The OFM Business Hour

Capitec Bank has reported a strong performance, with headline earnings climbing 23% to R16.8 billion for the financial year ending February 2026. The growth was largely driven by double-digit gains in interest income, supported by improved interest rates in 2025. Group CEO Graham Lee remains optimistic the bank can sustain this momentum, even as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to weigh on global economic growth.

Brendan Jacobs, Head of Agribusiness at Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking South Africa, unpacks the bank’s partnerships with Clover and the Milk Producers’ Organisation in tackling foot-and-mouth disease. He also shares what to expect from their presence at Grain SA’s upcoming Nampo trade show, with a strong focus on building partnerships across the African continent.

Petrol prices are rising significantly in South Africa, driven by surging international oil prices due to Middle East tensions and a weaker rand. Sherry Sibeko, Executive Head: Personal Lines at Miway Insurance shares, some tips to saving on fuel related costs.

The University of the Free State (UFS) Business School is committed to shaping tomorrow's ethical, responsible and enterprising leaders through the institution's esteemed Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme. Acting Director of the school, Prof MacDonald Kanyangale and Dr Cornelie Crous tell the OFM Business Hour team more.

Conservationists and fishing communities are challenging environmental authorisation approvals granted to Total Energies for oil and gas exploration drilling off the South African coast of the Western Cape. The legal bid is being heard by the Western Cape High Court over two days. Green Connection Community outreach coordinator, Neville van Rooy, tells the OFM Business Hour that fundamentally, this is about good governance and responsible decision-making by government.

Economists, financial analysts, business leaders and trade union officials all expect inflation to continue moderating in the long term. The different professional groups are also largely aligned on wage increase expectations for 2026 and 2027. Economist Nicholas van der Wath from the Bureau of Economic Research unpacks the findings of their Inflations Expectations Survey and touches on how tensions in the Middle East could temporarily complicate the outlook moving forward.

Childline Free State’s business breakfast, held in partnership with Nedbank, is fast approaching. Acclaimed journalist and host of In Gesprek on KykNet, Lourensa Eckard, will deliver the keynote address, sharing insights on the importance of supporting organisations like Childline and the vital work they do for vulnerable children.

Staying on top of South Africa’s evolving labour legislation and the many compliance requirements that come with it, can be a challenge for business owners. Fortunately, expert guidance is available. Stephné Louwrens, Labour Law Manager at Labournet, joins the OFM Business Hour to unpack some of the latest labour law developments and compliance obligations, ahead of their upcoming must-attend compliance workshop.

Corné van Wyk, Transformation Manager at Labournet, unpacks the do’s and don’ts of annual Skills Development submissions.

What should you expect when the Department of Employment and Labour conducts health and safety inspections? Jamie-Lee Basson, Health and Safety Manager at Labournet, joins the OFM Business Hour to unpack the inspection process and explain the potential consequences businesses face if they fail to comply.

The OFM Business Hour previously spoke to acclaimed chef Kelly Ann Osborn about launching her own culinary school in Pennington. The MasterChef South Africa judge and one of South Africa’s youngest Eat Out Rising Stars says she has seen a steady decline in kitchen-ready skills over the years. She believes this is largely due to the limited number of restaurants available to train aspiring chefs while they are still in school. Over the years she’s also observed the importance of being able to start a business from home as opposed to opening up your own restaurant out the gate.

South Africa’s unemployment rate declined by 0,5 percentage points in the fourth quarter of 2025, easing to 31.4% from 31.9% in the previous quarter. While the latest figures point to modest improvement in the labour market, experts caution against celebrating too soon. Dr Memuna Williams, Founder and CEO of Empowering Sustainable Change, says sluggish economic growth remains a serious concern. She warns that if growth stays at current low levels, South Africa risks losing its competitive edge to other economies.

Businesses in Kimberley have raised concerns over the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality’s recent consultative processes around its Integrated Development Plan (IDP). An IDP outlines a municipality’s short, medium and long-term goals for economic and social development and is reviewed annually as part of the budget process. Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) CEO Sharon Steyn says the public participation sessions amount to little more than a tick-box exercise, with limited regard for the input of businesses and residents.

The Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) will celebrate a major milestone in 2026 as it turns 150 years old. CEO Sharon Steyn told the OFM Business Hour that exciting plans are in the works, including a special birthday celebration at the annual general meeting, while the chamber’s expo will also return this year.

