BizNews Radio

In this BizNews Briefing interview Rory Steyn, a member of the Comrades Marathon Board of Trustees and former security chief for Nelson Mandela, discussing his role in safeguarding the legacy and spirit of the Comrades Marathon. Steyn talks passionately about the race's unique cultural and historical significance in South Africa, emphasizing its role in bringing people together from diverse backgrounds. He outlines the challenges the Board faces in balancing the preservation of the marathon's core values with the need for modern innovations and commercial support. Additionally, Steyn highlights the importance of developing young talent and maintaining inclusivity within the race, while upholding the event’s reputation as a symbol of resilience, community, and South African identity. His commitment reflects a vision for the marathon to continue inspiring future generations.

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The seventh BizNews Conference, BNC#7, is to be held in Hermanus from March 11 to 13, 2025. The 2025 BizNews Conference is designed to provide an excellent opportunity for members of the BizNews community to interact directly with the keynote speakers, old (and new) friends from previous BNC events - and to interact with members of the BizNews team. Register for BNC#7 here.

Eskom is threatening to cut off Johannesburg’s electricity due to the city’s mounting debt, now at R5 billion. Speaking to BizNews editor Alec Hogg on this morning's BizNews Briefing podcast, OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage highlighted a growing crisis of municipal mismanagement and warned of severe consequences if leadership doesn’t change course. Civil society’s frustration is boiling over, and drastic action may be imminent.

California-based Anthony Ginsberg of ETF house GinsGlobal has been on the money in his insights ahead of and after the US presidential election. In this upbeat interview with BizNews editor Alec Hogg, he explains why it is not too late for laggards to participate in the fresh bull run for US stocks, particularly in the tech sector. Among the reasons for the US economy - and stocks - benefitting is pent-up demand for corporate actions and accelerated cuts in interest rates.

In this episode of the BizNews Briefing, host Alec Hogg provides context on stories of the moment with guests (in order of appearance) Wayne Duvenage (OUTA); Magnus Heystek (Brenthurst); Steve Binnie (Sappi); Anthony Ginsberg (GinsGlobal); Lord Mayor of London Prof Michael Mainelli; and Rory Steyn on the Comrades Collective and his son, Scotland rugby captain Kyle.

The Truworths share price dropped sharply after a business update disclosed sales in the fashion retailer’s 802 South African stores were flat for the four months to end October. CEO Michael Mark, in the Truworths hot seat for some 36 years, shares insights on where we are in the retailing cycle, providing context on the GNU-promised recovery after a decade of intense challenges for the sector. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

In today’s episode of NewsWrap, Kamala Harris concedes the US election. Business leader and ‘capitalist activist’ Rob Hersov, Denker Capital Director Kokkie Kooyman, and futurist Jakkie Cilliers react to Donald Trump’s election victory. Chris Steyn sits down with Gauteng MEC for e-Government, Bonginkosi Dhlamini who highlights the province’s recent achievements in high-tech crime-fighting. And Sappi CEO Steve Binnie unpacks the company’s strong quarterly results.

In the wake of Donald Trump’s latest election victory, Jakkie Cilliers, founder of the Institute for Security Studies, shares his concerns about Trump’s transactional approach to international relations and what it could spell for South Africa. From trade to climate commitments, Alec Hogg of BizNews delves into how Trump’s policies might impact the continent’s economy and geopolitical standing.

Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here.

In this interview with BizNews, the Gauteng MEC for e-Government, Bonginkosi Dhlamini, highlights recent achievements in crime-fighting over the first 100 days in office. He describes how the use of innovative technology - including a vast network of CCTV cameras - is shaping safer communities by tracking suspicious activity and vehicles. He also gives details of the e-Government Panic Button initiative in which a physical button is given to the elderly who then download the App on their smartphones. “The app allows users to trigger an alarm with the touch of a button, sending real GPS coordinates to emergency responders for a faster and more efficient response. This initiative aims to…improve public safety and provide an accessible tool to residents to protect themselves in high-risk situations.”

In this morning's BizNews Briefing with Alec Hogg, Rob Hersov discusses Donald Trump’s recent election victory, highlighting its potential impact on global politics and South Africa’s future. Hersov shares insights on the shift towards Trump among business leaders, and urges South Africa to reflect on economic policies and political alignment. He stresses that the victory could bring both challenges and opportunities for South Africa as it navigates its place in the global economy.

South African-based multinational Sappi delivered far more robust results than anticipated during its final quarter, catching investors by surprise with the full-year results to end September released today. CEO Steve Binnie chats to BizNews editor Alec Hogg about the R32bn wood-fibre group’s transformation into global leadership in a new area - and a $400m investment into a US plant that may well benefit from the result of the presidential election’s result.