Podcast
Bizskoops (English)
Hosted by Newskoop · EN
Bizskoops, hosted by Isabel Potgieter, offers an inside look at local and global business developments. We bring you in-depth interviews with industry leaders and entrepreneurs, sharing their strategies and stories for success. The former President of the Economic Association of South Africa and lecturer attached to the North-West University's business school, Prof. Waldo Krugell, gives a weekly overview of the state of the economy. Stay up-to-date with Bizskoops – for a comprehensive business perspective.
21episodes
Episodes
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Bizskoops - 4 June 2026
6d ago00:08:14Tap to summarizeOn this week’s Bizskoops: South African business confidence weakened sharply in the second quarter, while the country has recorded the highest rate of suspected digital fraud in Africa. Chris Hattingh of the Centre for Risk Analysis shares insights on whether current policy responses are addressing the right problems. Professor Waldo Krugell provides an overview of key financial indicators at the start of a new month. In global business news, Tesla’s China-made electric vehicle sales rose sharply in May, while governments worldwide are taking steps to shield consumers from rising energy costs linked to the Middle East conflict. On the local front, Tiger Brands has decided to sell its Beacon Easter eggs and chocolate slab business, as well as the Beacon brand itself, as part of an ongoing restructuring strategy. We conclude our conversation with Pieter Wasserfall of JustMoney, who shares valuable advice on investing this week.
Transcribe →Bizskoops - 28 May 2026
2w ago00:08:08Tap to summarizeOn this week’s Bizskoops: The South African Reserve Bank is set to decide on the repo rate this week, and we discuss the possible factors influencing its decision and the likely outcomes. Chris Hattingh of the Centre for Risk Analysis also explains how the global bond selloff is increasing South Africa’s borrowing costs. Professor Waldo Krugell discusses how the effects of the Middle East conflict are being felt across several sectors of the economy globally, not only through rising oil prices. In international business news, Sam Altman, CEO OpenAI says artificial intelligence is unlikely to trigger the large-scale job losses he once feared. There is also good news for investors who bought shares in Stefanutti Stocks in 2020. We continue our conversation with Pieter Wasserfall of JustMoney, who explains why consumers should avoid taking on new debt and unpacks stokvels as a practical way of saving money.
Transcribe →Bizskoops - 21 May 2026
3w ago00:09:07Tap to summarizeOn this week’s Bizskoops: We speak to Dr Elna Moolman, Group Head of South Africa Macroeconomic Research at Standard Bank, about April inflation, which surged to 4%, while Minister Gwede Mantashe assures South Africans that there is no immediate risk of fuel shortages. Chris Hattingh of the Centre for Risk Analysis unpacks concerns around rising unemployment, while Professor Waldo Krugell explains what he expects from future interest rate decisions. In international business news, UK-based Standard Chartered plans to reduce its back-office workforce by more than 15% as it expands the use of artificial intelligence and automation, while Greencoat Renewables will move to a main board listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange from 28 May. We also continue our discussion with Pieter Wasserfall of JustMoney, who shares more practical tips on how households can save on monthly living expenses.
Transcribe →Bizskoops - 14 May 2026
4w ago00:09:40Tap to summarizeOn this week’s Bizskoops: We speak to Professor Deon Tustin from Unisa about the latest Bureau of Market Research and Unisa Economist of the Year Competition forecasts. South Africa’s official unemployment rate has risen while Chris Hattingh of the Centre for Risk Analysis unpacks concerns raised by National Treasury South Africa over the financial position of Johannesburg. Professor Waldo Krugell analyses key financial indicators for the month and what they could mean for the next repo rate decision. A former World Bank president has urged China to help ease global food and fertiliser supply pressures, while South Africa’s mining sector is once again becoming an attractive investment destination. We also continue our discussion with Pieter Wasserfall of JustMoney, who shares further financial tips for individuals and businesses.
