Kaya Biz

Rebuilding SA’s Industrial Base

Bridgestone SA MD Jacques Rikhotso warns that South Africa’s industrial foundations are eroding fast, with tire production falling sharply and imports surging past 10 million units. We explore what this means for jobs, competitiveness, and the urgent interventions needed to rebuild industrial resilience.

4 May 4PM 14 min

South Africa’s Trade Strategy in a Geopolitical Maze

Prof. Siphamandla Zondi explains why the global rules-based order is collapsing—and how South Africa is being squeezed between BRICS+ ambitions and Western market dependence. We unpack foreign‑policy incoherence, localization strategy, EV transition risks, and what a future‑proof trade strategy should look like.

4 May 4PM 7 min

PMI Back Above 50: Real Momentum or Temporary Bounce?

Economist Sello Sekele analyzes the Absa PMI’s rise to 52.6—the first expansion in seven months. We unpack front-loaded demand, weak exports, rising cost pressures, and why manufacturers remain hesitant to hire despite improving activity.

4 May 4PM 12 min

Local Sourcing Could Create 34,000 Jobs

LSF CEO Irshaad Kathrada breaks down new research showing South Africa could add R8 billion in manufacturing output and 34,000 jobs by 2030 through deeper retail localization.

4 May 4PM 11 min

Coface on South Africa’s Economic Future

Coface Chief Africa Economist Aroni Chaudhuri explains why South Africa’s GDP per capita remains below 2007 levels and what this says about the country’s long‑term stagnation. We unpack liquidations, PPI data, energy stability, and how Middle East tensions could trigger an inflation shock for SA in the months ahead.

4 May 4PM 22 min

The Unseen Household Tax of Global Tensions

Old Mutual’s Financial Education Programme Manager, Thabo Hollo explains how global geopolitical tensions — from oil supply shocks to inflation risks — are silently eroding household budgets. He outlines the four steps consumers should take now to protect their financial wellbeing.

30 Apr 4PM 9 min

How to Stay Financially Afloat in 2026

With inflation rising, fuel costs climbing, and real salaries slipping, more households are using credit just to get through the month. Momentum’s Salem Nyati breaks down the behavioural shifts, the warning signs of debt distress, and the practical steps families can take to regain control.

30 Apr 4PM 9 min

How Online Gambling Is Reshaping SA Spending

Online betting has overtaken casinos as South Africa’s biggest gambling channel. Reona Chetty from Vouch SA explains the data behind the boom, the behavioural patterns emerging in card transactions, and the financial red flags households should watch for.

30 Apr 4PM 15 min

SA Salary Index: Why Real Earnings Are Falling Behind

South Africans are earning slightly more on paper — but losing ground in reality. Economist Elize Kruger unpacks the latest PayInc Net Salary Index, the 1% real decline in earnings, and why rising fuel prices and corporate caution could squeeze households even further in 2026.

30 Apr 4PM 15 min

How Currency Volatility Is Hitting South African SMEs

A new Verto report warns that currency volatility is now a bigger threat to SME margins than logistics. Rumbi Shoniwa from Verto SA explains how FX swings erode profits and the practical steps SMEs can take to protect themselves.

29 Apr 3PM 11 min

Engineering Through Headwinds: Leoka’s 10‑Year Growth Story

Leoka Engineering founder Katlego Makgata reflects on a decade of building a 100% Black‑owned EPCM firm in one of South Africa’s toughest sectors. We discuss OR Tambo’s mission‑critical operations and the digital innovations shaping the next era of African engineering.

29 Apr 3PM 18 min

The New Rules of SME Resilience in 2026

Merchant Capital CTO David Reynders joins us to unpack how South African SMEs are navigating a volatile economy. We explore cash‑flow discipline, cost‑cutting without damaging growth, and why “cash buys you time.”

29 Apr 3PM 13 min

South Africa’s Fuel Relief Extended

The government has extended the temporary fuel levy cut—but what does this mean for inflation, household budgets, and the Reserve Bank’s rate path? PSG Chief Economist Johann Els explains.

29 Apr 3PM 11 min

Easter on a Budget: How South Africans Navigated the Fuel Spike

Lightstone Retail’s Mohit Narotam breaks down new mobility data showing how South Africans re‑engineered their Easter travel plans to beat one of the biggest fuel hikes in years. From early departures to shorter trips and smarter refueling

29 Apr 3PM 12 min

Making B‑BBEE Work for Growth

NEF General Counsel Karishma Govender joins us to unpack new research on managers’ perceptions of B‑BBEE. We explore why transformation remains essential.

28 Apr 3PM 8 min

Is SA’s Construction Sector Turning?

Economist Dr. Roelof Botha analyzes the latest Afrimat Construction Index alongside Operation Vulindlela’s reform dashboard. With construction activity rising for a second quarter, we ask whether reforms in energy, logistics, and water are finally translating into real‑world infrastructure momentum.

28 Apr 3PM 13 min

Long‑Term Investing in Uncertain Markets

With global conflict, inflation swings, and rapid AI disruption, investors are feeling the pressure. Horacia Naidoo‑McCarthy from Allan Gray explains how to avoid emotional decision‑making, anchor to fundamentals, and maintain long‑term discipline when markets feel unfamiliar and unpredictable.

28 Apr 3PM 12 min

Tracking South Africa’s Reform Agenda

Econometrix Chief Economist Dr. Azar Jammine breaks down the latest Operation Vulindlela progress report. We explore where reforms are gaining traction—from energy restructuring to freight logistics—and where bottlenecks remain.

28 Apr 3PM 20 min

Inside the SpendTrend26 Report

Discovery Bank CEO Hylton Kallner joins Kaya Biz to unpack the SpendTrend26 report, revealing how South Africans are becoming more disciplined, more digital, and more value‑driven.

28 Apr 3PM 17 min

Bitcoin at the Fed’s Crossroads

Bitcoin briefly touched a 12‑week high before pulling back—but with spot ETFs seeing some of their strongest inflows of the cycle, the market is shifting fast. Rob Price, CIO of Sound Money Capital, explains whether Bitcoin is still trading like a high‑beta macro asset or evolving into true sound money.

27 Apr 1PM 17 min