Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week
Bestselling author and broadcast legend Bruce Whitfield returns with a bold new News24 podcast. Each episode focuses on the one business news story that will change your world, along with investment and personal finance advice from top experts and the inside track on SA’s most successful hustles. New episodes every Thursday at 17:00.
Episodes
The SA lawnmower brand taking on the US market. Plus: GEMS on edge
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 Californ
The app fixing SA’s hiring crisis. Plus: Why reasonable leaders are losing
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 em
Doctors on demand. Plus: Peace in Iran and what it means for your bond
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 N
SPAR’s comeback story. Plus: High oil prices linger longer
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
Tiger Brands roars back. Plus: The South African spirit born from a dad joke
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,
The AI hospital is here. Plus: SA’s pothole crisis meets its match
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 l
WeBuyCars backs itself as Chinese brands shake the showroom. Plus: Southern Sun’s best year yet
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,
Boxer’s debut JSE bout. PLUS: Thandana’s garage births 60 jobs
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 profitabi
Your long-term oil price prediction. Plus: Donkey Long Tong rises
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
Can Trump find his oil price offramp? Plus: Khayelitsha Cookies clear for takeoff
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 h
Is Capitec becoming bigger than a bank? Plus: Protein outgrows the gym
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 ever
Nuts! A new pistachio powerhouse in the Karoo
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 patien
Canal+ channels new SA pay-TV era. Plus: What’s Waxit?
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
Can South Africa Outsmart the Global Crisis?
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,
Sasol surges as war drives fuel uncertainty
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
What will it take for SA to create 5 million jobs in 10 years? Can China help?
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, coord
Sanlam bets big on India, oil market jitters and Virgin Active pumps up the jam
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" ex
How Shoprite is changing the future. Plus: Oryx finds funding on Lions Head
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 ch
Why your next car will be Chinese. Plus: The Lab’s big biotech experiment
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 internati
Gold Fields cashes in. Plus: Ocean Basket’s overseas wins
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 c
SAB defies the global beer slump. PLUS: Bargain Basement retail booms
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 taxe
Rainbow climbs pecking order. Plus: Made in RSA goes global
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
Is gold the new bitcoin? Plus: The global cruise comeback
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.
Why you should ignore Trump. Plus: Old School brings EPL to SA
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 V&A’s new era. Plus: Govt’s digital reboot
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
Platō Coffee’s ‘dumb’ success. Plus: Where to invest
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 an
The one show to set you up for 2026
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 o
CEO Jurie Strydom redefines success at 180-year-old Old Mutual
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
Fintech leader Lincoln Mali on banking and rugby
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 c
The HintHunt is on. Plus: Adriaan Basson on 2025's biggest stories
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 storie
Old Mutual boss on AI. Plus: SA’s hair hustler
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 em
Netcare boss on NHI. Plus: How to beat AI
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’
SA safety tech targets US. Plus: Is Buffett wrong?
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 investme
Springboks rule SA security. Plus: AI-safe jobs
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 vi
Tyme CEO’s fighting talk. Plus: SA boom for Yaga
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 H
The JSE stock that you didn't know existed. Plus: Pick 'n Pay for profit
In this episode, Bruce talks to Pick n Pay CEO Sean Summers about the “extraordinary response” he received after his public criticism of online betting. Summers also discusses Pick n Pay’s succession plans as it progresses in its “reset” from a troubled past, and targets break-even by 2028. Chantal Marx, head of investment research and content at FNB Wealth and Investments, gives her view on wheth
Clicks goes off brand. Plus: SA’s cider craving
In this episode, Bruce talks to Bertina Engelbrecht, CEO of Clicks, SA’s biggest pharmacy retailer. She details the group’s strong shift to private-label goods, generic medicines and exclusive products, and its strategy to cater for shoppers who range from low-income to “LSM 10-plus”. Also on the show is Derek Szabo, outgoing group CEO of Signal Hill Products Group, which owns beer brands like Dev
Gloves off for Boxer. Plus: Pesto Princess preps for exit
In this episode, Bruce talks to the CEO of the discount retailer Boxer, Marek Masojada, about being with the business for more than 30 years, from when it only had five stores. Now at 500 stores, the group is still expanding - and eyeing next year’s final scrapping of exclusivity clauses in South African malls. Bruce also gets food startup tips from Kathleen Quillinan, who founded the successful f
Has SA reached peak padel? Plus: Reviving our mines
In this episode, Bruce talks to Bernard Swanepoel, former Harmony Gold CEO and chairperson of the Joburg Indaba, about why South Africa - the world’s premier mining country - now find itself under-explored. They also highlight some of the green shoots that are seen in the local sector, and Swanepoel talks about the surge in gold prices. Bruce also speaks to Steve Brookes, CEO and founder of the JS
