Best The American Upgrade Project Podcasts (2025)

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The Best Bits of The Money Show: Capitec’s CEO Gerry Fourie, and role of B Investment analysts 47:03

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14h ago47:03

47:03

Stephen Grootes spoke with Dr Musa Malwandla and Mbasa Mrwetyana about the role of investment analysts, Gerrie Fourie on Capitec’s growth and leadership, with Warren Ingram on the relevance of unit trusts, and Zelda La Grange about her journey alongside Nelson Mandela. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter,…

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Tau's R100bn Fund Makes Waves, Plus Durban July Horse Racing Insight 37:46

1d ago37:46

37:46

Stephen Grootes discusses with Duma Gqubule, Economist & research associate at the Social Policy Initiative, about the R100 billion Transformation Fund, highlighting both its potential to drive inclusive economic growth and the concerns around its implementation, particularly the risk of focusing too heavily on inputs rather than measurable outcome…

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Creecy backs private funds; mining rights database faces fresh delay 1:18:00

2d ago1:18:00

1:18:00

Stephen Grootes speaks to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy about Transnet's plans to seek private sector investment in rail infrastructure refurbishment and expansion, amid efforts to boost economic growth and alleviate the state's infrastructure funding burden. In other interviews, Peter Leon, mining expert and partner at Herbert Smith Freehills,…

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Eskom eyes solar tariffs as China responds to global shifts in Trump’s new world order 1:19:37

3d ago1:19:37

1:19:37

Stephen Grootes interviews Professor Vally Padayachee, power and energy expert and a former executive manager of Eskom and Wayne Duvenage, CEO at Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, about Eskom's crackdown on unregistered solar power installations, warning of penalties, disconnections, and additional surcharges for grid maintenance. In other interviews…

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Balancing inflation goals vs. real rates, SRD aid needs real cost, care, and delivery systems 1:23:13

4d ago1:23:13

1:23:13

Stephen Grootes speaks to Isaah Mhlanga, Chief Economist at Rand Merchant Bank, about why South Africa should shift its focus from simply targeting inflation to closely monitoring the real interest rate — the difference between the nominal rate and inflation. In other interviews, Cheslyn Jacobs, Chief Commercial Officer at TymeBank, about the chall…

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Transnet case resumes: Molefe, Gama, Singh & Jiyane held; SA faces car repair crisis 1:19:53

5d ago1:19:53

1:19:53

Stephen Grootes speaks to Dr Iraj Abedian, CEO at Pan African Investments and Research services, about the arrest of former Transnet CEOs Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama, who are set to appear in court for a bail hearing related to corruption and fraud charges stemming from their time at the state-owned entity. In other interviews, Warren Tucker, M…

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The Best Bits of The Money Show: Glenda Gray’s legacy & the Rand’s role in our money 46:29

8d ago46:29

46:29

Stephen Grootes interviewed four thought leaders across diverse fields: Professor Glenda Gray on her impactful career in HIV research and public health; Warren Ingram on the Rand’s influence on personal finance; Connie Matlejoane on empowering South African entrepreneurs through her non-profit work; and investment experts François Smith and Hlelo G…

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Lesaka buys Bank Zero for R1.1bn; Luxe pets boom 38:06

8d ago38:06

38:06

Stephen Grootes discusses with Arthur Goldstruck, founder of Worldwide Worx, the Lesaka Technologies' R1.1-billion acquisition of Bank Zero, and the potential synergies and benefits of the merger for both parties. In other interviews, Dion Chang, founder of Flux Trends, chats about the rise of the luxury pet economy, where pet owners are splurging …

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Bonitas achieves 13.4% return; investing shifts beyond active vs passive 1:12:51

9d ago1:12:51

1:12:51

Stephen Grootes speaks to Vurhonga Rikhotso, CFO of Bonitas, about the fund’s 13.4% return on contributions and growth in membership to over 731,000, In other interviews, François Smith, Client Portfolio Analyst at Stonehage Fleming Investment Management and Hlelo Giyose, Chief Investment Officer and Principle at First Avenue Investment Management …

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SA swaps Saudi oil for US crude; Bread sector cheers Leaf Services contract exit 1:09:33

10d ago1:09:33

1:09:33

Stephen Grootes speaks to Avhapfani Tshifularo, chief executive of Fuels Industry Association of South Africa about South Africa’s strategic pivot from Saudi Arabian to U.S. oil imports, highlighting India’s growing role as a key player in securing the country’s petrol and diesel supply. In other interviews, Matlou Setati, Executive for Food Safety…

