Watch "490,000 Votes Wins Joburg” — Helen Zille’s 2026 Playbook"...

 LIVE from the State of the Nation Breakfast: Helen Zille responds to Sandile Swana and lays out the uncomfortable truth about local government in South Africa.

Coalitions without thresholds are turning metros into hostage situations.

She explains why one-seat parties can hold mayors to ransom, why the ANC tried to change the system to “lose but still win”, and why Johannesburg has become a criminal sphere of government.

Then she gives the DA’s 2026 plan in one number: 490,000 voters showing up and voting DA on both ballots.

Watch the Video and make your own choices - Chris Wilkinson

Watch "BNC#8: Hersov on Trump resets the world order, China and the ANC’s “strategic blunder”...

At BNC#8, Rob Hersov delivers a fiery keynote, arguing that South Africa is drifting dangerously off course as the global balance of power shifts back toward the West. From America’s renewed dominance to China’s cracks and Russia’s weakness,

Hersov warns that the ANC has aligned with the wrong players at the worst possible time.

His message is blunt: geopolitical reality is changing fast, and South Africa risks paying a heavy price for ignoring it.

Watch the video and decide for yourself - Chris Wilkinson.

Watch "BNC#8: Dr Iraj Abedian explains Iran’s crisis, the fall of a regime and what comes next"...

In a powerful and deeply personal keynote at BizNews Conference #8, economist Iraj Abedian unpacks the historical roots of the crisis unfolding in Iran.

Arguing that the conflict is not merely geopolitical but the culmination of decades of repression by the Islamic regime.

Drawing on his own experience of Iran and decades of economic insight, Abedian explores the forces driving the war, the humanitarian consequences for the Iranian people and the potential ripple effects on global energy markets, geopolitics and South Africa’s own foreign policy choices.

Watch the video and decide for yourself.

Chris Wilkinson.

Watch "BNC#8: Dawie Roodt warns SA’s “parasitic state” is choking growth and bankrupting taxpayers"...

 At BizNews Conference BNC#8 in Hermanus, Efficient Group chief economist Dawie Roodt delivers a blunt assessment of South Africa’s economy.

Warning that a bloated state, runaway debt, and failing institutions like Eskom are suffocating growth.

While financial markets briefly showed optimism after policy shifts such as a lower inflation target, Roodt argues that structural problems remain severe.

With civil servant wages consuming a huge share of the economy and government debt racing toward 80% of GDP, he says South Africa risks deeper stagnation unless the state is radically reformed.

Watch the video, and make up your own mind.

With very best wishes,

Chris Wilkinson.

Do the Work Before You Complain...

 It is very easy to complain. In fact, complaining has become almost a habit in modern life.

We complain about the government. About our towns and cities. About services. About organisations. And about the people around us.

Sometimes those complaints are justified.

Things do go wrong. Standards do drop. Promises are not always kept.

But there is a simple question we should ask ourselves before we complain:

Have we done the work?

It is easy to stand on the sidelines and criticise.

It is much harder to get involved, to contribute, and to help make things better.

Real change seldom comes from those who only complain.

It usually comes from people who roll up their sleeves and get to work.

If we want better communities, we need people who are willing to participate in them.

If we want better organisations, we need people who are prepared to contribute to them.

If we want better leadership, we must also be better citizens.

Complaining alone achieves very little.

Work, however, produces results.

When people volunteer their time, progress begins.

It may be slow at first, but it is real.

There is also something else that happens when we do the work first.

Our complaints carry more weight.

When someone who has contributed or helped speaks up about a problem, people tend to listen.

They know that person is not simply complaining from the sidelines.

They are speaking from experience. They have earned the right to be heard.

But when someone complains loudly, their words often carry very little influence.

A healthy society depends on participation.

It depends on people who are willing to take responsibility and play their part.

So before we complain about what others are not doing, ask ourselves one simple question:

Have we done the work first?

Because in the end, progress is not built by those who complain the most.

It is built by those who are willing to do the work.

With very best wishes,

Chris Wilkinson.

Watch "IAN CAMERON: How Corruption Is Fueling Gang Violence In South Africa" on the Truth Report...

In this explosive interview, Ian Cameron reveals what REALLY happened during the violent attack in Philippi — and why South Africa’s crime crisis is worse than most people realise.

Truth Report host Joe Emilio sits down with Cameron to unpack the brutal reality of gang violence, corruption inside the policing system, and the growing debate around gun ownership in South Africa. Cameron describes how attackers smashed into his vehicle with bricks, severely injuring him and his colleague, before he was forced to defend himself with a firearm.

