POWER Talk

South Africa’s automotive industry continues to be one of the largest contributors to the country’s GDP, yet affordability challenges continue to shape purchasing decisions. The latest South Africa Vehicle Pricing Index (VPI) for Q4 2024 released by TransUnion shows a continued shift towards used vehicles, with financing for pre-owned vehicles outpacing new car financing. This while South Africa’s automotive industry sees the infiltration of Asian car brands competing in the market. Bongi Gwala spoke to Marcia Mayaba, sales vice president for auto information services at TransUnion.

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As we unpack main news headlines from Sunday newspapers, Bongi Gwala spoke to Thando Maeko, reporter at BusinessLIVE. 

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German voters headed to the polls on Sunday, with the conservatives the strong favourites after a campaign rocked by a far-right surge and the dramatic return of US President Donald Trump. South Africa is Germany’s most important partner in sub-Saharan Africa. Germany is South Africa’s second largest bilateral trading partner; meanwhile, with trade worth more than 20 billion euro, South Africa is Germany’s most important trading partner in Africa. Bongi Gwala was joined by International Relations Expert – Professor Everisto Benyera  and Political Economist - Dr Dale McKinley. 

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The Direct Marketing Association of Southern Africa NPC (DMASA) is a proactive leader within a rapidly growing industry that significantly contributes to South Africa's economy. Committed to maintaining high ethical standards, the DMASA adheres to a robust Code of Practice, ensuring full compliance with all laws governing the industry and its practitioners.

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Just moments before the finance minister was expected to make his speech, there were last minute delays with a cabinet meeting held. South Africa’s National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza then announced the postponement of the Budget Speech to later in March. The speaker confirmed that the postponement among other things, were because of the proposed 2 percentage point VAT increase disagreements within the GNU. The DA threatened to vote against the adoption of the budget if the 2 percentage point VAT increase is approved. Lerato Mbele was in conversation with Prof. Lesiba Teffo, political analyst; Lance Collop, chartered tax adviser and Salem Nyathi, Consumer Financial Education Specialist, Momentum Group. 

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MANAKA COFFEE is a highly skilled, uniquely African, world class brand backed by 6 time international award winning, property and development conglomerate, THE WATERFALL MANAGEMENT COMPANY. Founded by brilliant young men brought together by a passion for quality, and the love of coffee. Good coffee is not a drink, it’s an experience, it doesn’t just happen, it is an ongoing relationship between all of its parts. 

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Concerns about maladministration, assassination attempts, and academic malpractice are among issues of concern at the University of Fort Hare (UFH). The institution has been entrenched in fraud and corruption for over two decades, involving staff from cleaners to Deputy Vice Chancellors. Scams include academic and financial fraud, business fronting, and misappropriation of funds. Despite reports to law enforcement, few prosecutions have occurred. Recent arrests are being misrepresented as a solution, while Vice Chancellor Sakhela Buhlungu deflects blame and avoids accountability for widespread corruption under his leadership. Lerato Mbele spoke to Kaizer Kganyago, spokesperson of the SIU and Calvin Rafadi, crime expert and research associate at the University of Johannesburg.

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Following the unemployment statistics from Stats SA, we are reminded of the grim picture of SA's economy. Reality is, South Africans are unemployed, and more jobs are still needed. However, we are often one-dimensional when we talk about job creation, we focus a lot on corporate jobs and it’s like we don't see or consider anything else. South Africans are creatively talented to the point that Cultural and creative industries contribute R161 billion to SA's GDP. We are a culturally rich nation that uses art to self-express and their natural crafts to tell stories. Many have used their talents to build a career, start businesses and employ others, but how much more of this do we need? Lerato Mbele was joined by Dr. Gcina Mhlophe, renowned storyteller and writer as well as MoAfrika wa Mokgathi, cultural strategist and poet.

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Kulu Eco-Services started with humble beginnings in Stellenbosch, focused on finding a solution to address the accumulation of fat and grease in sewers. Over time, the company has expanded and now operates its own conversion hub that recovers various waste effluents and transforms them into renewable energy or biofuels, thanks to international partnerships and collaboration with its sister company, Kulu Bio-Fuels. Lerato was in conversation with KULU Eco-Services Founder and CEO - Dr Pieter van Heyningen.

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The United States and Russia said on Tuesday they had agreed to press ahead with efforts to end the war in Ukraine after holding talks in the Saudi capital at which Kyiv was not represented. The 4-1/2-hour meeting in Riyadh marked a crucial moment - the first time that U.S. and Russian officials have sat down together to discuss ways to halt the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two. Ukraine says it will not accept any deal imposed on it without its consent. Lerato Mbele was joined by Musa Mdunge, political and international relations analyst, University of Dundee.

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