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Business & finance update: R60bn bank lawsuit & Growthpoint's Sandton bridge project 1:11:39

11d ago1:11:39

1:11:39

Stephen Grootes speaks to Advocate Douglas Shaw, about a R60 billion class lawsuit against major South African banks, alleging they unlawfully repossessed and resold homes at below market value, leaving homeowners with significant debt. In other interviews, Timothy Irvine, Growthpoint Properties’ Head of Asset Management: Offices speaks to the comp…

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World watches Iran's next move; SA creatives urged to join free biz growth course 1:11:20

12d ago1:11:20

1:11:20

Stephen Grootes speaks to Prof Abel Esterhuise, Military strategist at Stellenbosch university and Manqoba Madinane, Strategist: Fixed Income, FX & Commodities at RMB about middle east’s tensions about the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, and US President Donald Trump's hints at possible regime change in Tehran, analyzing the potential …

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The Best Bits of The Money Show: Is your financial safety net ready for life’s emergencies? 48:48

15d ago48:48

48:48

This is a curated compilation of the best interviews from The Money Show this past week, featuring insightful discussions on business trends, personal finance, and leadership Stephen Grootes sat down with Mathebe Ngwenya, a chartered accountant who boldly transitioned from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. She shared her remarkable journey o…

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Iran rejects nuclear talks & SA's luxury hotel boom 41:12

15d ago41:12

41:12

Stephen Grootes speaks to Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, about the growing interest of international hotel chains, such as InterContinental Hotels Group, in South Africa's luxury hotel market, which is seen as vastly underserved, particularly in cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. In other i…

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Toyota sues KZN for R6.5bn over floods; SA bank shares rise on growth hopes 1:17:18

16d ago1:17:18

1:17:18

Stephen Grootes speaks to Khaya Sithole, independent analyst about Toyota South Africa’s R6.5 billion lawsuit against Transnet, the KZN government, and eThekwini Municipality, following claims of negligence that led to devastating flood damage at its Prospecton plant. In other interviews,Vincent Anthonyrajah, CEO and co-founder of Differential Capi…

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SA nears turning point; FIA OKs Kyalami F1-ready upgrade 1:14:42

17d ago1:14:42

1:14:42

Stephen Grootes speaks to Mark Barnes, Executive Chairman and CEO at Purple Group and SA Post Office former CEO, about his recent column, exploring whether South Africa is nearing a pivotal turning point and what bold action is needed to unlock its full potential. In other interviews, Nqobile Ndlovu Sport Business Expert chats about the FIA’s appro…

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Pityana vs SARB clash and are you ready for sudden financial emergencies? 1:14:29

18d ago1:14:29

1:14:29

Stephen Grootes speaks to Sipho Pityana about his ongoing legal battles with Absa, where Pityana is challenging his removal as a director and the South African Reserve Bank's Prudential Authority's objections to his nomination as Absa chair. In other interviews: Warren Ingram, Financial advisor and Co-Founder of Galileo Capital, talks about financi…

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MultiChoice may unbundle SuperSport; Harambee drives smart youth hiring via SA Youth platform 1:21:45

19d ago1:21:45

1:21:45

Stephen Grootes speaks to Sharmi Surianarain, Chief Impact Officer at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, about new youth unemployment data and how employers can hire smart through the SA Youth platform. In other interviews, Jan Vermeulen, Editor at Mybroadband on MultiChoice's potential plan to unbundle SuperSport from DStv channels. The Money …

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The Best Bits of The Money Show: Buy or rent a home – which is right for you? 47:37

22d ago47:37

47:37

This is a curated compilation of the best interviews from The Money Show this past week, featuring insightful discussions on business trends, personal finance, and leadership. Stephen spoke with Saki Macozoma, Chair of Vodacom and Safika Holdings, about his transformative journey, leadership principles, and impact on the private sector and civil so…

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Oil & gold prices surge amid Israel-Iran conflict; Billboard Africa debuts to boost African music 37:06

22d ago37:06

37:06

Stephen Grootes speaks to Hywel George, Director of Investments at Old Mutual Investment Group about the recent surge in oil and gold prices, and the decline in stock markets following Israel's strikes against targets in Iran, which has led to increased uncertainty and fragile sentiment in the market. In other interviews, Nkosiyati Yati Khumalo, Ed…

