BizNews Radio
Welcome to BizNews Radio where we interview top thought leaders and business people from South Africa and across the globe.
From anxiety to action: Arnie Witkin’s lessons in life for Western Cape schools
Arnie Witkin is a seasoned investment manager and private equity professional, has led a multifaceted career. After retiring, he transitioned into a speechwriter, executive coach, and mentor. For over six decades, he diligently recorded his thoughts, and around the age of 80, he decided to compile them into a book…
BNC#6: Wiese Q&A - Marcus Jooste, last days of Steinhoff, Rainbow Nation and more
During his interview and Q&A sessions at BNC#6, renowned South African businessman Christo Wiese addressed the nation's pressing issues and potential pathways for progress. Wiese emphasised the need to address bureaucratic red tape hindering economic growth, advocated for privatisation of state-owned entities, and reflected on the complexities of corruption and…
BNC#6 Piet Viljoen - Value investing in an index-dominated era
Money manager Piet Viljoen's keynote address at BNC#6 in Hermanus unveiled the challenges and opportunities of value investing amidst the dominance of index funds. Drawing parallels to historical frauds and market shifts, Viljoen emphasized the importance of active management, focusing on small, undervalued businesses with competent leadership and active share…
BNC#6: GG Alcock - 'Kasinomics' 101, the multi-bn Rand sector that no one talks about
In his keynote address at BNC#6 in Hermanus, 'Kasinomics' expert GG Alcock delved into the informal sector economy, highlighting the resilience and potential of 'Kasipreneurs'. Drawing from personal experiences and case studies, he showcased the success stories of individuals that he has worked with, emphasising their ability to thrive despite…
Old Mutual’s latest nightmare - “Whistleblowing Wendy” batting for ousted execs
A BizNews interview in April last year connected SA’s original Whistleblower, Wendy Addison, and two former Old Mutual executives whose internal flag-waving was studiously ignored. The Cape-based financial services company has been under relentless attack of late because of an allegedly toxic sales culture reflected in mis-selling and non-disclosure. In…
BNC#6 Sean Summers - Returning to PnP, his journey to CEO and navigating retail in SA
In an insightful nightcap session BizNews founder with Alec Hogg at BNC#6 in Hermnaus, Pick 'n Pay CEO Sean Summers shared the pivotal moments that led to his return to Pick 'n Pay, emphasizing the importance of caution and strategic decision-making in leadership. Reflecting on his career journey from a…
BNC#6: Clem Sunter - What the future holds, an update on his flags
In his keynote address at the BNC#6 conference, Clem Sunter delved into the intricate methodology of scenario planning, emphasising the importance of studying current challenges and adjusting interpretations based on evidence. He highlighted key global flags such as religious tensions, leadership dynamics, geopolitical risks, and climate change concerns. Sunter also…
BNC#6: Herman Mashaba - Election'24 the most pivotal since 1994
In his keynote address at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Herman Mashaba - once a capitalist, now a politician - highlighted South Africa's upcoming elections, the most pivotal since 1994. He discussed his own journey from entrepreneur to mayor, emphasising his commitment to serving the nation. Focused on combating corruption and aiding…
BNC#6: Gerrie Fourie – Entrepreneurial masterclass from SA’s most successful CEO
In his keynote address at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Capitec CEO Gerrie Fourie detailed the bank's storied journey, emphasising early differentiation, client-centric culture, and digital innovation. Despite COVID challenges, they adapted, focusing on digital growth and expanding into emerging markets like townships. Their strategy includes diversifying into insurance and acquiring Mercantile,…
No, Rob Hersov, you are wrong! - Marc Lubner
Billionaire Rob Hersov is under fire for lambasting business leaders and corporates whom he believes are appeasing the government. Leading the charge is Marc Lubner, the chairman of various notable corporate and humanitarian organisations. He says they are doing their “damnedest to bring about positive change while working with the…
BNC#6: Frans Cronje - Don’t despair, big opportunities to surface post-Election'24
In his keynote address at the BizNews Conference in Hermanus, SRF Chairman Dr Frans Cronje shed light on South Africa's evolving political landscape, emphasising the need for strategic analysis over simplistic labels like "positive" or "negative." Cronje delved into the country's economic trajectory, challenges faced by Eskom, and shifts in…
BNC#6: Wayne Duvenage - Leading the charge against corruption in SA
OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage delivered an impassioned keynote speech at BNC#6 in Hermanus, highlighting the power of civil society in challenging corruption. He emphasised the need for co-governance, coalition governments, and active citizen participation to address critical issues like the failed E-toll scheme and the challenges facing cities like Johannesburg…
BNC#6: Overstrand Mayor Annelie Rabie - Municipal successes, accolades and challenges
The BizNews Conference in Hermanus was kicked off by Annelie Rabie, Executive Mayor of Overstrand, who delivered a compelling opening address, showcasing the municipality's remarkable achievements and ongoing challenges. Despite facing rising Eskom costs, wage system constraints, and environmental disasters, Overstrand has maintained financial stability, receiving accolades for service delivery…
BNC#6: Steenhuisen Q&A - A DA/ANC coalition; MPC post election and more
At the BizNews Conference in Hermanus, Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen responded to some pointed questions from the audience, 500 of whom were in attendance. Delegates pressed him on the prospect of a post-election coalition between his party and the ruling ANC; the potential influence of Russia in the vote…
Smart investors will love Fortress Fund’s deep discount, tight focus, high net yield
Local money managers are spoilt for choice in JSE-listed stocks with the ‘SA doom and gloom’ narrative and uncertainty about the pending National Election pushing prices to bargain basement levels. Among the most appealing is Fortress Fund, delivering a near 8% after-tax yield following its conversion from a REIT after…
BNC#6: Entrepreneurial giant Christo Wiese urges perspective, rationality
In his keynote address to the BizNews Conference, leading South African entrepreneur Christo Wiese drew on the famous statement made almost a century back by then Prime Minister Jan Smuts who described SA as a country where things are never as good as they should be, but never as bad…
BNC#6: RW Johnson - SA voters maturing; jobs, electricity, water now matter most
At last week’s BizNews Conference, political scientist RW Johnson explained why, for South African voters, facts are finally trumping feelings. Drawing on developments post-1994, especially within the African National Congress, the long-time Oxford Don argued the country has now reached a point where its politics has become ‘secular’ - the…
MK-EFF “reverse take-over” of the ANC possible…
A “reverse take-over” of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) by former President Jacob Zuma’s increasingly popular MK party and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is “emerging as a possibility”. So says Ray Hartley, the Research Director of The Brenthurst Foundation. He speaks to BizNews following the release of the…
BNC#6: Steenhuisen - Why Election'24 SA's chance to break 30-year political deadlock
Alec Hogg and John Steenhuisen had a riveting interview after the DA leader's hard-hitting keynote speech at BNC#6, delving into South Africa's upcoming election chaos. The pair discussed the potential for socialist dominance, ANC discord, and the critical role of voter turnout. With global parallels and looming financial implications, this…
"Vote like your life depends on it" to avoid "ANC, EFF, MK Doomsday Coalition": Steenhuisen at BNC#6
John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the opening keynote speaker at BNC#6, delivered a very simple message to delegates and attendees. It's the Multi-party Charter (MPC) versus the "Doomsday Coalition" of the ANC, EFF and MK party in South Africa's 2024 election. Steenhuisen highlighted the great work…