Podcast appearances and mentions of alec hogg

Capitalist activist Rob Hersov was on the same Washington-bound plane as some of the SA delegation heading for tomorrow's Oval Office meeting. In this riveting interview with BizNews editor Alec Hogg he shares what insiders tell him about the hot reception American leadership is preparing for Cyril Ramaphosa.

Afrimat CEO Andries van Heerden joins Alec Hogg to unpack the group's worst results in decades, driven by a perfect storm of collapsing iron ore prices and early Lafarge losses. He remains bullish on the cement acquisition, touts a new ultra-low carbon product, and outlines progress on Transnet's rail recovery and Afrimat's rare earth ambitions. Van Heerden shares cautious optimism on SA's infrastructure outlook under a new political era.

Joburg's rowdy mining camp excesses appear to have returned in the drama surrounding the alleged manipulation of Mantengu shares, whose CEO accused socialite Zunaid Moti and his company insider of manipulating the stock to near destruction. Mantengu's CEO Mike Miller shares the sordid story with BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

In today's episode, Bronwyn Nielsen speaks to Sygnia CEO Magda Wierzycka on her views about US President Donald Trump and whether South Africa is making the most of its G20 presidency. Alec Hogg interviewed Joel Pollak, the man who nearly became the US ambassador to South Africa, who defends the Afrikaner refugees arriving in Washington. Ian Cameron strongly criticizes the acquittal of VIP protection officers, slamming the disciplinary process as flawed. Plus, international updates today include US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on China tariffs and Hamas's release of the last American hostage in Gaza ahead of Trump's Middle East visit.

The man who narrowly lost out on becoming the US's ambassador to South Africa provides a taste of the excitement he would have generated in this feisty interview. Joel Pollak offers an alternative view to the SA government criticism of the first 49 Afrikaner refugees who arrived in Washington yesterday. He also provides insight into how the Trump Administration views the issue in this discussion with BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

In today's BizNews Briefing, Alec Hogg unpacks a wave of major developments - from ASP Isotopes' remarkable rise from Pelindaba labs to NASDAQ and a pending JSE debut, to the DA's renewed push to oust Johannesburg's mayor. He also covers the uproar over Deputy President Mashatile's bodyguards, Afrikaners seeking asylum in the US, and promising investment insights featuring Pick n Pay, Boxer, Apple and Disney. Plus, signs of a thaw in US-China trade tensions and the local implications.

The accelerating drift of Joburg, whose implosion from a “world class African city” to widespread dysfunction is overseen by an ANC-led coalition, is well documented. After hitting roadblocks, the Democratic Alliance's approach of demanding dissolution of the council to trigger a re-run of the 2021 election was this week replaced by one with greater odds of success. DA Caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku explains the new strategy to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

One of the brightest stars in South Africa's political firmament, 38-year-old Geordin Hill-Lewis opens up here on how his current responsibility - the City of Cape Town - is surprising everyone on the upside. The executive mayor celebrated a huge win this week after getting ratings agencies to differentiate between his city and its South African peers: something the former shadow Minister of Finance has pursued for years because of the massive impact lower borrowing costs bring. In this interview with BizNews editor Alec Hogg he also addresses Frans Cronje's warning about embracing possible political Trojan Horses (CT's ANC and EFF leaders recently crossed to the DA); and shares why he'd do whatever necessary to earn Cape Town a ‘free pass' from Washington.

In today's BizNews Briefing, host Alec Hogg shares highlights from powerful interviews with Cape Town executive mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and California-based Anthony Ginsberg of GinsGlobal; and we hear from BizNews partners Bloomberg and the Financial Times about what is possible if Pretoria gets into step with global changes - a mining boom for rejuvenated Argentina; a successful White House meeting for Canada's new PM; and confirmation that trade talks between the US and China start this week in Switzerland.

California-based Saffer Anthony Ginsberg, who has been in the US for a quarter century, met with political movers and shakers in Washington to understand what Pretoria must do to avoid the massive job losses that would accompany a proposed 30% Trump Tariff to be implemented in two months. The successful financial services entrepreneur explains it starts with appreciating the radical mindset change in Washington: Capitol Hill is now all about structurally transforming the US's economic path. To do this it has adopted a commercial-first mindset and a determination to reverse China's soft wins which is has enjoyed for decades. He says countries which appreciate deal-making is the US's new diplomacy, have sent A-Teams to Washington, eschewing politicians for business-heavy, highly educated and globally-sussed patriots. He points to the example of Tanzania's Ambassador, former WEF Africa head Elsie Kanza, as one of those “running rings around” her counterparts and wracking up big gains for her country. Ginsberg spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