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SA eyes 15% import tax on EV batteries; Icasa to decide on Starlink licence 1:14:11

23d ago1:14:11

1:14:11

Stephen Grootes speaks to Ayabonga Cawe, Chief Commissioner of the International Trade Administration Commission about South Africa's proposed 15% import tax on new energy vehicle batteries, aimed at boosting local production capacity and attracting original equipment manufacturers to set up units in the country. In other interviews: Duncan McLeod,…

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SA seeks US tariff relief & youth car buying habits revealed in latest reports 1:16:23

24d ago1:16:23

1:16:23

Stephen Grootes discusses with Duane Newman, EY Partner that specializes in global trade about South Africa's request to the US to keep tariffs at 10% or lower during ongoing trade negotiations, aiming to protect key exports and industries as both countries work towards a new trade framework. In other interviews, Consumer Ninja Wendy Knowler talks …

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Rethinking unemployment & home ownership: buy or rent? 1:17:31

25d ago1:17:31

1:17:31

Stephen Grootes discusses redefining South Africa's unemployment metric, considering the vast informal sector, with François Viviers, Marketing and communications at Capitec. In other interviews, Warren Ingram, financial advisor and Co-Founder of Galileo Capital, about the complexities of buying a home, exploring whether owning a property is always…

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SA Rugby's financial woes & business leaders share SA corporate insights 1:16:38

26d ago1:16:38

1:16:38

Stephen Grootes speaks to Nqobile Ndlovu, sport Business Expert about the union's technical insolvency and R95m loss in 2024, attributed to the failed Ackerley Sports Group deal, and how a strong start to 2025 has improved their financial outlook. In other interviews, Industry leaders, including Seelan Gobalsamy of Omnia Holdings, Dawie de Villiers…

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SA retailers thrive amid global threats & Cape Town's FYN wins global culinary acclaim 38:26

29d ago38:26

38:26

Stephen Grootes speaks to Petri Redelinghuys, Founder at Herenya Capital Advisors and Etienne Vlok - National Industrial Policy Officer for about the local clothing retail sector and the effect of chinese online railers. In other interviews, FYN, founder Peter Tempelhoff talks about the res, which has earned global recognition with three restaurant…

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SA tackles FMD with new transport rules & explores JSE's unique market mix 1:13:55

30d ago1:13:55

1:13:55

Stephen Grootes speaks to Wandile Sihlobo, Author and Agricultural economist at Agricultural Business chamber about the imminent crackdown on animal transport across South Africa in response to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. In other interviews, Chantal Marx, Head of equity research at FNB Wealth and Investments and Asanda Notshe, Chief Inves…

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Business confidence drops amid uncertainty & Peter van Binsbergen's BMW SA leadership story 1:16:44

1M ago1:16:44

1:16:44

Stephen Grootes speaks to Isaah Mhlanga, Chief Economist at Rand Merchant Bank, about the dip in business confidence. The RMB/BER index fell five points to 40 in Q2, halting last year’s recovery and highlighting continued pessimism among South African businesses. In other interviews, Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW South Africa, talks about his in…

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Itac to Introduce fees & Foot-and-Mouth outbreak hits SA's largest cattle producer 1:15:57

1M ago1:15:57

1:15:57

Stephen Grootes speaks to Ayabonga Cawe, Chief Commissioner of the International Trade Administration Commission about the new fee structure for import and export permits, aimed at addressing budget constraints and modernizing the organization's systems. In other interviews, Thabile Nkunjana, Agricultural Economist and Dipepenene Serage, Deputy Dir…

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AutoZone gets a jump start and Matthew Pearce talks sports & business 1:15:44

1M ago1:15:44

1:15:44

Stephen Grootes speaks to Dion De Graaff, CEO of AutoZone, about the company’s remarkable turnaround after emerging from business rescue. In other interviews, Matthew Pearce, renowned sports broadcaster and facilitator, talks about his career in rugby commentary and business development. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist a…

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The Best Bits of The Money Show 47:48

1M ago47:48

47:48

This is a curated compilation of the best interviews from The Money Show this past week. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal fina…

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SA cinema revival & art market boom: Ster-Kinekor's Mark Sardi & Tretchikoff's record-breaking sale 1:25:13

