BizNews Radio

Economist Iraj Abedian delivers a stark, insider view of Iran’s deepening crisis - economic collapse, internal power struggles, and rising global tensions. As conflict reshapes alliances, he warns of unpredictable fallout and missed opportunities. With sharp insight, Abedian connects the dots to South Africa, urging urgent policy reset to navigate risk, seize investment potential, and stay grounded in national interest.

In today's edition of BizNews Daybreak, we dive into President Trump’s strategic move to sustain an economic blockade on Iran over military alternatives. The global market faces further upheaval as the UAE announces its departure from OPEC following decades of membership.

Meanwhile, King Charles III delivers a historic address to the US Congress, emphasizing the critical importance of the Atlantic partnership and unyielding support for Ukraine.

In local news, environmental activists challenge Eskom’s nuclear expansion in the Eastern Cape, citing threats to unique biodiversity and water security.

Plus, Alec Hogg analyzes Tesla’s $25 billion gamble on the "Optimus" robotic future and unpacks the latest quarterly tech earnings.

Is South Africa about to repeat its most expensive infrastructure mistakes? Ten years after a corruption-laden Russia/Zuma initiative was shelved, the controversial proposal for a nuclear power plant at Thyspunt near St Francis is back on the table. Communities in the Eastern Cape are sounding the alarm at a siting decision rooted in a 'homeland-distant' priority of a fearful Apartheid Regime. In this interview, Alec Hogg speaks with Trudi Malan, a passionate local activist and leader of the Thyspunt Alliance. She exposes Eskom's flawed scoping reports, the deadly lack of evacuation routes for residents, and the devastating threat to a global heritage site recognised as the cradle of modern humankind. Capping it all was the shocking arrogance displayed by officials at the required 'town halls' required as part of the public participation process. This is a must-listen for anyone concerned about South Africa's energy future and the protection of its heritage.

The United Kingdom remains a stable and attractive property investment destination for South Africans, says Mikayla Morkel-Brink from immigration specialists Sable International. She explained to Biznews in an interview that rental demand is driven by a chronic undersupply of housing and consistently high tenant demand. For South Africans, the appeal is reinforced by realistic net yields of 7–8% and mortgage rates of around 4–5%, far lower than in South Africa. Asked whether the upcoming Renters’ Rights Act will affect landlords, MorkelBrink says the shift toward more openended leases, rather than fixed 12month contracts, is unlikely to have a significant impact in the regional university university cities such as Leeds and Birmingham where Sable operates. The company is also highlighting new opportunities in Reading, a regeneration hotspot on the Thames within easy reach of London. – Linda van Tilburg

In today's BizNews Daybreak we break down a morning of seismic shifts, starting with the federal court appearance of Thomas Allen, the man charged with the attempted assassination of President Trump.

We examine a high-stakes standoff in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran proposes a nuclear trade-off to end the naval blockade.

Plus, Goldman Sachs gives an analysis on oil, and a massive industry shakeup as Microsoft and OpenAI end their exclusive partnership.