Canal+ clinches MultiChoice deal, Taiwan chip ban rattles SA, and debt fuels the R1.14 trillion gambling boom
Sinenjabulo Sibeko
This past week’s Kaya Biz was hosted by the ever-brilliant financial journalist Nzinga Qunta, standing in for Gugulethu Mfuphi.
We closed the curtain on the last stretch of company earnings, with Johann Rupert’s Remgro being the only major set of results we covered. Next week, all eyes will shift to the banking sector as we chat with the new CEO of Capitec Bank, the last of the big five banks to release results.
But the market wasn’t fixated only on balance sheets. In a stunning move, Taiwan slapped export restrictions on semiconductors bound for South Africa, a decision that could rattle industries from car manufacturing to cloud computing. The move follows Pretoria’s decision to downgrade Taiwan’s diplomatic office, widely read as a concession to Beijing. With Taiwan controlling as much as 90% of the world’s advanced chips, this is no small spat. South African firms could soon face pricier electronics, bottlenecks in automation, and a scramble to source from less advanced Chinese suppliers.
Meanwhile, in broadcasting, it’s official: French media giant Canal+ has clinched its R55-billion takeover of MultiChoice, creating a broadcasting powerhouse with more than 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries. The deal wasn’t straightforward, regulators insisted on a unique LicenceCo structure to limit foreign control but after years of boardroom negotiations and shareholder votes, Africa’s biggest pay-TV platform has a new home.
Here are the week’s standout stories:
1. The Debt Trap Behind South Africa’s R1.14 Trillion Gambling Boom
Guest: Dehan Scherman, Process Development & Change Manager, National Debt Advisors
South Africans bet a jaw-dropping R1.14 trillion last year, on par with the national education budget. Behind the boom lies a dangerous spiral of debt, with 74% of youth now gambling, often on credit. Dehan Scherman unpacked how easy mobile betting, aggressive marketing, and financial desperation are fuelling addiction that breaks families and wrecks mental health. He also shared the critical first steps for anyone seeking help.
2. Gen Z and Millennials are Redefining Career Growth and Rewards
Guest: Deon Smit, Master Reward Specialist & Executive Committee Member, South African Reward Association (SARA)
Career ladders are being dismantled by younger workers who value flexibility, purpose, and personal growth over corner offices and job titles. We explored how companies are rethinking reward structures, and what this means for attracting and keeping the next generation of talent.
3. EXPLAINER: South Africa Caught in the Crossfire of Global Chip Wars
Guest: Jan Vermeulen, Editor, MyBroadband
Taiwan’s decision to restrict chip exports to South Africa could hit everything from auto production to data centres. Jan Vermeulen explained the geopolitics driving this move, which industries face the biggest squeeze, and whether South Africa is sleepwalking into greater reliance on China’s chip supply chain.
4. Import Duty Report Reveals Mounting Inefficiencies Hurting SA’s Trade System
Guest: Donald MacKay, CEO, XA Global Trade Advisors
Trade barriers meant to protect South African industries are increasingly backfiring. Investigations into tariffs that should take six months now drag on for more than two years, while “zombie tariffs” linger unresolved for decades. Donald MacKay unpacked how these inefficiencies drive up costs, strangle competitiveness, and expose just how outdated our tariff regime has become.
5. Workplace Culture, Stress, Burnout and the Toll of Toxic Leadership
Guest: Prof Renata Schoeman, Head of MBA in Healthcare Leadership, Stellenbosch Business School
With 36% of South African workers reporting daily stress and 71% disengaged, burnout has become a national productivity crisis. Prof Schoeman explained why top achievers are most at risk, how toxic leadership accelerates the spiral, and what companies can do to safeguard mental health while protecting the bottom line.
