BizNews Radio

In this episode of the BizNews Briefing, capitalist activist Rob Hersov unpacks the impressive one year track record of Argentina’s president (and fellow libertarian) Javier Millei; Top money manager Chris Logan reports back from Johann Rupert’s annual public appearance at the Remgro AGM; plus the Boxer listing and today’s markets.

Last year, at an auction of dried abalone in Hong Kong, a Hermanus business sold abalone for between $400 and $500 US dollars per kilogram. That business is Abagold - voted the 2024 Business of the Year by the Hermanus Business Chamber. In this interview with BizNews, CEO Tim Hedges tells viewers why South African abalone is at the top of the abalone hierarchy along with Japanese abalone. He traces the 29-year history of Abagold that now exports 95% of everything it produces - and provides permanent employment to 420 people. Hedges also lists the ways in which Abogold is maintaining its position in the global market and growing its business to ensure that it is still around in another 30 years.

In a candid conversation with BizNews editor Alec Hogg, Chris Logan - Owner and CIO at Opportune Investments, and seasoned activist investor - delves into the challenges and opportunities at Remgro, once a hallmark of South African investment. Logan highlights Johann Rupert's push for executive ownership, the pivot to capital-intensive industries like MediClinic, and the path to unlocking value in a company trading at a steep 45% discount to its net asset value. Could a return to "owner-manager" principles revive Remgro’s fortunes? Logan shares insights on this and other market moves, including the Boxer IPO success.

In this episode of the Thursday with BizNews editor Alec Hogg and Rob Hersov, Hersov unpacks the critical issues plaguing South Africa, from government inefficiency to corporate cowardice. Advocating bold reform, he draws lessons from global role models like Argentina's Javier Milei and proposes visionary changes that could turn South Africa’s economy around.

Across Europe, many governments are tightening their Golden Visa programs, which have long been a favourite for many seeking relocation or secondary residency. Despite these restrictions, Greece offers permanent residency opportunities through its Golden Visa program in exchange for property investments. However, Richard Haller from immigration specialist Sable International explained to BizNews in an interview that recent changes mean investors can no longer purchase property anywhere. The Tier 1 investment category, which includes real estate in areas like Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with populations over 3,100, now requires a minimum investment of €800,000. Meanwhile, the Tier 2 category has been set at €400,000 in other locations. Haller said there is also a €250,000 investment option, which mandates buying within new developments that involve a change of use on the mainland. He said Athens is an exciting and dynamic place to watch in the coming years and has strong potential for capital growth, similar to what Lisbon experienced.

Two of our most popular commentators are featured tonight, capitalist activist Rob Hersov provides context on Justice Denise Fisher’s Jhb High Court judgement slamming six execs of Dimension Data (including co-founders Jeremy Ord and Doc Watson); and 36ONE’s founder and CEO Cy Jacobs shares a JSE sector that hasn’t caught up with SA’s good news. Plus, why Foord’s Singaporean team are hot on China for 2025.

South African entrepreneur and 'capitalist activist' Rob Hersov discusses Judge Denise Fisher's judgment against former Dimension Data executives. The case reveals alleged fraud involving a rigged R1.4 billion campus sale, exploiting the BEE framework. Hersov criticises the behaviour as harmful to capitalism, foreign investment, and governance while emphasising the judgment’s importance for upholding the rule of law.

In an exclusive BizNews interview, 36One Asset Management co-founder Cy Jacobs unpacks his investment strategies amidst global uncertainty. From Tesla’s cult-like status to Bitcoin’s volatile allure, and the opportunities still hidden in South Africa's market, Jacobs provides a masterclass in balancing risk and opportunity.

In this insightful interview, Rashaad Tayob, Portfolio Manager at Foord Asset Management, offers his outlook for 2025, highlighting key global economic trends and investment opportunities. He discusses the potential for inflation to return, driven by factors such as fiscal and monetary stimulus, supply chain disruptions, and labor market changes. Tayob also predicts that emerging markets, particularly China, could outperform in the coming years, thanks to attractive valuations and growth in sectors like green energy. He advises investors to be cautious of overvalued U.S. equities and suggests looking at defensive sectors, like utilities, and higher-yielding assets in emerging markets. Tayob also touches on South Africa’s investment landscape, identifying opportunities in commodities linked to renewable energy. Overall, he encourages a diversified, balanced portfolio with an emphasis on sustainable, long-term growth and careful risk management.

The South African Government’s latest moves to shut down the commercial lion industry have sparked outrage. In this interview with BizNews, Richard York, the CEO of Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA), slams the government's handling of the issue, and expresses concern that Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Dr. Dion George is being “ill-advised”. He says: “I feel sorry for Dr. George…I think he's been handed a hospital pass…” York also asks: “…is the Minister more concerned about climate change and about bringing funds over from overseas than actually addressing the challenges taking place in his own backyard.” York warns that should the lion industry be closed down, it would have a huge ripple effect. “We'll talk about disinvestment from other forms of game-ranching, where farmers will just convert to other forms of commercial agriculture because their right and their right to private property is being placed in jeopardy.” Meanwhile, WRSA is set to challenge the two Government gazettes containing a call for the “voluntary surrender” of African lion bones and the announcement of a draft notice to prohibit new captive lion breeding facilities.