Transcribe →Bizskoops - 07 May 2026
May 700:08:42Tap to summarizeOn this week’s Bizskoops: South Africa could see around one-thousand-540 business insolvencies this year, while rising fuel costs are prompting consumers to cut back on travel. We speak to Chris Hattingh of the Centre for Risk Analysis on whether the South African Reserve Bank may follow the lead of the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England in holding interest rates steady. He also explains why the United Arab Emirates has exited OPEC and OPEC+. Professor Waldo Krugell weighs in on oil and fuel prices. Meanwhile, shares in Pick n Pay fell by around three percent, and we speak to Pieter Wasserfall from JustMoney about the resilience of South Africans during disruptions such as load shedding and floods.
Transcribe →Bizskoops - 30 April 2026
Apr 3000:09:34Tap to summarizeOn this week’s Bizskoops: The fuel tax relief has been extended to 2 June, while government proposes changes to its exchange control system and public procurement regulations. Professor Waldo Krugell reflects on the state of the economy in light of Freedom Day, asking whether true freedom is possible without economic growth. In global business news, Japan Airlines is trialling humanoid robots for ground handling, and BP reports a sharp rise in first-quarter profits. We also conclude our discussion with Sally Palmer from Maverix, who unpacks free tools like the Profit Check and Leadership Assessment and explains how leaders must rethink their approach to stay competitive over the next decade.
Transcribe →Bizskoops - 23 April 2026
Apr 2300:08:49Tap to summarizeOn this week’s Bizskoops: South Africa’s inflation has edged slightly higher, and the South African Revenue Service has introduced a boost for major diesel users. Chris Hattingh of the Centre for Risk Analysis shares his insight into the decision by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to cut South Africa’s 2026 GDP growth forecast in its April World Economic Outlook. Professor Waldo Krugell reflects on the economic implications of the US–Iran ceasefire. Apple has announced that John Ternus will take over as chief executive on 1 September, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies has significantly reduced its bond-related debt. Sally Palmer of the business leadership platform Maverix shares insights on building an energised company culture and what needs to shift in leadership to balance profitability with enjoyment.
Transcribe →Bizskoops - 16 April 2026
Apr 1600:10:18Tap to summarizeOn this week’s Bizskoops: South Africa’s road freight and agricultural sectors are under growing pressure due to rising diesel prices, and the South African Revenue Service has intensified its debt collection efforts. Chris Hattingh of the Centre for Risk Analysis unpacks recent polls indicating that having a job remains the top concern of South African voters. Professor Waldo Krugell explains whether working from home is a solution to save on fuel costs. More than one-thousand-400 actors, directors, and filmmakers have signed an open letter opposing the proposed merger between Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery. Like gold, platinum has been caught in the crossfire of the Middle East Conflict, and Sally Palmer from Maverix explains how they help non-financial founders and executives build real confidence with their numbers.
Transcribe →Bizskoops - 9 April 2026
Apr 900:09:23Tap to summarizeOn this week’s Bizskoops: We further unpack the impact of the Middle East war on South Africa’s economy. Chris Hattingh from the Centre for Risk Analysis explains why the recently reported JSE’s losses and the spike in bond yields must be read within the context of the Middle East conflict . Professor Waldo Krugell talks about his research on price shocks. Meanwhile, entertainment giant Universal Music Group has received a huge takeover offer, and Vodacom has invested 28 million dollars to upgrade its M-Pesa platform in Tanzania. Sally Palmer from Maverix walks us through their flagship programme and what that journey looks like for a founder or executive from week one to the end.
Transcribe →Bizskoops - 2 April 2026
Apr 200:08:15Tap to summarizeOn this week’s Bizskoops: Government has announced a reduction in the general fuel levy to offset the impact of the steep fuel increases, and civil contractor confidence has declined. Chris Hattingh of the Centre for Risk Analysis unpacks the Auditor-General’s latest findings on national and provincial government audit outcomes. Professor Waldo Krugell explains the concept of the price elasticity of demand. Meanwhile, motorists in the USA are also facing rising fuel costs, and Mediclinic has announced a 16-billion rand deal to restructure its international operations. Sally Palmer from Maverix explores the concept of business leadership, breaking down the Maverix Business leadership platform’s seven key cornerstones and highlighting the ones leaders most often overlook.
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