Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week

Afrimat CEO Andries van Heerden joins Bruce to unpack the group’s toughest six months since listing in 2006. Soaring shipping rates, a stronger rand, a mine reaching the end of its life and ferrochrome smelter shutdowns pushed the market darling into a loss, but he argues the way through is clear, even if the timing isn’t. Jurgens Uys, co-founder of Versus Socks, talks about turning R15 000 and a Stellenbosch garage into six million pairs of socks sold in 80 countries, while surviving cash-flow crunches and supply-chain gaps along the way. It’s a masterclass in starting small, staying focused and knowing when to attack. News24 Business editor Helena Wasserman unpacks Sanlam’s R21 billion bid for the rest of Santam, the Competition Commission’s unprecedented bid to unwind Premier Foods’ takeover of Rhodes Food Group, and a new opt-out registry that could curb the nine billion spam calls South Africans get each quarter. And Dion Gouws of Credo in London discusses whether Ray Dalio is right about an AI bubble,…

In this episode, Capitec CEO Graham Lee joins Bruce to unpack another extraordinary set of results from South Africa’s most disruptive bank. With 16.5 million digital clients, a cost to income ratio that has dropped to just 36 cents in the rand and business banking growing at over 50%, Capitec continues to defy every sceptic. Lee explains why the branch network is not a cost but a competitive advantage, what fully banked really means and why he is more heavily weighting negative economic scenarios heading into 2027. Craig Pitchers, CEO of The Courier Guy, on the last mile problem that has plagued South African logistics for decades and how 3,500 pickup points, lockers and kiosks are finally starting to solve it. With fuel costs at record highs, doorstep delivery is the most expensive way to move a parcel, and the shift to collection points is not just convenient. It is the future of the industry. Helena Wasserman, editor of News24 Business, on the ports authority finally breaking free from Transnet,…

Most of us have stopped thinking about payments. You tap your card, tap your phone, and walk out. It just works. But behind that two-second tap is one of the most complex and fast-moving infrastructure systems in the modern economy – and it is changing faster than most businesses realise. In this standalone episode of Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week, Bruce sits down with Chris Zietsman, executive head of Capitec Payments, to pull back the curtain on what is actually happening when money moves – and what the next three years are going to look like. Zietsman spent six years at SnapScan, first as CFO and later as CEO, watching South Africa’s payment ecosystem evolve from days of clearing time to card transactions settling in two to three seconds – faster, he notes, than Mexico manages on a good day. He unpacks the PayShap instant payment rail now enabling real-time bank transfers for as little as 20 cents, why Capitec can onboard a new card machine merchant in five minutes in any branch, and how the cost of…

In this episode, Momentum CEO Jeanette Marais unpacks a standout year, with normalised headline earnings hitting R7 billion ahead of schedule, five business segments crossing R1 billion for the first time, and India emerging as the group’s most exciting long-term growth story after the health insurance joint venture with Aditya Birla Capital turned profitable for the first time in a decade. Eben de Jongh, founder of Skubu, joins Bruce to explain why it is expensive to be poor, and how his refill-based retail concept in Diepsloot is cutting prices by up to 60% through eliminating packaging and buying directly upstream. Four stores in, with a more compact format called Skubu Nyana in development, the model is gaining serious momentum.News24 Business editor Helena Wasserman reflects on Pick'n Pay tapping a former Woolworths executive as its next CEO, Remgro sitting on R22 billion in cash and feeling unusually bullish about South Africa, and Neal Froneman’s serious plans for a Formula One circuit near Malmesbury…

In this episode, Omnia Group CEO Seelan Gobalsamy discusses a record year driven by Africa’s growing food security imperative, with fertiliser demand rising across the continent and a strategy built around becoming the essential input supplier for African farmers. Optasia CEO Salvador Anglada unpacks how the group is making more than a billion credit decisions a month, facilitating $3.5 billion in distributed value in a single half-year, and growing revenue 58% while keeping default rates at 1.3%. Quietly, the fintech has become one of the most significant financial infrastructure companies that most South Africans have never heard of. Gary Booysen of Rand Swiss on what the Reserve Bank rate hold means for SA assets, where he is finding value in a market that has run hard, and why AI infrastructure remains his one constant theme.And News24 Business editor Helena Wasserman on the rand selling off after the rate hold, Woolworths’ new CEO making his first moves, and what a bumper week for financial services…

