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A bold call to action: South Africa needs more than talk - it needs execution. Educated citizens must step into politics, fund change, and build a credible, merit-driven alternative to failing systems. This vision demands courage, sacrifice, and unity across races and classes to restore hope, drive growth, and reclaim the country’s future through competent, ethical leadership.

The suspension of Fort Hare Vice Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu has been hailed by Grant Abbott, the General Secretary of the National Tertiary Education Union. “He came in as a corruption buster, saying he's going to renew the institution and root out corruption. If anything, he's allowed the corruption to continue. He's allowed it to be further entrenched. He's not rooted out anything,” Abbott charges.” He points out that the 20 odd people under arrest currently in the Fort Hare saga, were appointed as employees or service providers during the VC’s tenure. “So while this suspension right now might look like it's an isolated incident, it is not. It is what I would describe as the last straw that broke the camel's back.” Abbott also urges the investigation of other people that have also been implicated in financial irregularities, but are still there. “Don't cover for them. Let them clean out the thing, but let's do that thing properly, not how Buhlungu allegedly said he was going to do.”

A friendship that defined modern capitalism is quietly unravelling. In this episode of Boardroom Talk, Alec Hogg explores the growing rift between Warren Buffett and Bill Gates - and what it reveals about power, reputation, and the consequences of association in the highest circles of global business.

Rob Hersov exposes South Africa’s deepening crisis: weak governance, failing education, and a disengaged electorate. Speakers argue that poor voter understanding and lack of accountability keep destructive policies in power, while real economic drivers go unrecognised. With frustration mounting, solutions range from grassroots action to political funding and international pressure. The warning is stark - without meaningful reform and informed participation, the country risks further decline, leaving citizens to shoulder the consequences of leadership failures and missed opportunities.

In this episode of BizNews Daybreak, global markets rally as President Trump predicts an end to the war in Iran within weeks. Locally, Remgro announces a massive R16.5 billion deal to simplify its Mediclinic holdings. We also examine the mechanics of South African fuel prices with Mark Burke, while by-election data reveals ANC support hitting a historic low of 34%.

A new by-election tracker from Victory Research CEO Gareth van Onselen cuts through the noise - and the numbers are stark. The ANC is in long-term decline, potentially heading toward 35%, while the DA shows signs of recovery and smaller parties surge in key strongholds.

In this interview, Mark Burke unpacks the partial fuel levy relief victory, warning that deeper fiscal risks remain. He argues South Africa cannot afford higher taxes or more debt, urging government to tap inefficiencies, cut waste, and unlock idle state funds to shield consumers from further economic pain.

The fusion of crime and South African politics remains in the headlines. In her latest interview with Chris Steyn, Action Society's National Spokesperson, Juanita du Preez, comments on Special Leave Police Minister Senzo Mchunu resuming his duties as a member of the African National Congress (ANC) NEC; KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi being reappointed for another five-year term; National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola being summoned to appear before Parliament to explain whether he had been warned about a R360 million tender fraud; the allegedly “Dirty Dozen” cops in the dock in connection with Cat Matlala’s tender fraud; and the trial of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s “Blue Light Mafia” members for assaulting members of the public.

A hard-hitting conversation with Piet le Roux confronts South Africa’s uncomfortable truths: slowing growth, rising policy risks, and fragile infrastructure. While not yet a full crisis, warning signs are intensifying. The discussion challenges complacency, urging honest language about transformation policies and their consequences. It highlights the limits of politics alone and calls for stronger action from businesses and civil society. With cautious optimism, the message is clear - South Africa’s future can improve, but only through bold reform, active citizenship, and a united effort beyond the state.

Eskom CEO Mteto Nyati says South Africa’s energy policy must be driven by national interest, arguing the problem is emissions — not coal — and explaining why Eskom has pushed some coal station shutdown timelines out to 2030. Alec Hogg then unpacks Remgro’s R16.5bn Mediclinic restructuring, Sabvest’s strong annual report and Jubilee Metals’ pivot to Zambia. IRR CEO John Endres warns that South Africa has not truly “turned the corner” while fixed investment stays too low to lift growth and jobs. Bloomberg closes with reports that President Trump may seek an Iran-war exit even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed.

