The Unusual Finance Chat

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In this episode of The Unusual Finance Chat, we dive into the dual challenges of funding and functionality within South Africa’s most critical sectors. First, we sit down with Francisco Da Silva of the Change The World showcase, to discuss why social entrepreneurs are sitting on a goldmine of international investment—if only they can master the formal business processes required to unlock it.

Then, we shift from the boardroom to the farm with Karmini Pillay-Rangan, Director of Strategy at Pulse Afrika. We explore the friction between traditional farming methods and agricultural modernization, highlighting how a streamlined supply chain is the secret weapon for South African farmers looking to compete on the global stage. From impact-driven billions to tech-enabled yields, we’re uncovering the "unusual" ways finance and innovation are rewriting the rules of the local economy.

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South Africa is seeing a surge in available credit — even though economic growth remains weak. Major banks are reporting strong earnings growth, while private credit funds, fintech lenders and other players are aggressively expanding their lending.

Much of this capital is flowing into SMEs that need quick, flexible funding. But as the market becomes more competitive, loan terms are becoming more complex and repayment structures less transparent, increasing the risk of over-indebtedness.

In this episode of The Unusual Finance Chat, Gary Palmer, CEO of Paragon Finance, explains:

• Why there is an oversupply of capital in the market
• How increased lender competition is changing loan structures
• Why transparency in lending terms is becoming a major issue
• The growing responsibility on borrowers to do proper due diligence
• Why expert financial advice is becoming essential
• And why crypto is still not a meaningful funding source for most SMEs

If you run a business, advise one, or are watching South Africa’s credit markets, this conversation is essential listening.

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 Welcome to The Unusual Finance Chat with me, Tinus de Jager. In today’s episode we look at two themes shaping South Africa’s financial system: the rising pressure on banks and insurers to disclose climate risks, and the growing role of technology in FICA compliance and greylisting reforms. I speak to Kent Davis of Webber Wentzel and Andrew MacPherson of Paragon to unpack what these shifts mean for the sector and the wider economy. 

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 In this episode of The Unusual Finance Chat, Tinus de Jager explores how innovation and adaptability are redefining business and investment.
Daniel Levy, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Flow, unpacks how commerce media is transforming digital advertising and why verified shopper data has become the new gold for brands.
Angelo Swarz, Group CEO of SPAR, shares how agility, technology, and community partnerships are helping retailers thrive in South Africa’s dynamic market.
And finally, Michael Zahariv discusses luxury watches as an alternative investment class — and why timeless craftsmanship continues to hold real value. 

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Entrepreneurs often talk about bridging the gap between the formal and informal economy — but few have done it as effectively as Andre de Wet. After transforming PriceCheck into one of South Africa’s leading e-commerce platforms, he founded Flood — a digital marketplace designed to connect offline, informal businesses directly with customers through geolocation. The platform has already captured 28% of the market in the Maldives and is now expanding rapidly across Africa and emerging markets worldwide.

In this edition of The Unusual Finance Chat, I speak to Andre about how Flood is changing the way small businesses reach customers and why developing markets are fertile ground for innovation.

We’ll also hear from Justin Roberts of Paragon Finance on how alternative funding models are opening new doors for entrepreneurs in South Africa’s $370 billion commercial property sector, and from Morgan Commerford, CEO of Centurion Security Systems, who shares how smart technology and data are reshaping the security industry.

Together, these conversations highlight a single theme — innovation in action, from digital inclusion to financial access and smarter, technology-driven solutions.

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Celiwe Ross, Chief Human Capital and Corporate Affairs Officer at Old Mutual Limited, explains why ordinary citizens should care about and participate in the upcoming B20 and G20 summits. 

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She’s worked with industry leaders, shaped strategy at top institutions, and now Rivonia Govender is charting a new course as CEO of GrowthHouse – a 99% black female-owned independent brokerage empowering financial advisers across South Africa.

In this episode of The Unusual Finance Chat, Tinus de Jager speaks with Rivonia about her journey from McKinsey to Discovery, what attracted her to GrowthHouse, and how she sees the future of independent financial advice in South Africa.

This is a conversation about leadership, transformation, and building a business with purpose.

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This week on The Unusual Finance Chat, we unpack the ripple effects of rising U.S. tariffs on global and local investment strategies. Liam Dawson, Investment Analyst and Portfolio Manager at PortfolioMetrix, joins Tinus de Jager and Jacques de Villiers to explain how these trade tensions shape portfolio construction, where the risks lie, and what South African investors should watch out for. With his background in engineering, global asset analysis, and fixed income management, Liam brings a sharply analytical view to a complex global question. 

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In this week’s episode of The Unusual Finance Chat, Tinus de Jager looks at the severe flooding impacting KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo and what it means for infrastructure, agriculture, and the insurance industry. We also hear from Professor Adré Schreuder of the University of Pretoria about a new index measuring customer satisfaction in financial services. Plus, there’s a glance back at the history of insurance and the latest stock picks for the week ahead. 

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 In this episode of The Unusual Finance Chat, Tinus de Jager unpacks the latest in finance, insurance, and investment. We continue our conversation with Lyndwill Clarke from the FSCA on how to spot and avoid financial scams, take a deep dive into the history of actuarial tables, and review the performance of our stock picks. 

Plus, we look at Warren Buffett’s growing cash pile, a major fine in South Africa’s funeral insurance sector, rising car insurance costs in the U.S., and the hidden profits behind Florida’s insurance crisis. Tune in for all this and more! 

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