BN Daybreak 12 Feb 2026 - Malema v O'Sullivan; Great R300 FMD vaccine rip-off; Gun law warning

In this explosive edition of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg unpacks two major confrontations shaking South Africa. First, Saai’s Dr Theo de Jager exposes what he calls a "Covid-style" scam in the agricultural sector—alleging that cronies are charging farmers R300 for Foot-and-mouth disease vaccines that should cost just R55. He argues the State is using "biosecurity" as a smokescreen for profit-gouging and control.Then, we take you inside Parliament for a fiery showdown between EFF leader Julius Malema and forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan, where accusations of espionage and fake qualifications flew across the committee room.Also in this episode:Gun Law Warning: Jonathan Deal of Safe Citizen explains why new legislation could leave vulnerable South Africans defenceless.Market Wrap: Capitec’s muted reaction to strong numbers, Sasol’s rise, and why the US is cosying up to Venezuelan oil.Global Shifts: Tension in Iran and a quiet day on Wall Street.Listen now for the context you need to win the day..Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here.Support South Africa’s bastion of independent journalism, offering balanced insights on investments, business, and the political economy, by joining BizNews Premium. Register here.If you prefer WhatsApp for updates, sign up to the BizNews channel here..Watch here.Listen here.BizNews Reporter.The latest edition of BizNews Daybreak delivered a hard-hitting look at the intersection of local governance failures and shifting global dynamics. From a burgeoning vaccine scandal in South Africa’s agricultural sector to high-stakes diplomacy in Washington and Caracas, the broadcast highlighted a world in flux, where ideological agendas often collide with practical realities.The Agricultural Vaccine "Scam"One of the morning’s most explosive segments featured Dr Theo de Jager, Executive Chairman of the Southern African Agri Initiative (SAAI). De Jager uncovered what he described as a "vaccine scam of COVID-19 proportions" involving the Department of Agriculture.At the heart of the controversy is Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), which has reached crisis levels across South Africa. De Jager alleged that Department cronies are profit-gouging by controlling the supply of life-saving vaccines. While manufacturers state these ampoules can be landed on farms for approximately R55, the government is reportedly charging R300 per dose. This 445% markup is occurring while the state allegedly blocks private farmers from vaccinating their own herds, a move De Jager argues is crippling the industry and threatening national food security.Parliamentary Showdown: Malema vs O’SullivanDomestic politics took center stage with yesterday's high-tension confrontation in Parliament between EFF leader Julius Malema and private investigator Paul O’Sullivan. Testifying before an ad hoc committee, O’Sullivan faced aggressive questioning from Malema, who sought to challenge his credibility. The session reportedly grew so heated that O'Sullivan threatened to withdraw his cooperation, insisting he was present to provide evidence on national security matters rather than be "interrogated".Trump’s Global Energy and Security PlayThe international segment focused on the sweeping energy policies of the Trump administration. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright is currently in Venezuela to assess oil fields following a historic energy deal aimed at restoring prosperity to the region. Simultaneously, President Trump signed an Executive Order prioritizing "beautiful, clean coal" for US military installations, asserting that coal is essential for grid reliability and national defense.In Washington, a three-hour meeting between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded with Trump reiterating his preference for a new nuclear deal with Iran. However, the President issued a stern warning, referencing the "Midnight Hammer" strikes of June 2025 as a reminder of the consequences should negotiations fail.The Ideological Battle Over FirearmsThe broadcast concluded with a critical analysis of the ANC’s proposed Firearms Control Amendment Bill. Critics, including Jonathan Deal, argue the bill is "ideologically inspired" and ignores the reality of public safety.The legislation seeks to further restrict lawful firearm ownership, a move opponents say focuses on law-abiding citizens rather than the criminal syndicates often armed by corrupt state officials. This debate remains particularly poignant following the July 2021 unrest, where legal gun owners played a pivotal role in community protection when state security was absent.As Alec Hogg noted, these developments suggest a government more focused on "antique ideology" than the practical safety and prosperity of its citizens.

BN Daybreak 12 Feb 2026 - Malema v O'Sullivan; Great R300 FMD vaccine rip-off; Gun law warning

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