A candid, high-stakes conversation unpacks Eskom’s turnaround, leadership challenges, and South Africa’s energy future. From coal versus renewables to rising costs, corruption crackdowns, and global competitiveness, the discussion cuts through popular narratives and tough realities. With insights on policy, innovation, and national interest, it reveals how strategic decisions, not slogans, will shape growth, jobs, and stability - while highlighting the urgent need for accountability, smarter investment, and a relentless focus on delivering reliable, affordable power.

In this episode, we analyze the dramatic 4% spike in oil prices following an Iranian strike on a Kuwaiti tanker. Helen Zille discusses a "reverse migration" to Johannesburg as residents flee high coastal house prices, while John Endres warns that South Africa’s 1.1% GDP growth is merely "limping" due to a massive shortfall in fixed investment. Finally, we examine how China’s export controls on rare earth minerals are inflicting pain on the US manufacturing base.

South Africa's foreign relations are under renewed pressure. At the same time, the country is being hit with the fall-out from the Iran war. In his latest interview with Chris Steyn, US intelligence analyst, retired Colonel Chris Wyatt dissects the rhetoric flying between Washington and South Africa over its exclusion from the G7 Summit in France. He also slams the war talk between Trump and Iran. “The rhetoric from both sides, from the theocracy in Tehran and from the government here in Washington, that's not helpful.” He analyses rumours surrounding Kharg Island and boots on the ground ahead of the two-month mark when Trump will have to get approval from Congress to continue with the war. And he comments on the fuel supply crisis hitting South Africa as a consequence of the war and news that a tanker might be heading to South Africa. “But if you keep...poking the bear and he starts paying attention and being poked in the backside or in the ribs, they may turn around the Seventh fleet to intercept that tanker and they won't get those millions of barrels of oil coming to South Africa.”

The Institute of Race Relations CEO John Endres cuts through the optimism at BNC#8, warning that South Africa’s “recovery” is more illusion than reality. Growth remains weak, investment is collapsing, and real reform is still missing. Yet beneath the surface, something deeper may be shifting — voters are prioritising jobs over ideology, and political power is beginning to realign. If that continues, Endres argues, South Africa’s real turning point may still lie ahead.

Helen Zille weighs her next move as she considers a return to council politics, balancing campaign momentum with party leadership duties. She unpacks the DA’s electoral strategy, coalition risks, and fierce competition from the ANC and rivals. With Johannesburg at a crossroads, she argues bold leadership, voter turnout, and reform are key to turning the city - and South Africa - around.

This episode of BizNews Daybreak explores the Pentagon's preparations for ground operations in Iran as Houthi attacks drive up crude oil prices. We also examine Dr. Michael Louis’s fight for direct presidential elections in South Africa, Willem Els’s warning on how corruption and porous borders invite terrorist networks, and Anthony Ginsberg’s breakdown of the "indexing revolution" democratizing global investment

From Wall Street to Hermanus, Anthony Ginsberg delivers a blunt wake-up call: the global investing game has already shifted - and South Africa risks being left behind. In a keynote packed with insight, he unpacks the $10 trillion indexing revolution, why 90% of fund managers fail to beat the market, and why betting against America could be a costly mistake.

This compelling address explores leadership, democracy, and the urgent need for electoral reform in South Africa. Drawing on personal experiences in government and constitutional development, the speaker highlights the growing disconnect between citizens and political representatives. Through powerful stories and reflections, he advocates for a system that empowers individuals to directly elect accountable leaders. Emphasising that one person can make a difference, the talk calls for active civic participation and structural change to restore trust, strengthen democracy, and return power to the people. Dr Michael Louis's PowerPoint Presentation, click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MHaPLbW-CsTDnUBluzrwgajydjqf1Cut/view?usp=sharing

On today’s NdB Sunday Show, Chris Steyn talks to Willem Els, a consultant at the Transnational Threats and Organised Crime and the Justice and Violence Prevention Programme at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) about why South Africa is considered to be so attractive to terror networks. Els describes how endemic corruption in “State facilities… not only within your law enforcement… but also up into a political sphere” allow terror groups to really thrive because that “facilitates not only for the terrorist groups, but also for your organised crime groups”. He also discusses the role played by the government’s foreign policy. “... it creates perceptions of political sympathy and tolerance…prompting those groups to actually come to South Africa and to operate here.” Els lists the key weaknesses being exploited by terror groups; outlines the strategies needed to fight them - and warns: “If we don't have a very good consequence management system, people are going to get away with murder and terrorists are going to think that they can also get away with murder.”

