Makin Sense With The State Of The Nation Of What Is In Store In 2026

In this episode, the panel is joined by Mike Sham, host of the State of the Nation podcast. The panel discusses potentially significant political stories shaping South Africa and the world going into 2026. The conversation starts in South Africa by focusing on the challenges faced by the ANC, and whether it will seek to double down on ideology, as well as the DA's position in the next local government elections and whether a leadership change is appropriate for that party. The conversation also touches on the dynamics within the GNU and whether it will continue to hold strong through 2026. After South Africa, the conversation heads to America where the panel considers what the mid-terms in November could mean for the Trump legacy. The conversation also focuses heavily on the implications of US politics for international relations. The conversation delves into the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the potential for peace in Europe, highlighting the complexities of global politics and the shifting dynamics being played out on the global stage. The discussion ends in Europe as the panel members discuss whether changing sensibilities towards climate will have an impact on European policymakers, or whether they will continue to blindly pursue net zero at all costs. The panellists also ask whether the countries of Europe will continue to swing to the populist right. .Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Panel and Themes Ahead02:23 The ANC's Struggles and Future Prospects14:56 Local Government Elections: A Turning Point for the ANC29:39 The DA's Challenges and Leadership Dynamics50:15 Navigating Political Leadership and Strategy52:53 The Importance of Collaboration in South African Politics57:11 The Role of Political Leadership in National Stability58:50 Shifting Focus: International Relations and the U.S. Impact01:09:39 Analyzing the U.S. Political Landscape and Upcoming Elections01:18:07 Prospects for Peace in Europe and the Ukraine Conflict01:28:00 The Future of European Politics and Elections