In this episode, FirstRand CEO Mary Vilakazi unpacks results that look worse than they are. Reported earnings fell 5% after an R11.4 billion provision for the UK motor finance scandal, but strip that out and normalised earnings from continuing operations grew 13%, with return on equity at 24%. The UK business is being sold, and FirstRand is placing its next big bet on Optasia, a fintech platform targeting the unbanked across Africa. Andrew Dunn of DNI tells one of South Africa’s most unexpected entrepreneurial stories. Watching bread trucks return idle by midmorning at Premier Foods, he noticed that every outlet buying bread was also selling airtime and SIM cards with no efficient way to restock. That single observation became the foundation for a business now spanning connectivity, devices, eSIMs and fintech, touching millions of South Africans in the informal economy. Chantal Marx of FNB Wealth and Investments on a bumper week of financial services results, why South African insurers and banks keep…

In this episode, Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago joins Bruce to unpack what he calls a “polycrisis of overlapping shocks”, from the war in Iran to Ukraine’s attack on Russian wheat infrastructure and the looming El Niño threat to South African food prices. His message: South Africa’s starting point this time is fundamentally stronger than in 2022, and that breathing room is why the Reserve Bank can still take measured rather than aggressive steps on rates. Shoprite CEO Pieter Engelbrecht speaks about the acquisition of Vida e Caffè, which adds more than 400 coffee stores to a group already operating in pet, liquor, pharmacy, and fashion adjacencies. Sixty60 added R6.6 billion this year and set a new record just yesterday, and Shoprite and Checkers now sit as the top two retailers in South Africa by sales.News24 Business editor Helena Wasserman analyses Woolworths’ food-first CEO, making clear the retailer’s clothing era is over, TFG’s Australian business dragging results down under, Eskom sitting on…

In this episode, MTN CEO Ralph Mupita joins Bruce to unpack a strong set of first-half results driven by Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, with R13.9 billion in dividends repatriated. Mupita addresses the R74 billion trademark lawsuit MTN dismisses as frivolous, the Iran investment it cannot exit because of US sanctions, and what it actually takes to operate profitably across 19 contested African markets. Antoine van Heerden of ButtaNutt tells the story of building a plant-based food empire from a student digs in Stellenbosch, from macadamia butter at weekend markets to 1 500 stores nationwide and a 54% investment from PSG Group. Helena Wasserman, editor of News24 Business, on Northam’s audacious move to put itself on the market, an insider trading probe into trades ahead of the Curro delisting, and OR Tambo’s deepening crisis as air traffic controllers are poached abroad, and a Sasol refinery shutdown threatens jet fuel supply. And David Shapiro of Otto 1890, in his 53rd year in markets, on why Nvidia’s…

In this episode, DRDGold CEO Niël Pretorius explains how the company extracts 1.93 grams of gold per tonne of mine-dump material, and why, at $4 000 an ounce, that amounts to R4.2 billion in profit, while simultaneously cleaning up Soweto’s dust problem and reversing a century-long environmental legacy. Bruce McMurray of Jockey South Africa speaks on keeping a 150-year-old underwear brand relevant, why more than 95% of its products are still made locally through a 75-year manufacturing partnership, and what e-commerce is forcing the factory to rethink.News24 Business editor Helena Wasserman discusses the SPAR board chair quitting under pressure from revolting independent retailers, the US debt approaching $40 trillion, and food price inflation at its lowest in 16 years. And Graeme Korner of Korner Perspective explores why the JSE has been a damp squib in 2026, why precious metals are finding their mojo again, and why he thinks the US bond market intervention is a dangerous gamble. This podcast is sponsored…

In this episode, ENS head of forensics practice Steven Powell goes behind the scenes of asset forfeiture, using the Tembisa Hospital scandal to explain what actually happens after the cameras leave and the Lamborghinis have been seized, and why South Africa’s ability to secure convictions amid a Financial Action Task Force review matters more than most people realise. Neil Swart of the Belly Restaurant Group joins Bruce to talk about Buri, the new Cape Town concept built entirely around the boerie roll. Gary Booysen of Rand Swiss speaks on Anthropic’s potential $2 trillion IPO and the Goldman Sachs warning about $1.3 trillion in AI infrastructure commitments quietly sitting off-balance-sheet. And Helena Wasserman reviews gold at a 10-week high, Shoprite’s Sixty60 growing to a third the size of Pick n Pay, and the court ruling that cleared business mogul Patrice Motsepe of a R3 billion claim, just as 37% of South Africans say they want him as their next president. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec.To catch…