AJ du Plessis, hoof uitvoerende beampte van die Brocor-groep, bied insig in die wêreld van eiendomsveilings.

British American Tobacco (BAT) South Africa has announced it will cease local production of factory-manufactured cigarettes and shut down its only South African manufacturing facility by the end of 2026, citing the devastating impact of the illicit cigarette trade. Johnny Moloto, Head of Corporate & Regulatory Affairs at BAT Sub-Saharan Africa, unpacks where the industry believes policy and enforcement have fallen short.

This year’s World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, underscored a simple truth: the rules-based global order as we knew it is shifting. But is this a moment of crisis or a window of opportunity particularly for African countries? International relations analyst Aaliyah Vayez unpacks the standout moments from WEF 2026, including calls by the Canadian Prime Minister and the French President for middle powers to seize this period of global uncertainty.

Wat gebeur wanneer ’n eiendom wat op ’n veiling gekoop is, met kenmerke bemark word wat nie deel van die verkoop is nie? Ons ontleed ’n baanbrekers-uitspraak oor verbruikersbeskerming ná ’n Limpopo-egpaar ontdek het dat die dam en wild wat gebruik is om ’n wildplaas te verkoop, in werklikheid op ’n buurplaas was. Verbruikersregspesialis Trudie Broekmann verduidelik die uitspraak en wat dit beteken vir kopers en die veilingsbedryf.

The organisers of the much-anticipated Bloem Show have cancelled the livestock showcase for 2026. This is due to the ongoing outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in South Africa. Bloem Show CEO, Elmarie Prinsloo, says that the decision was a difficult one for them to make. However, the rest of the event continues as planned.

South Africa’s last remaining manganese smelter, Transalloys, is consulting with labour on imminent large-scale retrenchments. Transalloys Managing Director, Theo Morkel, confirms to OFM these consultations kicked off on Thursday, 8 January. Transalloys, is at the end of its financial tether, battling soaring electricity costs, which they say reportedly account for 40% of its operations.

South Africa’s CSI spend is up by 3% to R13.1bn in 2025. This is outlined in the 28th edition of the Trialogue Business in Society Handbook. The book this year focuses on the power of measurement in driving social impact, stressing the importance of strategic CSI. Cathy Duff, Trialogue Director says corporate giving is sustainable if there is business benefit, and this is where measurement (monitoring and evaluation) comes in.

The Bureau of Economic Research's Retail Survey for the fourth quarter of 2025 shows business confidence in the sector jumped to 43% up from 32%, returning to levels seen during the first half of the year. The BER’s Nomvelo Moima attributes the improved sentiment to “more favourable trading conditions, buoyed by improved sales volumes and profitability in the sector”.

MTN wants customers to relax, unwind and thrive this summer, and is offering great internet deals to support that. The “Do Not Disturb The Season” campaign encourages hardworking South Africans to take a well-deserved festive break through a range of special data and home internet deals designed to keep everyone seamlessly connected to family and friends. Isabel Belle, General Manager for the Central Region at MTN South Africa, has more.

Andile Mlawu from the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism returns to the OFM Business Hour to discuss their summer campaign, perfect for your holiday plans.

The final leg of the 2025 Kimberley Diamond Cup (KDC) Skateboarding Championship on 5 and 6 December is a boost for the economy of the Northern Cape capital. KDC project manager and Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism assistant director, Andile Mlawu, tells the OFM Business Hour that the event is a great opportunity for local businesses to sell the province as a tourism destination.

The North-West University (NWU) Business School’s growing range of short courses are designed for today’s fast-changing world of business and technology. Simoné van Tonder, a representative from the esteemed institution, tells you more about these courses.

On the OFM Business Hour this evening, Yolinde Loots, chairperson of the Multi-Let Owners Association and a seasoned realtor, weighs in on proposed changes to Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality's land use and student accommodation by-laws. The proposed amendments were, in part, aimed at limiting the number of students per stand, a move that has concerned many homeowners. Now it seems public hearings into the matter are postponed once more. This is a developing story.

The Business Hour team explores development financing challenges for clean energy projects, particularly for the Global South, with Policy Innovation Lab and Stellenbosch University researcher Monique Bennett. Financing for clean energy projects, trade and climate change disinformation are top of the agenda at COP30 in Brazil.

