BizNews Radio

In this interview, Mark Satchel, CFO of Quilter, dives into the transformative role that technology is playing in shaping the future of wealth management in the UK. As Quilter embarks on a significant tech overhaul, Satchel discusses how these advancements are streamlining client experiences, improving operational efficiency, and driving growth in a competitive market. He also touches on Quilter’s strategic vision for the future, offering insights into how digital innovation is reshaping the financial services landscape, ultimately benefiting clients and advisers alike.

After over 100 days in the job, South Africa’s Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been praised for “really taking on the senior management of the police” instead of attending funerals and saying “outrageous things” like his very unpopular predecessor Bheki Cele. His good report card comes from civil rights organisation Action Society’s Juanita Du Preez. However, she is not handing out any stars to Justice and Constitutional Minister Thembi Simelane, who is also fighting corruption allegations. Du Preez says that cases are staying on the court role for even longer now. She also comments on some of the shock findings in the Auditor General’s latest report on the South African Police Force. Among these is that it takes between eight and 35 minutes for the 10111 number to be answered - if it is answered at all. She further laments the exodus from the police of experienced detectives who cannot possibly manage loads of between 300 and 400 cases each.

In an insightful interview, Karooooo CEO Zak Calisto discussed the advantages of being listed on the NASDAQ, the company’s innovative logistics strategy, and its focus on enhancing e-commerce capabilities. He highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in operations and emphasised the importance of attracting the right talent for sustained growth. Calisto spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

In today’s BizNews Briefing, industry heavyweights Bernard Swanepoel and Kokkie Kooyman share their insights on the key sectors driving South Africa’s economic recovery. The discussion covers positive developments in mining, the evolving banking landscape, and the opportunities presented by and cement makers. They also explore the role of public-private partnerships in boosting infrastructure development - and the growing interest of foreign investors. Also, the freshest news from Wall Street with particular emphasis on the sharp reverse in the share price of ASML - and a very positive outlook from SA-based, Nasdaq-listed Karooooo. The BizNews Briefing is live-streamed daily on BizNews Radio from 7am.

A rather different picture of under-fire agriculture minister John Steenhuisen emerges in this interview with Grain SA chairman Derek Mathews. Steenhuisen has attracted considerable media criticism surrounding appointment in his new department, including from the BizNews tribe’s favourite columnist, RW Johnson.  But Mathews, a four-decade, fourth-generation farmer from Lichtenberg, says at ground level, the view is very different - Steenhuisen is regarded with great affection, proving adept at delivering concrete results for a sector that believes it has been long neglected. Mathews spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

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In this episode of Newswrap from BizNews, organised agriculture backs new minister John Steenhuisen; AA’s stirs up resistance to Lusufi’s R120bn Gautrain expansion; Magnus Heystek likes local property - even in Gauteng; Fedgroup upbeat on SA economic rebound; Nobel prize-winning economist Simon Johnson on the impact of the US election; colonisation and corruption.

Independent financial advisor Magnus Heystek has adjusted his once pessimistic view on all things South African - and is decidedly excited about pockets of the local investment landscape. He explains his latest thinking to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

The Automobile Association (AA) has slammed the Gauteng provincial government for wanting to spend R120 billion on extending the Gautrain service. In this interview with BizNews, the AA’s Layton Beard points out that billions of Rands of Gauteng taxpayer’s money has already been paid to the operating company Bombela since 2012 through the Patronage Guarantee “due to the actual revenue and ridership being significantly below the minimum required total revenue projections”. The expansion plan was announced by Premier Panyaza Lesufi despite the MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile’s recent warning that the province is on the brink of potential bankruptcy because of its commitments, among other things, to e-toll debt.

Alec Hogg and Paul Counihan of Fed Group explored South Africa's evolving political and economic landscape. Counihan expressed optimism about the country's future, highlighting the role of the government of national unity in fostering collaboration and stability. He emphasised the importance of energy security and fiscal discipline in attracting foreign investment. With a focus on impact farming and renewables, Counihan believes these sectors can yield stable returns. The conversation underscored the necessity of telling a compelling narrative about South Africa's recovery to build momentum and encourage both local and international investment.

In this BizNews interview, Alec Hogg speaks with Warren Wheatley, founder of Altvest, on the company’s recent listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Wheatley discusses the strategic shift from the Cape Town Stock Exchange, the company's partnership with EasyEquities, and upcoming exclusive investment opportunities, including offshore ventures. He highlights Altvest’s mission to democratize private equity and create wealth-building opportunities for South Africans.

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