BizNews Radio

Farmers in Southern Africa face numerous challenges, including water scarcity, climate change, fluctuating commodity prices, and pest management. To tackle these issues, the Southern African Agricultural Initiative (SAAI) has introduced AI Farmer, an innovative AI platform designed specifically for family farmers. This world-first, WhatsApp-based platform leverages vast amounts of data to provide timely answers to farmers’ most pressing questions. CEO Francois Rossouw said in an interview with Biznews that SAAI recognised the potential of AI technology after advancements in large language models, understanding its value in agriculture. With over 13,000 topics available, AI Farmer has already made a significant impact by addressing issues like a water contamination crisis in an Eastern Cape goat herd and helping vegetable farmers in Rustenburg access new fertilizers and seeds. The platform even identified a recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease through increased inquiries, alerting authorities before government agencies were notified. In collaboration with local partner Vectormind, AI Farmer is available in 83 languages to bridge the knowledge gap for small farmers. Rossouw cites the example of a demonstration in Malawi where the app provided a perfect answer in Chechewa. With too few experts available to reach small farmers, he emphasises that AI offers the potential to extend knowledge to approximately 570 million smallholders who cultivate about 24% of the world’s agricultural land.

Stanlib chief economist Kevin Lings says he now spends at least half his time researching what’s happening in the US - that’s how important the world’s biggest economy is for South African investment markets. In this interview with BizNews editor Alec Hogg, he unpacks why last night’s bigger-that-expected US rate cut is excellent news for SA and, together with other recent developments, may help trigger a reverse in the long-term outflow of capital from the country.

At the BizNews Investment Conference BNIC#1, Cy Jacobs, CEO of 36One Asset Managers, painted a promising picture for South Africa’s investment landscape. Emphasizing the country's renewed potential for growth, Jacobs highlighted key factors including government initiatives like Operation Vulindlela, Eskom’s improvements, and the evolving financial market. While cautioning against pessimistic media reports, he underscored a rising interest from global investors and opportunities in domestic equities. With a well-balanced strategy of local and offshore investments, Jacobs shared why 36One remains confident in South Africa's future amidst shifting market dynamics.

Welcome to BizNews Radio where we interview top thought leaders and business people from South Africa and across the globe.

In a candid conversation with BizNews editor Alec Hogg, incoming BUSA CEO Khulekani Mathe discussed the recent breakthrough in talks with President Ramaphosa on National Health Insurance (NHI). While legal challenges loom, Mathe emphasised the importance of constructive dialogue and presented business-driven solutions aimed at bridging gaps and advancing universal healthcare without resorting to the courts

In his keynote session at BNIC#1 in Hermanus, Piet Viljoen reflected on both good and bad investments, emphasising how bad investments can cause significant losses, while "Lollapalooza" outcomes—extremely profitable investments—are rare but attainable. He suggested inverting investment strategies, avoiding bad decisions, and seeking undervalued opportunities like energy stocks or South African equities for potential Lollapalooza returns, highlighting past success stories like Naspers and Nvidia.

In this second edition of the BizNews Briefing, host Alec Hogg takes us through the business news of the day, markets and contributions from Kokkie Kooyman, Frans Cronje, Herman Mashaba and more

In this insightful interview, Kokkie Kooyman, a leading investment expert, offers a deep dive into the latest market trends and financial developments. From discussing FirstRand's robust performance and strategic moves to evaluating the impact of global and local economic shifts, Kooyman provides valuable perspectives on key investment opportunities. He highlights how companies like Capitec and HighProp are navigating challenges and seizing growth prospects, while also examining the effects of shifting consumer confidence and political dynamics on the market. Kooyman's analysis sheds light on the evolving landscape of banking and property investments, offering viewers a comprehensive understanding of where the smart money is headed.

ActionSA Leader Herman Mashaba is set to enter negotiations for an alternative municipal coalition government in the capital Tshwane - after leaving the Multi-Party Coalition with the Democratic Alliance. In this interview with BizNews, Mashaba states: “The only thing that is now left is whether ActionSA will be able to put together a new government with other parties that subscribe to our values of fighting corruption, focus on service delivery to the residents of Tshwane, and ethical leadership. If we can pass this, then we'll be able to really form a new government with other parties without the DA. But in the event we fail - because we are not going to go into an arrangement with other parties for the sake of going - we've taken a decision that come the 26th, ActionSA is happy and comfortable...to really be on the opposition benches.” While Mashaba stresses that he is not going to be “unreasonable”, he is also adamant that he is fully prepared to “walk away” in the event that parties don't agree. “I think the only thing I'm asking the ANC to do is that, guys, if you're going to co-govern with us, we've got to declare corruption public enemy number one. We've got to put in professional people to run our government. We've got to save all communities, suburbs, townships, villages.” As for the DA, he states: “…one thing that we want to make clear to South Africans is that the DA coalition in Tshwane can forget about getting the support from our councillors in Tshwane.”

In a compelling keynote session at the BizNews Investment Conference BNIC#1, Dr Frans Cronje offered a deep dive into South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU), unravelling its strategic importance and potential pitfalls. Cronje emphasized that the GNU’s strength lies in its coalition between the ANC and DA, aligning the aspirant and established middle classes. He highlighted key challenges such as radicalization and energy policy, cautioning that the success of the GNU will depend on navigating these issues effectively. Cronje’s analysis provides a crucial perspective for investors and policymakers looking to understand South Africa’s evolving political landscape.