Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week

ตอน

• Amazon comes to South Africa from space. Plus: Mexican candy, market mayhem and PIC chaos 16.07.2026 34นาที

  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, or catch up on past episodes here. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00. 
• Bootlegger brews up expansion. Plus: SA’s demerit points disaster 09.07.2026 30นาที

  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 rollout of the AARTO demerit point system for drivers. 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, or catch up on past episodes here. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00. 
• The SA lawnmower brand taking on the US market. Plus: GEMS on edge 02.07.2026 30นาที

  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 anxiety about the Government Employees’ Medical Scheme. 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.
• The app fixing SA’s hiring crisis. Plus: Why reasonable leaders are losing  25.06.2026 40นาที

  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.
• Doctors on demand. Plus: Peace in Iran and what it means for your bond 18.06.2026 27นาที

  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 News24's Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.
• SPAR’s comeback story. Plus: High oil prices linger longer 11.06.2026 38นาที

  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 Thursdays at 17:00.
• Tiger Brands roars back. Plus: The South African spirit born from a dad joke 04.06.2026 33นาที

  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 on News24's Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.
• The AI hospital is here. Plus: SA’s pothole crisis meets its match 28.05.2026 33นาที

  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 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.
• WeBuyCars backs itself as Chinese brands shake the showroom. Plus: Southern Sun’s best year yet 21.05.2026 30นาที

  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 Thursdays at 17:00.
• Boxer’s debut JSE bout. PLUS: Thandana’s garage births 60 jobs 14.05.2026 28นาที

  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 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.
• Your long-term oil price prediction. Plus: Donkey Long Tong rises 07.05.2026 40นาที

  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.
• Can Trump find his oil price offramp? Plus: Khayelitsha Cookies clear for takeoff 30.04.2026 37นาที

  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.
• Is Capitec becoming bigger than a bank? Plus: Protein outgrows the gym 23.04.2026 41นาที

  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 buttons on News24's Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.
• Nuts! A new pistachio powerhouse in the Karoo 16.04.2026 35นาที

  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.
• Canal+ channels new SA pay-TV era. Plus: What’s Waxit? 09.04.2026 33นาที

  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 Thursdays at 5pm.
• Can South Africa Outsmart the Global Crisis? 02.04.2026 38นาที

  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.
• Sasol surges as war drives fuel uncertainty 26.03.2026 35นาที

  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 drop every Thursday at 17:00. 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.
• What will it take for SA to create 5 million jobs in 10 years? Can China help? 19.03.2026 26นาที

  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, click the follow and subscribe buttons on News24’s Spotify, Apple, and YouTube podcast channels. Editions drop on Thursdays at 17:00.
• Sanlam bets big on India, oil market jitters and Virgin Active pumps up the jam 12.03.2026 39นาที

  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.
• How Shoprite is changing the future. Plus: Oryx finds funding on Lions Head 05.03.2026 38นาที

  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.