In this episode of the BizNews Briefing, Alec Hogg spotlights a riveting interview between Chris Steyn and former prosecutor Glynnis Breytenbach, who discusses the absence of consequences for state capture crimes, and her call for a justice-led political reset. Breytenbach also reflects on the country's “republic of no consequences” and the first Zondo-related prosecution attempt. Internationally, Trump's proposed tariffs on foreign films send shockwaves through South Africa's booming movie industry, while his broader economic nationalism stirs political unease from Australia to Canada. Also featured: Apple under pressure and a compelling Economist podcast on the double-edged sword of plastics.

In this powerful assessment of SA's recent political drama, SRF chairman Dr Frans Cronjé suggests we've witnessed a historic watershed where “nice guy” politics finally bit the dust. By succeeding through employing previously absent ruthlessness, he says the Democratic Alliance is sure to enjoy the sensation and likely to adopt a far more aggressive approach in future. That could be exactly what SA needs to reverse destructive economic policy and start turning around a sinking economic ship. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

Freedom Front Plus leader Corné Mulder tells BizNews founder Alec Hogg the Government of National Unity has 50 months to save South Africa — but warns time is running out to rebuild trust, stabilize politics, and pivot the economy.

In this interview with BizNews editor Alec Hogg, capital activist Rob Hersov defends Donald Trump's policy impact, slams South Africa's current leadership as “racist and kleptocratic,” and urges America to back the DA-led Western Cape over the ANC. From geopolitics to personal legacy, Hersov pulls no punches.

Chief economist of The Efficient Group Dawie Roodt provides context on the drama South Africans have experienced in the past two months over the on-off Budget. Bottom line: the naked emperor of idiotic economic policies are now exposed to all. There's an obvious solution - but Roodt doubts the ANC would choose it as this requires putting the nation ahead of the party. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

In this episode of the BizNews Briefing with Alec Hogg, we hear from economist Dawie Roodt and politician Neil de Beer; plus an update on Starlink's low cost broadband competitor, this week's quarterlies from Big Oil and what they'll say about Sasol; and a tribute to national treasure Errol Kruger who has passed away.

Freshly returned from a working trip to the US and Europe, Dr Frans Cronjé is not surprised to see IRR polling puts the DA ahead of the ANC. it's a consequence, he says, of Luthuli House's penchant for scoring own goals. In this interview with BizNews editor Alec Hogg, SA's leading political analyst explains how ANC blunders on the VAT increase and the relationship with the USA are akin to conscious self-harm.

The latest polling of voters by the Institute of Race Relations has thrown up what the IRR's Hermann Pretorius describes as a “political earthquake” - a watershed rarely seen in SA's leading think-tank's 96 year history. Pretorius unpacks results of the twice a year survey which was conducted, co-incidentally, at the time of the Budget furore. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

After quantifying how the ANC's BEE policies are nothing more than a way to legally funnel at least R150bn a year into politically connected elites, the Institute for Race Relations is building allies across traditional political aisles. The IRR's Makone Maja says the MK Party and the EFF have formally stated their opposition to status quo and receptive to replacing BEE with something that actually uplifts SA's poor - like the country's leading think tank's alternative which it calls Economic Empowerment for the Disadvantaged (EED). Maja explained to BizNews editor Alec Hogg how this initiative could kill the destructive status quo.

Solid records of consistent outperformance in difficult times add credibility to insights on the current turmoil shared here by Re:CM founder Piet Viljoen and Sean Peche, his counterpart at Ranmore. Both delivered star turns at the BNC#7 conference in Hermanus a month ago. In this interview with BizNews editor Alec Hogg, they provide dollops of common sense to guide fretting stock market investors.

The opening salvo was fired today in what promises to be a long and destructive Trade War between Donald Trump's USA and the rest of the world. South African motor vehicles are subjected to a 25% across the board tariff, while agricultural and most other products sold into the US will from today attract 30% customs duty. Matthew Pool who is legal firm Webber Wentzel's partner for international trade explains that with few exceptions, this is very bad news for South African exporters and unlikely to be reversed anytime soon. He provides context in this interview with BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

In a high-energy update with Alec Hogg, Purple Group CEO Charles Savage shares the inside track on EasyEquities' record-breaking momentum—highlighting a 25% revenue surge, booming customer growth, and strategic expansion across crypto, ETFs, mortgages, and more. With over 1 million active users and operating leverage delivering 70c profit on every R1 of revenue, Savage says the South African success story is just the beginning: "We've built a world-class business—now we're thinking globally." Fractional investing, customer trust, and smart use of AI are at the core of a fintech juggernaut that's reshaping retail investing for the long haul.

