambassador to SA, Brent Bozell 111, being demarched by DIRCO following his first public address at last week's BizNews conference. He comments on the tit-for-tat ultimatums issued by US President Donald Trump and Iran to end the war, and warns that - at this rate - the conflict could last two months. He expresses concern about the apparent censorship coming out of Israel amid speculation about the whereabouts and condition of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, Wyatt is optimistic about the future recovery of Dubai - despite the exodus of expats as several Middle Eastern countries are targeted for military retaliation over their US links. He also speaks about the shock shoplifting arrests in the US of SA Reality TV couple, lawyer Peet Viljoen and his wife Mel, as well as the latest drama surrounding the SA Refugee Programme.

Welcome to BizNews Daybreak with Alec Hogg. In today's jam-packed Monday episode, we cover the latest overnight market movements, including gold soaring past $5,000 an ounce and Sasol's massive 17% jump in the past week (12% on Friday). In this episode, we unpack: Global Conflict: US President Donald Trump wants his NATO allies to join the war against Iran. We feature insights from Retired Colonel Joel Rayburn, who worked in the Trump Administration, on the severe military imbalance in the region. Johannesburg Mayoral Race: A fiery debate over the future of Joburg was set between the DA's Helen Zille and the Patriotic Alliance's Kenny Kunene. There was just one problem: only Zille showed up. Listen to her unapologetic take on her opponent's disappearing act. South African Economy: Economist Dawie Roodt is in typical truth-bombing form, arguing that an overpaid, 'parasitic' civil service is actively bankrupting South Africa. Market Safe Havens: Could US tech stocks be a surprisingly safe bet right now?. The FT's Emily Herbert explains how the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has driven a rush to Silicon Valley. Stay ahead of the curve. For the full interviews and more expert analysis, visit BizNews.com. If you enjoyed today's show, please hit the Like button, Subscribe, and share it with your network!

In a powerful and deeply personal keynote at BizNews Conference #8, economist Iraj Abedian unpacks the historical roots of the crisis unfolding in Iran, arguing that the conflict is not merely geopolitical but the culmination of decades of repression by the Islamic regime. Drawing on his own experience of Iran and decades of economic insight, Abedian explores the forces driving the war, the humanitarian consequences for the Iranian people and the potential ripple effects on global energy markets, geopolitics and South Africa's own foreign policy choices.

At BizNews Conference BNC#8 in Hermanus, Efficient Group chief economist Dawie Roodt delivers a blunt assessment of South Africa's economy - warning that a bloated state, runaway debt, and failing institutions like Eskom are suffocating growth. While financial markets briefly showed optimism after policy shifts such as a lower inflation target, Roodt argues structural problems remain severe. With civil servant wages consuming a huge share of the economy and government debt racing toward 80% of GDP, he says South Africa risks deeper stagnation unless the state is radically reformed.

For today's NdB Sunday Show, Chris Steyn invited the Democratic Alliance's Helen Zille and the Patriotic Alliance's Kenny Kunene to debate. Only Zille made the show. She outlined her five commitments over five years should she be elected Joburg's next Mayor. She also responded to previously reported attacks on her by Kunene, including that she is out of touch with Johannesburg's challenges; that she is a reject of Cape Town, and that she should stay at home and look after her great grandchildren, by saying: “Well, I'm sure I have got a lot more energy than Kenny Kunene because I've been all over Joburg all the time and I never see him… I only see him in the nightlife, in the nightclubs, in all the Instagram posts with the Slay Queens as they call them…He's got a busy life. He's got a busy night life. He's got a busy time running around between his different underworld connections and trying to get people not to contradict his statements. That's a busy life. I have a life focused...on meeting the people of Joburg, listening to the people of Joburg, listening to their solutions for the problems for Joburg and getting a plan together to fix Joburg. So I have a busy life doing that.” Zille also comments on the reasons behind PA Leader Gayton McKenzie's relentless support for President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Trump administration has launched a second 301 tariff investigation. The probe will look to determine whether certain acts, policies and practices are unreasonable or discriminatory, and burden or restrict US commerce. From BNC#8, Prince Mashele calls for a new black–white political pact to rebuild South Africa, Iraj Abedian argues the West should side with the Iranian people rather than the regime, and John Endres warns that modest economic gains still leave the country stuck in a long-term low-growth trap.