1M ago1:25:13

1:25:13

Ray White speaks to Mark Sardi, CEO of SK, on the current state of the industry and how cinema is performing in SA, highlighting the success of recent releases like Mission: Impossible and Disney's Lilo & Stitch. In other interviews, the record-breaking sale of Vladimir Tretchikoff's "Lady from the Orient" for R31.1 million with Dr Alastair Meredit…

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SA food crisis & special broadcast on corporate kindness 1:14:39

1M ago1:14:39

1:14:39

Stephen Grootes speaks to Georg Southey, Manager at Merlog Foods, about the urgent need for government action as South Africa faces a worsening food crisis. The ban on Brazilian chicken imports, following a bird flu outbreak in one province, risks deepening hunger, especially among vulnerable groups like children on school feeding schemes. In other…

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Mining sector uncertain over MPRDA bill, Harmony Gold buys Aussie copper mine 1:17:18

1M ago1:17:18

1:17:18

Stephen Grootes speaks to Peter Leon, mining expert and partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, about the Minerals Council’s disappointment as the MPRDA bill proceeds without industry feedback. The Minerals Council South Africa has raised concerns after the government moved ahead with changes to the MPRDA without considering industry input. In other in…

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Africa's Financial Future & The Business of Wellness with Lisa Raleigh 1:20:25

1M ago1:20:25

1:20:25

Stephen Grootes speaks to Daniel Mminele, Nedbank Chairman about Africa's vulnerability to escalating global economic uncertainty and the need for the continent to lead reform efforts, particularly in sovereign debt architecture, global financial safety nets, and climate finance, with South Africa's 2025 G20 presidency presenting a pivotal opportun…

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Is Elon Musk’s satellite rushing towards SA? 37:46

1M ago37:46

37:46

Stephen Grootes spoke to Duncan McLeod, Founder and Editor at Techcentral about the proposed policy direction for satellite operators in South Africa, which aims to establish a new licensing framework and potentially allow companies like Elon Musk's Starlink to operate in the country through an equity equivalent regulatory change. In other intervie…

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Investec talks R2.5bn buyback & do investors shape corporate direction? 1:16:57

1M ago1:16:57

1:16:57

Stephen Grootes speaks to Cumesh Moodliar, CEO of Investec Bank, about the bank's strong performance, with a 7.8% increase in profit. Investec will pay a record dividend for the third year after the bank’s operating profit surpassed the R24 billion mark for the first time. In other interviews, Vincent Anthonyrajah, CEO and co-founder of Differentia…

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Budget 3.0 & special broadcast of Trump-Ramaphosa meeting 37:03

1M ago37:03

37:03

Stephen Grootes speaks to the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, about the budget speech, and they analyze some of the big announcements that came out of it. In other news, there is a special broadcast of the bilateral relations meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Donald Trump in Washington D.C. The Money Show is a podcast h…

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President Ramaphosa meets US president & why exporters remain jittery over American Express (Amex) service. 1:15:39

2M ago1:15:39

1:15:39

Stephen Grootes speaks to Tshidi Madia, Associate Politics editor about President Cyril Ramaphosa's upcoming meeting with Donald Trump, where they'll discuss business opportunities, including potential deals with Elon Musk's companies, Tesla and Starlink, amidst strained relations between the two countries. In other news, Terry Gale, chairperson of…

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Special tribute to the late Issie Kirsh, founder of Radio 702, company financial results & the art of scouting film location 1:20:26

2M ago1:20:26

1:20:26

Tributes pour in for late Issie Kirsh, founder of Radio 702.Chief executives of Famous Brand, Netcare and Astral Foods take Stephen Grootes through their respective companies’ financial results. In other news, Julia Finnis-Bedford, Founder of Amazing Spaces talks about scouting film location business, leadership philosophy and relationship with mon…

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B20 South Africa champions continent-wide growth at Africa CEO Forum & Mabotho Africa, luxury leather goods 35:54

2M ago35:54

35:54

Motheo Khoaripe chats to Dr Anthony Costa, the Head of Secretariat for B20 South Africa about how thoughtful financial decisions and forward-thinking regulations can pave the way for sustainable economic progress In other interview: Motheo Khoaripe chats to Thobekile Mkhize, founder and CEO of Mabotho Africa about luxury leather goods and the busin…

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US agencies barred from involvement in SA’s G20 Summit & Rand rockets as deputy finance minister signals inflation-target shake-up 1:17:49