In this interview, the Africa specialist at one of Washington's leading think-tanks assesses a 15-page anti-SA Bill being promoted to the US Congress by Representative Ronny Jackson, a permanent member of both the House's Intelligence and Foreign Affairs Committees. Joshua Meservey, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute explains how the Bill works, its implications and what the SA Government would need to do to get it off the table. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

Chair of the Democratic Alliance's Federal Executive, Helen Zille, shares some Uber Truths in this timeous interview with BizNews editor Alec Hogg - discussing the DA's view on staying in the GNU (or being ejected from it); the pressure being imposed on the party's GNU decision by Big Business; why the DA has approached the courts to block the VAT increase; what to do about the proposed Trump Tariffs - and what South Africans should do about jerking the country out of a 15 year economic coma.

Former Oxford Don RW Johnson provides context on the big news of the past 25 hours, arguing that the DA doesn't have to leave SA's Government of National Unity; and the fresh challenge local exporters face - especially car makers - after the US levied a 30% tariff on all SA goods. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

In this episode of the BizNews Briefing, hosted by Bronwyn Nielsen, Trump's Liberation Day ignites a fierce global trade war, sending shock waves through markets across the globe. Alec Hogg sits down with Breitbart's Joel Pollak to unpack the latest developments straight from Washington. Closer to home, South Africa's political theater takes center stage: DA's Mark Burke dramatically rips up his speech, Action SA's Athol Trollip unleashes a scathing attack on the DA, while economists sound the alarm over a faltering GNU and a vulnerable Rand. Meanwhile, ANC heavyweight Fikile Mbalula reaffirms unwavering support for Palestine.

US Conservative Joel Pollak, the erstwhile frontrunner to become Trump's man in Pretoria, shares insights on US ‘reciprocal' Tariffs announced yesterday - among them a 30% duty on South African exports into the world's biggest market. Pollak explains the White House added both direct duties and indirect charges on US exports to determine the scale of its new tariffs. In SA's case, the US calculated the effective tariff is 60%, half of which comes from BEE requirements whose legally applied add-on premiums funnel R150bn a year to politically connected elites. Pollak, who is in California, spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg this morning.

At the seventh BizNews Conference (BNC#7), Dr. Yvonne Malan sat down with Alec Hogg to discuss the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Sailor Malan. From his heroic feats as a World War II fighter ace to his fearless opposition to apartheid, Dr. Malan delved into his principles of leadership, moral courage, and the impact of his activism. This conversation shed light on a man who not only defended the skies but also fought for justice on the ground.

At the seventh BizNews Conference (BNC#7) in Hermanus, renowned Zimbabwean entrepreneur and media leader Trevor Ncube delivered an inspiring keynote on the challenges and opportunities facing Africa. Drawing from his personal journey and deep insights, he spoke on leadership, ethical business practices, and the resilience needed to navigate uncertain times. His address emphasized the need for integrity, bold decision-making, and a renewed commitment to African progress. Following his keynote address, Trevor Ncube engaged in a dynamic Q&A session with BizNews founder Alec Hogg, offering candid insights into leadership, media freedom, and Africa's economic future. He tackled pressing issues such as business ethics, political accountability, and the role of journalism in shaping public discourse. The conversation touched on personal experiences, industry challenges, and the evolving landscape of African entrepreneurship. Ncube's reflections provided a thought-provoking conclusion, emphasizing resilience, innovation, and the need for courageous leadership in uncertain times.

After nearly 40 years in the ANC, Banele Majingo has made the surprising move to the Democratic Alliance. In this candid conversation with Alec Hogg, Majingo unpacks the values, frustrations, and service delivery realities that led to his decision. It's not a story of betrayal—but one of principle, purpose, and the evolving priorities of South African politics.

At the seventh BizNews Conference (BNC#7), Rory Steyn, former bodyguard to Nelson Mandela and global security expert, shared behind-the-scenes insights into safeguarding a world leader, the evolution of security, and the intersection of sports and leadership. In an engaging discussion with BizNews founder Alec Hogg, Steyn revealed gripping stories from his time with Mandela, reflected on modern security challenges, and explored the powerful lessons sports can teach about leadership and resilience.