In this episode, Nedbank CEO Jason Quinn unpacks flat headline earnings that hide 12% underlying growth, explains the NCBA acquisition in Kenya and what it means for Nedbank’s African ambitions, and reads a South African banking landscape as being disrupted from every direction. Nick Miller of Teach Me 2 and Coachbit tells the story of building a tutoring platform from a UCT engineering dorm to TIME’s global EdTech list, via a Silicon Valley startup that lost to TikTok and taught him everything about digital addiction. Helena Wasserman discusses Glencore’s Iran war windfall, Sasol’s remarkable 75% share price surge and South Africa’s strange new problem of a grid producing too much solar power during the day. And Jean Pierre Verster of Protea Capital Management addresses why Pick'n Pay is still loss-making and tracking behind its own recovery targets, plus the AI memory stock crash that wiped 40% off some of the sector’s biggest names in a single month. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec.To catch every…

In this episode, Murray Clark, co-founder and CEO of Neighbourgood, talks about The Acre at Golden Acre, converting Cape Town’s iconic 27-floor CBD office block into 417 apartments with flexible leases, co-working spaces and shared amenities. It’s a bold bet on city centre living and adaptive reuse done right.News24 Business editor Helena Wasserman unpacks a results-heavy week: Woolworths holding premium pricing as sales slow, Boxer growing but disappointing the market, Canal+ celebrating its best subscription month in a decade, and Anglo American preparing to let De Beers go for cheap. Meryl Pick of Old Mutual digs into whether Woolworths is quietly becoming an Edgars in its clothing division, and what a food-first CEO signals about the group’s future direction. And, Sean Coleman of the South African Bookmakers Association discusses the R50 billion leaving South Africa’s shores through unregulated gambling platforms every year, why prediction markets are the fastest-growing frontier of that problem, and…

In this episode, Arthur Gillis, the last of the old-school hoteliers, reflects on 50 years in the industry, growing Protea Hotels from four properties to 116 across seven countries, negotiating its R2 billion sale to Marriott in 2014, and now handing the keys of Platinum Hospitality Holdings to his son Anton after deliberately leaving the room during the board process that appointed him. Patrick Schofield of BackaBuddy tells the story of a platform he inherited with no staff, no momentum, and R14 000 raised in its first month, to now being on track to reach R1 billion raised and 1 million donors in 2026, sustained by a bold decision to drop platform fees entirely in favour of optional donor tips. News24 Business editor Helena Wasserman unpacks Pepkor’s R21 billion fintech play targeting township traders, a trusted employer scheme cutting visa times from months to days, and Gareth Penny’s consortium emerging as the preferred bidder for De Beers. And Peter Armitage of Anchor Capital tells us why South African…

In this episode, Bruce chats with Herotel CEO, Van Zyl Botha, about the partnership bringing Amazon Leo to South Africa, a satellite internet service that could finally connect farms, townships and rural communities where fibre has never reached. South Africa goes live in 2027. Claire Swanson of ARK Provisions tells the story of a sweet she tasted in Mexico that reminded her of corner shop treats from Mitchell’s Plain. Graeme Korner of Korner Perspective unpacks a market caught between AI euphoria and oil anxiety, where pick-and-shovel companies are soaring even as SpaceX trades below its listing price. And News24 Business editor Helena Wasserman covers the alarming breakdown at the PIC, whose CEO has been suspended and the FSCA has stepped in; Richemont’s surprise 20% sales jump; and why a Hormuz flare-up means petrol price relief may be short-lived. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels,…

This week, Bruce chats with Ricky Ruthenberg, CEO of Bootlegger Coffee Company, about building one of South Africa’s most recognisable coffee chains from a single Sea Point store in 2013 to 116 locations today – with 15 to 20 more planned before year’s end. Ruthenberg unpacks the two-model strategy, the cautious push into Namibia and Africa, and why the coffee revolution in South Africa is still far from over. Meryl Pick of Old Mutual Investment Group makes sense of a complicated week in oil markets, where Brent has been squeezed lower by China stepping back from imports and Russia flooding crude onto the market, while refining margins have hit levels not seen since 2001 – meaning lower oil prices are not yet translating into relief at the pump. And William Brederode, tech and trends journalist at News24, covers Adnoc’s $1 billion acquisition of Shell’s South African fuel station business, the forced labour tariff hearings in the US and what they reveal about South Africa’s compliance gaps, and the chaotic…

In this episode, Bruce chats with Stuart Williams, CEO of Rolux Global, about one of the most unlikely turnaround stories in South African business. In 2023, six weeks from closure, Williams shipped product cold into the United States with no brand and no customers. It sold out in six weeks. He has since moved his family to Atlanta, partnered with EGO Commercial on battery mowers to crack California, and is building a deliberately niche but genuinely underserved global business. The episode also features Deon Gouws of Credo in London on Andy Burnham’s UK leadership prospects; why Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s hawkish stance has limits when inflation is supply-driven; and why 30 years of government debt warnings haven’t yet collapsed the system. Business editor Helena Wasserman weighs in on the week’s big talking point: Alcoa’s acquisition of Hillside, South Africa’s biggest power user. Also up for discussion are the Constitutional Court’s dismissal of the broad rand manipulation case, and growing…

