Investec Focus Radio SA

In this episode of What Next?, Professor Mike Kenny (Cambridge) and Jacinta Koolmatrie examine the breakdown of trust between communities and institutions. They discuss how centralised governance and economic shifts have driven local grievances, and argue that rebuilding trust requires sharing power, working at community pace, and supporting locally led solutions like community wealth building and Indigenous-led approaches. CHAPTERS 00:00–09:00: Fracture, grievance and the limits of institutions 09:00–21:00: Power, disconnection and when listening fails 21:00-34:00: Place, community knowledge and what actually works 34:00–48:00: Stories, legitimacy and shaping the future What Next? · Investec Focus Radio SA

Interest rate cuts were meant to define 2026. Now, markets are bracing for hikes. In this episode of No Ordinary Wednesday, Investec’s Chief Economists Annabel Bishop and Phil Shaw examine how the energy shock is forcing central banks to reconsider their path. From London to Pretoria, policymakers face a familiar dilemma: tighten into slowing growth, or risk letting inflation take hold. Guest host Neo Ralefeta explores the implications for global growth and what it means for South Africa, from currency volatility to fuel supply risks and consumer costs. Read more on www.investec.com/now Investec Focus Radio SA

With little sign of an early resolution to the war in the Middle East, supply constraints on commodities such as oil, gas, and helium may well endure. Chris Holdsworth Chief Investment Strategist, at Investec Wealth & Investment International notes that fuel prices likely to feed through quickly into consumer inflation, central banks like the SA Reserve Bank are likely to face rate hikes this year. Investec Focus Radio SA

Clean and green growth has moved from ambition to execution, but the challenge is one of pace. Investment conditions are key: predictable rules, credible pathways, and coordination across value chains, finance and government. This episode of What Next? Leadership Conversations for a Better Future, Helena Norrman, Marina Grossi, and Sang-Hyup Kim explains why transition policy now sits at the centre of industrial strategy, competitiveness and geopolitics. 00:00 Predictability is the first enabler 07:30 Transition policy is industrial strategy 15:30 The foundations for future competitiveness is shaped by coordination today 26:30 Examples of effective coalitions What Next? An Investec-Cambridge podcast series · Investec Focus Radio SA

The new tax year is here, and the 2026 Budget Speech introduced important changes that could reshape how South Africans save, invest, and plan for retirement. In this episode of Everything Counts, host Motheo Khoaripe sits down with Vumi Dludlu, Investec financial adviser, and Johan Loubser, head of adviser enablement at Investec, to unpack what the 2026 National Budget means for your money, and how you can make the most of the new tax year from day one. From higher tax-free savings limits to a bigger retirement contribution deduction cap, the rules have shifted. But what do these changes actually mean for savers and investors in practice? In this conversation, we break down: ● The increase in the tax-free savings annual limit to R46,000 ● The higher retirement fund deduction cap and what it means for retirement planning ● How the new tax year creates an opportunity to reset your financial strategy ● Why starting contributions early can significantly boost compounding ● Other budget updates affecting portfolios, including capital gains tax exclusions and offshore investing allowances Whether you're investing monthly, planning a lump sum contribution, or reviewing your long-term financial strategy, this episode explores practical steps you can take now to stay on track and maximise the new allowances. 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Why does the new tax year matter for investors? 02:45 Big changes from the 2026 Budget Speech 04:00 The new tax-free savings annual limit 06:55 The new retirement fund deduction cap 10:50 2026 tax updates that could affect how portfolios are structured 11:30 How does the 2026 Budget affect offshore investing? 12:40 Tax optimisation tips for the 2026 Budget 14:00 Practical tips for dealing with the 2026 Budget 16:00 Monthly vs lump sum contributions to your tax-free savings account 18:00 Conclusion Investec Focus Radio SA