In just three and a half years Rob Hersov has transitioned from a low profile global entrepreneur into outspoken capital activist - and now, budding media mogul. He shares his media plans with BizNews editor Alec Hogg, explaining how he intends creating a coalition of SA's conservative thinkers, giving them a louder voice. Hersov believes this will inform the nation that there's an alternative to continuous economic decline.

This morning the DA cancelled a scheduled press conference where leader John Steenhuisen was due to share progress in the discussions over the Budget within the Government of National Unity. Social media is ride with ‘insiders' sayong the DA has agreed to the 0.5% VAT agreement in return for concessions in other areas - despite Dr Frans Cronje explaining to us last week why the DA cannot afford to endorse any tax increases.......Mark Burke is the DA's spokesman on Finance. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

Early this morning, dozens of uniformed police were sent to the homes of attorneys Bradley Conradie and Sarah Burger to freeze their assets, including bank accounts and credit cards. The dup have uncovered deeply embedded fraud at Fort Hare University. Apart from the theft of millions in university funds, they exposed academic fraud by many politicians who “bought” qualifications from Fort Hare, among them 51 year old Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane who paid a professor to award him a Masters degree and a Doctorate. Despite the ratcheting up of State-sponsored intimidation -  which has included half a dozen court appearances and an Easter weekend incarceration - the attorneys have refused to bend. They spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg about how the political crooks doubled down today.

At BNC#7, BizNews founder Alec Hogg sat down with Tatjana Smith, South Africa's most decorated Olympian, for a heartfelt nightcap chat in Hermanus. Fresh from her record-breaking triumphs at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, Tatjana shared her journey from reluctant swimmer to global champion. Reflecting on faith, resilience, and the power of staying home, she highlighted the untapped potential in South African swimming, the need for better support, and her mission to inspire the next generation—leaving the audience with goosebumps and hope.

At BNC#7 in Hermanus, the UK's largest-ever political funder (of Brexit), Arron Banks, delivered a hard-hitting keynote on political disruption. He criticised South Africa's political status quo, argued that a reform movement could upend the ANC and DA, and highlighted Trump's unorthodox but effective leadership style. Banks also explored the geopolitical chess game between the US, China, and Russia, predicting a major shift in Africa's global influence. With topics ranging from economic nationalism to artificial intelligence, his speech painted a picture of a world in rapid transformation. Following his keynote speech, Arron Banks engaged in a candid Q&A session with BizNews founder Alec Hogg, addressing a range of topics with his characteristic directness. The discussion touched on the evolving political landscape, the role of media, and the impact of Brexit, while also delving into business, governance, and international relations. Banks provided insights into key challenges facing the UK and offered his perspective on navigating political and economic uncertainty.

Pressure on the ANC's elite-enriching BEE policies ratcheted up to a new level this week. Apart from GNU negotiations over the delayed National Budget, attention was also focused on BEE after on the completion, 17 years later, of the Kusile power station at a final cost of R250bn. It had been signed off as an R80bn project, but was massively escalated by BEE requirements that opened the door to corruption and rent seeking. Among the beneficiaries was (publicly disclosed) billions received by the ANC's investment arm Chancellor House. IRR fellow Gabriel Crouse spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

In a stirring keynote at the seventh BizNews Conference (BNC#7), uMngeni Executive Mayor Chris Pappas passionately defends the Democratic Alliance's legacy while confronting South Africa's stark realities—poverty, inequality, and failing governance. Blending optimism with realism, he highlights KwaZulu-Natal's untapped potential, showcases tangible progress in his municipality, and calls for bold action to rewrite the nation's future through accountability, competence, and collective resolve. In a dynamic Q&A with Alec Hogg after his keynote, Pappas delved into the gritty realities of local governance, reflecting on the murder of his colleague Nhlalayenza Ndlovu and the stalled justice process, while defending the Democratic Alliance's impact. He shares his choice to prioritize tangible change at the municipal level over provincial politics, highlights growing voter support, and addresses challenges like property prices, red tape, and personal safety with a blend of pragmatism and humour, underscoring his commitment to public service.

In this exclusive BizNews webinar, Alec Hogg and Shyft's Glynn Allen reveal a game-changing update: Shyft now offers access to JSE-listed shares. With years of rigorous testing behind it, this move prompts a significant portfolio overhaul, repatriating 40% of the Exponential Portfolio into Rand-based stocks like Sasol, Pick n Pay, Sabvest, and Afrimat. Discover the strategy, investment cases, and how Shyft's low-cost platform is set to empower investors—all live from March 28, 2025.

