In this episode of the BizNews Briefing: Editor in Chief of the Bhekisisa Health Centre for Journalism, Mia Malan, details the severe impact of Donald Trump’s freezing of global HIV programmes, with John Matisonn also weighing in on the situation. DA Chairperson of the Federal Council, Helen Zille, comments on the JP Smith saga. European nation Czechia’s National Bank governor plans to start a strategic crypto reserve, Bitcoin guru James Caw gives his thoughts. ASML shares jump 12% on AI hype. And Microsoft investigates DeepSeek. Join host Bronwyn Nielsen for a rundown of the biggest stories of the day.
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US aid suspension hits SA health sector
The suspension of US foreign aid is causing widespread disruption in South Africa’s health sector. Many clinics providing antiretroviral treatment rely on funding from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and are now shutting down, creating panic. Editor-in-chief of the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism, Mia Malan, highlights the crisis, while editorial contributor John Matisonn notes that confusion persists despite a waiver for HIV medication.
DA councillors’ offices raided
Police have raided the offices of two DA councillors, JP Smith and Zanthia Limburg. Opposition parties are calling for their suspension, but DA federal chair Helen Zille states that no action will be taken until the party fully understands the situation and rules out political interference.
Czech Republic eyes crypto as reserve currency
The Czech central bank governor is considering allocating €7 billion into cryptocurrency as a reserve asset. James Caw from Simple B describes this as a fundamental shift in institutional attitudes toward crypto, potentially propelling Bitcoin toward the $1 million mark.
SA Reserve Bank governor’s crypto comments spark debate
South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago stirred social media discussion after referencing “mutton reserves” during a World Economic Forum panel. When asked about adopting Bitcoin as a reserve currency, his response raised eyebrows. Alec Hogg later spoke to him for clarification.
ASML surprises markets despite tech sell-off
Dutch tech giant ASML, which was caught in Monday’s tech stock sell-off, released stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter results, pleasantly surprising investors. Bloomberg provides further details.
Microsoft and OpenAI investigate China’s DeepSeq
Microsoft suspects that Chinese entity Deepseek may have accessed OpenAI’s technology before its major breakthrough. Both companies have launched a probe into Deepseek and its connections.
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