Life is unpredictable, but your financial future doesn’t have to be. On the OFM Business Hour today, Liberty’s Dr Fred Philippou shares insights on building a solid financial plan that helps you stay prepared for whatever life brings.

In hierdie week se Kameropdatering fokus ons op die Suid-Afrikaanse Raad vir Sakevroue (SACBW), wat onlangs uitsonderlike vroulike leiers van regoor die land vereer het. Kaapstad se Ilana Steyn, besturende direkteur van Company Partners, is aangewys as die Nasionale Sakevrou van die Jaar. Sy gesels met ons oor die betekenis van die toekenning en die SACBW se missie om vroue in besigheid regoor Suid-Afrika te bemagtig.

Kreatiewe vernietiging is die enjinkamer van ekonomiese groei, soos bewys deur die werk van die onlangse Nobelprys-wenners in Ekonomie, Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion en Peter Howitt. Tog, vir entrepreneurs en besigheidsleiers is dit noodsaaklik om ’n sterk intellektuele eiendom- en marktoegangstrategie te ontwikkel om te oorleef in ’n era waar die tempo van innovasie versnel en gister se wenners vinnig uitgewis word. Dr. Gerard Verhoef, konsultant-prokureur by Barnard Inc, vertel meer op die OFM Sakeuur.

A new six-week episodic series on VIA delves into life beyond the farm gates for six multi-generational farming families. ‘Erfenis in die Grond’, presented by Peter Pentz from Groote Post, features six farming families, three of which are in the Free State as they share their experiences, challenges, and the opportunities that exist in the agriculture sector through a familial lens.

Met beleggings van honderde miljoene rand wat hul pad na Harrismith vind, raak die behoefte al dringender vir ondernemings en inwoners om Maluti-A-Phofung se greep te ontkom. Volgens Ben Deysel, voorsitter van die Harrismith-Sakeforum, lê die dorp se aantrekkingskrag in sy ligging en sentrale posisie – en dit is waarom daar soveel belegging plaasvind.

Energy analyst Chris Yelland says Eskom’s latest moves opposing trader licences are less about protecting the grid and more about protecting its turf. But what does this mean for the country’s reform agenda, the new transmission company, and the independence of regulators? Yelland joins the OFM Business Hour to unpack this further.

Planning for a financially secure retirement can feel like chasing a moving target, with inflation, market swings, and rising living costs all in play. However, it’s not impossible. André Tuck, Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Team Leader: Retail Investments at 10X Investments, shares his 30+ years of financial expertise and the key steps you need to take.

The JUTA Annual Labour Law Seminar is just days away, and the OFM Business Hour previews what to expect when the country’s top legal minds gather at the Windmill Casino in Bloemfontein on 28 October. Advocate Tanya Venter, the CEO of Tokiso, unpacks key developments shaping South Africa’s labour landscape from the landmark parental leave judgment to the new employment equity sectoral targets.

Jean Henrico, Campus General Manager at Eduvos, speaks to the OFM Business Hour on how the institution prepares students for the world of work through flexible study options and career-focused learning. They also discuss what today’s graduates need to thrive in an ever-changing job market. He stresses that early planning can make all the difference.

Suid-Afrika se Konstitusionele Hof het ’n nuwe presedent geskep vir ouerverlof en verseker nou gelyke behandeling vir alle ouers, ongeag geslag, gesinstruktuur of hoe hulle ouers geword het. Hierdie baanbrekende uitspraak verander beide die werkspleklandskap en gesinsdinamika. OFM se Rigardt Hug ontleed die uitspraak en die verreikende implikasies daarvan saam met Mari Payne, Adjunk-Uitvoerende Direkteur en Senior Direkteur: Onderwys en Programme by Sesame Workshop International, Suid-Afrika.

Good news: The NWU Business School has extended applications for its MBA and PGDip Management programmes to 31 October 2025. Simoné van Tonder unpacks the transformative impact of these courses.

The looming shutdown of Coca-Cola’s Bloemfontein plant is a major blow for the city and the Free State province. Dr Eugene Buthelezi from the University of the Free State (UFS) warns that while short-term relief for affected workers is vital, the province urgently needs a long-term strategy to attract industries, diversify its economy, and support local businesses.