At BNC#7 in Hermanus, seasoned investors Piet Viljoen and Kokkie Kooyman shared personal journeys inspired by Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger's Berkshire Hathaway. Viljoen traced his path from a junior analyst in Cape Town to embracing life-changing wisdom at the “Woodstock of Capitalism,” focusing on trust, common-sense investing, and sidestepping institutional pitfalls. Kooyman recounted how a 1999 nudge from a colleague led him to Buffett and Munger's rational business thinking during the tech bubble, spotlighting their disciplined simplicity and knack for seizing opportunities. Together, they revealed timeless principles that built Berkshire into a titan—and shaped their own success. Following their keynote speeches, Viljoen and Kooyman joined BizNews founder Alec Hogg for a lively Q&A session, diving into Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger's enduring lessons. From Buffett's reading obsession to his bold Apple investment, the trio explored practical investing wisdom, recommended must-read books, and debated asset allocation in China. They wrapped up with reflections on Berkshire Hathaway's cash hoard and Buffett's S&P 500 advice, blending humour with sharp insights.

The IRR's Head of Policy, Anthea Jeffery, puts the final nail into the BEE coffin, sharing research into how more than 80% of Black South Africans are sick of the ANC's elite enrichment programme and would support a voucher-based alternative like the one successfully applied in India and elsewhere. She explains that even the SACP admits BEE is the primary cause for SA's disastrous economic performance for the past decade and a half. In this powerful interview, Dr Jeffery explains how a fairer, globally-tested alternative is preferred by the majority and spark a transition that would inject energy into SA's moribund economy. She spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

At the seventh BizNews Conference (BNC#7) in Hermanus, political scientist Moeletsi Mbeki delivered a searing critique of South Africa's century-long nationalist rule, blaming Afrikaner and African nationalism for the country's economic and social woes. He argued that policies like Black Economic Empowerment, rooted in entitlement and corruption, have deepened the nation's "hole." Mbeki urged the Democratic Alliance (DA), the second-largest party, to seize the moment, reject nationalism, and outline a bold plan to secure 51% of the vote and rescue South Africa from decline. In his post-keynote Q&A with BizNews founder Alec Hogg, Mbeki tackled questions on South Africa's rejection of nationalism, the ANC's decline, and the DA's potential to lead. He dismissed fears of ANC coalitions with EFF and MK as unrealistic, emphasized the need for a constituency-based electoral system, and criticized the bloated public service draining the economy. Mbeki urged the DA to leverage its influence and called for stronger ties with the US, separating South Africa's interests from ANC failures.

At BNC#7 in Hermanus, legendary waterman Oscar Chalupsky captivated the audience with his remarkable journey—one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless determination. The 12-time World Surfski Champion shared how he defied the odds, battling an incurable cancer diagnosis with the same mindset that propelled him to sporting greatness. With humour and hard-hitting truths, Chalupsky's story is a masterclass in perseverance, proving that passion and mental strength can overcome even the toughest obstacles. Following his powerful keynote, Chalupsky engaged in an inspiring and insightful Q&A session with BizNews founder Alec Hogg, diving deeper into his philosophy on resilience, mindset, and overcoming adversity. From his unconventional approach to cancer treatment—including fasting and mental toughness—to the importance of authentic friendships and continuous learning, Chalupsky shared hard-earned wisdom with humour and candour. Whether discussing the value of positivity, his views on nutrition, or his refusal to let illness define him, his message was clear: take control, stay strong, and always "seize every day."

The White House dropped a surprise last night in naming US conservative heavyweight Leo Brent Bozell, rather than frontrunner Joel Pollak, as its choice to become the ambassador to South Africa. Bozell is an anti-mainstream media activist, best known for founding (in 1987) and running the Media Research Centre, whose stated mission is to “expose and neutralise… the (US) national news media.” Bozell is also a vocal strong supporter of Israel. Here's an inside track from Tony Leon, former leader of the DA and SA's erstwhile ambassador to Argentina. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

In today's BizNews Briefing, Alec Hogg dives into the DA addressing the need for a new US ambassador amid simmering GNU friction, Jacob Zuma's MK party delivering a shock defeat to the ANC in a Saldanha Bay by-election, and a devastating air show tragedy. Plus, the latest updates on Elon Musk and Tesla.

