PODCAST: ‘ListenUP!’ – South Africa’s three biggest problems, right now

Mark Barnes and Tim Cohen gallop through the week’s events, offering thoughts, opinions, and perspectives on local and international affairs. Here, they dig into the challenges facing South Africa, with special guest Rob Rose. Also: the future of Currency!
July 14, 2026
1 min read

If you had to isolate the three biggest problems faced by South Africa right now, the quantity and variety of options would be numerous. Poverty, inequality and unemployment are the typical trio mentioned. Merchant banker Mark Barnes, journalist Tim Cohen and special guest Rob Rose make a case for an alternative trio: political parties unable or unwilling to choose the most qualified people; government over-interventionism where it’s unnecessary; and under-interventionism where it is necessary. Do you agree, or not?

Also: the future of Currency!

SPOTIFY

APPLE

ALSO LISTEN:

Sign up to Currency’s weekly newsletters to receive your own bulletin of weekday news and weekend treats. Register here

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Tim Cohen

Tim Cohen is a long-time business journalist, commentator and columnist. He is currently senior editor for Currency. He was previously the editor of Business Day and the Financial Mail, and editor at large for the Daily Maverick.

Mark Barnes

Mark Barnes is a South African businessman, investment banker and entrepreneur. He held senior roles at various institutions including Standard Bank, Capital Alliance and Brait. He is also known as the cofounder of the Purple Group, owner of EasyEquities.

Latest from Opinion

Mine and factory

Beneficiation is not a spell

There’s something to be said for moving from quarry to machine shop. But industrial value chains are built on competitive inputs, not slogans…
Subscribed to Currency

Don't Miss