BizNews Radio

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.