Kan jy raai hoeveel ’n braai vir vier mense jou gaan kos? Johann Biermann, die skepper van die Braaibroodjie en nou ook die braai-indeks, sê dit het jou R634,35 uit die sak gejaag vir ’n braai in Augustus 2025. Hy het met Rigardt Hug gepraat oor dit.

The OFM Business Hour unpacks the Bureau of Economic Research’s latest Inflation Expectations Survey, the first since the South African Reserve Bank signaled its preference for a 3% inflation target instead of the traditional 4.5% midpoint. The Q3 2025 survey shows all three social groups observed lowered their longer-term expectations, with headline inflation over the next five years projected at just 4.2%. To break down what this means and what to watch for in Thursday’s interest rate announcement, we’re joined by Lisette Ijseel de Schepper.

Die sakegemeenskap van Lichtenburg is uiters skepties oor die regering se nasionale ingryping in die Ditsobotla- plaaslike munisipaliteit. Al is dit die eerste keer dat die munisipaliteit onder nasionale administrasie geplaas word, glo sakeondernemings en inwoners nie dat dit ’n wending vir die dorp gaan bring nie. Dié Noordwes-dorp is al meer as ’n dekade lank onder provinsiale administrasie, sê Chris Breedt, voorsitter van die Lichtenburg-sakekamer, aan OFM Sakeuur.

The University of the Free State (UFS) has launched the Good Money Habits App, a dedicated initiative designed to support informal sector and township businesses. Joining us on the OFM Business Hour is the esteemed former, Vice Chancellor of the UFS and now Project Leader and Producer of the app, Prof Frederick Fourie. He provides an overview of the platform and features for tech Thursdays on the OFM Business Hour.

Dr Sarah Babb, Adjunct Faculty and Professional Associate at the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) shares how harnessing neurodiverse strengths can drive innovation, resilience, and impact in your business. Roughly 15% to 20% of the global population is neurodivergent, that is 1 in 5 people one encounters in the world.

Die Nasionale Werkgewersvereniging van Suid-Afrika (Neasa) maan Suid-Afrikaanse sakelui om versigtig op te tree en kundige advies in te win oor omstrede gelyke-indiensnemingskwotas. Alle maatskappye met 50 of meer werknemers moet sedert Maandag 1 September hul 2025-verslae oor Gelyke Indiensneming (EE) indien, soos vereis deur die regulasies en sektorteikens. Verlede week het Neasa en Sakeliga hul aansoek in die hooggeregshof in Pretoria verloor vir ’n voorlopige interdik teen die regulasies hangende ’n regshersiening. Neasa se uitvoerende hoof, Gerhard Papenfus, het met Rigardt Hug gesels oor hul volgende stappe en beklemtoon besturende direkteure en uitvoerende hoofe moenie die saak aan die afdeling menslike hulpbronne oorlaat nie – hulle moet self aktief betrokke wees.

Sakevertroue in Potchefstroom, Noordwes, is positief, soos blyk uit die plaaslike sakekamer se besige kalender en verskeie inisiatiewe. Potchefstroom Sakekamer-voorsitter, Nicholaas van den Berg, sê aan die OFM Besigheidsuur dat nuwe besighede steeds oopmaak, ten spyte van ekonomiese onsekerheid op nasionale en globale skaal. Hy het met OFM se Rigardt Hug gesels.

The Welkom Business Forum says there were several warning signs that the Welkom Cargo Airport project was not what it appeared to be. Chairperson of the Welkom Business Chamber, Jakes Jooste, told the OFM Business Hour that they attended meetings with the team from Sébastien Investment et Logistique – a company owned by murder-accused KT Molefe and from the outset saw something was amiss.

South Africa’s approach to financially distressed companies has shifted significantly. Where business rescue was once seen as just a detour on the road to liquidation, today the mantra in many boardrooms is ‘rescue first, liquidate later.’ Gareth Cremen, a Partner in the Business Restructuring, Rescue & Insolvency team at Cox Yeats unpacks the restructuring process.

The University of the Free State’s women’s breakfast is taking place on 22 August under the theme “Be Better, Be-Lieve. Burneline Kaars, Head of the Division of Organisational Development within the Department of Human Resources at the UFS, says the event aims to empower women. When asked about work-life balance, Kaars says she is a firm believer in work-life integration.