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In today's BizNews Briefing, South African legend Jannie Mouton announces a bold shift to turn Curro into a non-profit, reshaping education’s future. A new poll puts the DA ahead of the ANC, raising questions about Ramaphosa’s presidency. Plus, Trump’s assault on the Federal Reserve sparks global alarm, and Cadillac makes a high-profile entry into Formula One.

Polling expert Gareth van Onselen unpacks the DA’s surge in South Africa’s key metros, saying the ANC’s steep urban decline could put standalone DA governments within reach. From Tshwane to Johannesburg and beyond, Van Onselen explains why local elections favor opposition parties, the ANC’s coalition struggles, and what big shifts may lie ahead for SA’s political landscape

Political fireworks and hard truths dominate today’s BN Briefing. Helen Zille slams a DA poll she calls “nonsense,” Naledi Pandor shocks her own party with brutally honest criticism, and SA’s licence backlog chaos drags on. Plus, Donald Trump makes bold moves on Ukraine and Gaza, while markets eye Palantir’s lofty valuation.

In today’s BizNews Briefing, MTN chairman Mcebisi Jonas claims he is the target of a treasonous “info war” undermining US–SA ties, while critics question his diplomatic role and MTN’s dealings in Iran. DA’s Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink stresses why citizen engagement is vital to fixing broken cities. On the global stage, Apple weighs using Google’s Gemini AI for Siri, and markets dissect Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole message. Evelyn Farkas examines Russia’s grip on Trump and security guarantees for Ukraine. Plus, Rassie Erasmus reflects on the Springboks’ gritty 30–22 win over Australia in Cape Town.

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In the latest Sunday Show, Chris Steyn hosts Renaldo Gouws, former Parliamentarian, podcaster and industrial psychologist. He speaks about the litany of woes besetting the once mighty African National Congress (ANC) that is now “bleeding” support: the breaking of ranks by Senzo Mchunu, the Police Minister on special leave, and long-time Jacob Zuma ally Malusi Gigaba. He warns that the raging factional battles in the party could force out President Cyril Ramaphosa if a secret ballot is allowed in the upcoming Vote of No Confidence. Gouws questions the “attempted hijacking” narrative around the attack on Police Portfolio Committee Chair Ian Cameron, as well as the political relevance of Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa who threw an on-air tantrum last week. Gouws further dissects the “double standards” at the heart of the saga of Kleinfontein, the Whites-only settlement threatened with demolition by the City of Tshwane. He also comments on his own Press Ombudsman victory against News24.

With MTN facing mounting legal challenges because of its links to Iran, BizNews interviews US Attorney Nicholas Reddick whose firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher and partner firm Sparacino have filed five lawsuits on behalf of over 500 American veterans and family members who lost their loved ones in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “…there have been former employees or officials at MTN that have come forward and provided evidence that we believe establishes our allegations that MTN was knowingly supporting terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan…we believe we've obtained evidence and have, again, well-founded allegations that everyone at the highest levels of MTN knew what was going on”. Asked if President Cyril Ramaphosa’s name features in the lawsuits, Reddick says: “Yes, so he does appear in our complaint. You know, he was heavily involved in the leadership at MTN for a time.” As for the US Government’s Grand Jury investigation into MTN, Reddick - a former Department of Justice Prosecutor - says: “Typically when the department opens a grand jury investigation, it's because they believe they have well founded evidence of wrongdoing.” **Read MTN's full response to the interview here: https://www.biznews.com/sa-investing/right-reply-mtn-group-rejects-claims-terrorism-support

Many African cultures use body parts, claws, teeth and hides in rituals. Vultures are often targeted because their keen eyesight is believed to grant clairvoyance. In Limpopo’s Blouberg Nature Reserve, VulPro is raising awareness of vultures’ vital role; community involvement and youth engagement have reduced muti‑related killings. CEO Keri Wolter told BizNews that school programmes have shifted young people’s attitudes — more now report sightings and value vulture protection. Wolter says vultures uniquely consume diseased carcasses and that her interest began after raising an abandoned chick. She said Vulpro is hoping to use the success of the Limpopo project to other hot spots area of South Africa where there is side-by-side living with culture colonies.

Iranian-born and bred economist Dr Iraj Abedian is baffled by loyalty expressed by SANDF general to his homeland’s theocratic regime - arguing it carries zero upside and substantial downside for South Africans. Abedian says those who pay General Rudzani Maphwanya’s salary - and soon his generous pension - should be demanding an explanation. In this insightful interview, the academic-turned-entrepreneur also offers context on the significant challenges its Iranian connection is causing MTN. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

Multi millions of Rands are lost to sextorion, extortion, and extreme extortion by police impersonators and corrupt cops in South Africa. So says Specialist Investigator Mike Bolhuis who has investigated many such cases. “It is too much to count and it's too difficult to give the statistics, but just to shock the public: We have more than I would say 10 million photos, if not more, during the last 20 years of sextortion alone, which we have stored and kept and which we keep as to see if they're going to be used again.” Bolhuis further describes how kidnappers are weaponising sexual violence for extortion by filming threats of rape or actual rape to ensure a bigger faster payout from the family who would want to prevent distribution of the material. He reveals that in 90% high-level kidnappings, the ransoms are paid out. He says the kingpins walk free because these organised crime syndicates have all the facets of a Mafioso infrastructure organisation. “It is so strong that it hijacks the country; it completely controls the country - and it is untouchable.” However he expresses the hope that the recent allegations by whistleblowing General “Lucky” Mkhwanazi will “will implode and explode this complete stronghold that this organised crime gang, Mafioso group, has in our country.” Meanwhile, Bolhuis has some advice for especially the rich and famous on how best to protect themselves.