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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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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 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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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, US airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities escalate Middle East tensions, with President Trump pushing for talks or regime change. South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa seeks to mediate, but UIM's Neil de Beer slams his “detached” stance on BizNews' Sunday Show. Treasury's Ismail Momoniat is optimistic about exiting the FATF greylist, while Sakeliga's Russell Lamberti warns that the new Employment Equity Act could choke businesses. Plus, Tesla's robotaxi hits Austin's streets, marking a driverless milestone

In the latest Sunday Show with Neil De Beer, the President of the United Independent Movement, and Chris Steyn of BizNews, a range of hot topics are on the agenda: President Cyril Ramaphosa telling Israel and Iran to enter into peaceful dialogue; Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana wanting full public funding for all political parties; the over R200 million spent on international travel by Cabinet members over the past year; Deputy President Paul Mashatile and his wife's accommodation in Japan costing R900,000 for four nights; military officials also splurging on world travel while the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) is sitting with a 41.2 billion Rand budget shortfall; the ongoing chaos at former President Jacob Zuma's MKP; the likelihood of Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Council Chair Helen Zille running for Jo'burg Mayor; the Eastern Cape African National Congress (ANC) denying that the regional office hid blankets destined for the victims of the recent disaster in Mthatha; the Bela Bill battle - and the need for a revision of the Constitution. De Beer also shares the results of his Twitter Poll in which 98.2% of respondents said “No” to the National Dialogue. And he delves into the feuds that may see former Zambian President Edgar Lungu buried on South African soil.

The real founder of the MKP, Jabulani Khumalo, has been reinstated as a Director of uMkhonto weSizwe Party NPO - along without others - after his “fraudently” removal. In his latest interview with BizNews, he describes how the urgent legal application had to be withdrawn after it emerged that they had already been reinstated by the Commissioner of Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). (Here is a link to the certificate issued by the Commissioner https://eu.docworkspace.com/d/sICWm4pDjAerXwcIG?lg=en-US&sa=601.1074&ps=1&fn=CoR39_60007187790.pdf . He now vows to clean up the party. “Because we are back as directors in the NPC, we are the majority. Those that parachuted themselves…we're going to take a decision on them. Because now we've got the power…very soon, those thugs will be out of our party, and will be out of our company. We don't want thugs within the leadership of uMkhonto weSizwe….After cleaning out all these people that wants to parachute themselves and become directors and founders of the organisation, we'll take the party and give it back to the original people and the people must start working freely without fear.” Meanwhile, Khumalo has this message for former SG Floyd Shivambo following his ill-fated time at MKP: “…whatever he does, he must not make a mistake of taking the style of Zuma to be a boss over the people. He must be a leader…And he must never think of enriching himself out of this party. Whatever he will be doing, but he must make sure that he puts the people of South Africa first.”

After 10 months of silence following Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen's instruction to make a “dignified exit”, Roman Cabanac has finally started to tell his side of the story. In a fascinating hour of unique insights, the DA Leader's former Chief of Staff shares first-hand experience of being on the sharp end of the unholy alliance between power mongers in politics and media. Cabanac spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

South Africa's famous Capitalist Activist Rob Hersov is determined to go out with a bang. In his fortnightly chat with BizNews editor Alec Hogg before announcing his retirement from the public spotlight, Hersov sheds light on the reasons for last month's roadshow on the US mega-podcast circuit; and throws bouquets and brickbats with some abandon.

The South African government - under land redistribution - has acquired about 2.5 million hectares of land that has not yet been transferred. That is the figure given by Wandile Sihlobo, the Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, in this interview with BizNews. “That is in the government land holding account, as I speak with you. That land has not been transferred to Black South Africans with title deeds.” Sihlobo also releases the 2nd Quarter results of the Agribusiness Confidence Index that show there is still optimism in the South African agricultural sector.: https://www.agbiz.co.za/article/agbiz-idc-agribusiness-confidence-index-declines-mildly-in-q2-2025-498 He further debunks some of the myths and misconceptions around land reform and Expropriation Without Compensation (EWC). He comments on China planning to lower tariffs on a range of goods from African countries, and outlines ways to diversify export markets. Meanwhile, he is highly optimistic about the future of farming: “While some have portrayed the South African agricultural sector in the past few days and months as a sector that is under siege, it actually is not under siege…If anything, it is actually thriving… We are talking about a sector that has more than doubled in value and in volume terms since 1994.” Shilobo is the author of three books, “The Uncomfortable Truth About South Africa's Agriculture (2025)”, “A Country of Two Agricultures: The Disparities, The Challenges, The Solutions (2023)” and “Finding Common Ground: Land, Equity and Agriculture (2020)”.