In this episode: why being unreasonable might be the best leadership trait right now, why food prices could be the world’s next flashpoint, and the El Niño risk building in commodity markets. Andrew Woodburn of Amrop Woodburn Mann discusses why uncompromising leadership may be exactly what the world needs. Christiaan van den Berg of JOBJACK explains why SA’s unemployment crisis persists even as employers say they can’t find staff. Peter Armitage of Anchor Capital discusses a market where Elon Musk lost a quarter of a trillion dollars in a week – and why he’s staying disciplined rather than chasing AI hype. Plus, News24 Business editor Helena Wasserman shares insights on a busy week of bank results, Novo Nordisk’s court win against a copycat Ozempic pharmacy, and an oil oversupply sending Brent back to pre-war levels. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24's Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce chats with AD Schoeman, co-founder of The Surgical Assistant, about the platform connecting unemployed young doctors with surgeons needing theatre assistants. Built from personal frustration in 2018, it now spans a staffing platform, a training academy and an NPO, though the founders admit it only thrives because the system around it is failing. Helena Wasserman, editor of News24 Business, unpacks the Iran peace deal and what it means for SA interest rates, Vodacom’s new pay disclosure, and the IDC’s deal to rescue Tongaat from liquidation. Bruce also looks at Premier Group’s record year, with revenue up 6.6% and profit up 29.3%, driven by volume rather than price, plus its R6.5 billion acquisition of RFG Holdings. And Rand Swiss portfolio manager Gary Booysen makes sense of the markets: SpaceX post-IPO, oil and Sasol after the Iran deal, and what it all means for interest rates. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on…

In this episode, Bruce puts SPAR CEO Reeza Isaacs in the hot seat. Isaacs, the retailer’s third CEO in three years, takes questions on why profits have more than halved, what’s gone wrong with the independent retail model, and how to roll out a turnaround plan that is more than just talk. We also get a glimpse into Handwritten, YuppieChef co-founder Andrew Smith’s new book on building one of South Africa’s most beloved online retailers from the ground up. Old Mutual’s Meryl Pick makes sense of a surprisingly well-behaved oil price, a dovish new Fed chair, and MTN’s long-awaited continental comeback. Lastly, News24 Business editor Helena Wasserman explores the mining sector’s anger over a new industrialisation policy, SA’s better-than-expected GDP number, and a court ruling that could quietly take the shine off crypto in South Africa. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24's Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on…

Bruce chats with Tiger Brands CEO Tjaart Kruger about a robust set of interim results: operating income up 26.1% and R9.2 billion returned to shareholders since 2024. But with geopolitical uncertainty expected to bite harder in the second half, the question is whether the momentum holds. Adrian Kinsey-Quick tells the story of Bangbroek Aperitif, a vodka-based spirit infused with Karoo Agave Syrup, cinnamon and a chilli kick, born as a tribute to a fearless dad and now making its mark on South Africa’s crowded spirits market. Helena Wasserman unpacks the US government’s proposed new tariffs on South African imports, a health ministry crackdown on Dis-Chem, and Canal+’s quiet JSE debut, replacing Mr Price on the Top 40. And Graeme Korner makes sense of markets – where AI is driving extraordinary flows into chips and memory while draining liquidity elsewhere, and what the SpaceX IPO means for the broader market. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons…

In this episode, Bruce chats with Netcare CEO Richard Friedland about how AI and digitisation are transforming healthcare. With savings now exceeding implementation costs, smartwatches are monitoring patients in real time, and algorithms detect sepsis long before symptoms appear. As Friedland puts it, the clinical AI revolution is already here. News24 Business editor Helena Wasserman unpacks new legislation on pay gap disclosure, Absa group CEO Kenny Fihla’s extraordinary talent raid on Standard Bank, and Pepkor’s bold move into banking with its new PlusB offering. Jaraad Hassim, founder of PatchPal, has a deceptively simple fix for South Africa’s pothole crisis: biodegradable mesh bags of cold-mix asphalt that can be dropped in, overlapped, and driven over. It works; municipalities are testing it. Now, the last remaining hurdle to clear is the law. Lastly, Jean Pierre Verster of Protea Capital Management compares Life Healthcare and Netcare, unpacks Pepkor’s banking ambitions, and weighs in on Pick n Pay.…

