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Polling results released today by the Social Research Foundation show a continued slide in support for SA’s ruling political party. SRF chairman Dr Frans Cronje says the poll’s conclusions on the impact of Jacob Zuma’s MKP are consistent with what has been reported in other recent polls. The newcomer’s current 13% slice has established it as SA’s third biggest political party behind the ANC and Democratic Alliance (25%). Cronje outlines the possible alternatives for politicians, and by extension all South Africans, in the unlikely event that these figures are held in the next 49 days. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

In a Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, PA President Gayton McKenzie asserted his leadership ambitions and vision for South Africa in a dynamic exchange. McKenzie emphasised his ambitions to be premier in the Western Cape, highlighting the region's diverse demographics and his commitment to breaking traditional voting patterns. Amid coalition challenges in Knysna, McKenzie critiqued governance and vowed water accessibility for all. With bold promises and sharp criticism, McKenzie sparked debate on race, leadership, and socio-political dynamics in South Africa.

A landmark agreement has been signed for a R9 billion innovative nuclear reactor in South Africa. In this conversation with BizNews, the partners to that agreement Stephen Edkins and Warren La Fleur of Koya Capital and Dr. Kelvin Kemm of Stratek Global, share the details and provide a timeline. The First of a Kind (FOAK) Small Modular Reactor (SMR) will have the capacity to generate 100MW of heat and 35MW of electricity. It is expected to break ground before the end of the year. Apart from the South African market, there's been “a lot of interest” in the venture, not only from African countries, but from countries like Australia, Canada, Indonesia, and the Middle East.

In a dynamic dialogue with entrepreneur and [retired] political activist Rob Hersov at BNC#6 in Hermanus, the BizNews favourite delved into the intricacies of South Africa's political landscape and the impending 29 May elections. Hersov emphasised the potential formation of coalitions, foreseeing a delicate balance between the ANC, DA, and Patriotic Alliance. He underlined the paramount importance of protecting property rights to avert economic collapse and also touched on foreign influences, economic strategies, and the role of leadership in advocating for change.

Judges in MK Party/Zuma case against IEC, ‘took the soft option’ – Prof Theo Venter

Former President Jacob Zuma can contest the election as one of the candidates for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. It follows after the Electoral Court dismissed the Independent Electoral’s (IEC) objection to Zuma’s inclusion because he has been convicted of a crime. It will mean that Zuma could be back in Parliament if the MK Party garners enough support on 29 May. Political analyst, Prof Theo Venter said in an interview with Biznews that the judges took the soft option rather than strictly adhering to constitutional principles. Zuma, he says has the cunning ability, like former U.S President Donald Trump to put the system under pressure. Venter said he believes that the five judges on the bench were swayed by extra-judicial issues like the potential for violence. Should the IEC decide to take the matter to the Constitutional Court, Venter said it would not be before the elections. He described the May elections as almost unpredictable, now. Zuma’s inclusion on the MK Party’s ballot is going to be a game-changer, Venter said.

Mmusi Maimane, the leader of Build One South Africa (BOSA), discussed his political inspiration and strategy at the BizNews Conference BNC#6 in Hermanus. Drawing parallels with Macron's centrist approach, Maimane emphasised pragmatic solutions over ideological divides. He highlighted BOSA's focus on citizen empowerment, transparency in candidate selection, and grassroots engagement bolstered by a robust online presence. Addressing challenges such as voter intimidation and the need for job creation, he outlined a vision for a post-ANC South Africa, appealing to dignity and shared prosperity. With a strategic organization of over 40,000 activists, Maimane aims to shift the political landscape towards a centrist, values-driven governance model.

South Africa grapples with a crisis of gender-based violence, recording some of the world’s highest rates of violence against women and girls. To address the urgent need of sexual assault victims in the Cape, Professor Wolfgang Schöneberg and Dr Edwin Herzog spearheaded a collaboration with a group of stakeholders including the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). It has resulted in the establishment of the first-of-its-kind Stellenbosch GBV centre in Ida’s Valley, which opened its doors in February. Adv. Bonnie Currie-Gamwo, the Special Director of Public Prosecution: Sexual Offences and a pivotal figure within the GBV Leadership Group, sheds light on the escalating rates of GBV, despite numerous interventions, in an interview with Biznews. She highlights the diverse range of victims, spanning from children as young as six to individuals in their fifties and males, who have found solace and support within the newly opened centre. Currie-Gamwo emphasises the crucial role played by collaborative efforts between the private and state sectors in providing comprehensive care for victims of GBV, expressing her aspirations to replicate this model across South Africa.

During his Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Frans Cronje discussed the shifting landscape of South African politics, emphasising the inevitability of coalition governance. He highlighted the decline of ANC dominance, suggesting a future where no single party holds executive control. Cronje underscored the importance of private actors navigating this transition for societal progress. Despite concerns, he believes in the resilience of institutions against worst-case scenarios, advocating for policies fostering economic growth and certainty to unlock business investment.

Political scientist RW Johnson shook up the BNC#6 conference in Hermanus with his explosive insights on the ANC's uncertain future. Revealing unprecedented polling data, Johnson highlighted the meteoric rise of MK and its potential to disrupt the political landscape, leaving the ANC scrambling for coalition partners. From KwaZulu-Natal's seismic shifts to the Eastern Cape's unexpected dynamics, Johnson painted a vivid picture of South Africa's evolving political landscape. As smaller parties gain traction and youth apathy looms, Johnson's stark assessment leaves attendees pondering the nation's trajectory and the elusive search for a way out of the current political quagmire.

In the question and answer session after his keynote address at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Herman Mashaba, president of ActionSA, defied pollster predictions, highlighting his party's growth and anti-corruption stance. He championed tough measures against crime and emphasised merit-based governance. Mashaba's entrepreneurial background informs his pragmatic approach to politics, focusing on fiscal responsibility and service delivery. He dismissed concerns over the ANC's grip on power, prioritising voter choice. His message promoted a united, prosperous South Africa built on empowerment and opportunity.