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Articles by Mark Barnes
PODCAST: ‘ListenUP!’ – Fifa’s fables, foibles and fraud
How do sport and money mix? Like oil and water. It’s such a difficult balance to get right; sports can generate enormous turnover and need the cash to support development and pay the players. But if you go too far, you lose sight of the public and the ethic. So it’s turning out for Fifa, despite a fabulous world cup. Talk about an own goal! Merchant banker Mark Barnes and journalist Tim Cohen discuss this issue, and its much less benign distant cousin, war.
PODCAST: ‘ListenUP’ – should the PIC be closed down?
Since the Public Investment Corporation, the nominal investor of more than R3-trillion in retirement savings of the entire civil service, now has no board or permanent CEO, not to mention a broadly poor investment record, would this not be a great time to do away with it entirely and hand the mandate to the professionals? Merchant banker Mark Barnes and journalist Tim Cohen discuss this issue with special guest and free-market proponent Leon Louw.
PODCAST: ‘ListenUP!’ – the meaning of sport
This weekend has seen a feast of sporting events, and your hosts, merchant banker Mark Barnes and journalist Tim Cohen, dissect the soccer, the tennis and the rugby … deciding who should have won and who should not. Juuuuust kidding. We talk about how decision-making at the peak of sporting events can be hobbled by too much mind. And there is that other sport, the Public Investment Corporation, and its seeming inability to function properly.
South Africa, we are in terminal trouble
Four years ago, almost to the day, I wrote a column titled “Multiple Organ Failure”, in which I suggested that South Africa was approaching a failed state. It seems I was over-reacting to the circumstances that prevailed then, and here we are, still surviving, after a fashion. We’re a resilient bunch, us South Africans; I’d back us against any other nation, and not only on the rugby field.
PODCAST: ‘ListenUP!’ – South Africa’s three biggest problems, right now
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.
PODCAST: ‘ListenUP!’ – festooned with festivities
The Durban July, Opera at La Scala and the Soccer World Cup: we are festooned with festivities, and we discuss them! Merchant banker Mark Barnes and journalist Tim Cohen are joined by arts writer and enthusiast extraordinaire Sarah Buitendach to talk about some of the amazing events of our time, and artists in general. Also, if it’s okay for presidents to second-guess referees, where were you when you were needed, Mr Ramaphosa?
PODCAST: ‘ListenUp’ – xenophobia in South Africa
The terrible prospect of xenophobic violence is once again afflicting South Africa this week, dragging Mzansi into the fraught global political issue of immigration. Having the national soccer side booed in the US by other African nations at the World Cup is deeply sad, but, then again, so is struggling to find a job back home. Merchant banker Mark Barnes and journalist Tim Cohen wrestle with the issue, offering some ideas on a subject that has many aspects and few obvious solutions.
Tasar TT at Whitstable Yacht Club Original
Tasar TT at Whitstable Yacht Club by Mark Barnes 3 Jun 10:04 BST The first Tasar TT of 2026 over the weekend shared with the Merlin Rockets. One that locals and travellers alike were looking forward to. The gremlin in the pile was to prove to be SE Water. Over the week leading into the event, water supplies in Whitstable, Herne Bay and surrounding villages had been sporadic at best. Hitting the national news, competitors were following updates with interest.
PODCAST: How do you start investing in art?
Is investing in art actually an investment, or just a pleasure posing as a share portfolio? In this week’s ListenUP! merchant banker and artist Mark Barnes discusses this, the art scene, and whether Picasso’s work will eventually become valuable with journalist and art critic Tim Cohen. Special guest Susie Goodman, executive director of auctioneers Strauss & Co, joins in order to add some actual knowledge to the discussion.
Who wants to be Joburg mayor?
If you were about to take over as the CEO of a major enterprise with a R90bn budget, wouldn’t you do some due diligence before applying for the job? You’d want to know (in some detail) what you’re dealing with, who you report to, what their plans are and who your team is likely to be. Most importantly, though, you’d want to know that you’re joining a going concern with a future – and, if it’s broken now, you’d want to agree on what it will take to fix it, and whether it can be fixed at all.
PODCAST: South Africa’s agricultural sector is blooming
South Africa’s agricultural exports could well hit record levels in 2026, surpassing even a spectacular 2025, despite Donald Trump’s tariff cadenza last year. Merchant banker Mark Barnes and journalist Tim Cohen discuss this, and other matters agricultural, with special guest Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz. Amid the deluge of bad news confronting both the country and the world – and the deluge of rainfall across much of South Africa – this is a fabulous turn-up for the books.