In this rare role reversal hosted by Morning Shot, BizNews founder Alec Hogg opens up about the wild beginnings of Moneyweb and BizNews, the evolution of digital journalism, and his take on South Africa's future. Original content by Morning Shot, republished with permission.

Iranian-born and bred polymath Dr Iraj Abedian shares unique insights into the existential battle in the Middle East - and South Africa's place in it. The entrepreneur, academic and leading economist spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

In his latest Sunday Show with BizNews, Neil De Beer, the President of the United Independent Movement (UIM), describes how SA is becoming another Colombia with the assasination of underworld kingpin André Naude. As for the R700-m National Dialogue, he lambasts President Cyril Ramaphosa for appointing “a pre-tactical team for the build-up to the ANC elections so that they can look good, so that the National Dialogue can in actual fact be this little poodle paraded by the president, run by the vice president with all these cohorts and selected people”. He discussed the “thunderbolt” defection of Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Liam Jacobs to the Patriotic Alliance (PA); the fall of Floyd Shivambu at former President Jacob Zuma's MKP where he had incurred the wrath of Duduzile; the way African National Congress (ANC) SG Fikile Mbalula - who has Presidential ambitions of his own - has poured scorn on those Patrice Motsepi-for-President rumours; the embattled Shamila Batohi's defence for the NPA's spectacular failures; International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola's condemnation of Israel's attack on Iran - and how SA might have contributed to Iran's enriched uranium stock. Meanwhile, De Beer calls for an urgent Referendum to ask for the removal of the current government and a snap new election “because I think this country, if it had an opportunity to say that we would like to have an urgent emergency intervention of a new election, I'll tell you that 90% of this country would say yes.”

Jabulani Khumalo, the real founder of MKP, headed by former President Jacob Zuma, is forging ahead with his legal battle to reclaim the party for its original leaders who had made huge sacrifices to get MKP off the ground and voted for by millions. In his latest interview with BizNews, Khumalo outlines the case that goes to court next week. “These crazy people have been continuously trying to continue with forgery, forging our documents to be removed (as directors) from the NPC (MK non-profit organisation)…we've been opening cases, but it never ended. Because of that, we decided that no, no, no, let's go to court and get a proper order from the court.” Khumalo says MKP needs to be led by people “who still think straight…not just because you have charisma and then you're saying you want to take over and run the people like you're running your own stokvel or running your tuck shop”. Meanwhile, Khumalo - who had warned that Floyd Shivambu was making a big mistake when he defected from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to MKP - says he feels “real pity” for him following his redeployment “because he had all the powers in the EFF to take EFF forward, but he decided to come into a stokvel that a certain family has made it to be a stokvel of theirs”.

South Africa's youth unemployment crisis leaves many young people struggling to secure jobs due to limited experience. D-Lab is tackling this challenge by immersing unemployed youth in a virtual business simulator, equipping them with essential digital and workplace skills. In an interview with Biznews, D-Lab co-founders Alison Jacobson and Ayanda Orrai revealed their 85% job placement rate. One of their candidates, who had spent 11 years unsuccessfully searching for work while trying to run his own business, now holds a senior position in the tech industry. D-Lab specifically seeks out participants with ‘shining eyes' - those who display enthusiasm, potential, and a determination to reshape their futures.

In a year of by-election results since the national election, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) is showing strong growth. In this interview with BizNews, their performance is highlighted by Elections Analyst Wayne Sussman who says “they are setting themselves up without a shadow of a doubt as the one party which is stronger today compared to where they were in 2024” and could have the opportunity of having “many, many more mayors across the length and breath of this country after the next local government election”. Meanwhile, in urban by-elections, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has strong support. But it is a mixed bag in KwaZulu-Natal, where in some instances uMkhonto we Sizwe (MKP) does well, in some instances the African National Congress (ANC) is showing recovery, and in some instances the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is being disappointing…Sussman also dissects the results of last night's two by-elections in both of which the ANC increased its vote share, while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) saw its support fell from 30% to 11% in one ward, and essentially halved in the other. “And so this is the first time since the 2024 elections beyond KwaZulu-Natal where we see the EFF support starting to collapse.”

