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South Africa is a tinderbox waiting for a trigger to explode into violence and destruction. That is the warning from retired General Roland de Vries, the former Deputy Chief of the South African Army. In this interview with BizNews, he shares his in-depth assessment of the threat environment -  and lists the possible trigger events for anarchy in election year. The general warns that the ruling African National Congress  (ANC) government does not  have the capability to protect its citizens adequately – and that it is up to the broader community to protect itself. He also gives his take on coalitions - and expresses concern that "we are going to see political infighting happening as never before and this will cause major political instability in our country". Meanwhile, General De Vries has, over the past seven years, helped over 80 communities develop their own community safety plans to empower themselves.

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.

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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”.

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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.

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