The incident highlights a deeper crisis: collapsing prosecution rates, rampant gang activity, and a policing system many believe is failing ordinary citizens. The conversation also dives into: • Why gangs dominate large parts of the Cape Flats • How corruption inside the system fuels organised crime • Why conviction rates for illegal firearms are shockingly low • The truth behind proposed gun law amendments • Whether disarming citizens could make South Africa more dangerous With nearly three murders per hour in the country and violent crime continuing to rise, this interview asks the hard question:

Who is really responsible for the collapse of public safety? This is a conversation every South African needs to hear.

Watch the video and decide for yourself. Chris Wilkinson

BizNews Conference: New US envoy Brent Bozell’s first public address in SA: Trade, trust and tough truths...

In his first public address since arriving in South Africa, new US Ambassador Brent Bozell delivered a candid keynote that mixed optimism about the country’s economic potential with sharp warnings about the direction of bilateral relations.

Speaking to the BizNews Conference audience and later in a short Q&A with Alec Hogg, Bozell praised South Africa’s entrepreneurial depth, financial sophistication and strategic importance to Washington, while arguing that policy uncertainty, BEE-related ownership requirements, expropriation fears, rural safety concerns and Pretoria’s alignment with adversaries such as Iran are undermining investor confidence.

He pointed to major recent US investments by Visa, Google, Microsoft and Amazon as proof of America’s long-term commitment.

But, he stressed that stronger ties will depend on reciprocity, clearer rules and a more level playing field.

His core message: the US still sees South Africa as a potentially important partner, but patience is wearing thin and the moment calls for candour, reform and renewed non-alignment.

Watch the video and decide for yourself. Chris Wilkinson.

Accountability Begins With Us...

It's easy to point fingers.

It's easy to complain about politicians, officials, neighbours, employers, or even family members.

We often say, “They must be held accountable.” And that is true.

Any healthy society depends on accountability.

But there is a question we do not always ask ourselves:

How can we hold others to account if we are not accountable ourselves?

Accountability is not something we can demand only from others.

• It is something we must practice in our own lives first.
• If we expect honesty, we must be honest.
• If we expect hard work, we must work hard.
• If we expect integrity, we must live with integrity.

Otherwise, our words carry very little weight.

It is much easier to see the faults of others than to see our own.

We notice when leaders fail to keep promises, but do we always keep ours?

We complain when services are poor, but do we always do our part as citizens?

We want organisations to be transparent, but are we always truthful in our own dealings?

Real accountability starts with personal responsibility.

When we take responsibility for our own actions, something changes.

We speak with more authority because we know we are trying to live by the same standards we expect from others.

People may not always agree with us, but they will respect us.

There is strength in saying, “I am not perfect, but I am doing my part.”

• Communities become stronger when individuals accept this principle.
• A town improves when its residents care enough to get involved.
• A workplace improves when employees take pride in what they do.
• A country improves when citizens participate, vote, volunteer, and contribute.

Accountability is not only about demanding better leadership.

It is about becoming better people.

Before we ask, “Why are they not doing their job?” we should also ask, “Am I doing mine?”

This does not mean we should stop holding others responsible.

We should insist on accountability from those in positions of power.

But our voices are stronger when we can say that we are trying to live by the same rules.

If we want a better society, the place to start is not in parliament, not in city hall, not in someone else’s office.

The place to start is with ourselves.

With very best wishes,

Chris Wilkinson.
Messenger of Hope.

A Must Read for ALL South Afri-CANs...

 Click the Pic to download your Free Copy from Bonsai Shongwe.

With very best wishes

Chris Wilkinson.

Messenger of Hope.

The TRUTH that No One is Telling us About the US-Israel vs Iran War with Bonsai Shongwe...

Operation Epic Fury.

• Ayatollah Khamenei killed.
• Iran retaliates against Israel and Gulf States.
• NATO suddenly rallies behind President Donald Trump.

But what’s really going on? In this video, Bonsai Shongwe breaks down the U.S. strike on Iran, the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Iran’s missile response, and the surprising shift from NATO leaders including the U.K., Germany, France, and others.

We look at President Trump’s position, European support, Keir Starmer’s decision on British bases, and how global media narratives are shaping the story. Then we examine South Africa’s response, including President Cyril Ramaphosa’s condemnation of the strikes, and contrast it with reactions from Iranian citizens celebrating abroad — from London to Los Angeles to Melbourne.

• Is this about justice?
• Is this about regime change?
• Is this about oil, China, and global hegemony?
• Or is this something deeper?

