BizNews Radio

The chilling methods of South Africa’s cyber crime cartels and cyber criminals are laid bare by Tiaan Lombard, a cybersecurity and intelligence expert. Speaking to BizNews, he says: “If I want to gain access to, let's call it a banking system or a judicial system, whatever the case may be, it's a matter of entering into the bank, leaving a flash drive in the toilets with a key holder and a couple of keys on it that not identifies me and somebody somewhere is going to pick that device up and stick it into their computer. And at that moment, you are compromised.” He says such devices can be ordered online to commit cyber crimes. “These are done by highly, highly skilled, organised cartels that know that South Africa does not have the ability to stop this..”

Chemical engineer Simon Baloyi has made the ultimate Sasol journey - from bursary student to CEO. In recent years, Baloyi was part of the executive team faced with a plunging share price (R300 to under R20 in first three months of 2020) and the subsequent forced sale of assets to slash its excessive debt. In this interview with BizNews editor Alec Hogg, Sasol’s new CEO shows those lessons have been well learned: his priority is to build a bullet-proof balance sheet and ensure highly disciplined allocation of capital, an area where Sasol has not shone in the past decade and a half. It helps his cause that the Sasol board has tempered its ambitions - now prioritising local opportunities over the offshore Hail Marys whose massive cost overruns ran up huge debt. An encouraging story, a must-watch for millions of investors with direct exposure to South Africa’s coal-to-fuel and chemicals champion.

With the Government of National Unity having been in power for over two months already, BizNews asked Dr. Ina Gouws of the Department of Political Studies and Governance at Free State University for her impressions. She dissects the early achievements of the GNU as well as the coalition chaos at provincial and municipal level. She doesn’t think there's “a better strategist” than Vice President Paul Mashatile “in terms of moving himself and maneuvering himself into certain positions and being able to find himself in the right place at the right time for his own sake.” Analysing the defection of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) deputy president Floyd Shivambu to MK were he is now the National Organiser, she says” “His hatred that he displayed in Parliament of Jacob Zuma and what he's done seemingly disappeared at a moment where opportunity was given to him to maybe take up that position. And maybe he has ambitions to one day lead MK or lead this grand leftist progressive coalition to challenge the Government of National Unity…” Meanwhile, she feels it is just a matter of time before the African National Congress (ANC) “reigns in” the GNU-defiant Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. As for Herman Mashaba’s ActionSA getting into bed with the ANC in Joburg, she comments: “What they are willing to do on local level and willing to tolerate and willing to protect even for seemingly the sake of just keeping the DA out…”

Alec Hogg speaks with Dino Zuccollo, Director at Westbrook Alternative Asset Management, about their innovative Yield Plus fund. Discover how this fund offers attractive returns of 9% annually and the underlying mechanics that make it appealing, particularly for South African investors dealing with exchange control and currency fluctuations. Dino explains the power of compounding, the fund’s safety features, and its performance amidst changing UK market conditions. Whether you’re an investor looking for diversification or just curious about alternative investments, this conversation provides valuable insights into maximizing returns and understanding market dynamics.

In his latest weekly Sunday show with BizNews, Neil de Beer, the President of the United Independent Movement (UIM), talks about the looting that is being exposed by ministers in the Government of National Unity (GNU); and dissects the coalition battles on provincial and local level where, in some places, old foes of the African National Congress (ANC) - like ActionSA and the Freedom Front Plus - have shunned the Democratic Alliance (DA). De Beer also describes the “Rocky Horror Show” in former President Jacob Zuma’s MKP; discusses the likelihood of MK becoming the official opposition in the next election; and warns that should VP Paul Mashatile become President, “you are going to see fireworks in this country and change to the horrific sight that you have never seen”. De Beer highlights successes in the fight against crime, but expresses concern about a "massive" manpower drain from SAPS, as well as rumoured “massive” exits from the military - especially of Special Forces operatives. “...if we're losing these people, apparently to private contractors, to private security and apparently to political conclaves, we are in trouble.” In conclusion, he gives his take on Robert F Kennedy dropping out of the US Presidential race to endorse former President Donald Trump.

Catch the recording of our recent discussion on the latest 12B investment in the market—Decentral Green Energy 12B. If you're in the 45% tax bracket, this opportunity could be particularly beneficial, as Decentral can save 100% tax on contributed capital. This translates to R100 returned via tax savings for every R100 invested, supported by the National Treasury's tax incentive and a tax opinion from Webber Wentzel. Don't miss this chance to learn how to optimise your investments and maximise your tax benefits.

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In this insightful interview, David Frankel, a renowned tech entrepreneur and managing partner of Founder Collective, delves into his journey from the early days of his career to his pivotal role in propelling companies like Uber to global fame. Frankel shares valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, the importance of timing, and the challenges of navigating a capital-scarce environment. He offers a candid perspective on the ups and downs of investing, reflecting on both successes and failures, while also touching on broader issues such as wealth disparity and political polarization in the U.S. This conversation provides a rare glimpse into the mindset of a visionary who has significantly shaped the tech landscape.

The battle for the soul of the Comrades Marathon is not over - despite the crushing victory which runners achieved at the recent Special General Meeting in Pietermaritzburg. Pressure from those resisting demands for a clean administration has resulted in four resignations from the CMA board, including its respected chair and vice chair. Veteran competitor Barry Holland, who has finished 49 Comrades Marathons, the most of anyone, has been intimately involved. He says the situation is fast reaching a point where intervention will be required from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

In this episode escalating chaos at the MK Party after its founder exposes the fraudulent actions of the Zuma family; questions over the motives behind EFF co-founder Floyd Shivambu’s resignation from the party; teaser from the in-depth interview with swimming superstar Tatjana Smith; and why Americans are tiring of having to pay brazenly demands for ever higher tips.

SA’s home-grown global swimming champion Tatjana Smith was personally responsible for bringing home almost half the nation’s total medals won at the last two Olympic games, including both the golds. In this riveting interview, the just-retired 27-year-old reflects on a two-decade journey of commitment and focus, reflecting on what it takes to compete against and beat the best in the world. She shares the passion, patriotism, discipline, faith and dreams that drive her - and some uncanny co-incidences between the places of her triumphs and those of brother-in-law, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. Tatjana and her husband Joel Smith spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.