South Africa’s mining investment guru Peter Major has come out all guns blazing against Australian BHP’s “opportunistic” bid for Anglo American. In this powerful interview with BizNews editor Alec Hogg, Major calls on SA’s president and mining minister to step in quickly and promise to reverse legislative mistakes which chased away global investors…

Wonderbag was a company established in 2008 methods as a solution to South Africa’s energy crisis providing families with a means to continue cooking daily meals during power outages. Resembling a colourful bag reminiscent of a pumpkin, Wonderbag employs ancient heat retention cooking technology, providing employment and income opportunities to ent…

President Cyril Ramaphosa does not even know where the Guptas are. That is the riposte from Glynnis Breytenbach, the Democratic Alliance's Shadow Minister of Justice, to the National Prosecuting Authority (NP) calling in the help of the President to try and fast track the extradition from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of the Guptas. As for the few…

*This content is brought to you by Jaltech In a recent webinar, BizNews' Alec Hogg and Jaltech's Jonty Sacks dissected the Section 12B solar investment incentive and unveiled Jaltech's latest venture in this arena. Investors were presented with an opportunity, with the potential to recoup up to 90% of their investment within the first year through …

Australian mining group BHP has launched a R650bn takeover bid for SA’s 107-year-old one-time global giant Anglo American – a company now worth just a quarter of BHP’s value. If successful, the deal would merely be “material” rather than “game-changing” for BHP, which is attracted by its rival’s South American copper mines. A key part of the BHP bi…

South Africa is a tinderbox waiting for a trigger to explode into violence and destruction. That is the warning from retired General Roland de Vries, the former Deputy Chief of the South African Army. In this interview with BizNews, he shares his in-depth assessment of the threat environment - and lists the possible trigger events for anarchy in el…

Leading political scientist RW Johnson explains what led him to investigate a Zuma-supporting, Kremlin-funded media operation - and wonders at Ramaphosa’s inability to accept the reality of Putin’s double play and the ANC’s sharp decline in the polls. Sobering and scary, Johnson’s analysis reinforces the view that SA’s elections on May 29 are shaki…

Crime fighter Ian Cameron of the Democratic Alliance (DA) exposes the horrific working conditions in the South African Police Services (SAPS) as yet another member is shot dead on duty with his own gun - this time after the retention cord from the State-issued holster broke. In this interview with BizNews, Cameron reveals a litany of operational is…

During a Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, BizNews founder Alec Hogg and Mavuso Msimang engaged in a candid discussion covering historical parallels between Brazil and South Africa, education reform, affirmative action, political leadership, and Ubuntu philosophy. Msimang emphasised the need for improved education, accountability in governance, and…

During a Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Peregrine Capital Executive Chairman David Fraser discussed various topics including the hedge fund environment, small-cap investments, and South Africa's state-owned entities. Fraser noted increased hedge fund marketing and traction, particularly with lower volatility and higher returns. He delved into sp…

Just as his party is able to use its governance of the Western Cape as a ‘prospectus’ for voters, uMngeni executive mayor Christopher Pappas (32) can point to his own record since taking office in November 2021. And the fluent isiZulu speaker believes it’s a message resonating in a province where there is a growing realisation what you do at the ba…

South Africa's Police Minister Bheki Cele hurled personal insults at crime fighter-turned-politician Ian Cameron at a heated community meeting in gang-infested Hanover Park this week. Cele went as far as to question Cameron's intelligence. This after Cameron questioned investigations being done poorly and leadership in SAPS being broken while Cele …

During a Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Purple Group CEO Charles Savage and tech guru Stafford Masie teamed up to discuss the potential of Bitcoin as a solution to global financial issues, its adoption trends, and its relationship with other cryptocurrencies. The pair explored regulatory challenges and technological advancements in the crypto sp…

In a Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Free Market Foundation CEO David Ansara discussed the intricacies of South Africa's institutional landscape and the challenges of deployment within the government. He emphasised the need for a sensible approach, particularly in light of political interference in economic affairs. Ansara highlighted the importa…

During his Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Sean Peche emphasised the importance of investing in growing businesses without overpaying, focusing on quality rather than deep value alone. He discussed European banks like ABN Amro and Barclays as attractive investments due to low valuations and dividends. Peche also mentioned his preference for Hong …

In a Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Alec Hogg and Phil Craig discussed the potential for Cape Independence within South Africa. Craig advocates for a referendum on the matter, emphasising the importance of democracy and self-determination. He addressed concerns about international support, potential economic impacts like the oil and gas discover…

Every enterprise requires strong foundations and solid processes to succeed. Including politics, as we learn in this interview with DA Federal Council chair Helen Zille, who explains how meritocracy is applied inside SA’s official opposition. Zille also answers questions on the hot topics of the moment, including the impact of Jacob Zuma and MK; pr…

The Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus between Alec Hogg and Wayne Duvenage delved into the need for leveraging the constitution and rule of law to hold municipalities accountable for their duties. Duvenage highlighted examples where communities have taken legal action against municipalities to compel them to fulfil their obligations. They discussed …

During a Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Alec Hogg and GG Alcock discussed the educational backgrounds of successful informal entrepreneurs and the challenges they face in accessing formal financial support. Alcock highlighted the importance of informal learning from family members and peers in entrepreneurship. He emphasised the role of organisa…

South Africans are about to enjoy a massive upgrade in the energy and competence of their lawmakers, with an army of fresh talent injected into Parliament after May 29 ushers in a governing coalition. Among Parly’s debutants who look set to make their mark are activist/broadcaster/entrepreneur Kathy Berman and Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi, son and heir …

During a candid Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Corné Mulder discussed the intricate dynamics of upcoming elections, emphasising the potential impact of tactical voting and coalition politics. Mulder scrutinised the ANC's strategies, cautioning against tampering with electoral systems and predicting potential shifts in power dynamics within the p…

Purple Capital's interim results showcase a remarkable turnaround, signalling a shift from startup to long-term player, as CEO Charles Savage explains. Highlighting the scalability of their business, Savage attributes the transformative results to strategic decisions and customer maturation. He emphasizes sustained profitability and resilience, pro…

In an enlightening Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Magnus Heystek delved into the world of investment strategy. From navigating market uncertainties post-elections to assessing the tech sector's valuation and exploring offshore investment opportunities, Heystek shared valuable insights backed by years of experience. Discover his views on gold inv…

IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa took the stage at BNC#6 in Hermanus, outlining the party's strategic stance amidst challenges. Highlighting successes in recent elections and governance, Hlabisa addressed concerns about media bias, the Ingonyama Trust, and calls for secession, firmly advocating for unity and effective governance. With a focus on m…

Regardless of the outcome of the 29 May 2024 Election, a “federal push is going to be more and more urgent”. So says David Ansara, the CEO of the Free Market Foundation (FMF) . Speaking to BizNews after the launch of the FMF’s campaign for Home Rule, he points out that the capacity of the State has been so fundamentally broken that it's going to ta…

In his Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, renowned investor Piet Viljoen shared insights on his nuanced approach to property investment during an engaging discussion with Bronwyn Nielsen. Viljoen emphasised the importance of strategic capital allocation, patience, and emotional control in navigating market cycles. Touching on various topics includin…

In his Q&A session at the BNC#6 conference in Hermanus, Capitec CEO Gerrie Fourie shared insights on optimism, innovation, and South Africa's future, emphasising the importance of mindset, education, and seizing opportunities. He discussed challenges in reducing cash transactions, expanding business banking, and leveraging AI for growth. Reflecting…

Following a weekend marked by harsh criticism from Naspers-owned media outlets and disparaging comments from the DA’s leader, Patriotic Alliance president Gayton McKenzie is advocating for harmony among opposition parties. The influential political figure points to the irony of this discord between opposition political parties whose prime objective…

In his Q&A session at the BNC#6 conference in Hermanus, crime fighter and DA MP candidate Ian Cameron reflected on his years fighting violent crime, particularly in South Africa's troubled areas. He emphasised the need for community mobilisation within legal frameworks to combat crime effectively. Cameron anticipated a shift from civil society to p…

Cy Jacobs, co-founder of 360NE, offered a deep dive into investment strategies and market insights during the Q&A session at the BNC#6 Conference in Hermanus. Discussing various topics, Jacobs shared his perspectives on companies like Tencent, Yourplay, Prosus, and Naspers in relation to the Chinese market. He also delved into investment opportunit…

The water crisis in South Africa is “like a massive avalanche that is coming down the mountain”. So says John Endres of the Centre for Risk Analysis. And he warns: “…I do not think that the government at the moment has a way to stem the avalanche”. Endres thinks that the current “urgency” being displayed by the government is “temporary” - and “a re…

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Polling results released today by the Social Research Foundation show a continued slide in support for SA’s ruling political party. SRF chairman Dr Frans Cronje says the poll’s conclusions on the impact of Jacob Zuma’s MKP are consistent with what has been reported in other recent polls. The newcomer’s current 13% slice has established it as SA’s t…

In a Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, PA President Gayton McKenzie asserted his leadership ambitions and vision for South Africa in a dynamic exchange. McKenzie emphasised his ambitions to be premier in the Western Cape, highlighting the region's diverse demographics and his commitment to breaking traditional voting patterns. Amid coalition challe…

