BizNews Radio

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.

With the arrest of the first suspect in the murder of Witness D, Security Strategist Andy Mashaile talks to Chris Steyn about the likely consequences facing both officials and politicians when the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee hearings conclude with reccommendations. “..there will be prosecutions - and I am confident with this arrest that the Special Investigations Task Team has started…the momentum is rolling.” Mashaile details the urgent institutional reforms that should be introduced to address the systemic weaknesses in policing and prosecution, and states what is expected of the government in the next six months: “The people of this country are sick and tired of commissions and reports. The people of this country actually want to see arrests and accountability as well as convictions..” Mashaile hails the establishment of the Special Investigation Task Team - “...it is important that we send out a message, as South Africa, to organised crime networks that says we have teams that can come after you” - and believes the task team’s arrest of the alleged killer of Witness D could signal a turning point in the protection of whistleblowers in South Africa.

At BNC#8, Rob Hersov delivers a fiery keynote, arguing that South Africa is drifting dangerously off course as the global balance of power shifts back toward the West. From America’s renewed dominance to China’s cracks and Russia’s weakness, Hersov warns that the ANC has aligned with the wrong players at the worst possible time. His message is blunt: geopolitical reality is changing fast, and South Africa risks paying a heavy price for ignoring it.

A fiery critique of South Africa’s failing municipalities, this speech exposes collapsing service delivery, poor governance, and entrenched political dysfunction. It argues that meaningful reform hinges on voter action and coalition politics, urging citizens to reject apathy and drive peaceful regime change through the ballot. The message is clear: accountability, cooperation, and active participation are essential to rebuilding the country’s future.

After drawing more than 65,000 pupils and students last year, the JSE Investment Challenge has set its sights on 100,000 as it looks to build a new generation that’s money and investment savvy. In an interview with BizNews, senior JSE CSI officer Ralph Speirs said the impact is clear, with the challenge opening young people’s eyes to how they can grow their money over time, and to career opportunities they may never have considered. He says it attracts learners from very different backgrounds, from city schools to rural areas where these conversations often don’t happen at home. The 2026 challenge kicks off on 16 March, with registration open until June. – Linda van Tilburg