BizNews Radio
Welcome to BizNews Radio where we interview top thought leaders and business people from South Africa and across the globe.
BNC#6: Rob Hersov goes off script, announces retirement from politics
In a surprising turn at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Entrepreneur, activist and keynote speaker Rob Hersov ditched his meticulously crafted speech, opting for authenticity over rhetoric. Reflecting on advice from peers and family, he abandoned the scripted narrative to speak from the heart. Revealing hard truths about South Africa's political landscape,…
BNC#6: Gayton McKenzie slams DA, calls for national unity - "Time to rise as South Africans"
In his candid keynote speech at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Patriotic Alliance (PA) president Gayton McKenzie rejected aligning with the Democratic Alliance (DA), criticising their constant self-comparisons with the African National Congress (ANC) and asserting the need for a different political approach. McKenzie emphasised the need for accountability, highlighting successes in…
Retracing Markus Jooste’s final footsteps to find answers on why now, why there?
Had he been able to see it, the perpetrator of South Africa’s biggest-ever corporate fraud would have enjoyed delivering his usual scathing criticism of the media. Initial reports on Markus Jooste’s death were wide of the mark - as often happens in cases like this as those delivering the news…
Shaking Up Student Housing: The DigsConnect Founder Alexandria Procter's Trailblazing Journey
When UCT student Alexandria Procter was seeking accommodation or "digs" in student parlance in 2018, she encountered significant challenges. Procter shared with Biznews in an interview that as a member of the university’s Student Representative Council, she discovered she was not alone; in fact, three-quarters of the university's students were…
Fix IRP 2023 - or face court—Wayne Duvenage
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has slammed The Draft Integrated Resource Plan 2023 (IRP 2023) as “sloppy, inaccurate, out of date”. OUTA’s CEO Wayne Duvenage says it is so “inadequate that it makes a mockery of the public engagement process”. He warns that if it is not torn up…
BNC#6: Mmusi Maimane champions visionary leadership in post-ANC South Africa
In his keynote address at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Mmusi Maimane delivered a powerful message to delegates. He emphasised unity, vision, and values for a prosperous future beyond the ANC era. Drawing parallels from history and biblical narratives, Maimane urged leaders to transcend racial divides and focus on long-term solutions. Maimane…
South African Farmers Embrace Nuclear Solution Amid Blackout Crisis - Francois Rossouw (SAAI)
The saying ‘’n Boer Maak ‘n Plan’ is well-known in South Africa symbolising our inherent ability to improvise to solve problems. Currently, one of the most pressing issues confronting our farming community is the scourge of blackouts, which has had devastating consequences, particularly for poultry farms. The onset of record-breaking…
From anxiety to action: Arnie Witkin’s lessons in life for Western Cape schools
Arnie Witkin is a seasoned investment manager and private equity professional, has led a multifaceted career. After retiring, he transitioned into a speechwriter, executive coach, and mentor. For over six decades, he diligently recorded his thoughts, and around the age of 80, he decided to compile them into a book…
BNC#6: Wiese Q&A - Marcus Jooste, last days of Steinhoff, Rainbow Nation and more
During his interview and Q&A sessions at BNC#6, renowned South African businessman Christo Wiese addressed the nation's pressing issues and potential pathways for progress. Wiese emphasised the need to address bureaucratic red tape hindering economic growth, advocated for privatisation of state-owned entities, and reflected on the complexities of corruption and…
BNC#6 Piet Viljoen - Value investing in an index-dominated era
Money manager Piet Viljoen's keynote address at BNC#6 in Hermanus unveiled the challenges and opportunities of value investing amidst the dominance of index funds. Drawing parallels to historical frauds and market shifts, Viljoen emphasized the importance of active management, focusing on small, undervalued businesses with competent leadership and active share…
BNC#6: GG Alcock - 'Kasinomics' 101, the multi-bn Rand sector that no one talks about
In his keynote address at BNC#6 in Hermanus, 'Kasinomics' expert GG Alcock delved into the informal sector economy, highlighting the resilience and potential of 'Kasipreneurs'. Drawing from personal experiences and case studies, he showcased the success stories of individuals that he has worked with, emphasising their ability to thrive despite…
Old Mutual’s latest nightmare - “Whistleblowing Wendy” batting for ousted execs
A BizNews interview in April last year connected SA’s original Whistleblower, Wendy Addison, and two former Old Mutual executives whose internal flag-waving was studiously ignored. The Cape-based financial services company has been under relentless attack of late because of an allegedly toxic sales culture reflected in mis-selling and non-disclosure. In…
BNC#6 Sean Summers - Returning to PnP, his journey to CEO and navigating retail in SA
In an insightful nightcap session BizNews founder with Alec Hogg at BNC#6 in Hermnaus, Pick 'n Pay CEO Sean Summers shared the pivotal moments that led to his return to Pick 'n Pay, emphasizing the importance of caution and strategic decision-making in leadership. Reflecting on his career journey from a…
BNC#6: Clem Sunter - What the future holds, an update on his flags
In his keynote address at the BNC#6 conference, Clem Sunter delved into the intricate methodology of scenario planning, emphasising the importance of studying current challenges and adjusting interpretations based on evidence. He highlighted key global flags such as religious tensions, leadership dynamics, geopolitical risks, and climate change concerns. Sunter also…
BNC#6: Herman Mashaba - Election'24 the most pivotal since 1994
In his keynote address at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Herman Mashaba - once a capitalist, now a politician - highlighted South Africa's upcoming elections, the most pivotal since 1994. He discussed his own journey from entrepreneur to mayor, emphasising his commitment to serving the nation. Focused on combating corruption and aiding…
BNC#6: Gerrie Fourie – Entrepreneurial masterclass from SA’s most successful CEO
In his keynote address at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Capitec CEO Gerrie Fourie detailed the bank's storied journey, emphasising early differentiation, client-centric culture, and digital innovation. Despite COVID challenges, they adapted, focusing on digital growth and expanding into emerging markets like townships. Their strategy includes diversifying into insurance and acquiring Mercantile,…
No, Rob Hersov, you are wrong! - Marc Lubner
Billionaire Rob Hersov is under fire for lambasting business leaders and corporates whom he believes are appeasing the government. Leading the charge is Marc Lubner, the chairman of various notable corporate and humanitarian organisations. He says they are doing their “damnedest to bring about positive change while working with the…
BNC#6: Frans Cronje - Don’t despair, big opportunities to surface post-Election'24
In his keynote address at the BizNews Conference in Hermanus, SRF Chairman Dr Frans Cronje shed light on South Africa's evolving political landscape, emphasising the need for strategic analysis over simplistic labels like "positive" or "negative." Cronje delved into the country's economic trajectory, challenges faced by Eskom, and shifts in…
BNC#6: Wayne Duvenage - Leading the charge against corruption in SA
OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage delivered an impassioned keynote speech at BNC#6 in Hermanus, highlighting the power of civil society in challenging corruption. He emphasised the need for co-governance, coalition governments, and active citizen participation to address critical issues like the failed E-toll scheme and the challenges facing cities like Johannesburg…
BNC#6: Overstrand Mayor Annelie Rabie - Municipal successes, accolades and challenges
The BizNews Conference in Hermanus was kicked off by Annelie Rabie, Executive Mayor of Overstrand, who delivered a compelling opening address, showcasing the municipality's remarkable achievements and ongoing challenges. Despite facing rising Eskom costs, wage system constraints, and environmental disasters, Overstrand has maintained financial stability, receiving accolades for service delivery…