Bongani Bingwa speaks to Steve Gruzd from the South African Institute of International Affairs about how rising global conflict could affect South Africa’s already fragile economic recovery. The country’s economy grew by just 0.4% in the final quarter of 2025, a slight improvement from 0.3% in the previous quarter. In his recent budget speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana expressed optimism that South Africa is beginning to turn a corner, pointing to stronger-than-expected tax revenue, progress in tackling large-scale corruption, and the country’s removal from the grey list. But renewed global conflict and the uncertainty surrounding oil supply and prices could complicate those projections. With the world’s major economies in the Group of Seven also grappling with the economic consequences of war, the conversation examines whether countries like South Africa have any real influence over global shocks or are simply forced to react to them.

702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station.  

Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day 

Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa 

Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj 

For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T 
 
Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc 

Follow us on social media: 
 
702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 

702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 

702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 
702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 
702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio7