Food inflation cooled down for the first time in four months in February, according to the latest national stats agency report. To connect food inflation trends to underlying farm‑level realities, we spoke to Thabile Nkunjana, Senior Economist: Trade Research Unit, National Agricultural Marketing Council. Kaya FM

Triggered by a stir on Twitter’s trending page, we spoke to Fezile Dhlamini, the founder of Green Scooters here in South Africa, about persistent bottlenecks blocking local small businesses from accessing finance. He weighs in on the challenges he’s faced personally and what his plans are for growth despite this. Kaya FM

South African shoppers proved resilient to kick off 2026, as data from Statistics South Africa showed a jump in retail sales of 4.2% in January. FNB senior economist Siphamandla Mkhwanazi warns that while this points to stabilization in the local consumer economy, upward growth is constrained by affordability constraints and uneven spending growth. Kaya FM

South African rental property growth stalled in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the latest data from PayProp South Africa. The data points to tightening in tenant affordability in an economy that's seeing sluggish income growth. To unpack how rental agents, landlords, and investors are navigating this, we spoke to PayProp's Commercial Director for South Africa, Michelle Dickens. Kaya FM

The CEO of South Africa’s Franchising Association, Freddy Makgatho, joins us to discuss how the sector is growing and how interested entrepreneurs can take part in a model considered lower risk and fast emerging. Kaya FM

Annual consumer prices in South Africa slowed to 3% in February from 3.5% in January , according to the latest stats from the national stats agency today. Stats SA attributed the cooler-than-expected print to three main factors: a delay in new medical aid rates, softer price pressure at fuel pumps, and a slower-than-expected rise in medical services prices. For more on this we spoke to Patrick Kelly, Chief Director For Price Statistics, Statistics SA…. Kaya FM

After announcements from two major retail counters this week, we speak to Nedbank Senior Equity Research Analyst, Paul Steegers, for his view on Mr. Price expanding into Europe and Shoprite’s R900 million buy into the local informal economy. Kaya FM

Discovery Life’s latest claims data shows a major shift in the industry, with most payouts now going to support clients while they are still alive through illness, disability, or income loss. Advances in AI-driven health screening are also changing outcomes. Deputy CEO Gareth Friedlander explores what this means for financial planning and the future of insurance. Kaya FM

Despite global uncertainty and domestic pressures, South Africa’s major banks have delivered solid earnings growth and maintained strong balance sheets. With improving credit conditions and continued investment in digital innovation, the sector remains robust but risks persist. PwC South Africa’s Rivaan Roopnarain breaks down the key trends shaping the banking landscape. Kaya FM

More than 100 Lexus vehicles have been recalled in South Africa due to a fault in the automatic transmission system that could pose safety risks. Consumers are being urged to take affected vehicles in for repairs. The National Consumer Commission outlines what drivers need to know and how the recall will be managed. Kaya FM