Central banks in the US, Eurozone and Japan all kept rates unchanged last week. But behind these decisions lie rising concerns about the impact of the Iranian War on a range of prices that have a major impact on inflation. The duration and intensity of the conflict will be key determinants of the overall impact on the inflation and growth outlooks. Investec Focus Radio SA

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping economies, societies and power structures yet much of the conversation has swung between uncritical optimism and existential fear. In this episode of What Next? We explore how leaders can reclaim agency over the future of AI, ensuring it serves human progress rather than narrow commercial or political interests. Vilas Dhar, President, Patrick J. McGovern Foundation; philanthropist, technologist and advocate for human-centred AI, in conversation with hosts Lindsay Hooper and Marc Kahn, argues that the real challenge is not whether AI will become uncontrollable (this is the realm of Sci-Fi), but whether societies can adapt quickly enough to its social, economic and cultural impacts. He makes the case for shifting the focus away from hype and dominance towards participation, institutional imagination and moral courage and for designing AI systems that restore human agency and democratic participation, while supporting inclusion and long-term resilience. Investec Focus Radio SA

Markets are sending a surprisingly calm signal in the face of escalating conflict in the Middle East. Oil prices are rising, supply chains are under pressure, and recession risks are quietly ticking higher, yet equities remain relatively steady. In the latest episode of No Ordinary Wednesday, Jeremy Maggs is joined by Investec experts in SA and the UK - Callum Macpherson, Phil Shaw and Chris Holdsworth - to unpack what’s really at play. The conversation explores what could happen if the conflict continues, what key indicators markets are watching and what risks to the global economy are already emerging. Read more on www.investec.com/now Investec Focus Radio SA

With uncertainty over how long, the Iranian conflict will last, it’s not just the oil market that’s been affected. Natural gas prices have risen, but so too have grain and aluminium prices, pointing to inflation pressures in the coming months. However, as Chris Holdsworth, Chief Investment Strategist, at Investec Wealth & Investment International, highlights, global equities are only 2% down, implying that equity investors expect a quick reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Investec Focus Radio SA

In this episode, of the What Next series, we discuss the power of philanthropy in transforming markets, through investing in high risk innovation and early stage ideas that often require new economic thinking. Podcast hosts Investec's Marc Kahn and Cambridge's Lindsay Hooper invite Peter Bennett, founder of the Bennett Foundation and Leslie Johnston, founding CEO of the Laudes Foundation to explore how the power of philanthropy can be applied to large scale projects. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Why Philanthropy Matters in a World of Systemic Challenges 11:49 Catalysing Markets, Changing Systems 19:55 Trends, Risks and the Future of Philanthropic Capital 29:18 Leadership for the Long Term: What Works, What’s Next What Next? An Investec-Cambridge podcast series · Investec Focus Radio SA

Most athletes train for medals. Few train for financial longevity. In this episode of Everything Counts: Sports Edition, Paralympic record holder Mpumelelo Mhlongo shares how he approached money with the same discipline he applies to sport − investing his first serious paycheque, supporting his family and building generational wealth that will outlast his career. From scholarships and setbacks to smart contracts and long-term investing, this is a conversation about resilience, financial literacy and legacy. If you care about: • Generational wealth • Financial discipline • Building long-term financial security • Smart money decisions under pressure This episode is for you. Watch now and subscribe to Investec Focus Radio for more conversations that prove: when it comes to money, everything counts. 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Mpumelelo Mhlongo‘s home life and starting to learn about money 04:15 The financial sacrifices that Mpumelelo Mhlongo’s family had to make 06:00 Mpumelelo Mhlongo’s academic journey and the financial implications 08:10 Mpumelelo Mhlongo’s early money management lessons 11:30 Athlete money management: Questions young people should ask themselves 13:00 What did Mpumelelo Mhlongo do with his first big paycheque? 14:10 The pressure to build a financially secure future for your family 15:30 Mpumelelo Mhlongo on financial discipline and money weak spots 16:30 Mpumelelo Mhlongo on his wife and early financial planning moments 17:50 Mpumelelo Mhlongo and his career in finance 19:30 Key lessons Mpumelelo Mhlongo has learned in his time at Investec 20:30 How important is money management as an athlete? 22:00 Athletes and money: What conversations are happening? 24:00 Key money management lessons from Mpumelelo Mhlongo 26:00 Mpumelelo Mhlongo on money mistakes 27:00 Charitable organisations that Mpumelelo Mhlongo works with 29:30 Mpumelelo Mhlongo on how grateful he is to his coach 31:00 Conclusion Investec Focus Radio SA

