Sinenjabulo Sibeko
As we close off another engaging week on Kaya Biz with Gugulethu Mfuphi, it’s clear that this week the show leaned heavily into explainer journalism – demystifying complex business stories and giving our audience a deeper understanding of the machinery behind some of South Africa’s most recognisable events and brands.
From unpacking the multimillion-rand ecosystem behind the Comrades Marathon, to examining why international banks struggle to crack the South African market, to analysing youth buying trends in the automotive sector, the show delivered context-rich, highly relevant content.
We also zoomed out for a historical lens on transformation in corporate South Africa by revisiting the country’s first BEE deals and asking: where are those companies now?
Highlight stories of the week:
The Business of the Comrades Marathon
GUEST – Alain Dalais, General Manager, Comrades Marathon Association
The Comrades Marathon is more than a world-famous ultramarathon – it’s a major economic engine for KwaZulu-Natal and a case study in event-based business strategy. We spoke with Alain Dalais to unpack how this legacy sporting event generates revenue, manages sponsorships, and creates economic ripple effects for both Pietermaritzburg and Durban. From media rights to logistics, this is what it takes to run one of the world’s greatest races – off the road.
The Legacy of BEE Deals in SA
GUEST – Duma Gqubule, Research Associate at the Social Policy Initiative
Between 1996 and 2022, over 1,000 BEE transactions worth R668 billion were recorded but how many of those deals translated into sustainable black wealth and long-term business success? We were joined by Duma Gqubule to trace the roots of BEE from the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) to today’s market, exploring what went right, what fell short, and what the future of empowerment needs to look like.
In Conversation with Akhona Qengqe – General Manager, KFC Africa
From Development Director to GM of KFC Africa, Akhona Qengqe’s rise is a masterclass in transformation and leadership within one of the continent’s biggest quick-service restaurant brands. She joined us to talk about her journey, the evolving tastes of African consumers, and how KFC is balancing profitability with purpose in a dynamic QSR landscape.
Store Accounts and Credit Sales: Retail’s New Normal?
GUEST – Finance Ghost, Retail Analyst
Credit sales are booming, but what does this say about South African consumers and retailers? Retail analyst Finance Ghost joined the show to decode how and why more fashion retailers are betting on credit, and what that means for financial risk and consumer resilience in a low-growth economy.
Why VW Is Winning With Young Drivers.
GUEST – Andrew Hibbert, Auto Data Analyst, Lightstone
Over the past decade, Volkswagen has consistently topped the list as the preferred car brand among South Africans under 35 – both new and used. Auto data expert Andrew Hibbert helped us unpack these trends, with insights from Lightstone’s comprehensive 10-year dataset. Also notable: more women under 35 are financing vehicles than ever before.
READ NEXT: The best of Kaya Biz: A boost for Dis-Chem, GDP drivers & TikTok turns personal shopper
