Rising fuel prices and supply pressures continue to strain emerging businesses and rural economies in South Africa, where limited access to capital and infrastructure remains a major barrier for young entrepreneurs.

Franchising offers structure and support, while independent ownership brings greater flexibility but higher risk. TSS Petroleum Group, a youth-owned fuel distribution company based in Kuruman in the Northern Cape, is working to improve fuel access in rural areas and highlight the role of entrepreneurship in building economic resilience.

Mpho Sithole spoke to Faith Madoda, founder of TSS Petroleum and a young entrepreneur, to unpack these issues and share practical insight.

Rising fuel prices and supply pressures continue to strain emerging businesses and rural economies in South Africa, where limited access to capital and infrastructure remains a major barrier for young entrepreneurs.
Franchising offers structure and support, while independent ownership brings greater flexibility but higher risk. TSS Petroleum Group, a youth-owned fuel distribution company based in Kuruman in the Northern Cape, is working to improve fuel access in rural areas and highlight the role of entrepreneurship in building economic resilience.
Mpho Sithole spoke to Faith Madoda, founder of TSS Petroleum and a young entrepreneur, to unpack these issues and share practical insight.

An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day’s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.

An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day&rsquo;s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.

Africa Hour

Africa World Hour 

Rising fuel prices strains emerging businesses, rural economies

U.S. President Donald Trump says Iran will have to "pay the price" following reports that Iran responded to U.S. strikes with a wave of attacks targeting American assets across the Middle East.

 The escalation has intensified tensions and raised fears of a broader regional conflict, threatening an already fragile and increasingly unstable ceasefire between the two sides.

 To unpack the strategic implications, regional risks, and what this means for global stability going forward, Mpho Sithole spoke to Amir Bagherioromi, a South African Iranian independent political analyst and writer focusing on Iran, the Middle East, and global power dynamics.

U.S. President Donald Trump says Iran will have to "pay the price" following reports that Iran responded to U.S. strikes with a wave of attacks targeting American assets across the Middle East.
&nbsp;The escalation has intensified tensions and raised fears of a broader regional conflict, threatening an already fragile and increasingly unstable ceasefire between the two sides.
&nbsp;To unpack the strategic implications, regional risks, and what this means for global stability going forward, Mpho Sithole spoke to Amir Bagherioromi, a South African Iranian independent political analyst and writer focusing on Iran, the Middle East, and global power dynamics.

Renewed threats between US President Donald Trump, Iran

Across many regions, including Southern Africa and parts of Europe, migration has become a flashpoint for social unrest, political contestation, and economic anxiety. Yet, there is a growing argument that the long-term solution lies not in reactionary measures, but in strengthening democratic institutions, building inclusive economies, and fostering dialogue across borders.

The question is whether governments are doing enough to address the root causes of migration and whether current responses are sustainable in the face of rising pressure. 

Mpho Sithole spoke to Dr Tendai Mbanje from the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria.

Across many regions, including Southern Africa and parts of Europe, migration has become a flashpoint for social unrest, political contestation, and economic anxiety. Yet, there is a growing argument that the long-term solution lies not in reactionary measures, but in strengthening democratic institutions, building inclusive economies, and fostering dialogue across borders.
The question is whether governments are doing enough to address the root causes of migration and whether current responses are sustainable in the face of rising pressure.&nbsp;
Mpho Sithole spoke to Dr Tendai Mbanje from the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria.

Migration becomes flashpoint for social unrest, political contestation, economic anxiety

As climate change pressures intensify and the need to cut carbon emissions becomes more urgent, Nigeria is taking a closer look at one of its biggest but often overlooked contributors to pollution, petrol and diesel generators.

With millions of households and businesses relying on self-generation due to unreliable grid power, the environmental and health impacts are significant. Now, leaders from across energy, finance and government are convening in Lagos for the inaugural Nigeria Solar Generator Day, focusing on how the country can transition to cleaner, renewable alternatives.

Mpho Sithole spoke to Jonathan Clowes, part of the ZE-Gen and wider energy access team at the Carbon Trust.

As climate change pressures intensify and the need to cut carbon emissions becomes more urgent, Nigeria is taking a closer look at one of its biggest but often overlooked contributors to pollution, petrol and diesel generators.
With millions of households and businesses relying on self-generation due to unreliable grid power, the environmental and health impacts are significant. Now, leaders from across energy, finance and government are convening in Lagos for the inaugural Nigeria Solar Generator Day, focusing on how the country can transition to cleaner, renewable alternatives.
Mpho Sithole spoke to Jonathan Clowes, part of the ZE-Gen and wider energy access team at the Carbon Trust.

Rising fuel prices strains emerging businesses, rural economies

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