Tonight's BizNews Briefing starts with Dawie Roodt's warning that South Africa's public-sector wage bill is crowding out growth. We then track a market update led by Standard Bank's strong full-year result, softer numbers from Montauk Renewables and progress funding at Southern Palladium. Donald MacKay argues motorists are effectively paying for SA's vehicle-industry subsidies through higher prices, before Bloomberg reports escalating Middle East risks after Oman evacuated a key oil terminal and tankers were hit in Iraqi waters.

The great white sharks of False Bay – once so abundant that film crews from around the world came to document them, have all but vanished. Wildlife photographer and conservationist Chris Fallows says we're looking for blame in the wrong place. In this interview with BizNews Fallows, famous for capturing the world's first images of breaching great whites at Seal Island – explains why the two orcas, Port and Starboard, who are widely blamed for the sharks' disappearance, “arrived after the crime scene”. Instead, he points to government sanctioned policies, shark nets demersal shark longline fisheries; and Australia's appetite for “flake and chips” as the real culprits. These sharks, immortalised in world famous series such as Blue Planet, once attracted more than 100,000 visitors to South African shores every year. Fallows argues they have now been lost through bad management and political infighting. And for those who insist shark nets remain essential in places like KwaZuluNatal, Fallows says modern technology and a different way of thinking offer a far more progressive solution. He also believes there are clear lessons to be learnt from the protection of humpback whales. While humpback numbers have surged under protection. including a world record sighting of 300 whales in a single day, great white sharks, an ecologically vital apex predator, are disappearing from our oceans.

In this morning's episode, we lead with the Trump administration's massive 172-million-barrel oil release as conflict in the Strait of Hormuz continues. From the BNC#8 stage, Rob Hersov delivers a blunt warning on South Africa's geopolitical positioning, arguing the country has "chosen the losing side" in a reset world order. Dawie Roodt joins the conversation to explain why the Reserve Bank's shift to a 3% inflation target is sparking capital inflows and a stronger Rand. Plus, we look at Meta's plan to deploy four generations of custom AI chips to challenge Nvidia's dominance.

Tonight's BizNews Briefing opens with new US Ambassador Brent Bozell's candid message from BNC#8, urging reciprocity and warning that policy uncertainty and geopolitical alignment choices shape investor confidence. We then run through a results-heavy market update led by Harmony, Rainbow Chicken and OUTsurance. Bloomberg follows with Ed Yardeni's bullish gold call — $6,000 this year — before Sean Peche's Wealth Building tip: focus on risk management, diversification and “getting rich slowly”.

Today's Daybreak covers the IEA's historic proposal to release 182 million barrels of oil as "Operation Epic Fury" intensifies with over 5,000 US strikes inside Iran. From BNC#8, US Ambassador to South Africa Brent Bozell warns that American patience with South Africa is running out, while Eskom Chairman Mteto Nyati labels the nation's 1.6% GDP projection a "survival rate" rather than true growth.

Oil prices swing sharply as President Trump signals the Iran war could end “very soon”, with markets watching for a peace off-ramp, potential strategic reserve releases and safer passage through the Strait of Hormuz. We then track pockets of strength in South African results from Absa, Attacq and Weaver Fintech. UBS's Adrian Zuercher says the main macro “transmission” from the conflict is through energy prices, before 36ONE's Cy Jacobs shares a Wealth Building tip: stay defensive and don't be brave in uncertain markets.

In his first public address since arriving in South Africa, new US Ambassador Brent Bozell delivered a candid keynote that mixed optimism about the country's economic potential with sharp warnings about the direction of bilateral relations. Speaking to the BizNews Conference audience and later in a short Q&A with Alec Hogg, Bozell praised South Africa's entrepreneurial depth, financial sophistication and strategic importance to Washington, while arguing that policy uncertainty, BEE-related ownership requirements, expropriation fears, rural safety concerns and Pretoria's alignment with adversaries such as Iran are undermining investor confidence. He pointed to major recent US investments by Visa, Google, Microsoft and Amazon as proof of America's long-term commitment, but stressed that stronger ties will depend on reciprocity, clearer rules and a more level playing field. His core message: the US still sees South Africa as a potentially important partner, but patience is wearing thin and the moment calls for candour, reform and renewed non-alignment.

