BizNews Radio

This BizNews Briefing covers pivotal global and local stories. Alec Hogg interviews Iraj Abedian on South Africa's deepening ties with Iran. Bronwyn Nielsen explores Eastern Cape investment opportunities, including a R109 billion green ammonia project. The Sahel region's reliance on Russian mercenaries takes the spotlight, alongside updates on Notre Dame’s reopening and JSE market movements.

In this in-depth discussion, Iraj Abedian, an Iranian-born entrepreneur who was a former UCT professor of economics and Standard Bank chief economist, shares an inside look at the dangerous geopolitical game South Africa is playing in cosying up to the most repressive regime on the planet. Abedian explains how Iranians, among the most civilised people on earth, ended up with their country run by religious nuts for whom women are legally worth half a man. Dr Abedian’s insights provide the context for asking serious questions about SA’s approach to the regime it invited into BRICs, the ANC’s former Foreign Minister, cell phone company MTN and South Africans generally. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

Glynnis Breytenbach, the Democratic Alliance spokesperson for Justice and Constitutional Development, has called President Cyril Ramaphosa’s redeployment of the “deeply conflicted, deeply compromised” Justice Minister to another Ministry a “disgrace” and an “insult to the intelligence of all South Africans”. She fumes: “So for five months he sits on his hands and does nothing. Now in a late night sort of semi soft shoe shuffle, he moves her sideways to Human Settlements. Human Settlements is important…to millions of South Africans. Is he now suggesting that she's not okay as the Justice Minister because she's conflicted and compromised, but she's fine for the Human Settlement?” Breytenbach also tells viewers what she thinks of the new Justice Minister, and gives an update on the progress of her Anti-Corruption Commission Bill which has been opposed by MKP in Parliament. “Of course, I expected them to have concerns with it because if that legislation goes through, it will impact very directly on a lot of the MK members of Parliament and a lot of the members of their party in particular.”

This episode of the BizNews Briefing, hosted by Alec Hogg, takes a closer look at the Golden Straightjacket that has forced those behind political ructions in Tshwane to toe the financial line - and the implications for Joburg’s still ‘in denial’ governors; Rory Steyn explains the board takeover by the Comrades Collective, ensuring SA’s great ultra marathon is back in safe hands; and David Bacher on how he’s playing it now that the US stock market is at its highest ever relative to the rest of the world.

In an exclusive interview, Cilliers Brink, ex-mayor of Tshwane and current leader of the DA caucus in Tshwane, shares his insights on the challenges facing South Africa's municipalities. From coalition politics to financial discipline and Eskom debt settlements, Brink highlights the complex interplay of governance, political alliances, and public accountability shaping Tshwane’s precarious trajectory.

In this interview with BizNews editor Alec Hogg, Corion Capital Chief Investment Officer David Bacher discusses the market dynamics of November. Bacher shares his cautious outlook on the US market, citing stretched valuations despite strong performance driven by a rising US dollar and President Trump's economic policies. He advises moving away from US assets in favour of more attractively priced opportunities elsewhere. Turning to South Africa, Bacher highlights positive economic developments, including a sharp drop in inflation to 2.8%, which may lead to interest rate cuts and bolster the bond market. South African equities saw solid performance, particularly in retail and agriculture, although the resources sector struggled due to weaker commodity prices. Bacher also notes that South Africa’s political challenges remain, but reform prospects offer hope. Globally, he sees opportunities in Europe and parts of Asia, particularly India and Southeast Asia, due to strong growth potential and rising consumption.

As the Investec Rugby Champions Cup kicks off and the Comrades Marathon turns a new chapter, Rory Steyn, a former bodyguard to Nelson Mandela, finds himself at the heart of these sporting spectacles. His expertise in security and leadership brings fresh energy to both worlds.

Join world champion and cancer warrior Oscar Chalupsky in this inspiring conversation with Bronwyn Nielsen. From winning 12 Molokai titles to rewriting his cancer prognosis with unyielding determination, Chalupsky shares life lessons, his groundbreaking approach to adversity, and the power of support. Learn how his journey shapes resilience in sport, health, and beyond.

This evening’s BizNews Briefing features an inspiring interview with world surf ski champion and cancer warrior Oscar Chalupsky. Diagnosed with terminal cancer five years ago, his story of resilience will lift your spirits. We also unpack retail market trends, including Boxer’s IPO and Spar’s results, with insights from Evan Walker. Additionally, catch global perspectives on Trump’s tariff threats and local market highlights, including a strong day on the JSE.

In this regular Sunday Show with BizNews, Neil de Beer, the President of the United Independent Movement (UIM), delves into the “deeper plan” of former President Jacob Zuma’s MKP that have hit the campaign trail “like it is three months before elections”, and says: “…this party is undoubtedly hungry, obsessive…very well funded and without a doubt filled with strategy.” He warns that a “strategic takeover” of government “is becoming more and more of a reality and I fear our opposition is not geared…” De Beer talks about South Africa’s own Watergate: Ramagate - the ongoing Phala Phala saga of President Cyril’s Ramaphosa’s dollar-stuffed couch. He expresses concern that undeclared foreign funding of political parties makes South Africa “the badminton ball between all foreign states”. De Beer also describes how Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa’s push for renewable energy projects mirrors the strategies advocated by former ESKOM CEO André de Ruyter. Furthermore, he gives his take on the Vodacom-Remgro merger controversy and the DTIC minister's unusual appeal against the Competition Tribunal’s rejection of it. In another bit of good news, he outlines how the Government of National Unity (GNU) is forcing African National Congress (ANC) Ministers to become more responsive to the needs of their constituents.