Best of Kaya Biz: Inflation edges up, Scooter’s Pizza makes a comeback, and Africa’s entertainment economy accelerates

Here’s what moved South Africa’s markets and business headlines this week on Kaya Biz with Gugulethu Mfuphi.

Sinenjabulo Sibeko

Kaya Biz PoBest of Kaya Biz: Gold breaks $4000, rand rallies, and SA’s potato crisis deepensdcast — Kaya Biz with Gugulethu Mfuphi

This week on Kaya Biz with Gugulethu Mfuphi, we took a closer look at the numbers driving South Africa’s economy, from rising inflation to slowing food prices, booming gambling habits, and the country’s race to exit the FATF greylist.

South Africa’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose slightly by 0.2% month-on-month in September, pushing the annual inflation rate to 3.4%, up from 3.3% in August. While headline inflation edged higher, food price inflation decelerated for the second consecutive month, falling to 4.4% year-on-year thanks to lower prices for vegetables, fruits and nuts, oils and fats, and dairy products. The slowdown provides welcome relief for households still squeezed by elevated living costs and high interest rates.

But as household budgets stretch, a different kind of spending is on the rise, and that’s gambling. The National Gambling Board reported that total turnover surged to R1.5 trillion in 2024/25, up R400 billion from the previous year. The boom has been driven by the rapid growth of online betting platforms, reflecting both a deepening appetite for digital entertainment and the economic strain pushing many to try their luck for extra income.

And in business headlines, Scooter’s Pizza, once South Africa’s fastest-growing quick-service restaurant brand announced its comeback after nearly a decade off the menu. Meanwhile, Famous Brands celebrated a major milestone, surpassing 3000 restaurants across Africa and showing solid profit growth despite a strained consumer economy.

Here are the week’s standout stories:

1. Scooter’s Pizza is back after almost 10 years since liquidation

Guest: Juan Engelbrecht – Entrepreneur and Franchise Pioneer

After nearly a decade off the menu, Scooter’s Pizza, once South Africa’s fastest-growing pizza brand, is back. Known for its daring “39 minutes or it’s free” delivery promise, Scooter’s disappeared when Taste Holdings pivoted to Domino’s Pizza.

Now, the ovens are firing up again under the leadership of Juan Engelbrecht, entrepreneur and franchise specialist with over 40 years of experience. Engelbrecht, who played a key role in Scooter’s early expansion, is relaunching the brand through 1st Choice Business Brokers & Franchising, with thefirst store reopening in Melville, Johannesburg.

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2. Famous Brands hits 3000 restaurants and stronger profits

Guest: Darren Hele – CEO, Famous Brands

Famous Brands, the parent company of Steers, Debonairs Pizza, Wimpy, and Mugg & Bean, has crossed a major milestone of 3,000 restaurants in its network. Interim results show profits up 6% and headline earnings per share up 8%, with revenue climbing to R4.2 billion.
Despite persistent cost pressures and weak consumer confidence, the group’s diverse portfolio and operational discipline continue to drive growth.

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3. EXPLAINER: The cost of hiring the wrong CEO – The Starbucks case study

Guest: Andrew Woodburn – Managing Director, Amrop Woodburn Mann

Replacing a CEO is never cheap and getting it wrong can be catastrophic. Andrew Woodburn breaks down why poorly managed leadership transitions can wipe out billions in market value.
Using the Starbucks CEO turnaround saga as a case study, he explains how weak succession planning and misaligned leadership can ripple through operations, culture, and investor confidence.

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4. Why Africa’s Entertainment Industry Is Outpacing the World

Guest: Charles Stuart – PwC Africa Entertainment & Media Leader

Africa’s entertainment and media sector is growing faster than the global average. According to PwC’s Africa Entertainment & Media Outlook 2025–2029, Nigeria’s industry expanded by 11.2%, Kenya by 7.1%, and South Africa by 6.2% last year all powered by digital innovation, mobile-first audiences, and streaming platforms.

By 2029, digital advertising will dominate, accounting for 84% of total ad spend in Nigeria, 74% in South Africa, and 64% in Kenya. Gaming, esports, and OTT streaming are leading the charge, signalling Africa’s shift from content consumer to content creator.

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5. SAHPRA’s take on GLP-1 medication use for weight loss in South Africa

Guest: Mokgadi Fafudi – Head of Regulatory Compliance, SAHPRA

With global demand forGLP-1 weight-loss drugs skyrocketing, Aspen Pharmacare has secured approval to marketEli Lilly’s Mounjaro for chronic weight management in South Africa.
But regulators warn of risks: counterfeit drugs, online scams, and misuse of unregistered products. Mokgadi Fafudi from SAHPRA explains how the regulator is tightening oversight and ensuring safe, legitimate access to medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro.

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