This week on the podcast, Bruce chats with WeBuyCars CEO Faan van der Walt about how Chinese and Indian vehicles are reshaping South Africa's used-car market, accelerating depreciation for legacy brands, and forcing a new equilibrium in the industry. Despite the headwinds, WeBuyCars is backing itself hard, expanding aggressively, targeting 20% market share, and doing it all without debt. Then, Southern Sun’s Marcel von Aulock unpacks a standout year for the hotel group, but with the G20 tailwind fading and global uncertainty mounting, can the momentum last? Plus, Rand Swiss portfolio manager Gary Booysen offers market insights, and News24 Business editor Helena Wasserman examines the stories shaping the economy. Lastly, well-known human potential expert Nikki Bush joins Bruce to explore the number one way to improve your leadership. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec.To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24's Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on…

In this episode, Bruce chats with Boxer Superstores CEO Marek Masojada about the discount giant's first full-year results since listing on the JSE, with headline earnings up 13.2% to R1.6 billion, and how Boxer keeps growing amid deflation, rising fuel costs and looming food inflation. Helena Wasserman, editor of News24 Business, reports live from NAMPO 2026 in Bothaville, where producer profitability and food security are at the forefront. Peter Armitage, CEO of Anchor Capital, unpacks the global market picture: where value still exists, what the US-China relationship means for investors, and what the JSE has to offer right now. Carla Ashton shares the story of Thandana, the proudly South African lifestyle brand she built from a four-person garage operation in 2010 to a 60-strong team. Lastly, well-known human potential expert Nikki Bush joins Bruce to tackle the Founder's Trap: what happens when you are scaling up but simply cannot let go, and what it costs you and your business when you don’t. This…

In this episode, Bruce explores the global fallout from the Iran conflict – and why the risks extend far beyond oil prices. Omnia Group CEO Seelan Gobalsamy explains how disruptions to fertiliser supply chains could place renewed pressure on food prices, farmers and the broader economy, even if a peace deal is reached. Helena Wasserman, editor of News24 Business, unpacks China's tariff removal on thousands of South African exports, Pick n Pay's labour shakeup, and what a potential US-Iran agreement could mean for the rand and local markets. Portfolio manager Meryl Pick shares why elevated oil prices may persist longer than markets expect, while Nic Eve, CEO of Donkey Long Tong, tells the story of how a joke around a braai became one of South Africa's most recognisable outdoor brands. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24's Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce unpacks what a doubling oil price means for South African fuel costs, inflation, and the global economy – and why the US midterm elections may be the most powerful force pushing president Donald Trump toward an off-ramp. Peter Armitage, CEO of Anchor Capital, discusses what's really driving oil above $126 a barrel. Adri Williams, founder of Khayelitsha Cookies, reveals how a 100% women-owned biscuit business built in Mfuleni landed a R1.4 million export deal – and got its cookies onto British Airways flights. Helena Wasserman, business editor at News24, provides insights on a divided US Fed and a landmark High Court challenge to the BEE legal sector code. And Graeme Körner, founder of Körner Perspective, looks at why markets are surprisingly calm. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec.To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24's Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Graham Lee, CEO of Capitec, about another year of standout growth - but more importantly, how the bank is evolving beyond its traditional model as it scales to 26 million clients and reshapes what modern retail banking looks like in South Africa. Bruce also chats to Jake Axelrod, founder of MetaLab, about rethinking protein - not as a gym supplement, but as an everyday pantry staple - and how a focus on taste, accessibility and brand is unlocking a much broader consumer market. The show also features market commentator David Shapiro discussing why global markets continue to rise despite higher oil prices and geopolitical tensions, and what that means for South Africa. Plus News24 Business editor Helena Wasserman unpacks major policy shifts - from stricter BEE procurement rules to visa reforms and relaxed cross-border regulations - and what they signal for business in the country. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec.To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe…

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Jackie van Niekerk, CEO of Attacq, about a R750 million investment into Waterfall City – what it signals about confidence in South Africa's commercial property sector and the future of mixed-use urban development. Bruce also chats to David Muller, CEO of Karoo Pistachios, about building a potential R3 billion export industry in the Northern Cape, and how patient capital, perseverance and smart partnerships could turn South Africa into a global pistachio powerhouse. The show's markets wrap features Jean Pierre Verster, CEO of Protea Capital Management, unpacking why markets have remained resilient despite geopolitical tensions, whether we're in an AI bubble, and what the early earnings season signals about the global outlook. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec.To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode of Bruce Whitfield's Business Week, Bruce unpacks rising global tensions and their local impact as oil prices surge and South Africa faces sharply higher fuel costs amid an uncertain ceasefire in the Middle East. David Mignot, CEO of Canal+ Africa, joins the show to discuss stabilising MultiChoice post-acquisition and what the future of pay TV looks like as satellite, streaming and changing consumer habits reshape the industry. Michelle Royston, founder and CEO of Waxit, shares how a niche, single-service model has grown into a national franchise, with a new micro-franchise approach that turns employees into business owners. And Meryl Pick, portfolio manager at Old Mutual Investment Group, discusses navigating a world where crises are becoming the norm and why investors may need to rethink traditional strategies. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec.To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on…

