BizNews Radio

The Middle East is a powder keg. Following Israel’s latest airstrikes on Iranian targets, global stability appears to hang by a thread. Does this spell World War III? Or an opportunity for massive gains in commodities? In this episode of BizNews Daybreak, hedge fund heavyweight Cy Jacobs shares his contrarian strategy for profiting amid global chaos. We also hear from entrepreneur Rob Hersov on the “multi-polar” myth, Ahmed Al Omran on Saudi Arabia’s vulnerable oil wealth, and Prince Mashele with a blistering political plan to save South Africa from its own political demise. From global conflict to domestic turbulence, we break down what it all means for your money.

BNC#8 keynote speaker Cy Jacobs delivered a no-notes, high-conviction masterclass on navigating chaos – from geopolitical shocks to shifting market cycles. Backing South African commodities, questioning Europe, and eyeing fresh opportunity in beaten-down US tech, Jacobs reveals how smart money reads fear, predicts turning points, and positions ahead of the next global move.

In today’s BizNews Briefing, Cy Jacobs explains why easing Middle East tensions could calm oil markets and lift investor sentiment. We also cover BHP’s appointment of South African veteran Brandon Craig as CEO, strong updates from Vukile, Astral and PPC, Prince Mashele’s call for a new black-white political compact, and Nvidia’s renewed push into China.

Political scientist Prince Mashele delivers a provocative take on South Africa’s political past, present, and future. He argues the country has exhausted “white,” “black,” and fragmented coalition politics - and now faces a final choice: true joint governance. With bold, controversial proposals, he outlines a ten-point plan to rebuild institutions, restore accountability, and reignite economic growth before it’s too late.

Welcome to BizNews Daybreak with Alec Hogg for Wednesday, March 18, 2026. In today’s episode, we dive into the shifting tectonic plates of global geopolitics, escalating tensions in the Middle East, and the hard realities of coalition governance in South Africa.

Today's Top Stories:

Middle East Tensions & Market Impact: Crude oil surges past $96 a barrel after Israel assassinates two senior Iranian security officials, including security chief Ali Larijani.

SA’s Political Future: Longest-serving MP Corné Mulder (FF+) delivers a hard truth about the ANC's inability to self-correct and explains why coalition governments are the unavoidable new reality for South Africa.

Global Security Warning: Tom Karako from CSIS warns that the US is rapidly depleting its missile defence interceptors, potentially leaving the Pacific and Taiwan vulnerable to Chinese expansionism.

Tech & Domestic Markets: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announces a renewed push to supply AI chips to China. Locally, the Rand strengthens to R16.66 against the Dollar, while Sasol shares jump 5% on the JSE.

US Hegemony: Rob Hersov offers a sobering reality check on global power dynamics, arguing that the US remains the ultimate centre of the geopolitical chessboard.