A landmark agreement has been signed for a R9 billion innovative nuclear reactor in South Africa. In this conversation with BizNews, the partners to that agreement Stephen Edkins and Warren La Fleur of Koya Capital and Dr. Kelvin Kemm of Stratek Global, share the details and provide a timeline. The First of a Kind (FOAK) Small Modular Reactor (SMR)…

In a dynamic dialogue with entrepreneur and [retired] political activist Rob Hersov at BNC#6 in Hermanus, the BizNews favourite delved into the intricacies of South Africa's political landscape and the impending 29 May elections. Hersov emphasised the potential formation of coalitions, foreseeing a delicate balance between the ANC, DA, and Patrioti…

Judges in MK Party/Zuma case against IEC, ‘took the soft option’ – Prof Theo Venter Former President Jacob Zuma can contest the election as one of the candidates for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. It follows after the Electoral Court dismissed the Independent Electoral’s (IEC) objection to Zuma’s inclusion because he has been convicted of a crime. It …

Mmusi Maimane, the leader of Build One South Africa (BOSA), discussed his political inspiration and strategy at the BizNews Conference BNC#6 in Hermanus. Drawing parallels with Macron's centrist approach, Maimane emphasised pragmatic solutions over ideological divides. He highlighted BOSA's focus on citizen empowerment, transparency in candidate se…

South Africa grapples with a crisis of gender-based violence, recording some of the world’s highest rates of violence against women and girls. To address the urgent need of sexual assault victims in the Cape, Professor Wolfgang Schöneberg and Dr Edwin Herzog spearheaded a collaboration with a group of stakeholders including the National Prosecuting…

During his Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Frans Cronje discussed the shifting landscape of South African politics, emphasising the inevitability of coalition governance. He highlighted the decline of ANC dominance, suggesting a future where no single party holds executive control. Cronje underscored the importance of private actors navigating th…

Political scientist RW Johnson shook up the BNC#6 conference in Hermanus with his explosive insights on the ANC's uncertain future. Revealing unprecedented polling data, Johnson highlighted the meteoric rise of MK and its potential to disrupt the political landscape, leaving the ANC scrambling for coalition partners. From KwaZulu-Natal's seismic sh…

In the question and answer session after his keynote address at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Herman Mashaba, president of ActionSA, defied pollster predictions, highlighting his party's growth and anti-corruption stance. He championed tough measures against crime and emphasised merit-based governance. Mashaba's entrepreneurial background informs his pragmati…

Former Eskom COO Jan Oberholzer delved into the intricacies of Eskom's challenges and potential solutions during a dynamic Q&A session at the BNC#6 conference in Hermanus. From regional energy strategies to financial hurdles and personal reflections on leadership, Oberholzer's insights shed light on the complex landscape of South Africa's energy se…

A lot of bad blood” between President Cyril Ramaphosa on the one hand and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambo as well as MK leader Jacob Zuma is likely to prevent a coalition between the Radical Economic Transformation (RET) parties and the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Instead, the ANC is more likely to team …

Renowned investor and Peregrine Capital's Executive Chairman David Fraser delivered an electrifying keynote at the BNC#6 conference in Hermanus providing profound insights and strategies. Unveiling Peregrine Capital's 25-year journey and investment philosophy, Fraser emphasized disciplined research, flat structures, and equity alignment as cornerst…

The DA’s four year court battle to expose details on its rival’s destructive Cadre Deployment policy will reach bursting point at the worst possible time for the ANC. With service delivery collapsing as a direct result of State Capture, the court-enforced disclosures are set to come just one month from Voting Day. This week, in a ‘6-love’ victory f…

Songezo Zibi of Rise Mzansi is telling John Steenhuisen, the leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), not to be a “cry baby” over his decision to challenge the DA in the Western Cape. “This is not personal,” he says. Zibi has also assured the business sector that there is no need to fear land expropriation and BEE. In an interview with BizNews, he e…

In our regular recap on the past month’s investment market performance, Corion’s David Bacher puts the SA share market run in perspective. Like the China v India story for Emerging Market investors, to have won you needed to be on the right horse - resources - and avoided supporting the month’s donkey - financial services. Bacher spoke to Alec Hogg…

Stafford Masie's electrifying keynote at the BNC#6 conference in Hermanus delved deep into the transformative power of Bitcoin and the impending AI revolution. With bold insights, Masie challenged conventional notions of money and work, urging listeners to grasp the significance of these paradigms in the digital age. Masie's compelling narrative in…

Over 2000 complaints of corruption were received by Corruption Watch last year (2023). In this interview with BizNews, Executive Director Karam Singh speaks about the large number of complaints received in the policing- and the private sectors, as well as basic education, and state-owned enterprises. He warns that “it's not clear that if a new stat…