BizNews Radio

In an impromptu keynote speech at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Cy Jacobs highlighted challenges in beating passive indices and his optimism for investing in South Africa's political climate. He emphasised the need for active management to outperform indices consistently. Jacobs also expressed positivity regarding the US election outcome and bullishness on Chinese tech companies due to valuation disparities and regulatory shifts. He identified potential opportunities in quality South African assets like Grindrod and Zeta.

During his keynote address at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Phil Craig asserted the viability and necessity of Cape Independence. The Referendum Party leader highlighted the threat of African nationalists and the Western Cape's economic struggles under national governance. Craig urged action, emphasising the need for a referendum, contending that the DA's reluctance poses the main obstacle. He advocated for supporting the Referendum Party to pressure the DA while cooperating with them. Craig emphasised that 2024 voting would determine the region's future.

ANC Veteran Mavuso Msimang's keynote address at BNC#6 in Hermanus highlighted the ongoing challenges and opportunities in post-apartheid South Africa. From discussing the legacy of Nelson Mandela's compromises to advocating for inclusive education and vocational training, Msimang emphasized the need for unity and progress across racial divides. He pointed out the disparities in the middle class and underscored the importance of understanding history to shape a better future for all South Africans. Msimang's call for science-based affirmative policies and Black entrepreneurial support resonated with the audience, sparking conversations about sustainable development and social inclusion in the country.

In this powerful interview, SA’s Chief Rabbi, Dr Warren Goldstein, calls out the ANC on the hypocrisy of its leadership and many other failures, sharing why he believes South Africans must vote the party out of power on May 29. In a break with the timid silence of SA spiritual leaders, Dr Goldstein explains why he believes SA needs a very different government: aligned with other democracies, not one cosying up with authoritarian regimes in Iran, Russia and China. Fresh from addressing an AIPAC conference in the US, Dr Goldstein shares his message there - that instead of supporting Hamas and its ilk, SA should be playing a leading role in helping Africa’s 600m Christians repulse escalating Jihadi terror attacks in Mozambique, Nigeria and elsewhere on the continent. He spoke to Alec Hogg of BizNews.

During her nightcap session with BizNews founder Alec Hogg at BNC#6 in Hermanus, author Anthea Jeffery, a prominent member of the Institute of Race Relations, discussed her book "Countdown to Socialism" and the implications of socialist policies in South Africa. She delved into the history of the ANC's involvement in violence and its subsequent implementation of the National Democratic Revolution. Jeffery highlighted the detrimental effects of socialist policies on economic freedom and social justice, emphasizing the need for policy reform based on constitutional principles. Additionally, she discussed international influences on South Africa's political landscape, including Russian and Chinese involvement.

In his keynote speech at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Ranmore's Sean Peche discussed the significance of AI in various industries, emphasising its role in data-driven decision-making. He highlighted how AI benefits food retailers by optimising inventory management and reducing wastage. Peche also examined AI's impact on banks, noting its role in cost reduction and improved services. Through cautionary tales of overvaluation in companies like Cisco and Sun Microsystems, he advised against speculative investing and advocated for steady growth investments.

WildEarth, a beloved channel on MultiChoice renowned for its captivating African stories and wildlife content, faces imminent removal from DStv. Having been a staple on MultiChoice for over three years, WildEarth has become a household name, entertaining and educating a global audience. Despite prior assurances from MultiChoice, the company has failed to uphold its commitment to fund WildEarth, prompting WildEarth’s decision to remove itself from DSTV at the end of April. In response to the decision, a petition has been initiated by a viewer to rally support for WildEarth, and a fundraising campaign has thus far managed to garner R4.7 million ($250,000) in just 72 hours. The Chairman of WildEarth, André Crawford-Brunt, said in an interview with Biznews that he hoped that MultiChoice would reconsider its stance and honour the earlier commitment it made to fund WildEarth. Without that, WildEarth can’t afford to stay on DSTV. Crawford-Brunt described it as a David versus Goliath scenario whereby WildEarth, with 72 people, is standing up to MultiChoice, a multi-billion rand company. He said MultiChoice purported to support local content and creative talent in South Africa and are prepared to pay for channels like National Geographic and Discovery, but not for great content from South Africa like WildEarth. This channel has enabled audiences to see a little piece of Africa from their couches, he said, and has grown over the past three years to become a household name. WildEarth is being “dismissed by a big corporate in a White Ivory Tower,” he said

Political scientist and former Oxford University Don RW Johnson shares key insights from SA’s most authoritative pre-election survey - the only one conducting face-to-face nationwide interviews rather than phone surveys. He says the results support the view SA’s politics has changed more in the past two months than in the previous 20 years. Johnson points out that the collapsing ANC vote (just 41% nationally) remains fragile, and with the trend continuing, everything points to a coalition government after May 29. Moreover, provincial voter patterns suggest pressure for greater devolution or even secession secession will grow, particularly from KZN. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

In his keynote address at the BNC#6 conference in Hermanus, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) president Velenkosini Hlabisa delivered a powerful message, advocating for integrity and principled leadership in South Africa's government. Hlabisa emphasized the IFP's track record of effective governance, highlighting their commitment to transparency, accountability, and serving the nation's interests above personal gains. He urged voters to prioritize integrity and principles when choosing leaders, emphasizing that a strong voice for the IFP within the coalition government is essential for ensuring good governance and addressing the country's pressing challenges. His call to action resonated with attendees, emphasizing the crucial role of integrity in shaping South Africa's future.

In his keynote address at BNC#6 in Hermanus, crime-fighter and DA MP candidate Ian Cameron emphasised the importance of choosing hope over hopelessness and service over self-interest in tackling crime. Urging action, he highlighted civil society's role and shared the inspiring story of Liezel de Jager, who exemplified hope and service. Cameron outlined practical steps, including defining purpose, setting goals, and fostering accountability. He stressed simplicity, preparation, and personal accountability, quoting Theodore Roosevelt to underscore the significance of active engagement in societal issues.