Most importantly, what does this mean for South Africa? In my biblical reaction, I unpack Leviticus
Iran retaliates against Israel and Gulf States. NATO suddenly rallies behind President Donald Trump. But what’s really going on? In my biblical reaction, I unpack Leviticus 19:15:

“Do not be partial to the poor or show favouritism to the great, but judge your neighbour fairly.” We are often taught to judge conflicts through the lens of weak versus strong, poor versus mighty.

But Scripture teaches something different: judge by right and wrong. This matters for the Middle East. But it matters even more for South Africa. If we want South Africa to prosper, we must reject both “might makes right” and “strong makes wrong.”

Right is right. Wrong is wrong. Watch until the end and ask yourself one question:

Do you judge your neighbour fairly?

Watch the video, and make up your own mind! Chris Wilkinson.

FREE Download of The Soft Life (3 Secrets Comrades Don't Want You to Know) https://www.bonsaigroup.co.za/the-soft-life-free-download

With very best wishes,

Chris Wilkinson.

Messenger of Hope.

There Are No Jobs Out There - But There Is a Lot of Work...

 Everywhere you go, you hear the same complaint:

“There are no jobs.”

Young people say it. Older people say it. Newspapers repeat it. Politicians debate it.

And in many ways, it’s true.

Formal employment is scarce. Companies are cutting back. Governments are stretched.

The traditional path — finish school, get a job, stay there for years — no longer works for everyone.

But here is something we don’t talk about enough:

There may not be many jobs… but there is a tremendous amount of work.

Look around your town or city. 

• There are potholes that need filling.

• Elderly people who need assistance.

• Children who need tutoring.

• Gardens that need tending.

• Websites that need building.

• Businesses that need social media help.

• Communities that need cleaning and organising.

• Homes that need painting.

• People who need encouragement.

Work is everywhere.

What’s missing is NOT work. What’s missing is someone willing to see it differently.

A job is something someone gives you. Work is something you find. Or create.

A job comes with a title and a salary structure. Work often starts with initiative.

We have been conditioned to wait. Wait for the advertisement. Wait for the interview. Wait for approval.

But the world is changing. Those who move ahead are those who stop waiting.

Instead of asking, “Who will hire me?” ask, “What needs doing around me?”

Instead of saying, “There are no jobs,” say, “Where can I be useful?”

That shift in thinking changes everything.

It may begin small.

• Washing cars on a Saturday. 
• Fixing computers. 
• Cutting grass. 
• Running errands. 
• Starting a small online service. 
• Helping local businesses with tasks they don’t have time for. 
• Selling a skill you already have.

None of this may look like a “proper job” at first.

But every established business began as someone doing work that needed to be done.

Work builds reputation. Work builds confidence. Work builds relationships.

Work builds income. Slowly at first, then steadily.

Of course, this does not remove the real challenges of unemployment.

It does not excuse poor economic policy or lack of growth.

But while those larger issues are debated, we still have choices.

We can sit and wait for a job. Or we can go looking for work.

There is dignity in work, even when it is small.

There is power in being useful.

And there is hope in taking action instead of surrendering to despair.

The truth is this:

• There are no jobs out there. If we only look for jobs.
• But there is work everywhere. If we are willing to see it.

And sometimes, the person who goes out and does the work ends up creating the job.

With very best wishes,

Chris Wilkinson.

Harvesting Success: Dr Ivan Meyer on the Western Cape - Ep 31 Democratic Alliance Podcast...

In this episode of the DA Podcast, we sit down with Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, and Federal Chairperson of the Democratic Alliance.

We unpack how the DA-run Western Cape is driving economic growth, job creation and investment, while supporting key sectors like agriculture and tourism in a tough national climate. Dr Meyer also reflects on his role within the DA, the party’s direction ahead of upcoming congresses, and what’s at stake as South Africa moves closer to the 2026 local government elections. From governance to party leadership, this is a wide-ranging conversation about delivery, accountability, and what it takes to make government work.

Watch Mayor Of Cape Town Geordin Hill-Lewis Talking Sense with Gabriel Makin...

Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, joined Gabriel Makin to talk about Cape Town and South Africa.

The conversation looks at his successes in the city, what challenges he has faced.

And then transitions to a discussion on what is needed to make South Africa successful.

FRANS CRONJE: Changes Rob's mind? Can the GNU Actually Save South Africa's Economy?

 

In this hard-hitting conversation, Rob Hersov and Frans Cronje unpack the real strategic equation facing South Africa.

