BizNews Radio

This episode of the BizNews Briefing features DA Federal Chair Helen Zille on the mayoral switch in Tshwane; Barry Bateman of the Afriforum Private Prosecution unit on alleged corruption facilitator, ANC Gauteng leader Panyaza Lesufi; Afrimat CEO Andries van Heerden on the perfect storm that hammered profits in the half year to end August; Anchor Capital founder Peter Armitage on why he's not worried about Afrimat - and those among the SA Inc shares who could benefit most by the better national mood; plus Asime Nyide's cameo on the BHI Ponzi. The BizNews Briefing is hosted by Alec Hogg.

In a candid interview with BizNews, DA Federal Chairperson Helen Zille discusses the government's progress, challenges, and the role of the DA in the coalition government. She delves into Herman Mashaba's political manoeuvrings, the EFF-DA rivalry, and the pressing issues in Gauteng and Tshwane. Zille highlights the DA’s focus on constitutionalism, economic growth, and the party's successful young leadership pipeline. Zille spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

Afrimat CEO Andries van Heerden opens up about the company's toughest half-year yet, with earnings down by 75-85%. Despite challenges including a perfect storm of iron ore setbacks and struggling acquisitions, van Heerden remains optimistic. He highlights recovery in key areas, ongoing improvements, and the company's resilience, hinting at brighter prospects as market conditions and strategic decisions take hold. Van Heerden spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

In this BizNews recap we look back at when South Africa’s financial world was shaken by the collapse of the BHI Trust, a Ponzi scheme that defrauded thousands of investors out of R2.9 billion. Promising steady returns, the scheme lured in retirees, pensioners, and high-net-worth individuals, only to leave them financially devastated. Founded by Craig Warriner during the 2008 financial crisis, the BHI Trust operated for years, deceiving even experienced investors. As the fraud unraveled, key players like Warriner, Michael Haldane, and Sona Pillay faced the law, revealing a web of deceit, money laundering, and negligence. The fallout left investors questioning how such a massive scheme went undetected for so long.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is allegedly a central figure in a massive cover-up of rampant corruption, money laundering and fraud that has cost the provincial government hundreds of millions of rand that was allocated to the Department of Social Development (DSD) to support needy NGOs. That is according to a whistleblower being represented by AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit. In this interview with BizNews, the unit’s spokesperson Barry Bateman says the whistleblower is “a very senior person” with “intimate knowledge of what Panyaza and senior officials in the department have allegedly been doing”. Bateman adds: “The buck has to stop somewhere. We say it stops at Premier Lesufi. We expect a letter from the Premier. We have written formally. We would like to see a response to our questions… Failing that, we will explore other avenues to hold the officials accountable. We have not ruled out approaching the courts…”

In an insightful interview with Jean Pierre Verster, CEO of Protea Capital Management, he discusses the significant impact of China’s economic developments on global markets, including South Africa. Verster highlights China's $28 billion local government investment and the World Bank's subdued growth forecast, which have led to declines in commodities and global markets. He also covers key investment strategies, noting the importance of diversification and exposure to both tech and consumer-facing stocks in China, as well as long positions in US tech giants like Alphabet. Verster shares thoughts on the rand’s fair value, emerging market dynamics, and managing geopolitical risks through diversification and targeted investments in sectors like nuclear energy. Verster spoke to Nielsen Network CEO, Bronwyn Nielsen.

In today's episode of the BizNews Briefing, Bronwyn Nielsen, standing in for BizNews editor Alec Hogg, leads discussions on market impacts driven by China's $28 billion stimulus and global economic concerns. Guests, including JP Verster and Byron Lotter, weigh in on Chinese tech and commodities sectors, while Piet Viljoen highlights value opportunities in South African markets, particularly in property and consumer stocks. The show wraps with an update from SAPS whistleblower Patricia Morgan-Mashale and insights into defence sector challenges in South Africa from Neil de Beer.

In this interview, Byron Lotter of Vestact discusses why the firm remains focused on U.S. stocks despite a strong rally in South Africa. He highlights the U.S. market’s innovation, growth potential, and resilience, while also addressing Nvidia, Tesla, China’s economy, and the impact of political factors like the U.S. election. Lotter spoke to Nielsen Network CEO, Bronwyn Nielsen.

In this interview, Piet Viljoen, portfolio manager at Merchant West Investment Management, discusses the recent surge in South African stocks following the election, highlighting their continued undervaluation and under-ownership. He explores opportunities in local property and second-tier consumer stocks while cautioning against offshore investments. Viljoen emphasizes the importance of a diversified portfolio, remaining optimistic about South Africa despite political risks, and underscores the need for pure local exposure in investment strategies. Viljoen spoke to Nielsen Network CEO, Bronwyn Nielsen.

Veteran SAPS  whistleblower Patricia Morgan-Mashale is once again unable to leave a safe house that she has been using over the past two years. This after she received information that there had been a meeting between former Police Minister Bheki Cele, two Crime Intelligence generals, some people whose corruption she had exposed, as well as a foreign cyber expert who would allegedly instruct them in the use of illegal spyware equipment to pinpoint her exact location. Speaking to BizNews, Morgan-Mashale - who has endured three years of persecution - says: “I want everyone to know that if I die an unnatural death, that the police is responsible for that…I know I am going to be killed by the police.” In response to this information, veteran violence- and police monitor Professor Mary De Haas has fired off a letter to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to call for an immediate investigation into this reported meeting and into all acquisitions of surveillance equipment by the SAPS.  “I am also calling on urgent action from Parliament to ensure adequate protection of bone fide whistleblowers, before they are killed.”