BizNews Radio

Long time Oxford University political science professor RW Johnson shares his insights on what may be next for SA’s official opposition - including naming the likely next leader - local government and the Middle East. Epitomises second-level thinking. Brilliant insights.

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This episode of the BizNews Briefing stars former Oxford Don RW Johnson who shares his insights on the ructions in South African local governments and the Middle East. Epitomises second level thinking. Also, latest in the Israel/Iran standoff; what investors can expect in October - and a top money manager shares some secrets.

South African ratepayers are in despair as mayoral musical chairs and coalition dramas have led to chaotic governance in many a metro. In this interview with BizNews, Marius Roodt of the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) says it is time for governance in the metros to be taken seriously. He dissects the removal of the Democratic Alliance’s Cilliers Brink as Mayor of Tshwane, as well as ActionSA’s working arrangement with the African National Congress in Joburg. However, he also explains why stability in city governance is not dependent on Government of National Unity agreements being binding on lower levels of governments. “I don't think it's all that healthy for the DA and ANC to sort of become some kind of mega party which has big majorities across the country.” Meanwhile, Roodt shares some of the recommendations the IRR is currently developing for the stabilisation of municipal government.

In this interview with David Bacher, the Chief Investment Officer of Corion Capital discussed the impressive performance of South African investments in September. Highlighting strong gains in equities and bonds, Bacher attributed much of this success to a recovery in the Chinese market following significant stimulus measures. He expressed concerns about the Reserve Bank of South Africa's decision to cut interest rates by only 25 basis points, suggesting it missed an opportunity for greater economic stimulus. Bacher also addressed ongoing challenges, such as Eskom's potential price hikes, while emphasising that many companies are working to become more self-sufficient. Looking ahead, he forecasted a period of volatility due to geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, but maintained a positive outlook for South African assets, favouring financials and domestic-focused stocks as the market continues to recover. Bacher spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

Details accompanying the Capitec results released today shows the one-time challenger to what used to be SA’s ‘Big Five’ now banks over half South Africans aged between 20 and 60. And with yet another set of breakout earnings in the half year to end August, Capitec continues vigorous expansion at a time its rivals complain about sluggish economic growth. CEO Gerrie Fourie shares some secrets of the Capitec success with BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

In this episode of the BizNews Briefing, Capitec CEO Gerrie Fourie shares some of the group’s secret sauce (another stonking set of numbers released today); Magnus Heystek on a 30-year ban for the duo who owned large brokerage Local & Global, facilitators of the BHI ponzi; the FT on how improving Chinese manufacturers threaten everyone else; rising star of political analysis Makone Maja on the GNU; and The Economist explains why luxury gyms are booming ($40k a year membership anyone?)

In this interview, a rising star among political analysts, IRR campaign manager Makone Maja, unpacks the latest developments in the ‘spectator sport’ that is SA politics. She reckons ActionSA’s leader Herman Mashaba’s approach reflects an inability to appreciate how tired Gauteng voters are of the governance instability wracking their Metros. She spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

In an engaging interview, Nick Balkin, CIO of Foord Asset Management, shares insights on the firm’s flexible investment philosophy. Emphasising cash flow sustainability and quality companies, he advocates for a long-term approach. Balkin's pragmatic strategies provide valuable guidance for investors navigating today’s complex market landscape.

In the past year, South Africa’s Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCI) has debarred 156 people from the industry. In this interview with BizNews, investment strategist Magnus Heystek of Brenthurst Wealth comments on these debarment orders, including the 30-year-ones served on Michael Haldane - who is on bail on charges of fraud and money laundering in connection with the BHI Trust Ponzi, and his colleague Mauro Forlin. “…it looks like the FSCI has thrown the book at the guys that were involved in the BHI Trust…to debar someone for 30 years is effectively…a life sentence. In effect, they'll never work in the industry again. And I think it reveals that the BHI Trust and the individuals involved in that…were very naughty guys. They've been stealing and siphoning money for many, many years. And I'm just surprised that it took so long for this scheme to be exposed.” Heystek also speaks about how financial regulation has improved dramatically over the past decades, but says the financial system is under pressure to improve it even more because “as we currently speak, many institutions are very hesitant to deal with South African money”.

Former Leader of the Opposition Mmusi Maimane says he’s loving getting into the guts of the governing structure though his chairmanship of the Appropriation @ Committee. In this interview with BizNews editor Alec Hogg he looks at how much Parliament itself has changed - and while hopeful, warns that politicians are courting extreme danger when allowing what went on in Tshwane, where he says they have put the settling of scores above serving the people.

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