The best of Kaya Biz: The secret sauce behind Jetour’s success and what SA consumers need to know about Buy Now, Pay Later

Sinenjabulo Sibeko

This week on Kaya Biz with Gugulethu Mfuphi, the spotlight turned to the more personal issues impacting South Africa’s economic engine.

From how businesses are (or aren’t) supporting employee wellbeing during Corporate Wellness Week, to the consumer psychology behind Buy Now, Pay Later platforms, this week’s conversations zoomed in on the people behind the numbers.

We also sat down with the Vice President of Jetour to unpack the secret behind the Chinese SUV brand’s rise in South Africa, and interrogated the economic fallout as the 90-day US tariff pause nears its end.

Here are the standout stories of the week:

1. Behind Jetour’s meteoric rise in South Africa.

GUEST: Nic Campbell – Vice President, Jetour South Africa

Just 10 months after its official launch, Jetour is outselling big-name brands like Mazda, Honda, and even Mercedes-Benz. The Chinese SUV brand has disrupted South Africa’s vehicle market, moving over 600 units a month and gaining fast favour with aspirant consumers.

In conversation with Nic Campbell, VP of Jetour South Africa, we unpack the ingredients behind this rapid success: from smart early investments in digital logistics to a “luxury-for-less” philosophy and bold after-sales support.

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2. Corporate Wellness Week: Are SA employers falling short?

GUEST: Ronald Abvajee – CEO, Healthy Living Consulting (HLC)

During this Corporate Wellness Week, Ronald Abvajee has sounded an alarm on how outdated workplace health strategies are quietly dragging South Africa’s productivity and innovation down. Billions in potential are being lost due to ineffective or tokenistic wellness initiatives.

We dive into what “human capital” should mean in 2025, and how companies can redesign wellness to be a true business enabler.

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3. What cashless adoption looks like in the taxi industry.

GUEST: Anthony Stewart – CEO, Waxd Solutions

In one of the most cash-heavy sectors of South Africa’s economy, Waxd Solutions is building a future without loose change. CEO Anthony Stewart shares how his company’s Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) tech is being adopted across provinces, allowing commuters to tap and ride while helping drivers and owners track revenue, reduce risk, and unlock data.

We revisit their pilot success in Swartruggens and talk about scaling a fintech solution in a complex, informal ecosystem. Could the future of taxi transport be digital?

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4. In conversation with outgoing CEO of Thungela Resources, July Ndlovu.

As he steps down from the helm of Thungela Resources, July Ndlovu reflects on a career that has spanned major milestones, from leading a high-stakes JSE spin-off to navigating energy transition pressures and volatile global markets.

In this exclusive KayaBiz conversation, we explore the wins, the regrets, and the mindset required to steer a coal giant through turbulent times. It’s a masterclass in resilience and introspection from one of SA’s most seasoned mining executives.

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5. Buy Now, Panic Later? What SA Needs to Know About BNPL

GUEST: Lerato Lamola – Partner, Webber Wentzel

The Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) boom in South Africa is attracting consumers in droves but is it paving the way for future debt distress? We chat to a legal expert Lerato Lamola to explore the murky waters of BNPL in a country with limited credit literacy and rising cost-of-living pressures.

From missing regulations to hidden liabilities, this conversation uncovers what the glossy marketing doesn’t tell you.

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