As the conflict in the Gulf continues, energy prices have risen sharply. Chris Holdsworth Chief Investment Strategist, at Investec Wealth & Investment International, examines the impact on global inflation and growth, as well as on President Donald Trump’s popularity ahead of the US midterm elections later this year. Investec Focus Radio SA

What Next? Leadership Conversations for a Better Future examines how leaders can build future-fit economies in a time of accelerating technological and societal change. In this episode we're joined by educator, leadership thinker and author, Sudhanshu Palsule, Gillian Secrett, Director of Leadership and Culture at CISL and community leader and rector, Richard Springer. Together they examine what many describe as a growing ‘meaning deficit’ in society. They explore how fragmentation, consumerism and polarisation erode our sense of purpose, and discuss how leaders can help rebuild meaning through authenticity, empathy and genuine connection. Chapters: 00:00 : Why Meaning Matters in Times of Fragmentation 07:00: When Meaning Gets Distorted: Identity, Consumption and Performative Purpose 15:00: Rebuilding Meaning Through Empathy, Shared Space and Human Connection 23:00: Leadership’s Role: Creating the Conditions Where Purpose Can Flourish What Next? An Investec-Cambridge podcast series · Investec Focus Radio SA

Private equity is shifting gears. As rates turn and investor confidence improves, funds are deploying again, and South Africa is firmly back on the radar. But this isn’t a return to excess, it’s a shift toward smarter leverage, disciplined execution and sharper capital structuring. In the latest episode of No Ordinary Wednesday, Jeremy Maggs speaks to Rishanth Pillay, Head of Sponsor Leveraged Finance at Investec Corporate & Investment Banking, about what’s driving the renewed momentum – and what could derail it. Read more on www.investec.com/now Investec Focus Radio SA

What will be the impact of the hostilities in the Middle East on the world economy? Chris Holdsworth Chief Investment Strategist, at Investec Wealth & Investment International, examines the impact on oil prices, in particular, taking into account further disruption at the key Strait of Hormuz. Investec Focus Radio SA

In this episode, of What's Next, we explore how corporate values shape decision-making in a time of political polarisation and markets that reward short-term performance. Ethics expert, Alison Taylor, and experienced board chair, Karen Wood, discuss the tension between purpose and profit, the realities of trade-offs, and how leaders can stay grounded while building trust and aligning values with action.; KEY MOMENTS: 00:00 – Setting the Scene: Values in an Age of Disruption 05:42 – Why Values Matter More Than Ever 19:56 – From Words to Action: Making Purpose Real 36:18 – Navigating Politics, Pressure and the Future of Leadership Investec Focus Radio SA

