South Africa is a tinderbox waiting for a trigger to explode into violence and destruction. That is the warning from retired General Roland de Vries, the former Deputy Chief of the South African Army. In this interview with BizNews, he shares his in-depth assessment of the threat environment -  and lists the possible trigger events for anarchy in election year. The general warns that the ruling African National Congress  (ANC) government does not  have the capability to protect its citizens adequately – and that it is up to the broader community to protect itself. He also gives his take on coalitions - and expresses concern that "we are going to see political infighting happening as never before and this will cause major political instability in our country". Meanwhile, General De Vries has, over the past seven years, helped over 80 communities develop their own community safety plans to empower themselves.

Leading political scientist RW Johnson explains what led him to investigate a Zuma-supporting, Kremlin-funded media operation - and wonders at Ramaphosa’s inability to accept the reality of Putin’s double play and the ANC’s sharp decline in the polls. Sobering and scary, Johnson’s analysis reinforces the view that SA’s elections on May 29 are shaking up as a make-or-break for the young democracy. He spoke to Alec Hogg of BizNews. Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here.

Crime fighter Ian Cameron of the Democratic Alliance (DA) exposes the horrific working conditions in the South African Police Services (SAPS) as yet another member is shot dead on duty with his own gun - this time after the retention cord from the State-issued holster broke. In this interview with BizNews, Cameron reveals a litany of operational issues following the killing: those in the Air Wing helicopter had no proper radio communication with police on the ground; the police drones took over four hours to arrive on the crime scene; most of the cops searching for the police officer’s killer didn’t have torches; there was no Joint Operations Centre or even an operational plan; and the incident commander sent away specialised units because there were “too many people”. Last year (2023), in just three months from July to September, a total of 35 cops were killed - more than 10 a month. Cameron urges South Africans to honour the “large majority” of police officers  “still willing to offer their lives for us at any given moment”. Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here.

During a Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, BizNews founder Alec Hogg and Mavuso Msimang engaged in a candid discussion covering historical parallels between Brazil and South Africa, education reform, affirmative action, political leadership, and Ubuntu philosophy. Msimang emphasised the need for improved education, accountability in governance, and ethical leadership. Their conversation explored strategies for societal progress amidst challenges, with a call for more effective engagement and reform within political structures.

During a Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Peregrine Capital Executive Chairman David Fraser discussed various topics including the hedge fund environment, small-cap investments, and South Africa's state-owned entities. Fraser noted increased hedge fund marketing and traction, particularly with lower volatility and higher returns. He delved into specific investments and challenges facing South Africa, such as load shedding and the future of the JSE. Fraser emphasised a pragmatic approach to investments, seeing potential short-term opportunities in South Africa and long-term potential in tech.

Just as his party is able to use its governance of the Western Cape as a ‘prospectus’ for voters, uMngeni executive mayor Christopher Pappas (32) can point to his own record since taking office in November 2021. And the fluent isiZulu speaker believes it’s a message resonating in a province where there is a growing realisation what you do at the ballot box can make a difference. With support for the ANC collapsing in KZN after the emergence of Jacob Zuma’s MK party, Pappas offers thoughts on the issues which will determine how votes are cast on May 29 - and shares his own message of hope for those in the embattled province. He spoke to Alec Hogg of BizNews. Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here.

South Africa's Police Minister Bheki Cele hurled personal insults at crime fighter-turned-politician Ian Cameron at a heated community meeting in gang-infested Hanover Park this week. Cele went as far as to question Cameron's intelligence. This after Cameron questioned investigations being done poorly and leadership in SAPS being broken while Cele boasts of successful arrests, but without successful convictions. Cameron - who is heading to Parliament for the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) - says Cele's response proves that he has "no clue about policing". In this interview with BizNews, Cameron also shares a list of names of murder victims he hopes will haunt Cele every time he closes his eyes.

During a Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Purple Group CEO Charles Savage and tech guru Stafford Masie teamed up to discuss the potential of Bitcoin as a solution to global financial issues, its adoption trends, and its relationship with other cryptocurrencies. The pair explored regulatory challenges and technological advancements in the crypto space, emphasising the importance of understanding the market before investing. Their conversation touched on Bitcoin's potential role in wealth transfer and the importance of distinguishing between Bitcoin and other tokens. They addressed audience questions regarding investment strategies, legislative risks, and technological innovations in crypto wallets. Ultimately, they underscored the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency investment and its implications for individuals and institutions.

In a Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Free Market Foundation CEO David Ansara discussed the intricacies of South Africa's institutional landscape and the challenges of deployment within the government. He emphasised the need for a sensible approach, particularly in light of political interference in economic affairs. Ansara highlighted the importance of private property rights, citing the Free Market Foundation's efforts to distribute title deeds. He warned against corporatism and advocated for a more fragmented approach to governance, drawing lessons from Argentina's experience with statism. Despite complexities, he urges proactive measures to avoid economic turmoil.

During his Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Sean Peche emphasised the importance of investing in growing businesses without overpaying, focusing on quality rather than deep value alone. He discussed European banks like ABN Amro and Barclays as attractive investments due to low valuations and dividends. Peche also mentioned his preference for Hong Kong-listed Chinese stocks like Alibaba and Baidu over US-listed ones due to regulatory risks. Despite political uncertainties, he remains focused on fundamentals rather than making investment decisions based on election outcomes.