Beyond the headlines and doom narratives, we examine voter psychology, ANC decline, MK and EFF momentum, fixed investment rates, electricity myths, deindustrialisation, corruption, and whether real reform is actually possible.

• Is the economy stuck at “care and maintenance” growth?
• Can fixed investment rise to 25% and unlock 4–5% GDP growth?
• Is BEE reform finally negotiable?
• Are young professionals better off staying and seizing opportunity in a skills-short market?
• And what does South Africa’s foreign policy gamble mean for investment?
• This is not blind optimism.

It’s a sober look at the political and economic math.

If you're politically engaged, building a business, investing, or deciding whether to emigrate — this conversation matters.

South Africa’s Economic Reset: AI Boom, Stablecoins, Inflation Target Shift...

Dawie Roodt breaks down what’s actually happening in the economy, and why South Africa is sitting on growth potential it refuses to unlock.

He covers the global shift in growth driven by AI, the rise of stablecoins (including a new rand stablecoin), why inflation targeting matters for the rand, and why South Africa’s biggest brake on growth is still politics.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Why economic growth is the single number that changes everything • The 200-year growth “exception” and why the next wave could be even bigger (AI) • Why manufactured goods keep getting cheaper — and why services get pricier • Money is evolving again: stablecoins vs central bank digital currencies • The rand stablecoin (“ZARU”) and why exchange controls could become irrelevant • World economy snapshot: US strong, India rising, China weaker than official numbers • Trump’s world: why AGOA matters and why SA can’t afford to pick fights • ANC ideology is 100 years old — and its policies still reflect that • Cadre deployment = incompetence, plus corruption = stagnation • Why the rand strengthened: lower inflation target + lower volatility • Why markets improved doesn’t mean the real economy is fixed • “BEE” vs real empowerment: education, safety, opportunity — not “billionaire empowerment” • Debt warning: ~R5 trillion, narrow tax base, SARS pressure • The bottom line: SA can grow 3–5%… but not with the ANC dominating

Click the pic below to watch the video.

Wilko's Weekly: I Do What I Do Because It Makes Me Feel Good...

 People sometimes ask why I write.

Why I post messages of hope. Why I keep going, week after week.

The honest answer is simple:

I do what I do because it makes me feel good.

That may sound selfish at first.

Shouldn’t we do things for others?

Shouldn’t we be motivated by service, duty, or obligation?

Yes ! But here is something we don’t talk about enough:

• Doing good feels good.

• Encouraging someone lifts the encourager.

• Sharing hope strengthens the one who shares it.

• Writing positive words plants those words in the reader’s mind.

• But also in the writer’s heart.

When I sit down to write something uplifting, I feel better.

• My thinking becomes clearer.

• My mood shifts.

• My perspective improves.

• I am reminded of what really matters.

In a world where so much noise pulls us downward, choosing to focus on what is good is not just helpful.

It is healing.

And here’s the interesting part:

• When you do something that makes you feel good (without harming anyone), that goodness spreads.

• A kind word offered freely.

• A thoughtful message shared.

• A reminder that things are not as dark as they seem.

• These small acts ripple outward. But they also ripple inward.

We are often told to chase happiness as if it were a prize somewhere out there.

In truth, happiness often arrives as a by-product.

It comes when we contribute. When we create. When we give.

I don’t write because I have all the answers.

I don’t post because I am trying to be important.

I do it because when I send a positive message I feel much better.

It steadies me.

At my stage of life, I have learned something simple:

If something honest and constructive makes you feel good, do more of it.

• Not for applause.

• Not for recognition.

• Not for money.

• But because it also strengthens your own spirit.

And that is reason enough.

If what you do makes you feel good, and leaves the world a little lighter, then keep doing it.

Our World needs more of that.

With very best wishes,

Chris Wilkinson.

Why I Belong to (and Support) One Political Party...

 I am a member of a political party, and I donate to it as well.

I do this deliberately, and for a simple reason.

If I expect a political party to work for me, I must first be willing to belong to it and support it.

This idea isn’t unique to politics. We accept it quite naturally in other parts of life.

If you belong to a sports club, you pay membership fees.

If you’re part of a community organisation, you contribute time, money, or both.

These contributions keep the organisation alive, active, and able to serve its members.

Without them, the club or organisation simply cannot function.

A political party is no different.

Political parties do not exist in a vacuum.

They need offices, volunteers, administration, communication, and the ability to organise and campaign.

All of this costs money and effort.

When members contribute financially, they are not “buying influence”. They are sharing responsibility.