Please note: The tax-free savings account limits discussed in Everything Counts episode 42 reflect the regulations in place at the time of recording. Following changes announced in the Budget Speech on 25 February 2026, the annual contribution limit has been increased from R36 000 to R46 000 per tax year, effective 1 March 2026. This article has been updated to reflect new limit. In this episode of Everything Counts, host Motheo Khoaripe is joined by Investec financial adviser Vumi Dludlu and head of adviser enablement Johan Loubser to break down everything you need to know about tax-free savings accounts in South Africa. They explain: • What a tax-free savings account (TFSA) actually is • The annual limit and R500 000 lifetime contribution cap • What happens if you exceed the TFSA limit • Why you can’t “catch up” on missed contributions • The impact of withdrawals on your lifetime allowance • How TFSAs compare to retirement annuities and regular savings accounts • Whether opening a TFSA for your child makes sense If you’re searching for answers about TFSA rules, contribution limits, tax penalties, or how to invest tax-free in South Africa, this episode will give you clear, practical insights to help you make smarter long-term decisions. 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Why tax-free savings accounts were first introduced 02:00 What are tax-free savings? 03:45 Tax-free savings vs regular savings 05:00 What savings products should you pair a tax-free savings account with? 07:00 How do tax-free savings accounts work? 09:00 Tax-free savings account rules South Africa 11:00 Should you upload a lump sum to your tax-free savings account? 12:00 Can you transfer your tax-free savings to another provider? 14:30 Are tax-free savings accounts good for your child’s future 17:20 Can you use tax-free savings as emergency funds? 19:00 How much can you put into a tax-free savings account? 20:00 Conclusion Investec Focus Radio SA

It was a difficult Friday for US President Donald Trump, as the Supreme Court ruled against his tariffs, while GDP in the fourth quarter grew by less than expected and a core measure of inflation rose. But, notes Chris Holdsworth, Chief Investment Strategist, at Investec Wealth & Investment International, Trump has already announced other measures to retain tariffs. Investec Focus Radio SA

What Next? Leadership Conversations for a Better Future examines how leaders can build future-fit economies in a time of accelerating technological and societal change. This episode looks at the power shifts created by AI and digital systems - asks where real agency still lies. Hosts Lindsay Hooper and Marc Kahn sit down with Thomas Lingard, who previously founded Unilever’s Global Advocacy team to influence international public policy on sustainable development and who now heads the Centre for Future Generations, to explore where the real opportunity and agency exist to ensure that emerging technologies are used in the best interest of humanity. The discussion probes how digital power is concentrating, why regulatory systems are struggling to keep pace, and what it would take to steer emerging technologies toward societal benefit rather than narrow commercial gain. Thomas highlights the leadership capacities that now matter most: ethical judgement, systems intelligence, and the confidence to question deterministic narratives about technology. The episode asks a central question: how do we build an economy where technology strengthens society - and who has the responsibility and agency to shape that path? In partnership with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) and Investec. Investec Focus Radio SA

In the final episode of Art in Focus Series 2, Tristanne Farrell is joined by Alexander Richards (Stevenson), Jana Terblanche (Southern Guild) and Hamzeh Alfarahneh (Art Advisory) to unpack how narrative shapes perception, value and global positioning in African art. From curating across continents to challenging dominant canons, the conversation explores how exhibitions, galleries and collectors influence the stories that define the art world today. KEY MOMENTS: 00:00: Introduction 01:28: Growing up in art: Legacy, exposure and finding your path 06:54: From artist to advisor: Roles in the ecosystem 10:04: Curating and collaboration: Serving the artist and shaping the narrative 18:38: Challenging the canon: Cross-regional dialogue and disruption 22:12: Access and engagement: Social media and audience power 27:03: No budget: A hypothetical collection 29:35: Conclusion Investec Focus Radio SA

While US earnings have been strong, more and more companies are seeing artificial intelligence (AI) as a risk, rather than an opportunity, notes Chris Holdsworth, Chief Investment Strategist, at Investec Wealth & Investment International, that while there’s been a selloff in sectors likely to be disrupted by increased AI deployment. Investec Focus Radio SA

South Africa’s 2026 Budget arrives at a pivotal moment. Debt is hovering near 78% of GDP. Growth is forecast at just 1.5%. Debt-servicing costs absorb around 5% of GDP. And yet, bond yields have fallen, sentiment has improved and S&P maintains a positive outlook. Is this genuine fiscal stabilisation or simply a window of opportunity? In the latest episode of No Ordinary Wednesday, Jeremy Maggs sits down with Investec’s Chief Economist Annabel Bishop and Treasury Economist Tertia Jacobs to unpack: • Whether debt has truly peaked • How meaningful the commodity revenue windfall is • The risk of further “stealth” tax pressure on households • Municipal reform and infrastructure momentum • What it would take to secure a credit-rating upgrade Read more on www.investec.com/now Investec Focus Radio SA

