Dubai. And the joys and dangers of ambition

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The joys and dangers of ambition. South Africans are drowning in debt, but is that because of bad investments or no investments? Mark Barnes and Tim Cohen discuss whether or not South Africa should build a very tall skyscraper, and reach for the sky. Like Dubai. Or not. How is it possible that someone can just decide to build a huge city, just go ahead and do it, earn the scorn of millions, yet succeed? Yet, SA can't maintain the tall buildings it already has. Also, the 30% pass mark debate. Listen up!
8 Dec 2025 English Explicit South Africa News · News Commentary

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