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Alan Knott-Craig of fibertime™, who is taking on one of South Africa’s toughest challenges: bringing fast, affordable fibre internet to townships, connecting millions of homes and opening access to education, jobs and opportunity. Bruce also chats to economist David McWilliams about what South Africa can learn from global success stories and why attracting capital, backing entrepreneurs and putting growth ahead of ideology are critical to unlocking the country’s economic potential. Deon Gouws of Credo joins the show to unpack market volatility, geopolitical uncertainty and how investors are navigating a world shaped by conflict, shifting policy and fragile confidence.

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Simon Baloyi, CEO of Sasol, as the group benefits from a surge in oil prices driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East. Baloyi explains why the current spike is likely temporary, how Sasol is positioning itself through the cycle, and why the company's role in South Africa's energy security has never been more critical. Willem Kellerman, co-founder of Verify Tech, explains how a small, self-funded South African team used drones and machine learning to survey 150 000 hectares of bush, building one of the most accurate wildlife censuses ever conducted and unlocking new, data-driven insights into conservation. Bruce also chats to Jean-Pierre Verster, founder and CEO of Protea Capital Management, about market volatility, global uncertainty and what it all means for investors navigating a rapidly shifting environment. To catch every episode of Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week, click follow and subscribe on News24’s Spotify, Apple and YouTube podcast channels. New editions…

In this episode, we come to you live from News24’s On the Record summit, where one statistic sets the tone: if every unemployed South African stood in a line, it would stretch from Cape Town to Lagos, Nigeria. The focus is on creating 5 million new jobs over the next decade. The conversation draws first on insights from keynote speaker Dr Keyu Jin, who highlights the importance of a capable, coordinated state but emphasises that delivery, implementation, and a pragmatic, pro-growth agenda will ultimately drive job creation. Bruce is then joined by Mpumi Madisa, CEO of Bidvest Group, who argues for a more intentional role for big business – from creating entry-level jobs and opening supply chains to proving that technology and job creation can go hand in hand. Hendrik du Toit, founder and CEO of Ninety One, adds that while global shocks may disrupt markets, South Africa’s progress will depend on structural reform and turning policy into action. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec.To catch every episode,…

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Paul Hanratty, Group CEO of Sanlam, about the insurer's transformation into South Africa's most valuable insurance company and why India is becoming an increasingly important growth engine for the group. Bruce also chats to Dean Kowarski, Group CEO of Virgin Active, about how the traditional gym is evolving into a broader "social wellness club" experience that combines exercise, recovery, food and community as the global wellness economy expands. The show also features a markets wrap with Meryl Pick, portfolio manager at Old Mutual Investment Group, unpacking the hidden role maritime insurance plays in global trade and how tensions in the Middle East could disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and ripple through markets. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec.To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24's Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Pieter Engelbrecht, CEO of Shoprite, about how the group is expanding beyond groceries into adjacent businesses, including financial services, standalone pharmacies, pet retail and general merchandise. Bruce also chats to Samantha Skyring, founder of Oryx Desert Salt, about the realities of raising capital as a founder. After months of pitching and networking, a chance connection on a Lion’s Head walking club helped unlock a new investor to fund the brand’s next phase of global growth. The show also features a markets wrap with Chantal Marx, head of research at FNB Wealth and Investments, unpacking a volatile week for markets amid Middle East tensions, oil prices, and shifting interest rate expectations. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec.To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Peter Mountford, CEO of Super Group, about navigating a fast-changing vehicle market as Chinese and Indian brands surge in South Africa. Bruce also chats to Jo Farah, founder and CEO of The Lab, about turning a Cape Town sneaker-care start-up into a global biotech fashion-care business. Farah explains how probiotic-based cleaning tech has helped win major international clients, including Nike, New Balance, Dior and Karl Lagerfeld. The episode wraps with Deon Gouws, CIO at Credo, on the market shake-up sparked by the viral “Zetrini” report and the rotation out of big tech. He argues the doom narrative is overdone. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec.To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Mike Fraser, CEO of Gold Fields, as the gold price surges past $5 000 an ounce and drives a record year for the miner. With profits nearly tripling, boosted by strong bullion prices and production at the new Salares Norte mine in Chile, they unpack what is fuelling gold’s rally, rising mining costs, and how the company is positioning for future growth. Bruce also chats to Grace Harding, CEO of Ocean Basket, about the brand’s global reinvention, from post-COVID restructuring to international expansion and new formats reshaping the South African seafood chain across markets from Cyprus to the Middle East. The episode wraps with a market update from Jean-Pierre Verster, founder and CEO of Protea Capital Management, who breaks down major mining results, commodity trends, and shifting inflation dynamics. Plus, a special tribute to South African futurist and strategist Clem Sunter, with reflections from Chantell Ilbury of Mindofafox. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec.To catch…