This week on BizNews Debrief, we revisit standout moments from BNC#8, unpack shifting by-election trends, look at the fallout from the Craig Warriner vote at St Stithians, and examine how the Middle East war could affect everything from regional security to South Africa’s fuel bill.

While the debate continues around the affordability of the National Health Insurance legislation introduced by the government, an initiative of the Cipla Foundation is helping to address critical shortages in primary healthcare. Sha’p Left nurse surgeries places affordable, nurse - led clinics directly inside community hubs, often at taxi ranks. With a new partnership with the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation, the model is now set to expand. In this interview, Cipla Foundation CEO Paul Miller explains how the organisation plans to scale the clinics across the Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZuluNatal, while enabling nurses to become entrepreneurs. He also discusses the Foundation’s work across Africa with Operation Smile, helping to restore smiles to children born with cleft lips and palates. – Linda van Tilburg

Drawing on decades in policing and private security, Rory Steyn delivers a sobering assessment of South Africa’s crime crisis - warning that a hollowed-out, politicised police service is failing those on the front lines. From broken crime intelligence to bloated leadership and under-equipped officers, he argues the system is no longer fit for purpose.

From a modest start teaching 40 children at home to building a 72,000-student education powerhouse, this is a story of grit, vision, and bold decisions. Discover how one entrepreneur scaled schools across South Africa, partnered with visionary investors, and ultimately helped take the company private to unlock greater impact. Packed with lessons on resilience, leadership, and thinking big - this inspiring journey shows how small beginnings, relentless execution, and belief in your mission can transform an entire sector.

In today’s episode: We lead with the shifting timeline for US strikes on Iranian energy sites as President Trump extends the deadline to April 6th, while the Pentagon prepares options for 10,000 additional troops. We also look at the home front where the ANC is losing ground in key by-elections to the Patriotic Alliance. Rounding out the morning, we cover the record-breaking $49 billion Wall Street bonus pool and hear from Sean Peche and Piet Viljoen on the philosophy of investment survival.

As fuel prices surge, DA finance spokesperson Dr Mark Burke argues government should cushion the shock by cutting the general fuel levy and Road Accident Fund levy. We then track a busy corporate update: Standard Bank sets ambitious growth targets built around AI, payments and fintech, while Woolworths ties its incoming CEO’s big share award to demanding performance hurdles. Bloomberg reports a landmark jury verdict finding Meta and Google liable in a social-media addiction case, and we close with a Good Hope story on hearX — the South African health-tech firm pushing newborn screening and teacher training via mobile tools.

In the latest edition of the Electoral Roadshow with Chris Steyn, Elections Analyst Wayne Sussman dissects last night’s by-election results. It was another good night for the Patriotic Alliance (PA). It took the ward in Oudtshoorn with 44 percent of the vote - up from 12 percent. “Now that's a stunning rise. And this is the PA's second consecutive ward pick up over the ANC in two weeks…So the PA are continuing to hurt the ANC.” In another blow to the African National Congress (ANC), the party managed to win only 47% of the vote in Dunoon, Cape Town. “That's a stunning drop of 18 percentage points. It means that in this stronghold, the ANC fell below the 50% mark. That is a very worrying number for the second largest party in the City of Cape Town.” Reviewing the party’s overall by-election performance in recent months, Sussman adds: “...what we saw towards the end of last year and the beginning of this year in township areas in Gauteng, the ANC losing votes in its strongholds in all directions…”

In a hard-hitting keynote at BNC#8 Parlianentary Committe on Police chairperson, Ian Cameron, warns that South Africa’s crime crisis is not a failure of people - but a system deliberately weakened by political interference and corruption. From a hollowed-out police service to organised crime thriving within state structures, he argues the country is facing a breakdown in security at every level.

Speaking at BNC#8 in Hermanus, Cilliers Brink - DA mayoral candidate for Tshwane - delivered a sharp warning on the growing threat of collapsing municipalities in South Africa. He argues that failing local governments undermine personal liberty by wasting taxpayer money and neglecting critical infrastructure. Drawing on his experience in office, Brink highlights mismanagement, political instability, and shrinking capital budgets as key issues. He proposes increased private sector involvement and long-term partnerships to restore service delivery, rebuild infrastructure, and prevent further economic and institutional decline.

In this edition of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg explores the DA's radical proposal to cut the fuel levy by 50%. Finance spokesperson Dr. Mark Burke details how to cover the resulting R6.5 billion shortfall without raising taxes or increasing debt. Plus, we cover the surprising developments surrounding the Craig Warriner saga, unrest over the proposed lifetime presidency in Zimbabwe, and Wall Street's unexpected resilience.