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has drawn up a 10-point plan to deal with farm attacks. In this interview with BizNews, Ian Cameron, the DA spokesperson on Police, says the plan will be submitted to the Minister of Police “and there's a lot of engagement ahead of us regarding rural safety”. The plan includes the establishment of a specialised Rural Safety Unit within SAPS; the strengthening of rural crime intelligence; fixing the criminal justice system with prosecution-led investigations; treating farm murders as targeted, premeditated crimes; declaring farm attacks and stock theft as priority crimes; institutionalising partnerships with local stakeholders; equipping SAPS with forensic tools and skilled investigators; rebuilding trust between police and rural communities; supporting emerging farmers; and opposing Expropriation Without Compensation. “I think what's really positive is the fact that Parliament officially recognises that we've got a problem in rural safety and we shouldn't get distracted by definitions of just what kind or just who specifically always is influenced. The point is, farm attacks have been recognised. Farm murders are recognised. We have a crisis, we need to address it and it's got a significant influence on sustainability in the country.”

The possibility of Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille as the next Mayor of Johannesburg has the country talking. In this interview with BizNews, Zille says although she has not yet made up her mind, she is “tending in the direction of doing so”. If she were to become Mayor, she says, her “only objective will be to restore service delivery and functionality” to Joburg. “And then Joburg will fly. It's got everything going for it. It's got every potential going for it. And that's what it must get right. We've got to get Joburg. We've got to get eThekwini. We've got to get Tshwane…the metros in Gauteng are the next major frontier and South Africa will stand or fall by what we do with the metros in Gauteng.” As for how African National Congress (ANC) Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi might feel about the prospect of her as mayor, Zille says: “…he will pull out all the stops to stop me, no doubt about that. So will Herman Mashaba (ActionSA Leader). He's played the race card already.” Meanwhile, Zille stresses that she and her family are committed to staying in South Africa. “And for South Africa to work, Joburg's got to work. It's very simple. We can't have just the Western Cape working. We've got to have the whole of South Africa working. And that's why we put up really good candidates to be mayoral candidates in all the cities, all the cities where we've got a chance.”

In his latest Sunday Show with BizNews, Neil de Beer, the President of the United Independent Movement (UIM), likens the “unraveling” of South Africa's economy to “economic genocide”. He says the country'S BEE and related laws do not constitute a “package of investment”, but a “hand grenade….that will explode economically”. For that he blames the “twats” in Government. “They are absolutely twats. They are clueless….they have no competency.” De Beer laments the long legal delays in holding to account powerful politicians like former president Jacob Zuma and former Free State premier Ace Magashule - and the strategies being used in such cases. Meanwhile, he examines Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's plan to fix the police. He also delves into Floyd Shivambu's redeployment as SG in former President Jacob Zuma's MKP amid mounting international pressure on Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) CIC Julius Malema. De Beer further comments on the legal challenge to the R941 billion NHI Act. And, he gives his take on the break-up (or prank break-up) between US President Donald Trump and SA-born billionaire Elon Musk.

For decades, Adrian Gardiner has led the charge in rewilding farm land in the Eastern Cape, but he's still chasing bigger ambitions. His vision is to transform the province into a wildlife jewel, stretching from Plettenberg Bay to the Karoo. In this interview with BizNews about the newly released book The Man Who Changed a Landscape: The Adrian Gardiner Story by Dean Allen, Gardiner recounts his journey and the challenges he faced in realising his vision. It began with a 2,500-acre farm near Port Elizabeth, where he overcame deep scepticism to establish Shamwari, a malaria-free Big Five reserve. Shamwari became a blueprint for 16 similar reserves across the Eastern Cape. Inspired by figures like David Attenborough, the 82-year-old Gardiner's optimism remains unwavering. Gardiner's ambition that he shares with other private and public reserve owners includes the creation of an Eastern Cape National Park even larger than the Kruger National Park. He is also determined to help see the end of captive lion breeding, highlighting the staggering reality that 8,000 lions remain in captivity for their bones and canned hunting. Wildlife, Gardiner says is South Africa's biggest asset, but the most rewarding part of his journey has been the lives he has managed to change. – Linda van Tilburg

Morningstar's latest performance data puts Sean Peche's Ranmore Fund in the top one percentile for virtually every performance period in the last five years. In this interview with BizNews editor Alec Hogg, the ace money manager shares insights from a lunchtime meeting last week with the investing guru who inspires him. The result is a treat for beginners and professionals alike.

