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Leading political scientist RW Johnson explains what led him to investigate a Zuma-supporting, Kremlin-funded media operation - and wonders at Ramaphosa’s inability to accept the reality of Putin’s double play and the ANC’s sharp decline in the polls. Sobering and scary, Johnson’s analysis reinforces the view that SA’s elections on May 29 are shaking up as a make-or-break for the young democracy. He spoke to Alec Hogg of BizNews. Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here.

Crime fighter Ian Cameron of the Democratic Alliance (DA) exposes the horrific working conditions in the South African Police Services (SAPS) as yet another member is shot dead on duty with his own gun - this time after the retention cord from the State-issued holster broke. In this interview with BizNews, Cameron reveals a litany of operational issues following the killing: those in the Air Wing helicopter had no proper radio communication with police on the ground; the police drones took over four hours to arrive on the crime scene; most of the cops searching for the police officer’s killer didn’t have torches; there was no Joint Operations Centre or even an operational plan; and the incident commander sent away specialised units because there were “too many people”. Last year (2023), in just three months from July to September, a total of 35 cops were killed - more than 10 a month. Cameron urges South Africans to honour the “large majority” of police officers “still willing to offer their lives for us at any given moment”. Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here.

During a Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, BizNews founder Alec Hogg and Mavuso Msimang engaged in a candid discussion covering historical parallels between Brazil and South Africa, education reform, affirmative action, political leadership, and Ubuntu philosophy. Msimang emphasised the need for improved education, accountability in governance, and ethical leadership. Their conversation explored strategies for societal progress amidst challenges, with a call for more effective engagement and reform within political structures.

During a Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Peregrine Capital Executive Chairman David Fraser discussed various topics including the hedge fund environment, small-cap investments, and South Africa's state-owned entities. Fraser noted increased hedge fund marketing and traction, particularly with lower volatility and higher returns. He delved into specific investments and challenges facing South Africa, such as load shedding and the future of the JSE. Fraser emphasised a pragmatic approach to investments, seeing potential short-term opportunities in South Africa and long-term potential in tech.

Just as his party is able to use its governance of the Western Cape as a ‘prospectus’ for voters, uMngeni executive mayor Christopher Pappas (32) can point to his own record since taking office in November 2021. And the fluent isiZulu speaker believes it’s a message resonating in a province where there is a growing realisation what you do at the ballot box can make a difference. With support for the ANC collapsing in KZN after the emergence of Jacob Zuma’s MK party, Pappas offers thoughts on the issues which will determine how votes are cast on May 29 - and shares his own message of hope for those in the embattled province. He spoke to Alec Hogg of BizNews. Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here.

South Africa's Police Minister Bheki Cele hurled personal insults at crime fighter-turned-politician Ian Cameron at a heated community meeting in gang-infested Hanover Park this week. Cele went as far as to question Cameron's intelligence. This after Cameron questioned investigations being done poorly and leadership in SAPS being broken while Cele boasts of successful arrests, but without successful convictions. Cameron - who is heading to Parliament for the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) - says Cele's response proves that he has "no clue about policing". In this interview with BizNews, Cameron also shares a list of names of murder victims he hopes will haunt Cele every time he closes his eyes.

During a Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Purple Group CEO Charles Savage and tech guru Stafford Masie teamed up to discuss the potential of Bitcoin as a solution to global financial issues, its adoption trends, and its relationship with other cryptocurrencies. The pair explored regulatory challenges and technological advancements in the crypto space, emphasising the importance of understanding the market before investing. Their conversation touched on Bitcoin's potential role in wealth transfer and the importance of distinguishing between Bitcoin and other tokens. They addressed audience questions regarding investment strategies, legislative risks, and technological innovations in crypto wallets. Ultimately, they underscored the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency investment and its implications for individuals and institutions.

In a Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Free Market Foundation CEO David Ansara discussed the intricacies of South Africa's institutional landscape and the challenges of deployment within the government. He emphasised the need for a sensible approach, particularly in light of political interference in economic affairs. Ansara highlighted the importance of private property rights, citing the Free Market Foundation's efforts to distribute title deeds. He warned against corporatism and advocated for a more fragmented approach to governance, drawing lessons from Argentina's experience with statism. Despite complexities, he urges proactive measures to avoid economic turmoil.

During his Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Sean Peche emphasised the importance of investing in growing businesses without overpaying, focusing on quality rather than deep value alone. He discussed European banks like ABN Amro and Barclays as attractive investments due to low valuations and dividends. Peche also mentioned his preference for Hong Kong-listed Chinese stocks like Alibaba and Baidu over US-listed ones due to regulatory risks. Despite political uncertainties, he remains focused on fundamentals rather than making investment decisions based on election outcomes.

In a Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Alec Hogg and Phil Craig discussed the potential for Cape Independence within South Africa. Craig advocates for a referendum on the matter, emphasising the importance of democracy and self-determination. He addressed concerns about international support, potential economic impacts like the oil and gas discovery, and the necessity for negotiations. Craig also discusses the boundaries and viability of an independent Cape, acknowledging the complexity of the issue. Despite challenges, he remains optimistic about the growing support for Cape Independence.