The OFM Business Hour

The submission deadline for the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR) is 30 April each year. This applies to all South African employers registered for the Skills Development Levy (SDL) and must be met to remain eligible for funding and grants from their relevant Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). Joining us to unpack the details is Mandilakhe Gcilitshana, a...

Boedelsamesmelting vind plaas wanneer twee persone – gewoonlik ’n getroude paartjie, maar nie noodwendig nie – saam ’n testament opstel waarin hulle hul bates kombineer en gemeenskaplik beskik oor wat met hul boedel moet gebeur ná hul afsterwe. Dit is ’n belangrike aspek van boedelbeplanning wat spesifieke regsimplikasies het. Op die OFM Business Hour vanavond gesels ons met André van Niekerk, Hoo...

This week, we turn to trade. The US has imposed tariffs on certain imports, hitting smaller Southern African economies hard, especially our neighbour Lesotho, which faces the highest rates worldwide. We hear from Teboho Kobeli, founder of Afri-Expo, on the impact for the denim sector, and Attorney Tefetso Kele explains how the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) could shield member states from t...

On Tuesday, 8 April, the Free State Legislature concluded public hearings on the Public Administration Management and the Public Service Amendment Bills. Armand Cloete, chairperson of the governance portfolio committee in the FS Legislature, shares what members of the public have said about the bills from Bethlehem to Kroonstad, Welkom, and Bloemfontein. There's still time for members of the publi...

On a local front, the Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) has a new executive. NOCCI President, Michael Kidson, shared his vision for his tenure at the helm of the chamber with the OFM Business Hour. The rest of the executive team includes: First Vice-President: Rudolph Steyn (Dynamic Engineering); Second Vice-President: Gezelle Lottering (AVBOB); and Treasurer: Bennie Burger (A...

Dr Ernst van Biljon Head Lecturer in Supply Chain Management, at the IMM Graduate School urges South Africans to not panic over the US' reciprocal tariffs, adding level heads are required. Van Biljon says over the medium to long-term the country needs to realign, reposition, and find friends with which we can establish long-term relationships.

In an effort to address South Africa's water challenges, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a new state-owned enterprise (SOE), called the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA). The agency is set to begin operations in 2026 and was in the spotlight recently at the Water Indaba. Telling us more about its functions is Prof Mike Muller, South Africa's former Director of Water Affairs...

The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and the Office of the Premier lead by Hon A.B. Cloete, will conduct public hearings on bills in the Free State during April. OFM's Olebogeng Motse spoke to Cloete to find our more.

There is a sense that the government is significantly scaling up its infrastructure programme and that reforms, including alternative financing arrangements, are taking shape. With that said quick gains are needed to lift infrastructure investment and the mood of contractors. Craig Lemboe Deputy Director at the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) at Stellenbosch University tells us more.

OFM News's Charne van der Merwe spoke to the Free State MEC for Social Development, Mathabo Leeto at the provincial Human Rights Day commemorations at Winburg.

OFM News's Charne van der Merwe spoke to the Free State MEC for Health, Viceroy Mahlatsi, at the provincial Human Rights Day commemorations at Winburg.

OFM News's Charne van der Merwe spoke to the Free State MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Zanele Sifuba, at the provincial Human Rights Day commemorations at Winburg.

The North-West University (NWU) Business School is known for empowering leaders and professionals through innovative, high-quality business education tailored to the unique challenges of both the South African and broader African markets. From executive short courses to specialised leadership programs, the institution plays a critical role in shaping agile and forward-thinking leaders. Morné van d...

MTN has been connecting South Africans for 30 years, but today, they are going a step further in that evolution with the launch of their new brand positioning, which is about enabling real progress and empowering people. Bertus Van Der Vyver MTN General Manager for Residential and Postpaid tells us more.

OFM Inhoudsbestuurder, Elzette Boucher-Kruger, hoor by verkoopsbestuurder van Solar Me Now, Jacques de Villiers, wat die maatskappy als vir klante bied, asook 'n baie spesiale aanbieding.

Wist jy dat die Departement van Werkgelegenheid en Arbeid steeds ouditte op Covid-19 TERS-uitbetalings doen, amper vyf jaar nadat dit uitbetaal is? Die Nasionale Werkgewersvereniging van Suid-Afrika (NEASA) sê hierdie ouditte is ‘n burokratiese nagmerrie. Rona Bekker, NEASA se Beleidsbestuurder, vertel ons meer.

The Business 20 (B20), the official G20 engagement group representing the private sector, is committed to proposing concise and actionable recommendations. Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director of Xpatweb, recently attended the B20 launch in Cape Town and shared her insights on the OFM Business Hour.

With ArcelorMittal said to be closing key steel plants, thousands of workers will be left jobless, and it’s not just about steel - manufacturing, mining, and other traditional sectors are shrinking. Discussing the future of work, is Professor Joseph Sekhampu, Chief Director of the NWU Business School.

Dis die vooraand van die begrotingsrede, en Dr. Arno van Niekerk deel verwagtinge vir Minister van Finansies Enoch Godongwana se toespraak voor die parlement môremiddag. Hy vertel vir OFM-nuushoof Morne van Rooyen meer.

Nashua continues to save time, save money and put customers first by offering cutting-edge Apple products alongside its comprehensive workspace solutions. Rikus Kruger, Shareholder and Sales Director at Nashua Free State, Northern Cape, and Lesotho tells us more.

Looking to study in 2025? Well, whatever your matric results, Eduvos has a place for you. Eduvos is South Africa’s top private higher education institution. Telling us more is the award-winning institution's Bedfordview Campus General Manager, Dr Tony Matchaba-Hove.

Education costs in South Africa remain steep, and as parents grapple with the rising cost of living, even small savings can make a big difference. Sharing valuable insights on how to lighten this load is JustMoney’s Ramokebe Thamage.

Met die aanvang van die 2025-skooljaar gesels OFM-nuussredakteur Morne van Rooyen met Riaan van der Bergh, FEDSAS se adjunk-uitvoerende hoof en hoof van die Sentrum vir Finansies en Risikobestuur, oor die stygende koste van onderwys. Van die bestuur van skole tot fooigebreke en waarde vir geld.

Tourism in the Eastern Free State town of Clarens continues to thrive despite concerns around water supply. Leader of the DA in the province, Roy Jankielsohn, tells the OFM Business Hour that businesses in the town remain vibrant and are delivering “excellent quality service tourists. Water restrictions remain in place and officials are monitoring the situation closely for developments.

OFM presenter, Ashmund Martin, spoke to the Free State MEC for Finance, Tourism and Economic Development, Moses Ketso Makume, during the recent Reconciliation Day celebrations at Gariep Dam. The conversation focused on unlocking the Free State's hidden gems, the role of tourism in the province’s economic growth, and the goals for the future of tourism in the region.