In a Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Alec Hogg and Phil Craig discussed the potential for Cape Independence within South Africa. Craig advocates for a referendum on the matter, emphasising the importance of democracy and self-determination. He addressed concerns about international support, potential economic impacts like the oil and gas discovery, and the necessity for negotiations. Craig also discusses the boundaries and viability of an independent Cape, acknowledging the complexity of the issue. Despite challenges, he remains optimistic about the growing support for Cape Independence.

Every enterprise requires strong foundations and solid processes to succeed. Including politics, as we learn in this interview with DA Federal Council chair Helen Zille, who explains how meritocracy is applied inside SA’s official opposition. Zille also answers questions on the hot topics of the moment, including the impact of Jacob Zuma and MK; preparing for a coalition in national government; the threat of her DA losing its majority in the Western Cape; and the man calling it, Patriotic Alliance President Gayton McKenzie. She spoke to Alec Hogg of BizNews.

The Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus between Alec Hogg and Wayne Duvenage delved into the need for leveraging the constitution and rule of law to hold municipalities accountable for their duties. Duvenage highlighted examples where communities have taken legal action against municipalities to compel them to fulfil their obligations. They discussed the importance of citizen involvement in local politics and the shortcomings of big business in supporting civil society initiatives. Duvenage emphasised the power of collective action in driving change and suggested alternative methods for funding activism. The dialogue also touched on the potential outcomes of upcoming elections, with predictions of decreased support for the ANC and potential growth for smaller parties.

During a Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Alec Hogg and GG Alcock discussed the educational backgrounds of successful informal entrepreneurs and the challenges they face in accessing formal financial support. Alcock highlighted the importance of informal learning from family members and peers in entrepreneurship. He emphasised the role of organisations like Altvest in democratising finance and supporting small businesses, especially those led by women. They also discussed the need for transformative policies in housing and local governance to empower informal businesses. Additionally, they explored the rapid digitization of informal economies, with platforms like WhatsApp driving e-commerce growth. Despite challenges, Alcock's insights underscored the resilience and potential of informal entrepreneurs.

South Africans are about to enjoy a massive upgrade in the energy and competence of their lawmakers, with an army of fresh talent injected into Parliament after May 29 ushers in a governing coalition. Among Parly’s debutants who look set to make their mark are activist/broadcaster/entrepreneur Kathy Berman and Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi, son and heir of the late IFP leader. They spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

During a candid Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Corné Mulder discussed the intricate dynamics of upcoming elections, emphasising the potential impact of tactical voting and coalition politics. Mulder scrutinised the ANC's strategies, cautioning against tampering with electoral systems and predicting potential shifts in power dynamics within the party. With insights into party dynamics and potential outcomes, Mulder painted a nuanced picture of the South African political landscape, highlighting the stakes and uncertainties as the nation approaches a critical electoral juncture.

Purple Capital's interim results showcase a remarkable turnaround, signalling a shift from startup to long-term player, as CEO Charles Savage explains. Highlighting the scalability of their business, Savage attributes the transformative results to strategic decisions and customer maturation. He emphasizes sustained profitability and resilience, projecting continued positive outcomes. While international expansion remains on the horizon, the focus remains on consolidating their local presence. With a projected annual growth rate of 25%, driven by market forces and customer behaviour, Savage anticipates sustained success. Reflecting on his journey, Savage emphasizes becoming more data-focused and customer-centric, ensuring future growth and confidently navigating challenges. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

In an enlightening Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Magnus Heystek delved into the world of investment strategy. From navigating market uncertainties post-elections to assessing the tech sector's valuation and exploring offshore investment opportunities, Heystek shared valuable insights backed by years of experience. Discover his views on gold investments, India's market potential, and the ongoing challenges of timing markets in a dynamic financial landscape. Gain actionable investment advice and a deeper understanding of risk management from one of South Africa's seasoned wealth managers in this engaging and informative session.

IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa took the stage at BNC#6 in Hermanus, outlining the party's strategic stance amidst challenges. Highlighting successes in recent elections and governance, Hlabisa addressed concerns about media bias, the Ingonyama Trust, and calls for secession, firmly advocating for unity and effective governance. With a focus on mobilizing voters and exploring post-election scenarios, Hlabisa's session showcased the IFP's proactive approach, resilience, and commitment to driving positive change in South Africa.

Regardless of the outcome of the 29 May 2024 Election, a “federal push is going to be more and more urgent”. So says David Ansara, the CEO of the Free Market Foundation (FMF) . Speaking to BizNews after the launch of the FMF’s campaign for Home Rule, he points out that the capacity of the State has been so fundamentally broken that it's going to take a “very, very long time” to fix. He also calls on the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) to “recognise its bargaining power” and adopt an “aggresive posture” - in the same way the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) would - before entering into a possible coalition. “And the campaign for Home Rule is suggesting that those demands should be aggressive spreading of political power and authority down to the provincial and local level”. As part of the campaign, the FMF has published a paper, ‘Ask Forgiveness, Not Permission: Practical Steps Towards Home Rule in South Africa,’ in which it sets out the legal allowance of a fully-realised federal dispensation.