In this episode, we break down President Trump's latest strategy in Iran, including his plans for the US Navy to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz to stabilize global energy. We also examine the escalating regional tensions following NATO's interception of a ballistic missile over Turkey and Lebanon's urgent plea for a truce with Israel. On the tech front, we dive into the unprecedented legal battle as Anthropic sues the US government over "supply chain risk" labels. Finally, Henry Blodget joins us to discuss the AI software selloff and whether OpenAI is facing its "Yahoo moment" as competitors like Google Gemini close the gap.

In tonight's episode: Patriotic Alliance MP Juliet Basson describes a "hostile" oversight visit to Normandien Farms, where she found no evidence of illegal operations. Global markets react as oil prices jump above $100 due to ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and escalating Middle East tensions. Plus, a heavy day of corporate results features gains for African Rainbow Minerals, Grindrod, and Santam, while Merafe struggles amid difficult ferrochrome conditions. Finally, Piet Viljoen shares why a diversified "cockroach" portfolio is the best defense against unpredictable geopolitical black swans.

Crude oil prices have jumped above $100 as the US and Israel intensify military operations in Iran, effectively halting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. While President Trump touts military successes, he faces a growing "philosophical break" with a MAGA base wary of new "forever wars". Oracle and OpenAI have scrapped plans for a flagship AI data center expansion in Texas as financing negotiations stalled. Tensions rise as Colonel Chris Wyatt argues President Trump's "3D chess" is isolating the ANC by removing its international allies. Meanwhile, back home, MP Juliet Basson details a "hostile" oversight visit to Normandien Farms that saw a factory shuttered over a dust mask dispute.

In the latest NdB Sunday Show with Chris Steyn, US intelligence analyst, retired Colonel Chris Wyatt describes how the African National Congress' “friends are disappearing”. He says US President Donald Trump is “playing 3D Chess while everyone else is playing Checkers. Trump has a long-term strategy here… the rogue states… the friends of the African National Congress have been taken off the chessboard one piece at a time. Nicolas Maduro wanted for criminal acts and for supporting terrorism and drug trafficking was extradited back to the United States. That regime has been hobbled. Cuba is being strangled. They no longer have any ability to influence things. Now it's Iran. So that's three of the ANC's friends. That really just leaves Russia, China and Brazil still on the map. Brazil will be dealt with eventually. The leader of that country is a convicted felon. He will eventually be dealt with by his own people. In the meantime, they're no threat to anyone. Russia is engaged in a war it cannot win because it's a foolish approach. China is doing nothing...” Col Wyatt adds that the three Iranian ships that participated in South Africa's BRICS exercise recently “are now at the bottom of the Arabian Gulf”. In his update on the raging war, Col Wyatt says: “I'm not sure we have an end state here. It seems like unconditional surrender and regime change are what it's going to be.”

Patriotic Alliance MP Juliet Basson explains what really happened during the controversial parliamentary oversight visit to Normandien Farms in Newcastle. She describes a chaotic and hostile scene, distancing herself from aggressive actions taken by others on the committee. Basson says she supported the farm, questioned the shutdown over dust masks, and called for an investigation into the incident.

South Africans are facing an impending and massive R8-a-litre fuel price shock when prices are adjusted next month. This spike is a direct consequence of the prolonged war in Iran, which has driven the Rand cost of oil up by 40%, jumping from R954 to R1,328 a barrel. The higher oil price - now above $80 a barrel from below $60 a week ago - is significantly impacting global inflation expectations, triggering nervous trading on Wall Street overnight. Also in Today's Daybreak: Global and local markets are under pressure, with the JSE down 0.75%, mainly due to a 2.5% fall in resource stocks. The Rand opened at R16.60 against the US dollar. Gold and Bitcoin remain steady at $5,150 and $71,250, respectively. SA's Geopolitical Tightrope: ANC Top Seven member Nomvula Mokonyane visited the Iranian Embassy in Pretoria to sign a condolence book for the assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Professor Edward Minnie discusses how this brings South Africa's delicate position on the war into sharp focus. Iranian Succession & Trump: Donald Trump is insisting on being involved in the selection of the new Iranian leader and strongly opposes a "North Korean style" succession by the Ayatollah's son. However, the FT's Tehran correspondent reveals that Mojtaba Khamenei has already emerged as the leading candidate in highly confidential initial voting. Investment Strategy Insights: Piet Viljoen discusses his worldwide flexible 'Cockroach' fund. He shares his protective strategy of holding a high exposure to previously inexpensive energy assets to guard against unpredictable global events. He also unpacks Warren Buffett's approach to geopolitics and explains his allocation to cryptocurrency.

