The best of Kaya Biz: A boost for Dis-Chem, GDP drivers & TikTok turns personal shopper

Sinenjabulo Sibeko

As we wrap up another week on KayaBiz with Gugulethu Mfuphi, it’s worth noting that even in what many might consider a “slow news week,” the show remained steadfast in its mission of delivering sharp, high-quality business and financial journalism that cuts through the noise.

This week’s edition was rich with exclusive insights, high-level interviews and a nuanced look at the trends shaping South Africa’s economic and corporate landscape.

We kicked things off with an in-depth interview with Rui Morais, CEO of Dis-Chem, unpacking their latest earnings and retail sector dynamics. Later in the week, we were joined in studio by South Africa’s Statistician-General, Risenga Maluleke, for a thorough breakdown of the country’s latest GDP data.

Rounding out our coverage, we spoke with TransUnion CEO Lee Naik about how younger South Africans are increasingly using platforms like TikTok and Instagram to make major purchasing decisions, especially when it comes to buying cars.

Highlight stories of the week:

1. In conversation with the CEO of Dis-Chem, Rui Morais.

Dis-Chem has posted a strong performance for the year ending February 2025, underpinned by a sharp focus on cost control and a deliberate expansion of its store and pharmacy network. Rui Morais broke down how the group’s strategy across eight focus areas with payroll cost containment standing out is creating long-term value for shareholders.

Listen here:

2. South Africa’s younger car buyers are turning to TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, reshaping the automotive sector

GUEST – Lee Naik, CEO TransUnion Africa

South Africa’s Generation Z is rewriting the rules of car shopping. A 27.9% year-on-year increase in vehicle finance volumes from this demographic is being driven in large part by content on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Lee Naik joined us to discuss how digital influence is transforming automotive marketing strategies — and why brands risk missing out if they continue to underinvest in social media advertising.

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3. SPAR’s mixed bag: Revenue slips but margins improve

GUEST: Reeza Isaacs – CFO, SPAR Group

SPAR’s latest interim results present a mixed picture. Group revenue declined marginally to R66.1 billion, but gross profit margins and operating income before extraordinary items posted modest gains. CFO Reeza Isaacs unpacked the numbers and detailed how the company is navigating a complex trading environment while addressing legacy challenges across its operations.

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4. South Africa’s R1 trillion betting habit: What’s driving it?

GUEST – John Manyike, Head of Financial Education at Old Mutual.

With over R1 trillion wagered annually, including R700 billion on sports betting gambling is becoming a financial lifeline for many South Africans during tough times. John Manyike discussed the socioeconomic factors behind the surge and warned of the financial dangers lurking behind the illusion of easy money.

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5. Criminal syndicates are using stolen IDs, fake deaths and corrupt officials to rake in millions from life insurance claims

GUEST – Garth de Klerk, CEO of the Insurance Crime Bureau

Criminal syndicates are exploiting weaknesses in South Africa’s life insurance systems, using stolen identities, bribed officials, and fabricated deaths to rake in millions. Garth de Klerk gave us a chilling look at how these operations are run, who’s involved, and what’s being done to tighten the net on this emerging financial crime wave.

Mortuaries, hospitals, old age homes, and the homeless are some of the targets that the syndicates of the dubbed “death industry” operate in. They do this by bribing their connections.

Criminal syndicates recruit runners to buy identity documents of dead people. The kingpin will then insure them (insuring the dead person’s ID) and “kill” them again in order to pocket millions.

Listen here.

Written by: Bulelwa

Kaya Biz with Gugulethu Mfuphi