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As the crucial 29 May elections draw near, financial markets are seemingly wagering on the ANC losing its majority and forming a coalition with right-of-centre minor parties. Dawie Roodt, an economist from the Efficient Group, shared with Biznews that the financial markets are already factoring in a favourable outcome, as evidenced by the robust performance of the JSE, bond markets and Rand. Roodt anticipates a potential surge of 20-30% for the JSE, a 200 bips gain for the bond market, and the Rand strengthening to R17 to the US dollar, should the election yield a ‘good outcome’. This scenario involves the ANC’s support falling to around 45% and the formation of a government with political parties ‘slightly to the right’ of the ANC, who would hold Cabinet positions or the role of Speaker.

However, Roodt cautions that the new government will face significant economic challenges, including local authorities that are in disarray and will likely request additional funds from the Minister of Finance, the state-owned enterprises that “have been run into the ground” and the national accounts have become unsustainable with debt levels ranging between 75% and 90% of GDP.

At the BizNews Conference in London, GG Alcock captivated the audience with his remarkable life story, transitioning from a mud hut in rural KwaZulu-Natal to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Raised by activist parents in conditions without electricity or running water, Alcock learned resilience and adaptability early on. Despite never attending university, he launched South Africa's pioneering marketing firm targeting the informal economy. Alcock emphasised the untapped potential of this "invisible" sector, illustrating how savvy entrepreneurs can thrive in seemingly chaotic markets. His narrative challenges perceptions, urging businesses to recognise and invest in the vibrant, informal economies driving growth in South Africa.

At the BizNews Conference in London, GG Alcock captivated the audience with his remarkable life story, transitioning from a mud hut in rural KwaZulu-Natal to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Raised by activist parents in conditions without electricity or running water, Alcock learned resilience and adaptability early on. Despite never attending university, he launched South Africa's pioneering marketing firm targeting the informal economy. Alcock emphasised the untapped potential of this "invisible" sector, illustrating how savvy entrepreneurs can thrive in seemingly chaotic markets. His narrative challenges perceptions, urging businesses to recognise and invest in the vibrant, informal economies driving growth in South Africa.

At the BizNews Conference in London, AltVest Capital Limited CEO Warren Wheatley highlighted the transformative impact of his company on South Africa's informal and SME sectors. Wheatley passionately described how AltVest's innovative platform democratises investment opportunities, allowing everyday South Africans to fund and grow local businesses. Through equity and debt crowdfunding, AltVest bridges the gap between underserved communities and essential capital, fostering economic inclusion and resilience. With successful ventures like Pormat Property Group and Zwani Financial Services, AltVest is redefining financial access and creating sustainable growth across the nation.

In this pre-election interview with BizNews, United Independent Movement (UIM) President Neil de Beer says his party will deal “harshly” with the matter of its youth leader, Devon Hofmeyr, attending a gala fundraiser for former President Jacob Zuma's MK Party. He vows the UIM will not form any alliances with the ruling African National Congress (ANC), the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), MK or any cabal. De Beer talks about the fear that MK - on a “massive march” - and the ANC might “become family again” - and that South Africa might have an ANC government again “by hook or by crook”. He speaks frankly about the “rocky affair” of the Multi-Party Charter (MPC), of which his party is a member, but gives the assurance that the MPC is still together - and going into the election “as a team”. He also describes the faultless strategy followed by Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie in the war for the Western Cape. And he warns that the "continual slapping" of smaller parties by bigger parties at the dawn of coalitions, is “dangerous” because “it's a smaller party that's part of a bigger party's probable win of 50 plus one”.

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At the BizNews Conference in London, Sean Peche, the founder of Ranmore, captivated the audience with humour and sharp insights. Sharing his journey from a challenging flight to profound investment strategies, he emphasised the cyclical nature of markets and the importance of recognising value traps. Highlighting opportunities beyond North America, he proposed bold ideas for revitalizing South Africa’s economy through effective turnarounds and harnessing local entrepreneurial spirit. His engaging talk balanced investment wisdom with practical solutions, leaving attendees both entertained and enlightened.

In a gripping keynote at the BizNews Conference in London, renowned forensic investigator and Certified Fraud Examiner Paul O’Sullivan exposed the alarming vulnerabilities of WhatsApp as a tool for intelligence gathering, while painting a bleak picture of South Africa's future. Highlighting rampant corruption, infrastructural decay, and governmental failures, O’Sullivan emphasized the critical importance of the upcoming elections for the country's fate. His speech, laced with anecdotes and stark realities, called for immediate action to avert a looming crisis, urging both local and global stakeholders to recognize and address these pressing issues.

GoSolr CEO Andrew Middleton electrified the audience at the BizNews Conference in London with his optimistic keynote on the transformative power of solar energy. Emphasising South Africa's immense solar potential, Middleton highlighted GoSolr's innovative subscription model, which has made solar energy accessible to thousands of households. He underscored the significant progress made in reducing load shedding and advocated for continued investment and regulatory reforms to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. With a vision of solar in every home, Middleton's message was clear: the future of energy is bright and sustainable.

The new Hate Speech Law could see critics of government policy on social media prosecuted and jailed - if their criticism is deemed to cause emotional or psychological harm to government officials or supporters. This is the warning from Ismail Joosub, the Legal Officer of Constitutional Programmes at The FW De Klerk Foundation, and a candidate MP for ActionSA. “The threat of imprisonment that the Act brings with it for expressing what it deems harmful speech will certainly deter individuals from speaking out about wrongdoing, undermining efforts to combat corruption and protect democratic values.” He says numerous rights in the Constitution - including the right to freedom of speech - are being “significantly violated” by the new law. It is now going to take a direct Constitutional Court challenge to get “this unconstitutional law to be struck down”.

In a riveting keynote address at the BizNews Conference in London, DA Shadow Minister of Mining, James Lorimer MP, unveiled groundbreaking discoveries reshaping the nation's energy landscape. With the revelation of vast gas and oil reservoirs beneath Mpumalanga's soil and offshore along the Orange Basin, South Africa stands at the cusp of an economic revolution. Lorimer's detailed exploration of these finds, from Connecticut's pioneering gas-to-power ventures to Namibia's offshore bonanza, painted a picture of transformative potential. Despite challenges from government legislation and environmental activism, optimism reigns as South Africa eyes a future fueled by its abundant natural resources, poised to uplift its populace and rewrite its economic narrative.