Insights from my exclusive interviews with the local heads of Amazon and Walmart on why "customer obsession" trumps competitor focus. Plus, we analyze Meta’s stock surge, Aveng’s confusing restructuring, and the facts behind John Steenhuisen’s background.
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20:08
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20:08
BN Briefing: Vodacom's big telecom move, FirstRand CEO on SA economy, Springbok star's business play
Vodacom heats up the African telecoms battle with the acquisition of an additional 20% of Safaricom for over R30 billion, aiming to consolidate the major Kenyan operator and M-Pesa. Meanwhile, FirstRand CEO Mary Vilakazi encourages businesses to look past headlines, citing constructive signs like corporate-led credit expansion and structural reforms. Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, discusses new interventions against the foot and mouth disease epidemic, including a planned mass vaccination campaign. Plus, former Springbok Flip van der Merwe shares his strategy consulting insights from France.
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13:19
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13:19
Bok talent just the tip of the iceberg – ex-Springbok turned business strategist Flip van der Merwe
Former Springbok lock Flip van der Merwe has taken the lessons of high‑performance rugby into the boardroom, now working as a strategy consultant for business leaders. Living in Biarritz, France, he is also a co‑founder of the Lekker Network, which connects South Africans wherever they are. In an interview with BizNews, van der Merwe said many South Africans abroad share “a hunger to make South Africa work” and you don’t need to be an Elon Musk or Johann Rupert to make a difference. He draws on personal experiences from elite teams to guide leaders, citing role models such as Simon Sinek and Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, whom he calls ahead of his time. Van der Merwe believes the Springboks are not only building a world‑class team but shaping great people off the field. And when it comes to rugby talent, he says, the Springboks we see winning matches today are only the tip of the iceberg, with even more talent emerging from Craven Week and the under‑21s.
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16:38
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16:38
BizNews Daybreak Friday 5th December - Meta dropping the 'verse, shares jump; FirstRand CEO shares good news;
Seize the day with the freshest news you can use to help you conquer another active business day - from the team at BizNews and our global partners. This episode features the latest from US stock markets including how investors loved a strategy change from Meta; Vodacom's massively positive mega deal; FirstRand CEO Mary Vilakazi explains that data she's seeing shows SA's economy is finally moving ahead again - and much more.
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20:12
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20:12
Director’s Cut: Mary Vilakazi – Inside FirstRand’s bold bet on South Africa’s recovery
FirstRand CEO Mary Vilakazi joins Alec Hogg for a wide-ranging conversation on booming ROE, business confidence turning the corner, the UK regulatory headache, and why corporate cash is finally starting to move. From competition at home to opportunities across Africa, Vilakazi explains why she believes South Africa is entering a new growth phase despite the political noise.
South Africa