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Richard (Boris) Rivett-Carnac, the CEO of SAB, about navigating a tougher global beer environment as sales decline worldwide.With Heineken cutting jobs and AB InBev reporting pressure globally, SAB is nonetheless managing to grow volumes in South Africa. They unpack what’s driving resilience locally – from shifting consumer trends and illicit alcohol to excise taxes and the broader economic outlook.Bruce also chats to Alain Soriano, the founder of discount retailer Best Before, about finding opportunity in a fiercely competitive grocery market. From clearance pricing and food waste to brick-and-mortar expansion and delivery partnerships, Soriano explains why demand for discounted essentials is surging across SA.

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Marthinus Stander, CEO of Rainbow Chicken, about the company’s strong performance since being unbundled from RCL Foods and listed as a standalone business in 2024. Bruce also chats to Nick Dreyer, CEO of Made in RSA, about his new platform aimed at helping South African brands reach global markets, create jobs locally and turn homegrown products into international successes. The episode wraps with a market update from Jean Pierre Verster, founder and CEO of Protea Capital Management, who unpacks a busy week of trading updates, consumer pressure, and rising volatility across commodities and global tech stocks. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec.To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Azar Jammine, Director and Chief Economist at Econometrix, about the strength of the rand and the surge in precious metal prices, even asking whether gold is becoming “the new bitcoin”. Bruce is then joined by Ross Volk, Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa, to discuss the rebound in global travel and what South Africans are booking as confidence returns. Bruce also reflects on the South African Reserve Bank’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged and what that means for confidence and markets. The episode wraps with a market update from Chantal Marx, Head of Research at FNB, on softer Christmas trading, the resilience of South African consumers and heavy investment in AI by big tech. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Zak Calisto, founder and CEO of Karooooo, about the group’s strong quarterly results, South Africa’s role as its growth engine, and how a Singapore base is driving global expansion across Asia, Europe and beyond. He is then joined by Daneel Steinmann, CEO of Old School, to unpack the brand’s five-year retail partnership with Liverpool FC, why South Africa is one of the club’s biggest markets, and how African passion for the English Premier League is shaping future expansion. The episode wraps with Deon Gouws, Chief Investment Officer at Credo Group in the UK, who weighs in on investing in a world of heightened geopolitics, whether the “sell America” narrative holds, and if the AI boom is really a bubble. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Graham Wood, the newly appointed CEO of the V&A Waterfront, about taking the helm of one of Africa’s most iconic mixed-use precincts — and what the next phase of growth, investment and innovation looks like for a destination that attracts more than 25 million visitors a year. Bruce also chats to Melvyn Lubega, recently appointed to lead the Presidency’s Digital Services Unit, about why he chose to take on the challenge of working inside government and how building digital public infrastructure – from digital ID and payments to shared data systems – can transform how millions of South Africans access services and drive impact at national scale. The show also features a markets wrap with Meryl Pick, Portfolio Manager at Old Mutual Investment Group, unpacking key trends in precious metals and what lies ahead for South Africa’s resource sector and “SA Inc” as we look towards 2026.

