BizNews Radio
Welcome to BizNews Radio where we interview top thought leaders and business people from South Africa and across the globe.
Tito Mboweni off-piste: Not at #WEF20 for 'spin'
As President Cyril Ramaphosa decided not to attend the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland this year, and instead focus on issues back home, it's in the hands of Finance Minister Tito Mboweni to fly the South African flag. This has put a little dampener on events this year…
Saffers optimistic about future - survey; lottery scandal; Naspers into second-hand clothes
In today's headlines: * South Africans are more optimistic about the future, a trust barometer shows; * A scandal involving lottery funds has erupted; * Naspers, which was once the major force behind the SA media sector and then found Chinese tech start up Tencent before it became a giant,…
Edelman Trust Barometer 2020: SA Govt least trusted, global capitalism under pressure
For many WEF attendees, the most eagerly awaited event of the Davos week is the annual unveiling of the Edelman Trust Barometer, a 20 year old thermometer of how citizens in 28 countries perceive Governments, Business, the Media and NGOs. As in recent years, trust in institutions continues to decline…
Arran Kerkvliet: Property buy-to-rent income yields far higher in UK than SA
South African Arran Kerkvliet, a property specialist who relocated to the UK well over a decade back, enjoys the advantage of being able to directly compare returns from the two countries. In this special podcast he explains the differences in the yield in his area of specialisation, buy-to-let properties: concluding…
Paul O'Sullivan: Why Markus Jooste, Martin Levick are still walking free
Ace forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan applies his mind to the question that many South Africans keep asking - why are so many well exposed crooks not being put behind bars? In his inimitable style, O'Sullivan gets to the nub of the issue and refuses to pull any punches in unpacking…
Kevin Shames: Geysers, batteries next big opportunity in exploding renewables sector
Former hedge fund manager Kevin Shames moved into the renewable energy field a few years ago, spotting the power of combining Government incentives with massive opportunity arising from the changing energy equation. The resulting creation, Bright Light Solar, is now a leading 12J company which is able to offer South…
Rob Rose: Pushing corporate SA into more transparency, starting with Steinhoff
Disgraced Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste was never a Rob Rose fan. For years, the investigative journalist was on Jooste's case, going back to a 2011 investigation into Jooste by SA Revenue Services. He wisely questioned where others merely accepted. So when the ponzi scheme blew up, Rose went even deeper…
SA job losses galore; IMF downgrades growth; new bank for SA; palladium
In today's business news headlines: * As the South African economy continues to take strain, companies have warned of job losses. The IT sector and chrome businesses are among the latest to lay off people; * The International Monetary Fund has adjusted its growth forecast for South Africa for 2020…
David Shapiro: Why I'm going offshore in 2020 - and focusing on tech
The lack of tech-focused opportunities on the JSE rather than anything to do with politics is pushing SA's favourite market commentator into the offshore investing camp. In the latest episode of Rational Radio, David Shapiro unpacked why he is going offshore in a big way this year. He also explained…
State assets sale; Telkom job cuts anger; ANC rifts; Tito’s Davos challenge; SA lags in social mobiilty
In today's business headlines: - The Government is accelerating the sale of state assets to fund cash-strapped South African Airways and other distressed state-owned companies; - Unions are angry about the proposal to cut 3,000 jobs at Telkom; - ANC decision-makers met over the weekend to discuss how to deal…
Unexpected rate cut, SAA sells aircraft; Telkom job cuts; a Picasso on a yacht; palladium
In today's business news headlines: - The South African Reserve Bank unexpectedly cut its benchmark interest rate to 6.25%, which is the lowest level in four years after slashing forecasts for inflation and economic growth; - South African Airways has put some of its aircraft up for sale to accommodate…
Bob van Dijk on JustEat, JP, Techcrunch - and why for Prosus "the future's bright"
Almost six years into his tenure as the group's CEO, Prosus boss Bob van Dijk is getting used to living in the spotlight - and attention the media gives his personal financial affairs. But whatever your views on what he is paid, as you listen to this wide ranging interview…
SAA on precipice again; Black Friday sale boost; Zondo extension, New Eskom chair
In today's business news headlines: - Business Day reports that South African Airways could suspend flights as soon as this weekend if the R2bn from the National Treasury that it pledged to fund the business rescue process at the airline does not materialise; - South African retail sales beat estimates…
JP Verster's five stocks for 2020 - products of his "quantamental" process
Money manager Jean Pierre Verster discovered a few years ago that local is not always lekker when it comes to making money out of shares. His Protea Capital's offshore hedge fund generated over 20% after fees in US Dollars last year. In this interview he explains the logic behind each…
Eskom miners' death knell; Land policy 2020 wrap; OM beat Moyo; New Woolies head cheered; Vodacom, Cell C
In today’s business headlines: • Eskom will be the “death knell” for South Africa’s mining industry unless the government enables mines to produce their own electricity; • President Cyril Ramaphosa said land distribution must be finalised in 2020 and has asked business leaders to present solutions to redistribute land to…
Chris Yelland: Back story to Mabuza resignation - and how to fix Eskom mess
When it comes to reporting in specialist areas, the best journalists are often those who have technical expertise in that sector. For instance, the late investigative journalist Barry Sergeant was a qualified advocate, skills which helped him negotiate the legal minefield that accompanies all serious challenges to the financially crooked…
Massmart closes Dion-wired; Rhodium boosts platinum producers; Tesla soars
In today's business news headlines: * In a blow for employment creation, Massmart is to shut down stores and chop jobs as it shores up its finances. * Rhodium, the world's most precious metal, is soaring - which is good news for SA platinum producers. * Zim looks set to…
Key issues in Bright Light Solar Prospectus - invest to earn 21% after-tax
Since we first exposed the Biznews community to Bright Light Solar, hundreds have responded to CEO Kevin Shames who tells us he has been engaging directly with each one. What has excited investors is the way a combination of the tax allowances and dividends deliver an annual return of 21%…
MTN truly is SA's better connection after hefty infrastructure investments pay off
The latest quarterly survey by telecoms specialist Mybroadband.com provides more good news for an embattled MTN which is still celebrating the Nigerian Attorney General dropping his $2bn claim against the group. But while the Nigerian challenge is far from over (Inland Revenue and Customs are still on MTN's case), the…
David Shapiro on Greenside High billionaires, Prosus, Comair, MTN and Mondi
South Africa's favourite market commentator is at his best when recalling connections from decades of growing up in Johannesburg and working at its world famous stock exchange. In this interview from the latest episode of Rational Radio, the Greenside High old boy shares his thoughts on a now famous former…