No Free Lunch With Greg Stewart

In the latest episode of “No Free Lunch,” host Greg Stewart engages with Dhesen Ramsamy, the Group Chief Technology and Data Officer for Old Mutual Limited, to explore the profound impact of digital transformation in the financial services sector, particularly in South Africa. The discussion centers on how digital transformation, driven by AI and rising customer expectations, is reshaping the industry landscape.

In this episode of No Free Lunch, we delve into the evolving landscape of digital cookies, data privacy, and the impact of AI on online targeting. Join me your host Greg Stewart as I chat with Andre Steenekamp, a seasoned digital media strategist, as we unpack what the future holds for marketers navigating the complex environment of digital marketing with the rise of AI disrupting the advertising Industry.

This episode offers valuable insights for marketers, business owners, and anyone interested in the future of digital privacy and data-driven marketing.

Are you wondering whether the latest South African budget is a step forward or just another routine update? This episode provides a really an important perspective and gives a view on the possible scenarios that could play out in the South African economy. 

With significant changes and cautious optimism, many are asking: Does this budget help the everyday taxpayer, boost economic growth, or simply keep the status quo? Harry Scherzer, CEO of Future Forex helps to unpack the key insights from the 2026 budget – what it means for investors, small business owners, and ordinary South Africans, and explore what consistent stability really looks like in today’s complex economic landscape.

n the latest No Free Lunch Podcast, Greg Stewart chats with BMW South Africa’s CEO, Peter van Binsbergen about the future of the automotive industry in the country.

Are South Africa’s automotive manufacturing prospects headed for decline or renewal? With industry leaders raising concerns about sustainability, exports, and policy support, understanding the landscape is crucial. The conversation delves into key insights shared by Peter, on the current state and future challenges of the local automotive sector. Whether you’re an industry stakeholder, policy maker, or car enthusiast, these perspectives shed light on what the industry needs to thrive.

In this episode of No Free Lunch, host Greg Stewart engages with Conway Williams, head of credit at Prescient Investment Management, to explore the intricacies of the bond market. They discuss the fundamental nature of bonds, the current dynamics affecting credit pricing, and the role of asset management in navigating these challenges. The conversation also delves into the impact of state-owned enterprises on market liquidity and the implications of global trends on local bond markets. Throughout the discussion, the importance of understanding risk and making informed investment decisions is emphasised.

In this episode of No Free Lunch, host Greg Stewart engages with Dean Stainthorpe, Sales Director at Base Cloud. The conversation explores the intricacies and advantages of modern Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. The discussion takes a look at the evolving landscape of CRM, particularly in the South African market, and how businesses often misunderstand its purpose and capabilities.

In this episode of “No Free Lunch,” host Greg Stewart delves into the complex world of identity fraud with guest Tom Schoon, head of partnerships for Africa at Sumsub. The discussion centers around Sumsub’s 2025 Identity Fraud Report, which highlights a significant shift in the fraud landscape across Africa. 

The report reveals alarming growth rates in deepfake incidents and advanced fraud techniques, particularly in countries like Zambia, DRC, and Malawi. Tom explains how Sumsub’s compliance platform helps combat these issues by providing full-cycle verification and ongoing monitoring. 

The conversation also explores the challenges of digital literacy and mobile adoption in Africa, emphasising the need for robust fraud prevention systems and real-time reporting to regulators. The episode concludes with a call for unified efforts and education to mitigate fraud risks.

In this episode of “No Free Lunch,” host Greg Stewart interviewed Ethan Hunter, CEO and co-founder of Immobazyme a start-up biotech company in South Africa’s Western Cape Region. The discussion highlights the company’s journey from its initial focus on cellular agriculture to its strategic pivot towards the cosmetics industry, and pharmaceutical products, leveraging precision fermentation technology. 

Ethan shares insights into the challenges and successes of navigating the biotech landscape in Africa, including securing significant funding and partnerships with major players like L’Oreal, that has opened doors for further expansion for the start-up.

In probably one of the most important discussions I have had on No Free Lunch, I spoke with The Adam Molai The Chairmen and co-founder of Africa Trade Engine about where the opportunities for growing intra-African trade and industrialisation opportunities lie.

The interview delves into the intricacies of intra-African trade and the potential for economic transformation through industrialisation and value addition. Adam Molai, a prominent entrepreneur, shares insights from his experiences in the African trade sector, emphasizing the importance of beneficiation and local manufacturing to enhance economic growth and create employment opportunities.

Molai highlights the current state of intra-African trade, which stands at a mere 18-20%, and underscores the need for Africa to add value to its raw materials rather than exporting them in their raw form. He shares his journey in the tobacco industry in Zimbabwe, where strategic interventions led to a significant increase in production and the inclusion of a diverse group of farmers. This example serves as a proof point for the potential of planned strategies in transforming industries and uplifting communities.

In this episode of “No Free Lunch,” host Greg Stewart delves into the inspiring journey of Azoza, a South African company that emerged from a management buyout of Europe Assist. The discussion features Lynette Mutsekwa and Nelson Soares, the driving forces behind Azoza, who share their experiences and challenges in transforming the company into a thriving local brand. The story begins with Europe Assist’s strategic decision to exit the African market, prompting Lynette and Nelson to take bold steps to preserve jobs and maintain the company’s valuable services.