From stitched fabrics and beaded surfaces to gel capsules and monumental sculptures, this episode of Art in Focus explores how personal memory becomes cultural narrative. Mary Sibande, Sahlah Davids and Leila Abrahams join Tristanne Farrell to talk identity, heritage, healing and how artists transform lived experience into work that resonates locally and globally. KEY MOMENTS: 00:00 Introduction 00:49 Meet the guests: Mary, Leila and Sahlah 01:51 Making meaning from heritage and identity 06:08 The creative process, materials and making 08:08 Colour, symbolism and meaning 13:55 Growth, influence and change 19:43 Support, belief and opportunity 21:54 Responsibility, reach and return 28:54 Aspirational acquisitions 30:05 Conclusion Series page for Art in Focus on Investec website · Investec Focus Radio SA

Earning, spending, investing and shopping overseas has never been easier, but it has never been more complex either. If your money is constantly moving between currencies, countries, and platforms, it can feel like you’re doing everything right on paper while still losing value through fees, exchange rates and timing. In this episode of Everything Counts, Motheo Khoaripe explores what it really means to live a global financial life. He’s joined by Dan Buntman, Product Lead for International Banking at Investec, and Bonnie Dalglish, Private Banking Forex Lead, to unpack how South Africans are spending, earning and investing in an increasingly borderless world. The conversation dives into the explosive growth of online and global shopping, the rise of multicurrency lifestyles, and why so many people feel their money is harder to track than ever before. From foreign income and international subscriptions to offshore investing, travel, and digital nomad life, the episode highlights the hidden costs and blind spots that can quietly erode your finances. You’ll learn how exchange rates, fees, and payment timing impact your money, why separating currency conversion from spending can be a game changer, and how new banking technology is simplifying global payments behind the scenes. The experts also explain how multicurrency accounts and intelligent routing can help reduce friction, avoid unnecessary conversions, and give you more control when your life stretches across borders. If your lifestyle, income, or investments are international (or heading that way) this episode will help you understand how to make your global money work harder for you, with less stress and more control. 00:00 Introduction 02:00 How popular is online shopping? 04:00 How are South Africans online shopping overseas? 05:10 Banking allows global shopping 06:10 How are South Africans living and spending across borders? 09:00 What to consider when it comes to multi currency spending 09:30 Buying foreign currency vs global spending 11:00 How banking innovations make international spending easier 12:00 What is a multi currency account? 13:00 The technology behind multi currency accounts 15:15 Benefits of a multi currency account 17:05 How many people are using multi currency accounts? 19:30 Key takeaways for international spending 21:00 Conclusion Investec Focus Radio SA

The world economy appears to be in good shape. Global composite purchasing managers index numbers are on the rise, with US manufacturing enjoying a significant uptick in January, and Germany’s factory orders have risen strongly too. All in all, says Chris Holdsworth, Chief Investment Strategist, Investec Wealth & Investment International, the numbers support expectations of global GDP growth of 3% this year. Investec Focus Radio SA

For years, we’ve comforted ourselves with the idea that young people will “save the world.” But is that hope realistic - or an unfair projection? Many young people care deeply about climate, justice and inequality, yet face economic precarity, political disillusionment and shrinking civic space. How can youth today find real agency and meaningful work amid systemic barriers and concentrated power? Hosts Lindsay Hooper and Marc Kahn are joined by: • Clover Hogan — climate activist and founder of Force of Nature, helping young people turn climate anxiety into action. • Ravi Naidoo — CEO of the Youth Employment Service (YES) in South Africa, the world’s largest private-sector-funded youth internship programme. Together, they explore what leadership looks like for a new generation, the myths and realities of youth activism, and how today’s leaders can support young people not just to inherit the future, but to shape it. Investec Focus Radio SA