BizNews Radio

Prince Mashele has a warning for KwaZulu-Natal: when Jacob Zuma dies, MK goes with him. In this Q&A from BNC#9, the political analyst behind a new project to unseat the ANC gets blunt about the money he can't yet raise, the small group he says quietly bankrolls South African politics, and why he'd rather copy Singapore than "African democracy." He also names names on who he's backing in Johannesburg's mayoral race, and why some of his own likely allies won't thank him for it.

Rob Hersov isn't sure Helen Zille can fix Johannesburg. Not because she isn't capable, but because of who she'd be fighting: an "international mafia" he says has spent 20 years perfecting the art of looting the country's richest city and knows exactly how to disappear when the pressure's on. In this unfiltered BNC#9 Q&A, Hersov compares Joburg to 1920s Chicago, weighs up whether South Africa needs an El Salvador-style crackdown, and explains why he's told his own kids to build their careers overseas rather than at home. Then the mood shifts: he makes the case that AI is about to hand young South Africans, with nothing but a smartphone and an idea, the kind of opportunity no generation has ever had. Contradictions and all, it's Hersov at his most candid.

In today's episode, Ron Weissenburg explains the constitutional path to an early South African national election before 2029. Nurture Brands discusses their ambitious goal to build a R10 billion business through strategic consolidation. Christo Wiese unpacks how property title deeds could unlock dignity and economic wealth for millions, while David White highlights the hidden benefits of B-BBEE procurement for SMEs. Finally, we cover Wall Street's latest inflation jitters.

In this edition of the NdB Sunday Show, Ron Weissenberg of The Accountability Group (TAG), tells Chris Steyn how South Africa could have a new government by next year instead of after the 2029 national elections. He says it can be achieved in accordance with a Constitutional provision for Parliament to be dissolved between national elections once a minimum of three years have passed since it was elected. It would require a motion to be tabled by an MP and voted for by the majority of members (201 minimum out of 400) following which early elections must be held within 90 days. The earliest date such a motion can be tabled is 29 May 2027. Asked why this early regime change has not been mooted, Weissenberg says: “...there's a cynical answer to that - and of course one shouldn't confuse narrow self interests with virtue when it comes to political parties and politicians.” As its advisability, he says: “...one thing that has become apparent is that voters in this country do seem to like coalitions, but coalitions do not like voters...if there isn't support from the parliamentary caucuses themselves, there should certainly be support from the voting public…to ensure that, if the government of the day is not performing, they are given the earliest opportunity to cast a vote for something different and not have to wait a further few years to do that.”

Riël Malan joins Alec Hogg in Hermanus for a wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience and building businesses with purpose. From growing up in a farming family and launching Fruits Unlimited to creating 36 startups and leading Nurture Brands, Malan reflects on failure, leadership, partnerships and the lessons learned along the way. He discusses his transformative sabbatical, the power of journaling and coaching, private capital, brand-building and his ambition to grow Nurture Brands into a R10 billion group by 2032.