As fuel prices surge, the Democratic Alliance's Spokesperson on Finance Dr Mark Burke warns that taxes are worsening the crisis - and reveals a bold proposal to cut levies and ease pressure on motorists.

In tonight's BizNews Briefing, Melanie Veness argues practical mentorship and support can rapidly scale small businesses, create jobs and break down exclusion. A market update follows, led by Remgro’s interim surge, progress at Kore Potash and pressure at Choppies. Donald MacKay then warns localisation policies—like solar panel tariffs—can end up making consumers pay more. Bloomberg closes on Iran’s tightening control of the Strait of Hormuz, including reports of multi-million-dollar fees for safe passage.

St Stithians Old Boy Ian Macleod says a small but vocal bloc blocked efforts to expel convicted fraudster Craig Warriner from the Old Stithians Association. In this interview, he argues for a re-vote, possible legal scrutiny and broader governance reform to restore trust in the alumni body.

Zimbabwe opposition leader Tendai Biti has been handed harsh bail conditions after spending the past weekend in custody. In this interview,. David Coltart, the Mayor of Bulawayo and a former Cabinet Minister, tells Chris Steyn that Biti’s arrest was contrived to punish him for opposing proposed constitutional amendments that would extend the terms of office of the president and parliamentarians by two years, while his bail conditions will ensure that he contributes no further to the debate. “..it's a very grim prospect that we face in the country because, in essence, what we are seeing is a Constitutional coup. I think that ZANU-PF has looked at what has happened in Tanzania and Uganda and the fall-out of such violent elections. And they've decided just to avoid elections, quite frankly, for another two years. And if they extend now by a further two years, what's to stop them just extending their terms even further beyond that?"

In a fiery keynote, Wayne Duvenage lays bare what he calls South Africa’s “extractive economy” - where corruption has seeped from national government into every layer of the state. From failing municipalities to billion-rand schemes, he argues the country is not short of money, but of accountability.

Speaking at BNC#8, trade expert Donald Mackay delivered a hard-hitting analysis of South Africa’s economic landscape, exposing flawed industrial policies, rising tariffs, and the hidden costs of localisation. He reveals how the country’s dependence on trade and subsidies creates an unstable environment for manufacturers and consumers alike. From energy crises to steel and automotive distortions, Mackay uncovers the economic contradictions and global pressures shaping South Africa’s future, offering an eye-opening, no-nonsense perspective on the challenges and choices facing the nation today.

In today's edition of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg brings you the freshest overnight news and exclusive, fiery highlights directly from the BizNews Conference in Hermanus. In This Episode: BNC Drama Unfolds: ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba pulled no punches on the BNC#8 stage, firing back at Rob Hersov and DA federal chair Helen Zille. He fiercely defended his record as Johannesburg's mayor, addresses the "EFF mayor" allegations, and calls out political corruption. SA Fuel Price Shock: Brace your wallets—South Africans are facing devastating fuel price hikes next week. Next week, petrol is set to soar by an effective R6 per litre (but still R3 below where the global price is), while diesel is heading for a R10 a litre hike, with at least another R5 to come in May. SpaceX's Record-Breaking IPO: Elon Musk's SpaceX is reportedly targeting a June public listing, aiming to raise $75 billion at a staggering $1.25 trillion valuation. US-Iran Diplomacy: US President Donald Trump signals potential peace negotiations with Iran, mentioning a high-value "present" related to the Strait of Hormuz. We hear expert analysis from heavy-hitting diplomats like former US Ambassador to Poland, Daniel Fried, and Middle East expert Ray Takeyh. Market Wrap: A quick look at the overnight market dips, with the Nasdaq dropping 184 points, the Dow down 84 points, and the S&P 500 down 24 points, but markets are doing much better in Asia, with the Nikkei up almost 3% this morning.

If US President Donald Trump ends the war at the 60-day mark when he loses the legal ability to continue without the approval from Congress, Iran will have been defanged only temporarily. That is the view expressed by US intelligence analyst, retired Colonel Chris Wyatt in his latest interview with Chris Steyn. “I think that at the end of this, we're probably going to see that Iran won't be a threat to global security and will be a much smaller threat and menace to its neighbours for three to five years. But if this regime doesn't go, they'll simply restart all over again. And that means that Trump will accomplish defanging them, but not destroying them. And once he's out of office, this will be someone else's problem.” Col Wyatt warns that unless the Iranian people rise up and institute their own government, the Iranian regime “will survive in some form” and “we don't know where that uranium is to my knowledge, and we've got to find it. That's a problem. So if this regime stays, they'll take that uranium, they'll pull it out of someplace. If they can, they'll start trying to enrich it again, and the threat will remain.”

