BN Daybreak 23 March

Join Alec Hogg for today’s edition of BizNews Daybreak to cut through the noise and get the essential global and local business news you need to start your week.

In this episode, we cover:

Global Tensions & Oil Shocks: US President Trump issues a strict ultimatum to Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz, sparking significant volatility in the oil market. Consequently, South Africans must brace for brutal fuel price hikes, with DME now calculating that the current under-recovery is R8.80 per litre for petrol and a massive R15.10 per litre for diesel.

Totalitarian Transformation? Sakeliga CEO Piet le Roux delivers a scathing critique of South Africa’s BBBEE policies, arguing that the transformation framework is fundamentally totalitarian.

SA as a ‘Mafia State’: In the wake of rising organised crime and targeted assassinations, Jonathan Deal speaks out on the political manipulation of the SAPS and the grim reality that South Africa is increasingly operating as a mafia state.

Energy & Climate Narratives: At BNC#8 Nick Hudson took aim at the all-encompassing push for renewable energy in South Africa, characterising the climate crisis narrative as a “scam” orchestrated by global financial establishments.

Market Wrap: A quick look at the overnight markets, featuring a drop in gold prices and stagnant movement for Bitcoin.

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.

Support South Africa’s bastion of independent journalism, offering balanced insights on investments, business, and the political economy, by joining BizNews Premium. Register here.

If you prefer WhatsApp for updates, sign up to the BizNews channel here.

Alec Hogg
Read More

Latest

5 Iconic ‘80s Movies You Can Stream Right Now

When we talk about great decades for entertainment, the 1990s usually come up and understandably so. That was a decade of great sci-fi, rom-coms, and more. But the 1990s aren’t the only decade with great movies. The 1980s was also a great time for movie fans, bringing to the screen a wide variety of movies

Sega reports $31.6m net loss during FY26, cancels ‘Super Game’ project amid strategic pivot

Impairment losses from Rovio and Stakelogic push company to reduce free-to-play priority and focus on full game development Image credit: Sega Sega Sammy has released its financial results for the year ending March 31, 2026. While net sales increased by 13.6%, operating income from its entertainment contents, including the video games division, declined from ¥40.8

African Businesses Feel the Pinch as Customers Flock to Online Gambling

African businesses are now competing for discretionary spending against a new sector – online gambling. As it proliferates, regular businesses, whether entertainment providers, phone companies, or even grocery shops, are seeing customers increasingly willing to spend on games of chance rather than perishables, a good flick, or faster internet. “People are spending money in a

Newsletter

Don't miss

5 Iconic ‘80s Movies You Can Stream Right Now

When we talk about great decades for entertainment, the 1990s usually come up and understandably so. That was a decade of great sci-fi, rom-coms, and more. But the 1990s aren’t the only decade with great movies. The 1980s was also a great time for movie fans, bringing to the screen a wide variety of movies

Sega reports $31.6m net loss during FY26, cancels ‘Super Game’ project amid strategic pivot

Impairment losses from Rovio and Stakelogic push company to reduce free-to-play priority and focus on full game development Image credit: Sega Sega Sammy has released its financial results for the year ending March 31, 2026. While net sales increased by 13.6%, operating income from its entertainment contents, including the video games division, declined from ¥40.8

African Businesses Feel the Pinch as Customers Flock to Online Gambling

African businesses are now competing for discretionary spending against a new sector – online gambling. As it proliferates, regular businesses, whether entertainment providers, phone companies, or even grocery shops, are seeing customers increasingly willing to spend on games of chance rather than perishables, a good flick, or faster internet. “People are spending money in a

WD sees sustainability as key business driver in an ‘AI economy’

Hard drive company WD promoted long-term operations and sustainability executive Jackie Jung to become its first chief sustainability officer in February, as it steps up sales to companies building AI data centers. Her vision: Turn sustainability into a “brand” for WD, a strategy that reduces risk for the $6 billion company (formerly known as Western

5 Business Ideas Worth Starting in 2026

If there is one thing Nigerians understand well, it is how to spot opportunity inside hardship. In 2026, that mindset will matter more than ever. The economy is tough, competition is rising, and many people are looking for smarter ways to earn, build, and survive. But even in a difficult environment, some businesses still stand

Getting a business loan now comes with a frequent flyer upside

Australian fintech Prospa has partnered with Qantas Business Rewards, letting eligible SMEs earn up to 500,000 points per loan. What’s happening: Australian fintech lender Prospa has partnered with Qantas Business Rewards to allow eligible small and medium business owners to earn up to 500,000 Qantas Points per loan when taking out a Prospa Small Business