Belonging also matters.

Membership is not just a card or a name on a list. It is a signal of commitment.

It says, I care enough about this vision, these values, and this direction to be part of it.

It also gives members a stronger voice, because real influence comes from taking part.

Not from standing on the sidelines and complaining.

We expect political parties to deliver results while keeping our distance from them.

We criticise, complain, and demand change.

But without engaging, joining, or contributing.

That approach weakens democracy rather than strengthening it.

Supporting a political party through membership and donations is a form of civic responsibility.

It is an acknowledgement that democracy is not a spectator sport.

If we want better governance, we must help to build what makes it possible.

Just like a sports club or a community organisation.

A political party works best when its members are invested.

Not only emotionally or ideologically, but practically as well.

In short, I belong, and I donate because I believe responsibility goes hand in hand with expectation.

If I want the party to work for me, I must be willing to support and contribute to it.

With very best wishes,

Chris Wilkinson.

Helen Zille - Talking Sense with Gabriel Makin...

Chairperson of The DA Federal Executive and Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille joined Gabriel Makin to talk about:

• Johannesburg,
• the Race for Mayor,
• the ideology of the DA,
• and the difference between the ANC and DA.

We Don’t Have to Be Experts to Give Advice...

One reason many people stay silent is that they believe they are “not qualified” to speak.

We tell ourselves that our opinions don’t matter.

Unless we have degrees, titles, or years of formal experience,

So we hold back, even when we’ve learned something the hard way.

But life doesn’t work like that. 

Some of the most valuable advice does not come from "experts".

It comes from ordinary people.

Those who have lived, struggled, failed, tried again, and learned a few lessons along the way.

Experience, not expertise, is often what makes advice useful.

You don’t need to be a mechanic to warn someone that ignoring strange noises in their car is a bad idea.

You don’t need to be a financial adviser to say that living beyond your means causes stress.

And you don’t need to be a psychologist to say that kindness, patience, and listening can make a difference.

What matters is honesty.

Good advice is not about pretending to know everything.

It’s about saying, “This is what I’ve learned,” or “This is what worked for me”.

Or even, “This is what I wish I had known earlier.”

That kind of advice doesn’t lecture. It Shares.

Of course, there are times when expert advice is essential.

We should not replace doctors, engineers, or legal professionals with guesswork.

But much of everyday life is not about technical expertise.

It’s about choices, attitudes, habits, and values.

And on those things, many of us are well qualified.

We should also remember that advice does not have to be perfect to be helpful.

Sometimes a simple reminder, a word of encouragement, or a gentle warning is enough.

The listener can decide what to accept and what to ignore.

When we silence ourselves because we think we are “not experts,” we lose something valuable.

Shared Wisdom.

Communities grow stronger when people talk about what they have learned.

Not when everyone waits for permission to speak.

So if you have learned something useful, say it.

Share it humbly, without claiming authority.

Offer it, not as a command, but as a contribution.

You don’t have to be an expert to give advice.

You just have to be honest, thoughtful, and willing to help.

I hope this article helps you a little.

With very best wishes,

Chris Wilkinson.

Is your Retirement something to look forward to?

 Retirement - after working most of our adult lives, we now face the daunting prospect.

No more managers to tell us what to do. No more clocking in or out.

Our time is, at long last, our own. What are we going to do with it?

Even though we may have saved enough for our later years, there's always something that crops up to rock the boat.

Keeping busy is the most important.

If not for the money, for our own health and peace of mind.

Here are just a few tips, gathered from many sources, to help in your plans:

Live within your means.

Try to stick to a budget.

Only buy what you need, when you need it. IF you need it at all.

Buying just because it's on "special" is a waste of money.

Buying anything in bulk eats cash flow.

You may need that cash for something else very soon. An emergency.

Don't buy what you cannot afford to. Never use credit to buy instant gratification stuff.

In fact, never buy anything on credit. It will always bounce back to hurt you.

More so in your later years.

Travel.

If you can afford it, make up for all those holidays you missed out on because of work.

Visit friends and family you haven't seen for a long time.

Especially kids and grandchildren.

Make the most of them while you can.

Or take a cruise. It'll do wonders for you.

Fix up the house.

You've got the time now.

Fix all those irritating things you've put off for years.

Or paid someone else to do.

You can save a great deal of money by doing it yourself, while improving the value of the house.

For the day you sell and move to the retirement village.

There are so many things we can do. We just have to do them.

The most important thing is that we enjoy our Retirement!

Happy Days!

With very best wishes,

Chris Wilkinson.