Helen Zille warns Johannesburg’s infrastructure is nearing systemic collapse, with budgets skewed towards operating costs instead of maintenance. The market update then tracks a tough year for Hulamin, political pressure on Palantir in the US, a large Glencore share award for CEO Gary Nagle, and ASP Isotopes’ faster-than-expected progress at the former Renergen project. Chris Steyn speaks to nuclear veteran Dr Kelvin Kemm on South Africa’s nuclear capability and safeguards, before Colin Coleman warns the Iran-war oil shock could be “devastating” for many African economies.

In a brutally honest keynote, Melanie Veness takes listeners to the frontline of South Africa’s economic crisis - where broken municipalities, failing infrastructure and political interference are no longer abstract problems, but daily battles. From chambers stepping in to fix water leaks and fight tariff abuse in court, to the deeper crisis of exclusion and lost opportunity, Veness argues that corruption is not just theft - it is the destruction of hope itself. Yet amid the dysfunction, she offers something rare: a blueprint for rebuilding. Through business-led interventions, small enterprise growth and real economic inclusion, she shows how South Africa can still become the country it promised to be in 1994 - if those with influence choose to act, speak out and lead.

Speaking at BNC#8 in Hermanus, Herman Mashaba delivered a hard-hitting critique of South Africa’s collapsing governance, rising corruption, and eroding personal freedoms. From failing municipalities to unchecked crime, he argues the rule of law is under siege. Outlining bold reforms and his “Operation Fix Johannesburg,” Mashaba positions decisive leadership, accountability, and enforcement as the only path to restoring order, rebuilding cities, and unlocking economic growth.

Welcome to BizNews Daybreak with Alec Hogg. In today's episode, we cover the overnight market shifts following a de-escalation in Middle East tensions and dive into the most pressing stories shaping the global and local landscape. In this episode, we unpack: Global Markets: US stocks rally and oil prices decline as President Trump postpones strikes against Iran's energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, gold's historic bull run looks to be over. Tech Leadership: Apple appears to have a new CEO-elect. We look at John Ternus, the 50-year-old hardware genius poised to eventually succeed Tim Cook. Johannesburg's Collapse: Helen Zille delivers a stark warning on Joburg's crumbling infrastructure, revealing that a staggering R300 billion is needed to fix a system crippled by soaring operational costs and political chaos. Nuclear Secrets: Following a 60 Minutes investigation into an attempted heist of South Africa's highly-guarded enriched uranium at Pelindaba, energy expert Dr. Kelvin Kemm provides insight into the stockpile's extreme security.

There are growing fears that nuclear weapons could be used in the Iran war. That has brought renewed focus on that 2007 attempted armed robbery at South Africa's nuclear research site, Pelindaba, and the “security” of the country’s large, high-quality enriched uranium stock. Chris Steyn asks Dr. Kelvin Kemm, a member of the South African Council for the Non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and the former Chairman of South African Nuclear Energy Corporation for his assessment. Asked whether it would be possible for South Africa to bypass the council and secretly gift another country some enriched uranium, Dr Kemm says: “It should not be bypassed because if the council is bypassed then the government is breaking its own rules and that would be serious…I would like to say that I think that's pretty much impossible.” Detailing South Africa’s nuclear weapons programme under Apartheid, Dr Kemm says the country was busy with the seventh nuclear device when former President FW de Klerk ordered a stop. “A couple of them were smaller than the Hiroshima weapon of the Second World War and some of them were bigger than that.” Dr Kemm also details SA’s future nuclear power plans.

From overconfidence to concentrated bets, Sean Peche unpacks the common traps that destroy wealth. His keynote offers a grounded, real-world approach to investing - and a reminder that staying rich is harder than getting rich.