PODCAST: On foreign affairs and the longevity of Larry the Cat
What is happening to the world? Literally. It turns out that foreign affairs are much more complicated than you might imagine – even when they don’t involve an Italian lover. To find out more, Merchant banker Mark Barnes and journalist Tim Cohen talk to special guest journalist and foreign affairs correspondent Linda van Tilburg about why the 10 Downing Street cat Larry seems to have more chance of maintaining his domicile than other recent residents.
PODCAST: The prime minister, the president, and the lettuce
With South Africa’s unemployment rate up again, among many other problems, to what extent has local politics reached its nadir? To put it another way, is the political system capable of achieving the needs and requirements of the population – both locally and in the world? Yes, say investment banker Mark Barnes and special guest Ann Bernstein, head of the Centre for Development and Enterprise. Journalist Tim Cohen is, as always, more sceptical. And dentistry!
Urgent telegram for the auditor-general
I only heard on Workers’ Day about the opinion piece “Barnes Gets it Wrong” (Financial Mail, April 23-29) by Anoosh Rooplal and Juanito Damons, the business rescue practitioners (BRPs) appointed to the South African Post Office. Apt, perhaps, as it is the workers at the post office who have suffered most.
PODCAST: The trappings of debt. Literally
What does it mean for you and your investments that global public sector debt has now breached the $100-trillion mark, and by the end of the decade government debt will probably reach 100% of global GDP? It’s confusing. Debt is a facility, a promise, a tool, a shock absorber … and a trap door. Merchant banker Mark Barnes and journalist Tim Cohen discussed this topic with special guest Rob Rose. Also running. Not us. Other people.
PODCAST: The tyranny of mediocrity
To unravel, as much as we can, a chaotic world at the moment, merchant banker Mark Barnes and journalist Tim Cohen draw on the services of Special Guest Iraj Abedian, economist and thinker extraordinaire for this episode of ListenUP! The consequences of the widening war in the Middle East are hard to predict, but one thing is very clear: we are surrounded by the tyranny of mediocrity, locally and internationally.
PODCAST: The great South African reboot
Look just a little under the surface, and big changes are starting to take place in South Africa. From the introduction of the private sector into Transnet to the competitive dynamics of the contest for Joburg, the times they are a-changin’ – at last. Merchant banker Mark Barnes and journalist Tim Cohen discussed these and other changes with Special Guest! the leader of Rise Mzansi and chair of the standing committee on public accounts, Songezo Zibi. Also, are you in favour or against Starlink?
PODCAST: The war and the markets
What will the effects and consequences be for the conflicts developing in the Middle East? Big questions! And what does Machiavelli have to do with it? Merchant banker Mark Barnes and journalist Tim Cohen attempt to answer these questions, this week with special guest Giulietta Talevi! Also, the dark side of the moon. ALSO SEE: PODCAST: Patrice Motsepe for president! PODCAST: Trump’s America: The mess is the point Iran: The strategic winners and losers, so far Top image: Rawpixel/Currency collage.
B14s in the Allspars Final Fling 2025 at Royal Western Yacht Club
B14s in the Allspars Final Fling 2025 at Royal Western Yacht Club by Mark Barnes 16 Oct 14:49 PDT The B14 bandwagon spent the week before the AllSpars Final Fling following the forecasts with great interest. Some inland events were cancelled due to predicted lack of wind. Some took place and the wind was scarce. However, Plymouth Sound promised a force 2 - 4 from the East - SE over Mountbatten and Hooe heights.
North Sails Seavolution B14 Nationals 2025 at Mumbles Yacht Club - Day 2 Original
North Sails Seavolution B14 Nationals 2025 at Mumbles Yacht Club - Day 2 by Mark Barnes 30 Aug 20:39 BST Day 2 was looking to be a case of building breeze possibly staying in the SW till 1400 hrs, when a front was due to come through with much rain, setting in for the rest of the day and wind going up a notch for Sunday. Race Officer Richard Woffinden last night issued a notice that the first start would be moved forward to 1030 hrs with 3 races back-to-back.
North Sails Seavolution B14 Nationals 2025 at Mumbles Yacht Club - Runners and Riders Original
North Sails Seavolution B14 Nationals 2025 at Mumbles Yacht Club - Runners and Riders by Mark Barnes 27 Aug 10:29 BST The B14s are heading to Mumbles in Wales for a rock and roll North Seavolution B14 National Championship. It looks like it could be a couple of fruity days to start with and then we'll need to see what the weather gods throw our way come Sunday. The form guide this year is an interesting one as most teams are to the heavier side of the sweat spot.