2M ago1:17:49

1:17:49

Stephen Grootes in conversation with Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to the President and Khay Sithole, an Independent Political Analyst chat about the US government banning US Agencies from writing reports on the G20 summit, this as US president Trump continues to throw allegations of a white genocide in South Africa. They also touch on President R…

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The sad case of iThala and the limping Post Bank & Middle Class under pressure 1:19:47

2M ago1:19:47

1:19:47

Stephen Grootes in conversation with Stuart Theobald, Financial Analyst and Chairman at Krutham chat about the struggles of Ithala Bank and Post Bank, highlighting a deep-rooted challenge in South Africa’s financial sector. They also touch on the reflection that there is tension between financial inclusion and regulatory oversight, raising question…

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32.9% of South Africans without jobs & Suez Canal cuts fees to revive trade 1:19:11

2M ago1:19:11

1:19:11

Stephen Grootes speaks to Sharmi Surianarain, Chief Impact Officer for Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator about South Africa's rising unemployment crisis, with the official rate hitting 32.9% in Q1 2025 and the expanded rate reaching 43.1%, highlighting a challenging job market. In other interviews, Timothy Walker, Maritime Senior Researcher at …

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Boxer retail soars as people's champion & US-China 90 day trade truce 1:19:10

2M ago1:19:10

1:19:10

Stephen Grootes speaks to Dr. Martyn Davies, former member of the World Economic Forum's Global Agenda Council and Donald MacKay, director at Xa International Trade Advisors on China, about a 90-day pause to trade war between China and the US. In other interviews, Marek Masojada, CEO of Boxer Supermarkets, discusses the company's impressive first-y…

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US-UK deal drops Trump-era tariffs & Pomellato's unity collection 34:46

2M ago34:46

34:46

Ray White speaks to John Stopford, Head of Multi-Asset Income, NinetyOne Asset Management US-UK tariffs deal about the US-UK agreement that scraps Trump-era tariffs on vehicles and metals. In other interviews, Debbie Hathway, Watches and Jewellery writer talks about Pomellato's latest Together collection, showcasing elegant jewellery that embodies …

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Daybreak foods in crisis & global mega trends shaping investments 1:19:03

2M ago1:19:03

1:19:03

Stephen Grootes speaks to Sabelo Skiti, Investigative journalist with Sunday Times about the unfolding humanitarian crisis at Daybreak Foods, where unpaid workers and starving chickens are facing unimaginable hardships amidst the company's financial collapse. In other interviews, we reflected on the new Pope's announcement with Father Russel Pollit…

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Bank charges under scrutiny & Two-Pot retirement withdrawals rise 1:13:53

2M ago1:13:53

1:13:53

Stephen Grootes speaks to Michael Jordaan, Co-founder of Bank Zero about the Financial Sector Conduct Authority's (FSCA) and Kokkie Kooyman, Executive Director & Portfolio Manager at Denker Capital about concerns over significant disparities in bank fees for similar products and services, and the authority's efforts to assess and regulate these pra…

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Shadow economy exposed in SA Illicit economy report & Hollywood tariff proposal 1:13:54

2M ago1:13:54

1:13:54

Stephen Grootes speaks to Philippe Van Gils, Director of Illicit Trade Prevention at Philip Morris International about the organization's latest report on illicit trade in South Africa and proposed public-private partnership to combat the issue. In other interviews, Anat Singh, SA Film Producer discusses the potential impact of Donald Trump's propo…

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SA's unemployment fix & Buffett's legacy 1:17:35

2M ago1:17:35

1:17:35

Stephen Grootes speaks to Mamokgethi Molopyane, Mining and Labour Analyst about the recent amendments to the Code of Practice on Dismissals and potential impact on South Africa's unemployment rate and labour laws. In other interviews, Deon Gouws, Chief Investment Officer at Credo, and Warren Ingram, Co-Founder of Galileo Capital, reflect on Warren …

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SA's R2bn Ithala guarantee & FARO's AI fashion fix 42:13

2M ago42:13

42:13

Motheo Khoaripe speaks to Khaya Sithole, independent analyst about the R2 billion guarantee approved by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to secure Ithala Bank's retail depositors, amid controversy and opposition from KwaZulu-Natal finance MEC Francois Rodgers. In other interviews, Faro Co- Founder Amber Penney chats about how the startup Faro is u…