Tonight's BizNews Briefing opens with Piet Viljoen's case for South African assets, despite what he calls political irrationality, arguing that resilient business people, strategic minerals and geography still matter. We then move to a market update led by Firstrand's strong interim numbers, Implats' mixed reaction, Treasury losing budget-office DDG Edgar Sishi, and STADIO's upbeat growth signal. Peter Major follows with the view that Iran cannot shift global minerals markets and that South Africa has gained little from the relationship, before Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon says markets are still trying to work out the Iran endgame.

With war talk rattling markets, investor Piet Viljoen explains why forecasts are pointless and diversification is everything. From Bitcoin as a modern “hard asset” to why South African shares remain deeply undervalued, Viljoen shares how he prepares portfolios for chaos rather than predictions.

In today's Editor's Desk, Alec Hogg highlights a new investigation by James Myburgh that deconstructs the historical "myth" regarding the ANC's relationship with the Iranian regime. This is followed by a deep-dive discussion from the Financial Times featuring Gideon Rachman and Emile Hokayem, who examine the escalating "battle of endurance" in the Middle East. They explore the strategic implications of the recent US combat operations in Iran, the resilience of the Iranian regime, and the growing anxiety among Gulf states and Western allies as the region faces the prospect of protracted instability.

In his latest interview with Chris Steyn, former South African diplomat to both the NP and ANC governments, Dr Eddie Mienie, now the Executive Director of Strategic & Security Studies at the University of North Georgia (UNG) in Atlanta, gives his analysis on the war in the Middle East; US President Donald Trump's long-term strategy and popularity challenges; the effect of the Epstein Files; South Africa's relations with the US and Israel; the personal sanctions risk of ANC leader's unwavering loyalty to Iran; and whether a Patrice Motsepe Presidency can save the party. As for South Africa's stance, he warns: "I cannot see any positive outcome from hanging on to an Iranian regime that is now quite frankly, on their knees.” On the possibility of sanctions, he says: “... this is always an option and we can expect that to be considered if the belligerence remains and personal sanctions, even freezing of financial assets that are abroad, is a possibility as well.” Meanwhile, he predicts: “... the bombing campaign (on Iran) is absolutely going to step up until there's complete capitulation…”

Welcome to BizNews Daybreak with Alec Hogg—your essential morning update for Thursday, 5 March 2026. In today's episode, we bring you the sharp, actionable news you need to stay ahead of the curve. Wall Street experienced a major rebound last night, driven largely by tech giants such as Palantir, Tesla, and Amazon. Meanwhile, Bitcoin continues its massive rally, surging over 7% to $72,500—a spike reportedly fueled by Iranian citizens utilising the cryptocurrency as a safe haven amidst the escalating war. Also in today's episode: Global Conflict: The U.S. Senate has voted down a resolution to halt President Trump's military campaign against Iran. We also share insights from Antony Blinken on how this sustained conflict could wear down America's munitions stockpiles. A System in Crisis: Action Society unveils its first Criminal Justice Trust Indicator, revealing a dismal reality: a staggering 96% of South Africans no longer trust the country's criminal justice system. Political Interference: We feature a shocking, firsthand account from the management at Normandien Farms, detailing how politicians and labour inspectors stormed their sawmill and shut down operations without providing proper documentation or valid hygiene reports. Global & Local Investments: We cross over to Beijing for a breakdown of China's 15th five-year plan and its adjusted economic growth targets. Plus, mining expert Peter Major weighs in on Anglo American's recent restructuring and discusses whether the stock is finally a buy. Grab your coffee and tune in to get fully briefed for the day ahead!