Tasars at Whitstable Week 2025 Original
Tasars at Whitstable Week 2025 by Mark Barnes 14 Aug 05:52 BST Who knew that Whitstable Week 2025 would turn out to be such a classic fight on the water with the front two teams shadow boxing, going at it hammer and tongs to see who would come out on top. Whitstable Week 2025 ran from Wednesday 6th to Sunday the 10th August. 61 teams took part of which 11 were Tasars. Master of ceremonies was R/O Steve Gray, ably assisted by course guru Colin Smith and the team.
Seavolution North Sails Dominates Whitstable Harbour Gin B14 TT Sailing Event
Key points: Seavolution North Sails dominates the Whitstable Harbour Gin B14 TT sailing event Race conditions were challenging with light winds and shifting currents The event featured a lively social atmosphere with live music performances The Whitstable Harbour Gin B14 TT took place over the weekend at the Whitstable Yacht Club. After a slow start with no wind, the conditions improved and six races were completed.
Whitstable Harbour Gin B14 TT at Whitstable Yacht Club Original
Whitstable Harbour Gin B14 TT at Whitstable Yacht Club by Mark Barnes 4 Oct 09:12 BST After a summer of either constant strong NE'ly winds and short steep chop or no wind, how would this one play out. Could the gods be aligned and we be lucky to get in some great sailing over the weekend in warmth and sunshine? Having seen Predictwind, one was hopeful. Sharing the event with the Dart 18s and their end of year event, it was guaranteed to be a great social if the wind failed.
B14 World Championship at Circolo vela Torbole, Lake Garda, Italy - Day 1
B14 World Championship at Circolo vela Torbole, Lake Garda, Italy - Day 1 by Mark Barnes 18 Jul 00:35 PDT Day 1 and many still in recovery from the five race day (one abandoned) of day three of the Euros. Temperatures were in the upper 30s and felt like you were melting in the dinghy park. Scenery as ever impressive. Atmosphere in the dinghy park great. Top teams helping their two buddy teams with setups prior to launching.
B14 Worlds 2023 at Lake Garda Form Guide Original
Please select your home edition Edition B14 Worlds 2023 at Lake Garda Form Guide by Mark Barnes 10 Jul 01:54 PDT The battle to become supreme champions of the B14 class resumes after a break due to Covid-19. All kicks off with the B14 Europeans, 13th - 15th July, one lay day and then the Worlds, 17th - 21st July at the Circolo Vela Torbole, Lake Garda. The flying circus is now in town and the party begins.
Original Cottages B14 Europeans and Nationals 2022 at Whitstable Yacht Club - Overall Original
Original Cottages B14 Europeans and Nationals 2022 at Whitstable Yacht Club - Overall by Mark Barnes 6 Sep 07:41 BST This one was to go down to the wire on both counts Day 4 arrived. After an evening where the fleet enjoyed a BBQ and music by the Merlin and The Rockets, with a scheduled 1100 start, would the fleet be late on parade? By 0830 teams were seen to be arriving with the seascape having little wind.
Original Cottages B14 Euros / Nats 2022 at Whitstable Yacht Club - Form Guide Original
Please select your home edition or Edition Original Cottages B14 Euros / Nats 2022 at Whitstable Yacht Club - Form Guide by Mark Barnes 31 Aug 14:00 BST The B14s return to Whitstable on Thursday 1st September for the Original Cottages (Kent & Sussex) B14 Euros/Nats combined event. The Euros will consist of 12 races over 4 days and Nats Friday - Sunday consisting of 9 races.
B14 Europeans return to Whitstable Original
B14 Europeans return to Whitstable by Mark Barnes 7 Jul 15:53 BST The B14 European Class association are pleased to announce Original Cottages (Kent & Sussex) as the title sponsor for the two events. The Original Cottages (Kent & Sussex) B14 European Championship and Original Cottages (Kent & Sussex) B14 National Championship are being held at Whitstable Yacht Club from the 1st – 4th September.
B14 TT Round 3 at the 2022 Weymouth Skiff Open Original
Please select your home edition or Edition B14 TT Round 3 at the 2022 Weymouth Skiff Open by Mark Barnes 26 May 11:14 BST The B14 bandwagon headed back south to the Jurassic Coast to see what Portland and Weymouth had to offer. Would it be racing out in Weymouth Bay or inside Portland? Well, the sun came out to play and baked the hard standing, so shorts and polo tops were the dress code of the day.
B14 TT Round 2 at the Stokes Bay Skiff Open
Please select your home edition Edition B14 TT Round 2 at the Stokes Bay Skiff Open by Mike Bees & Mark Barnes 26 Apr 07:06 PDT The B14 bandwagon headed to the south coast after a bruising Rutland Inlands a few weeks ago. Over the weekend of the 23rd - 24th April, we were promised sun and fair wind. The sun arrived as ordered but the weather gods were to play their joker with the wind.
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