Business Buzz

Crowdfunding online can help get cash for your cause, business or even your wedding! In our Buffalo Index, we explore some of the rewards backers can get. Catherine Du Plooy from Back a Buddy explains how it works. Rob Heyns tells the story of one of South Africa's most successful campaigns, for Sugar Bird Gin. wits.journalism.co.za

Festivals draw thousands of South Africans every year with the promise of a great experience, whether focused around oysters or art. Stu Berry, festival director at Splashy Fen, takes us into the business of the country's longest running music festival. Tony Lankester, the CEO of the National Arts Festival, explains the importance of festivals for a community. In our Buffalo index we compare just what some of these festivals would cost you. wits.journalism.co.za

Our Brand New Heavy of June, Ezlyn Barends is founder of DreamGirls Academy and a whole lot more. We talk to this ambitious self-starter about her journey. Mentor Khumo Mngomezulu and mentee Sanele Langa from the program give us more insight into Ezlyn. Our Buffalo Index this week gives you some interesting ways to put R100 towards strong mentorship. wits.journalism.co.za

This little green plant can be big business. If you had only R100 and wanted to put it towards the cannabis industry legally, you could buy some CBD oil for medical reasons or invest in company stocks in countries where weed is legal. Myrtle Clarke from The Dagga Couple discusses her views on the industry and Dave Martin from the Bulungula Incubator gives us the farming perspective. wits.journalism.co.za

If you’re dreaming of that perfect wedding day, it’ll take more than just an ‘I do’. We look at the financial side of this industry and whether South Africans can afford elaborate celebrations.

Our guests are Marylou Bawden from the Wedding Group and Precious ‘the Planner’ Tumisho Thamaga from Precious Celebrations. In our Buffalo Index, we’ll tell you how far R100 will get you when it comes to some silly extras like white dove releases and ice sculptures. wits.journalism.co.za

Beauty content creator Mihlali Ndamase is our Brand New Heavy for May. She talks about her journey and business. In our Buffalo Index, a R100 will get you a decent amount of makeup. wits.journalism.co.za

Recently Pick n Pay has been in the headlines with their R1bn credit facilities. We clear up the controversy and analyse retail credit with Daniel Isaacs from 36one Asset Management. Davina Myburgh from TransUnion explains how to best manage and check your personal credit score. In our Buffalo Index this week your R100 will get you a strong basket full of groceries. wits.journalism.co.za

The tourism sector is an important industry in the South African economy. In our Buffalo Index, your R100 can get you something uniquely South African. Prof Melville Saayman from NWU's Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society unit talks about the trends that influence local and international visitors. If you're thinking of getting into the sector professionally, Zania Collins from the Gauteng Guides Association speaks about being a tour guide. wits.journalism.co.za

The minibus taxi industry is the main mode of transport for many South Africans. In our Buffalo Index, we weigh up whether investing in a taxi or an Uber is a better choice.

Co-founder of the AftaRobot app, Obakeng

Morapeli Matlhoko, explains how they are trying to disrupt the taxi industry. Then,

Maroba Maduma from SA Taxi tells us about the financing side of things. wits.journalism.co.za

On this week’s Brand New Heavy we bring you Koketso Moeti, a founding director of amandla.mobi, a community that uses cell phones to address pressing issues. Not only is she an activist but she is one of the candidates chosen for the Obama Foundation Fellowship. She speaks about how you need to be strategic and build connections. Our Buffalo Index looks at a few platforms used by activists to share knowledge such as books and social media, which your R100 can get you. wits.journalism.co.za