In this episode, Bruce talks to Stephan Bredell, who started Platō Coffee with his brother Petrus in 2019. Bredell explains how being “just dumb enough” – and understanding the next-generation coffee market – has been key to Platō‘s success. Also on the show, Jean Pierre Verster, founder and CEO of Protea Capital Management, discusses the red-hot markets. Then, Matthew Schulz, managing director and co-owner of Galileo Open Air Cinema, explains the growing appeal of outdoor movies. Finally, we round off the show with certified financial planner Warren Ingram, who shares tips on how to build wealth. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode of Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce polishes his crystal ball, looking at the biggest risks 2026 hold for the world and local economy. He chats to Sir Bradley Fried, former chairperson of the Bank of England, about how courageous decisions can change the course of your life. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode of Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce speaks to Old Mutual CEO Jurie Strydom, who says he is surprised by the sheer breadth and depth of the 180-year-old company, and how such a ship can be steered. He shares his views on redefining success — and not fixing what isn’t broken. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode of Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce talks to Lincoln Mali, a former Standard Bank executive. He currently serves as CEO for Southern Africa for Lesaka Technologies, a Nasdaq and JSE-listed fintech company which now owns Bank Zero. He inspires by being a force for driving financial inclusion, but what Lincoln does in his spare time, building development rugby, is what might make you tear up a little. Here, he chats to Bruce about how rugby builds character. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode of Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce interviews Dino Paulo, a former Survivor SA winner and competitive formation skydiver, who hints that his business will be anything but boring. Paulo co-owns HintHunt Africa, the company that started the escape game craze in SA, and has since branched out to online games and “amazing races”. News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson shares his insights on the biggest news stories of 2025, from US President Donald Trump’s obsession with South Africa to all revelations at the Madlanga Commission. Finally, we round off the show with certified financial planner, Warren Ingram, who reminds us not to put all of our eggs in one basket. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode of Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce talks to Old Mutual CEO Jurie Strydom, who stepped into the role earlier this year, about the impact of AI in South Africa. A former fintech entrepreneur, Strydom has strong views on how AI will change industries, but doesn’t believe it will be a “big bang”. Bruce also chats to Sheldon Tatchell, founder of Legends Barbers. He quit his job at a call centre and has built an empire of 79 stores. Tatchell explains how taking notes on what customers talk about made all the difference in his business. Chantal Marx, head of investment research and content at FNB Wealth and Investments, takes a look at the recent rerating in banking shares. Certified financial planner Warren Ingram gives tips on how to build wealth. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode of Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.

In this episode, Bruce talks to Dr Richard Friedland, CEO of Netcare, the largest private hospital group in South Africa. Friedland bemoans government taking the “low road” as it plans to push ahead with National Health Insurance in its current form, and says the only real winners will be lawyers as court battles over the plan heat up. But Friedland also highlights good news about an easing in SA’s nursing crisis and, following a recent trip abroad, found that other countries are “nowhere close to where we are” when it comes to the country’s private healthcare. Also on the programme, behavioural strategist Joni Peddie, whose new book, From Can’t Do to Can Do, offers a practical guide to business leaders on how to leverage their human edge in a world shaped by AI. Meryl Pick, Old Mutual Investment Group’s head of equities research, discusses US president Donald Trump’s new threats against SA. She also looks at the remarkable turnaround of Tiger Brands. Certified financial planner Warren Ingram gives tips on…

In this episode, Bruce talks to Warren Myers, CEO and one of the founders of AURA, a South African emergency response platform that connects users to the nearest private security or medical responders. Companies like Uber and FNB uses AURA to offer their clients emergency support in South Africa, and it also has operations in the UK and other African countries. After a recent R270 million investment in the company, it is now making a big push into the US, where its service is currently being rolled out in 12 major US cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, and Seattle. Also on the programme is Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of SA. He explains how the US move to exempt key foods from import tariffs will help SA. Following Nvidia’s surprisingly strong results on Wednesday, Deon Gouws, chief investment officer at Credo Group, makes the case why Warren Buffett and other doubters may be wrong about AI. Also discussed on the programme: a report that Pep may…

In this episode, Bruce talks to Wahl Bartmann, CEO of Fidelity Services Group, South Africa’s largest private security company with 70 000 employees. Bartmann talks about why the group wants to list on the JSE next year, and the importance of the SA security sector, which has attracted a number of former rugby players — including himself. TymeBank chief technology officer Dieter Botha gives his view on how artificial intelligence will play out in coming years, and which jobs may be safe. Jean Pierre Verster, founder and CEO of Protea Capital Management, gives his views on the investment case for Vodacom, Premier, Stor-Age and Raubex. Also discussed on the programme: SA’s fiscal state, and a surprising twist in the “Please Call Me” saga. Certified financial planner Warren Ingram explains how shares work. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode of Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop…

In this episode, Bruce talks to Tyme’s new CEO, Cheslyn Jacobs, who strikes a defiant tone toward the big players in the market. Also on the show is the CEO of Yaga CEO Aune Aunapuu, who started the online second-hand clothing marketplace in 2017. It launched in South Africa five years ago, which is now its biggest market, with annual revenue growth of 80%.Meryl Pick, Old Mutual Investment Group Head of Equities Research, gives her view on how Pepkor’s fintech push is paying off. She also talks about Optasia, the newly JSE-listed Dubai-based fintech firm, and trade tensions between the US and China. Also discussed on the programme: how Canal+ plans to save DStv, the botched process to appoint a new Gautrain operator, and welcome changes to the planned Transformation Fund. Certified financial planner Warren Ingram shares practical tips on building wealth. This podcast is sponsored by Capitec. To catch every episode of Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify,…