Capitec’s cha-ching factor. Plus: SA soda pops in US
In this episode, Bruce asks Capitec CEO Graham Lee whether the group is still a bank - given that it is making much more money from fees, phones, and insurance than from earning interest. Lee talks about Capitec’s plans for the future, and about the dangers of ego as it challenges its rivals in terms of size and profitability. Bruce also speaks to Greig Jansen, CEO and founder of PURA, the low-sug
Remgro boss' plea for growth. Plus: SA's booming luxury cooler
In this episode, Bruce talks to Remgro CEO Jannie Durand about the road ahead for the proposed merger with Vodacom’s fibre assets, the strong performance of Mediclinic and OUTsurance, the British American Tobacco disposal that signalled the end of an era, and the state of SA’s economy. He also speaks to Fieldbar founder Lee Hartman about how their locally made, luxury, handmade coolers are shootin
How SA became a space tech leader. Also: OUTsurance’s big reboot
In this episode, Bruce Whitfield looks at the latest interest rate decisions - and why the US may be courting disaster by repeating a mistake from almost a century ago. He speaks to OUTsurance Group CEO Marthinus Visser about how the insurer made a successful strategic pivot years ago, after a future of self-driving cars caused internal panic. How did Stellenbosch become one of the world’s leaders
Is Walmart Yank-ing our chain? Plus: Anglo
In this episode, Bruce Whitfield looks at the possible emergence of “Anglo Teck”, a R900-billion copper giant that would be headquartered in Vancouver. The other big news is Walmart’s decision to launch its own-branded stores in SA. Alec Abraham, senior equity analyst at Sasfin Wealth, unpacks why this may be madness. Also on the show is well-known entrepreneur Mike Stopforth, whose new book 52 Bi
Froneman’s F1 track — and SA’s surprising top wines
In this episode, Bruce interviews Neal Froneman, outgoing CEO of Sibanye-Stillwater, the world's biggest platinum miner. Froneman explains how his experience in selling cars as a student shaped his career and approach to risk. He has big plans for his retirement, which include helping to launch a F1 racetrack near Cape Town. Bruce also talks to Rainbow Chicken CEO Marthinus Stander about Ameri
Show me the Jannie — How Curro 2.0 will shake up SA
In this episode, Bruce Whitfield looks at the massive shakeup in South Africa’s private school sector with the news that PSG founder Jannie Mouton’s foundation wants to buy out Curro shareholders, and turn the company into a nonprofit. Curro CEO Cobus Loubser discusses the proposed deal and its impact on South Africa. Bruce also unpacks SA’s big railway breakthrough, and US President Donald Trump’
The shopping trolley that could change everything
In this episode, Bruce Whitfield discusses the news that a US grand jury will investigate MTN’s historic activities in Afghanistan and Iran, which comes at a politically sensitive time. Also on this week’s podcast, the battle between Indian and Chinese car makers in the local market. Bruce interviews Neil Schreuder, chief of strategy and innovation for the Shoprite Group, about a new Checkers trol
Standard Bank boss’ big finale. Plus: glow-in-the-dark cows
In this episode, Bruce Whitfield interviews Sim Tshabalala, Chief Executive of the Standard Bank Group, who has an ambitious to-do list for his remaining two years at the helm. Tshabalala says he will step down to make room for younger colleagues. Bruce talks markets with Zwelakhe Mnguni, Chief Investment Officer and co-founder of Benguela Global Fund Managers. Then, find out more about how a youn
Did Pick n Pay just name its next boss?
In this episode, Bruce Whitfield interviews Jason Quinn, CEO of Nedbank, which this week announced strategic shifts. Bruce also tests his theory about a new contender for Pick n Pay’s top job with veteran investor Piet Viljoen. And then, a security expert speaks on the surge in kidnappings and how executives are being targeted. Certified financial planner Warren Ingram shares practical tips on bui
SAB’s booze problem, Carol Paton on trade — and the South African who runs the Edinburgh Fringe
This is Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week, a weekly News24 podcast that respects your time and intelligence. This week, he discusses SA’s US trade crisis with News24 journalist Carol Paton, who has the inside scoop on the current state of play. He also speaks to SA Breweries CEO Richard Rivett-Carnac who warns that booze in SA may be facing the same crisis as the big cigarette makers. And then, Bruc
Hot markets, hot deals - and toffees
This week, Bruce Whitfield's Business Week looks at SA’s attempts to secure a US trade deal - along with other big developments. Bruce also speaks to Adcock Ingram CEO Andy Hall about a game-changing new deal that could mark a major turning point for the maker of Panado, Compral, and Corenza C. Zwelakhe Mnguni, chief investment officer at Benguela Global Fund Managers, shares his take on the m
Why the US always wins, veteran CEO on SA’s next move, and how to become a looter
This is Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week, a weekly News24 podcast that respects your time and intelligence. The bestselling author and broadcast legend returns with a new show that focuses on an SA business news story that will still matter in the long run. Whitfield also interviews former Anglo American boss and outgoing chair of Vale Base Metals, Mark Cutifani, who has strong ideas on how South A
Bruce Whitfield is back on the mic with new weekly News24 podcast
Bestselling author and broadcast legend Bruce Whitfield returns with a bold new News24 podcast. Bruce Whitfield’s Business Week won’t waste your time. Instead, each episode will focus on the one business news story that will change your world. Listeners will also get investment and personal finance advice from top experts, and the inside track on SA’s most successful hustles. Join us every Thursda
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