BizNews Radio

In today’s Editor's Desk, Alec Hogg dives into the shifting tides at the World Economic Forum, where entrepreneur Fabricio Bloisi is redefining the Naspers/Prosus playbook. As the group pivots from selling Tencent shares to offloading underperforming assets, Alec asks the pointed question: is the South African media portfolio next on the chopping block?

The episode also explores the "hostile takeover" of Davos by Donald Trump’s influence, Mariana Mazzucato’s scathing critique of current global power politics, and the questionable democratic outcomes in Uganda. Finally, Alec previews a fiery interview with Gerard Papenfuss of NEASA, who takes a direct swing at Minister Gwede Mantashe over the weaponization of BEE rhetoric.

In this edition of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg unpacks the global and local stories moving the markets this morning:

Diplomatic Friction: Tensions between the US and the EU escalate while South Africa's own relationship with Washington deteriorates over Iranian participation in naval exercises. Retired US intelligence analyst Col. Chris Wyatt weighs in on whether Pretoria should "dig in" or repair relations to protect trade.

More on the "Madman" Theory: Piet Viljoen provides another perspective on historian Niall Ferguson's argument that Donald Trump’s erratic behaviour—including his aggressive bid for Greenland—is a calculated strategy.

Market Movers: On a relatively quiet JSE while the US takes a holiday, Sibanye Stillwater jumps 3% on news of a strategic pivot at its Keliber lithium project in Finland, while Sasol falls below R100 on lower oil and a stronger Rand.

Investment Outlook: Counter-cyclical investor Piet Viljoen explains why 2026 could be another banner year for South African assets.

Sign up for the BizNews Conference in Hermanus (March 10-12) as seats are filling up - details at BizNews.com.

In this episode, we unpack Donald Trump’s audacious move to acquire Greenland and the "madman theory" strategy behind it. We also look at the escalating tensions in Iran, where the regime faces a legitimacy crisis amidst mass protests and US military pressure. On the local front, David Shapiro explains why South African companies are stuck in a "clearance sale" mindset instead of aiming for technological "moonshots," while Magnus Heystek warns that a shrinking GDP and rising tax burden are making a comfortable retirement increasingly out of reach for the middle class.

Today on The Editor's Desk: Mbeki’s load shedding claims under the microscope, Hartford’s case for smarter non-alignment, Papenfus’s open letter to Mantashe on BEE, a standout Investment Voice piece — and why “peak alcohol” is reshaping drinks giants.

Iran admits brutality; Niall Ferguson on Trump’s “Madman Theory”; Andrew Ross Sorkin on the next Great Depression; China’s play for Iron Ore pricing power.

In this edition of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg unpacks a volatile start to the week:

Iran on the Brink: Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei (86), in power for 37 years, breaks his silence, admitting to the brutal repression of recent anti-government protests that billed thousands.

Method to the Madness: Historian Niall Ferguson explains why Donald Trump’s chaotic geopolitical moves—like the bid for Greenland—might be a calculated application of Nixon’s “Madman Theory” to deter adversaries.

Market Crash Fears: With anxiety rising, New York Times columnist and author of a recent bestseller on the subject Andrew Ross Sorkin weighs in on whether a 1929-style collapse is possible today, or if government debt is the real ticking time bomb.

Commodities Shift: Beijing makes a major move to centralize iron ore purchases, threatening the pricing power of global mining giants.

Check the bond market, watch the tariffs, and win the day.