Harry Oppenheimer's biography - Michael Cardo's world class book on a globally revelevant South African

Loading player...
In this interview we meet Michael Cardo, an MP for the Democratic Alliance, and a quite superb biographer. His first book was about the far-sighted politician Peter Brown, whose Liberal Party called for a universal franchise in Apartheid South Africa in the 1960s - and was banned for its trouble. This one, on Harry Oppenheimer, focuses on another inspirational South African whose in addition to being a global mogul also spent a decade on the green benches of the country's Parliament. Born into a mining dynasty, Harry Oppenheimer lived a full life - massively expanding the family business, breaking break with the world's rich and powerful, and for decades serving as the most effective counter to the Apartheid regime. Cardo's superb writing skills, access to Oppenheimer's private documents (including an unfinished memoir) and the six years he invested into the project combine to make this into a world-class production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
15 May 2023 5AM English South Africa Investing · Business News

Other recent episodes

Joburg audit setback exposes R9.5bn bad debt burden

Johannesburg’s financial crisis is deepening, with the Auditor-General revealing R9.5 billion in losses driven largely by electricity theft, water leaks and weak governance. An infrastructure backlog now estimated at R200 billion threatens service delivery in South Africa’s economic powerhouse. Analysts warn that years of poor oversight, mounting debt and a…
5 Jun 5AM 7 min

Ebola outbreak in DRC grabs global attention - perfect storm of war, fear, and disease

John McDermott explores the unfolding Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, unpacking how transmission occurs, why the crisis is spreading, and what makes this strain particularly dangerous. He examines strained health systems, limited aid funding, and the challenge of vaccine development. The discussion situates the outbreak within broader…
4 Jun 7AM 26 min