The British government has significantly tightened visa and settlement rules in a white paper published in May. The reforms have shortened the list of occupations eligible for sponsorship, ended exemptions for social workers, raised salary thresholds, and imposed stricter regulations on businesses seeking to expand into the United Kingdom. However, according to Saskia Johnston from immigration specialists Sable International, opportunities remain for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to establish operations in the UK. One such route is the UK Expansion Worker visa, designed specifically for foreign companies aiming to set up a brand or subsidiary in the UK. In an interview with BizNews, Johnston noted that the pivot favours established businesses and makes it considerably more difficult for smaller entities. With the goal posts constantly shifting, and the list of eligible occupation shrinking, she said there are still viable pathways for skilled workers to the UK and South Africa's fire engineers are in high demand.

Corruption. Black Economic Empowerment. And that R100-billion Transformation Fund…These are topics being debated hotly on a daily basis in South Africa. In his latest interview with BizNews, Toby Chance, the Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on Trade, Industry and Competition, speaks about corruption at the Lotteries Commission were whistleblowers were “really severely damaged…and in many instances their lives have been ruined and their finances have been completely devastated” in the wake of allegations that up to R2-billion of corrupt grants were issued between around about 2011 and 2022. Chance gives an update on the controversy surrounding the appointment of a new licence operator and says: “It would be very surprising to me if there wasn't further litigation coming up around the corner…So they (Ithuba Holdings) really had four bites of the cherry, which I think many of the contesting bidders will find to be unconstitutional and unlawful.” Meanwhile, he also addresses the charge that the DA is “anti-transformation”, and shares the highlights of the party's submission on the R100-billion Transformation Fund. He also outlines the DA's alternative plan to BEE.

Ace corruption buster Paul O'Sullivan has taken a deep dive into the high-profile scrap involving JSE-listed mining group Mantengu - and reaches conclusions that are at odds with messages from the embattled company's CEO Mike Miller. O'Sullivan explained his findings to BizNews editor Alec Hogg, including allegations that high-profile businessman Zunaid Moti is behind alleged share price manipulation.

In his latest interview with BizNews, US intelligence analyst, retired Colonel Chris Wyatt charges that the farm murder last week of a close friend's stepfather has been categorised as a house robbery instread of a farm attack. “This is why crime statistics in South Africa are not trustworthy…They cover this up.” Giving an update on the two groups of refugees in America, he said the outing of many people from the first group - that in fact included a Coloured family - had resulted in death threats against their family members, and their property being jeopardised back in South Africa. Colonel Wyatt expresses outrage at Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean McPherson of the Democratic Alliance (DA) “who cackled like a hyena when Ramaphosa told the joke about the lights being dimmed and mocking President Trump”. He has this warning: “I think that the ruling Government of National Unity (GNU) thinks there's no consequences for their actions. And I think they're going to be sadly disappointed very soon.” Colonel Wyatt also gives his take on the relationship between Trump and South African-born billionaire Elon Musk following his departure from the White House.

In his latest hard-hitting Sunday Show with BizNews, Neil De Beer, the President of the United Independent Movement (UIM) , slams the way the African Congress (ANC) is operating without a national mandate in the Government of National Unity (GNU). “This government doesn't have a quorum. There's not a singular party in this country that received the right to establish itself on a 50 plus one quorum. So in my opinion, they are not a legitimate government,” he says. De Beer also lambasts the other parties in the GNU for their lack of effectiveness. “It's just a fact that the DA (Democratic Alliance) and the Freedom Front and the rest of the people in the GNU are not keeping them (the ANC) and him (the President) accountable and therefore we as the citizens are sitting in a canoe going up the stream and hearing the thunder of the water.” With a second group of Afrikaner “refugees” arriving in America, De Beer expressed outrage at President Cyril Ramaphosa's defense of the Kill the Boer song and says the matter should be pursued all the way to the International Criminal Court of Justice. (ICJ) As for the President doubling down on BEE policies, De Beer describes the stark contrast between Black Economic Empowerment and Afrikaner empowerment that built economically solid companies that bolstered the economy of this country to turn it into an economic giant. He also has harsh words for Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe as tensions are rising over proposed amendments to SA's mining legislation. Furthermore, he expresses grave concern over the registration move of an apparently fundamentalist political party, the Islamic State of Africa.