BizNews.com

20/08/2025

In today’s BizNews Briefing, The Economist delivers a stinging critique of South Africa’s BEE policies, warning they enrich the few while impoverishing the nation. Generals Maphwanya and Mkhwanazi dominate headlines - one for a controversial trip to Iran during tense US trade negotiations, the other for exposing deep collusion between politicians, unions, and criminals. Meanwhile, parliamentary oversight comes under fire - literally - as Ian Cameron and colleagues are attacked during a SAPS visit. On the business front, DRD Gold posts robust dividends, Naspers veteran Koos Bekker’s lieutenant steps down a billionaire, and AI stocks face a sharp Wall Street correction. The National Dialogue also takes heat, this time from a young student leader giving voice to South Africa’s frustrated youth.

19/08/2025

General Rudzani Maphwanya, whose surname in his native Venda means “to crush”, is far from the politically appointed puppet assumed by many commentators. Fascinating insights on the latest bombshell to hit SA's body politic. On BizNews now: https://youtu.be/2AY1UyWi8Aw?si=fXkeO0hIC0zSY0xX

General Rudzani Maphwanya, whose surname in his native Venda means “to crush”, is far from the politically appointed puppet assumed by many commentators. He is

19/08/2025

South Africa’s political turbulence intensifies as ANC heavyweights Malusi Gigaba and Senzo Mchunu spark disciplinary backlash, raising doubts about Cyril Ramaphosa’s grip on the party. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie faces a formal Human Rights Commission probe over alleged racist remarks, while DA-led Midvaal stands out with clean audits and energy independence. On the corporate front, MTN reshuffles leadership, Sibanye Stillwater warns of restructuring, and Shoprite expands its logistics muscle. Internationally, Donald Trump pushes for a Zelensky-Putin summit, and YouTube eyes Academy Awards broadcast rights in a move that could transform Hollywood’s biggest night.

18/08/2025

Today’s BizNews Briefing unpacks the turmoil at South Africa’s national dialogue after walkouts, protests, and sharp criticism from Moletsi Mbeki. We also look at the SANDF chief’s controversial Iran visit that rattled Pretoria’s US ties, insights into Trump’s Alaska meeting with Putin, Israel’s latest settlement push, and China’s robotics rise. Plus, Rassie Erasmus admits to one of the Springboks’ most embarrassing defeats as the Wallabies claim a historic Ellis Park win.

15/08/2025

Just published. Washington thinktank exec Josh Meservey shares US view on SANDF Chief “solidarity” visit to Iran - it’s not pretty. Just another own goal or something more sinister?

Washington’s patience with Pretoria is wearing thin. Senior fellow Joshua Meservey of the Hudson Institute warns that the head of South Africa’s defence forc...

05/08/2025

Today's BizNews Briefing features the latest news on Pretoria High School for Girls; the Newcastle Steel plant set for closure on September 30; Aussies wanting to buy back its port of Darwin from China; Nedbank, Palantir and Gwynneth Paltrow - https://youtu.be/1DfVk1RcBok?si=Gx53bKypVA5h51ln

04/08/2025

Morning all. Please join me in wishing a happy 12th birthday to BizNews and may we be privileged to witness many dozens more. The journey has been exciting and fulfilling, with the promise of new surprises every morning ensuring it’s quite an adventure. Thanks for the part each one of you in the tribe has played in turning this project into something that has surpassed our wildest dreams. Only the Big Boss upstairs knows what the future holds, but I’d bet that if we keep doing what we’re doing, we’ll keep getting what we’re getting. Onwards and upwards.

31/07/2025

Pretoria Girls High saga. The headmistress, Mrs Erasmus, was cleared three times of racism allegations, yet punished over her husband’s unpaid garden work.

The DA’s Sergio Dos Santos says it’s a clear case of political vendetta, an ANC witch hunt driven by ideology, not facts. He also raises troubling questions about double standards and hidden agendas within Gauteng’s Education Department. It’s a disturbing story of power, race, and bureaucracy gone rogue.

I spoke to Dos Santos yesterday. Here’s the link to the recording: https://youtu.be/1aGePHt8EK4?si=gH9Inqjg6Z8L6e-X

30/07/2025

In today’s BizNews Briefing, South Africa braces for looming US tariffs as diplomatic efforts intensify in Washington. Meanwhile, Safair faces scrutiny amid a historic pilot strike linked to regulatory double standards. In education, the Pretoria Girls’ High saga deepens with new suspensions, raising fresh concerns about political interference. Plus, the Gupta mansion sale falls through, listed companies are diving into Bitcoin, and a viral clip of DA MP Glynis Breytenbach grilling G4S in a new tailpiece segment. - Here's the link: https://youtu.be/F3RAUKIaqTU?si=rQ2vqH4sHqKuTVMZ

29/07/2025

I’m back on the BizNews Briefing beat today with the Bain news heading today’s episode. Also excellent insights from the FT into the deal between the US and the EU…….Trump ‘gets’ non tariff barriers. Pretoria still seems to think nobody else knows we have layers of them in SA, just like the EU: https://youtu.be/RyV7yiQ9TXg?si=3F57HgiOJji2wKY8

21/07/2025

William Saunderson-Meyer pens the longest-running political column in South Africa. Earlier today I tapped WSM for context on Trump Tariffs; Emma Powell; Mkhwanazi; 'Comrade' Jonas and other sparks that could start a socio-political wildfire. Forewarned is forearmed: https://youtu.be/Ql0bOou6zm0?si=qDsIrBbmZZ2kxMH4

16/07/2025

Dr Frans Cronjé, the SA political scientist followed by the powerful here and abroad, explained in today's interview why Helen Zille's run for Joburg Mayor can flip all of SA politics on its head. Describes it as the best chess move in a decade. Here's the link to the recording: https://youtu.be/5Su2LOdkhfQ?si=YgFQNrZG5gG0Il02