BizNews Radio

In today’s episode of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg unpacks the escalating geopolitical tensions and local crises shaping global markets.

In this episode, we cover:

Global Conflict: US President Donald Trump has postponed his scheduled trip to Beijing due to the escalating war in Iran.

Geopolitics: The US is appealing to global allies, including China, to help secure the Strait of Hormuz.

SA Water Crisis: Cilliers Brink exposes the systemic failures that cause 50% of Johannesburg's municipal water to leak before reaching consumers.

Diplomatic Tightrope: Eskom Chairman Mteto Nyati calls for a move back to a truly non-aligned foreign policy stance.

Diplomatic Tightrope: Backlash after a constructive BNC#8 speech by the new US Ambassador, Brent Bozell, sparked manufactured outrage among local commentators.

Market Movements: WTI crude drops to $93.50 a barrel, while Bitcoin rallies near $74,500 and Gold holds steady just over $5,000 an ounce.

In a frank BNC#8 keynote, Eskom chairman Mteto Nyati says the end of loadshedding and Eskom’s return to profit show what capable leadership can achieve. But he warns South Africa’s modest growth remains far below its potential. Nyati argues the country must unlock its vast mineral wealth, make it easier for business to invest and restore law and order if it hopes to lead the green industrial revolution.

In his latest interview with Chris Steyn, US intelligence analyst, retired Colonel Chris Wyatt reacts to the new US Ambassador to SA, Brent Bozell 111, being demarched by DIRCO following his first public address at last week’s BizNews conference. He comments on the tit-for-tat ultimatums issued by US President Donald Trump and Iran to end the war, and warns that - at this rate - the conflict could last two months. He expresses concern about the apparent censorship coming out of Israel amid speculation about the whereabouts and condition of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, Wyatt is optimistic about the future recovery of Dubai - despite the exodus of expats as several Middle Eastern countries are targeted for military retaliation over their US links. He also speaks about the shock shoplifting arrests in the US of SA Reality TV couple, lawyer Peet Viljoen and his wife Mel, as well as the latest drama surrounding the SA Refugee Programme.

Welcome to BizNews Daybreak with Alec Hogg.

In today's jam-packed Monday episode, we cover the latest overnight market movements, including gold soaring past $5,000 an ounce and Sasol's massive 17% jump in the past week (12% on Friday).

In this episode, we unpack:

Global Conflict: US President Donald Trump wants his NATO allies to join the war against Iran. We feature insights from Retired Colonel Joel Rayburn, who worked in the Trump Administration, on the severe military imbalance in the region.

Johannesburg Mayoral Race: A fiery debate over the future of Joburg was set between the DA's Helen Zille and the Patriotic Alliance's Kenny Kunene. There was just one problem: only Zille showed up. Listen to her unapologetic take on her opponent's disappearing act.

South African Economy: Economist Dawie Roodt is in typical truth-bombing form, arguing that an overpaid, 'parasitic' civil service is actively bankrupting South Africa.

Market Safe Havens: Could US tech stocks be a surprisingly safe bet right now?. The FT's Emily Herbert explains how the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has driven a rush to Silicon Valley.

Stay ahead of the curve. For the full interviews and more expert analysis, visit BizNews.com.

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In a powerful and deeply personal keynote at BizNews Conference #8, economist Iraj Abedian unpacks the historical roots of the crisis unfolding in Iran, arguing that the conflict is not merely geopolitical but the culmination of decades of repression by the Islamic regime. Drawing on his own experience of Iran and decades of economic insight, Abedian explores the forces driving the war, the humanitarian consequences for the Iranian people and the potential ripple effects on global energy markets, geopolitics and South Africa’s own foreign policy choices.