Kaya Biz

Mapping South Africa’s Growing AI Skills Economy

Simon Blaire breaks down the latest PNet Job Market Trends Report, showing how AI skills have shifted from niche to mainstream across industries. We explore the rise of generative AI and the difference between AI development and AI application skills.

14 Apr 3PM 6 min

SMME Investment: The Secret Growth Engine South Africa Is Overlooking

Independent management consultant Stephan J. Lamprecht argues that South Africa’s real growth potential lies in targeted, sustained investment into SMMEs. We unpack the fragmented support ecosystem, the reforms needed to unlock scale, and how a coherent economic narrative can drive meaningful small-business growth.

14 Apr 3PM 12 min

Conflict Pushes SA Agri Input Costs Higher

We explore how the Middle East conflict is driving up fertilizer, diesel, and freight costs across South Africa’s agricultural value chain. Nkhensani Mashimbyi from Absa AgriBusiness explains the risks for producers, the knock-on effects for food inflation, and where export opportunities—especially in citrus—remain strong.

14 Apr 3PM 14 min

SA Mining Under Pressure: Strong February Output, Rising Cost Risks

André Lourens, an economist from the Minerals Council SA, unpacks February’s 9.7% surge in mining production, driven by PGMs, gold, and manganese—and why iron ore and coal remain weak. We also examine easing input costs in February, the expected spike from March.

14 Apr 3PM 19 min

Investing Lessons from Football with Allan Gray

With the FIFA World Cup approaching, Mthobisi Mthimkhulu from Allan Gray, draws parallels between football strategy and investing. We discuss long‑term planning, emotional discipline, diversification, and how consistent decision‑making compounds over time.

14 Apr 3PM 15 min

SA Equities: The Standout Opportunity in a Volatile Global Market

Momentum Investments’ Herman van Papendorp explains why South African equities are emerging as one of the most attractively valued asset classes globally. We explore valuation gaps, improving domestic fundamentals and renewed foreign inflows

14 Apr 3PM 18 min

SA Manufacturing Stalls Again

FNB & WesBank Senior Economist Thanda Sithole analyses February’s 2.8% drop in manufacturing output and the sharp fall in PMI activity. We unpack fuel‑related input costs, weak domestic demand, global uncertainty, and what this means for South Africa’s growth outlook in 2026

13 Apr 4PM 9 min

SAA Leadership Shake‑Up

Aviation expert Hein Kaiser discusses the resignation of SAA’s Group CEO, multiple board exits, and the appointment of an acting CEO. We explore governance concerns, operational stability, rising fuel costs, and whether SAA’s recovery trajectory is at risk amid intensifying competition and global uncertainty.

13 Apr 4PM 9 min

Careers Corner: How SA Youth Can Break Into the Property Industry

To unpack real career opportunities in South Africa’s growing property sector, we catch up with Property Point founder Shawn Theunissen. From valuations to commercial leasing and development, we explore high‑demand roles, entry routes for youth, and how township communities like Soweto can build their own property ecosystems

13 Apr 4PM 16 min

Easter 2026 Spending Surge

Standard Bank’s Norman Nyawo breaks down double‑digit growth in consumer spending over Easter 2026. We look at regional trends, sector winners, the rise of digital payments, and what this means for business confidence and SME growth heading into mid‑year.

13 Apr 4PM 13 min

Wealth Creation in a High‑Cost Economy

Nedbank’s Salathiso Sikonje unpacks the latest NedFinHealth Monitor, revealing how South Africans are coping with rising living costs. We explore financial stress levels, improved budgeting habits, weak long‑term planning, and practical steps households can take to build sustainable wealth despite economic pressure.

13 Apr 4PM 13 min

SA Fuel Shock 2026: Government Responds

DDG Tseliso Maqubela from the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources explains the root causes of South Africa’s steep April fuel hikes, the nationwide shortages, and what interventions are being considered to stabilise supply.

13 Apr 4PM 21 min

Fuel Shock Survival: Why Pre‑Owned Hybrids Are Becoming SA’s New Safety Net

With petrol heading toward R26 per litre and diesel nearing R28, South Africans are searching for practical ways to stay mobile. Weelee CEO Errol Levin explains why pre‑owned hybrids are emerging as the smartest hedge against fuel volatility

9 Apr 4PM 10 min

FDI at a Turning Point: What Global Investors Expect in 2026

Kearney’s Global Business Policy Council unveils the 2026 FDI Confidence Index®, revealing the top global and emerging markets expected to attract investment over the next three years. Africa Managing Partner Theo Sibiya breaks down the trends shaping investor sentiment

9 Apr 4PM 13 min

Where SA’s Retirement Money Is Really Going

Alexforbes’ latest Manager Watch™ Survey reveals a shifting investment landscape: multi‑managers gaining ground, domestic equities outperforming, and global diversification accelerating. Executive Janina Slawski explains what the data means for retirement funds, asset managers, and the future of investment strategy in South Africa.

9 Apr 4PM 8 min

Inside Your Pocket: Why SA’s Cost of Living Keeps Climbing

Electricity inflation has surged 85% since 2020, water is up 68%, and low‑income households now spend nearly 67% of their income on food and utilities. Senior economist Raksha Darji unpacks the Competition Commission’s March 2026 Cost of Living Report — revealing structural failures, pricing behaviour, and what must change to…

9 Apr 4PM 13 min

PIVOT POINT: Nkuna on Redefining Leadership in Africa’s Legal Sector

Newly appointed COO of Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, Phetheni Nkuna, joins Pivot Point to discuss her rise from employment law specialist to one of the most influential operational leaders in African legal practice.

9 Apr 4PM 18 min

From Pledges to Projects: Can Gauteng Turn Investment Promises into Real Growth?

Gauteng is chasing R200 billion in new commitments after securing R312.5 billion in pledges last year — but only 28–30% of those have converted into real projects. PwC Chief Economist Lullu Krugel joins us to unpack the credibility of the province’s investment story

9 Apr 4PM 21 min

Ekasinomics: Thabiso Mavovo on Telling Africa’s Stories

From actor to filmmaker, Thabiso Mavovo is part of a new generation reshaping African cinema. He reflects on his creative awakening, the impact of the MultiChoice Talent Factory, and the emotional heartbeat behind his film Keletso

8 Apr 4PM 14 min

Fuel Hikes hit Africa’s Cross‑Border SMEs

Fuel volatility is squeezing the continent’s smallest traders hardest. EndlessLife Group’s, Zohakiy Mbi‑Njifor, explains how rising transport costs threaten the 30,000–50,000 South African SMEs operating across borders.

8 Apr 4PM 19 min