At BNC#7 in Hermanus, political scientist and author Prince Mashele delivered a riveting keynote on South Africa's unfolding political transformation. With sharp analysis and candid observations, he outlined the country's realignment as the ANC exits centre stage, the turbulence of coalition politics, and the rise of non-state actors. Mashele offered both a sobering reality check and a bold vision for the future, calling for infrastructure revival, a crackdown on political corruption, and a leadership pipeline that prioritizes competence and meritocracy. During a dynamic Q&A with BizNews founder Alec Hogg, Mashele covered South Africa's coalition politics, historical lessons, and future trajectories. Mashele emphasised the necessity of unity between former enemies for national success, critiqued the ANC's decline, and urged accountability in governance. He addressed global influences, dismissed AfriForum's U.S. outreach, and predicted the ANC's electoral slide below 30% by 2029. Touching on leadership, corruption, and socio-economic fixes like education and infrastructure, Mashele painted a candid, provocative vision for South Africa's path forward.

At BNC#7 in Hermanus, tech entrepreneur and Bitcoin maximalist Stafford Masie delivered a groundbreaking keynote, arguing that Bitcoin and AI are not just complementary but symbiotic forces driving a tectonic shift in global economics. He detailed how AI's need for trust and transaction enablement makes Bitcoin indispensable while highlighting Bitcoin mining's crucial role in stabilizing energy grids. With major global shifts—such as Trump's push for strategic Bitcoin reserves and South Africa's potential for large-scale Bitcoin mining—Masie painted a compelling picture of a new financial and technological paradigm taking shape. Following his keynote at BNC#7, Stafford Masie engaged in a thought-provoking Q&A session with BizNews founder Alec Hogg, tackling Bitcoin's impact on central banking, its role in stabilizing energy grids, and the global economic shift towards decentralized finance. He addressed concerns about Bitcoin's volatility, quantum computing threats, and South Africa's potential adoption of a strategic Bitcoin reserve. The discussion also explored real-world Bitcoin applications, from township economies to Pick n Pay's acceptance of Bitcoin payments. With bold predictions on AI, stablecoins, and the future of money, Masie left the audience questioning the very foundation of the financial system as we know it.

At the seventh BizNews Conference BNC#7 in Hermanus, renowned political scientist and prolific BizNews contributor RW Johnson delivered a thought-provoking keynote on South Africa's Government of National Unity (GNU). He dissected the deep divide between ANC activists and the party's broader voter base, revealing surprising polling data that shows public support for the GNU despite fierce criticism from within ANC ranks. Johnson also explored the fading influence of the Left, the EFF's decline, and the critical role of business in shaping the ANC's future leadership battle. Can the GNU sustain itself until 2029, or will internal ANC power struggles determine its fate? In a lively Q&A session after his keynote speech, RW Johnson sat down with BizNews founder Alec Hogg to tackle topics ranging from political funding scandals to the ANC's precarious financial situation and South Africa's international entanglements. Johnson discussed the influence of foreign money on local politics, the ANC's alleged funding ties to Iran, and the fading power of the SACP. He also dissected the challenges of breaking patronage politics, the role of intelligence agencies in exposing corruption, and the GNU's uncertain future beyond 2027. Could economic performance determine its survival, or will ANC infighting bring it down first?

At BNC#7 in Hermanus, Sasol CEO Simon Baloyi delivered a keynote speech that underscored the company's deep-rooted history, corporate resilience, and strategic vision for the future. Baloyi highlighted Sasol's role in South Africa's economic landscape, its commitment to innovation, and the pragmatic approach required for a sustainable energy transition. Emphasising resilience, stakeholder value, and transformation, he painted a picture of a company poised to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in a rapidly evolving global market. During the Q&A session following his keynote speech, Sasol CEO Simon Baloyi sat down with BizNews founder Alec Hogg to tackle pressing questions on South Africa's economic outlook, Sasol's transition strategy, and business-government collaboration. He emphasised pragmatic energy transformation, corporate resilience, and the need for public-private partnerships. Baloyi also shared personal insights on leadership, his journey to the top, and Sasol's role in fostering economic growth. Addressing investor concerns, he reaffirmed Sasol's commitment to strengthening its balance sheet and unlocking shareholder value.

With his typically no-nonsense approach to important national issues, political scientist Dr Frans Cronjé explains why the Democratic Alliance is right to risk sacrificing the Government of National Unity by steadfastly rejecting the ANC's proposed VAT increase. He says there are many other ways of addressing the matter - but for the DA to go along with a move Cronjé regards as inexplicable, it will support policies that guarantee a continued slide in SA's economic prospects. Cronjé also addresses the other significant issues of the moment in conversation with BizNews editor Alec Hogg.