Tonight’s BizNews Briefing opens with Piet le Roux’s warning that “transformationism” is unsustainable and that state failure — including a looming water crisis — is creating dangerous vacuums of authority. We then track a mixed JSE day as PSG Financial Services and AdvTech impress while Tungela and Oceana feel pressure. From BNC#8, Sean Peche, Piet Viljoen and Cy Jacobs unpack where AI helps investors — and where human judgement still matters most. We close with Ian Bremmer arguing the Iran war is not yet priced into markets, as Washington vacillates and the Strait of Hormuz remains the key economic lever.

Helen Zille delivered a hard-hitting BNC#8 address, drawing stark parallels between ancient Rome’s collapse and Johannesburg’s deepening crisis. She warns of failing infrastructure, entrenched corruption, and political fragmentation, arguing that only decisive governance and voter action can reverse decline. Her message is clear: Johannesburg stands at a do-or-die moment, and the outcome depends on the choices citizens make.

Join Alec Hogg for today's edition of BizNews Daybreak to cut through the noise and get the essential global and local business news you need to start your week. In this episode, we cover: Global Tensions & Oil Shocks: US President Trump issues a strict ultimatum to Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz, sparking significant volatility in the oil market. Consequently, South Africans must brace for brutal fuel price hikes, with DME now calculating that the current under-recovery is R8.80 per litre for petrol and a massive R15.10 per litre for diesel. Totalitarian Transformation? Sakeliga CEO Piet le Roux delivers a scathing critique of South Africa's BBBEE policies, arguing that the transformation framework is fundamentally totalitarian. SA as a 'Mafia State': In the wake of rising organised crime and targeted assassinations, Jonathan Deal speaks out on the political manipulation of the SAPS and the grim reality that South Africa is increasingly operating as a mafia state. Energy & Climate Narratives: At BNC#8 Nick Hudson took aim at the all-encompassing push for renewable energy in South Africa, characterising the climate crisis narrative as a "scam" orchestrated by global financial establishments. Market Wrap: A quick look at the overnight markets, featuring a drop in gold prices and stagnant movement for Bitcoin.

In a wide-ranging BNC#8 panel discussion, Piet Viljoen, Cy Jacobs, Peter Major and Sean Peche unpack where they still see opportunity after a strong run in South African assets, with ideas ranging from small- and mid-caps to copper and selected offshore shares. The quartet also debated crypto, AI’s role in investing, gold’s trajectory and the importance of culture, discipline and flexibility in navigating an increasingly uncertain market.

Piet le Roux delivers a fiery critique of South Africa’s transformation agenda, warning it is fueling economic decline, state failure, and social division. Drawing on legal victories and frontline experience, he urges businesses to resist harmful policies and “state-proof” themselves. His message is stark: without decisive action, South Africa risks sacrificing both its prosperity and long-term future.

Now that Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee into police and political capture has concluded its hearings, Safe Citizen Founder Jonathan Deal tells Chris Steyn why South Africans should pay close attention to the final testimonies of Generals Fannie Masemola and Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. “When specialised units are allegedly dismantled under questionable circumstances, when 121 dockets can be controversially moved, when sworn testimony speaks of interference, weak vetting, procurement irregularities, and possible infiltration of the criminal justice system, the man in the streets understands exactly what this means. Extortion, assassinations, failed cases, fear, and criminals acting as if they were untouchable.” Deal slams the leadership of the Government of National Unity (GNU) for being “largely silent on the shocking things that are emerging in public”. He talks about the feared Big 5, and expresses the fear that despite the public exposure of crooked cops and criminal cartels, organised crime bosses will continue to try and capture politicians and top police officials. “I think that they might be a little bit more cautious, but it is after all, if one is in the criminal syndicates in South Africa, it is the only thing that you do. It's your source of income and the vested interests there are enormous.”

With one in five people in the world suffering from hearing loss, hearing care remains one of the least accessible areas of healthcare globally. A South African innovation led by University of Pretoria professor De Wet Swanepoel has helped to change that reality, using smartphones to take hearing screening, diagnostics and even treatment out of clinics and into communities. In an interview with BizNews, Prof Swanepoel explains how hearX, a company he founded and which was spun out of the university, developed digital tools for screening, clinical testing and selftest solutions that caught the attention of the World Health Organization. Prof Swanepoel highlights how hearX developed a probe to enable hearing screening for newborns, and how the company is addressing the exorbitant cost of hearing aids, which are now available over the counter in the United States. He says other countries, including South Africa, are watching this space closely. hearX has also launched a free AIenabled WhatsApp training programme for teachers, which he says is delivering measurable improvements in awareness and knowledge of hearing loss. – Linda van Tilburg