SMWX

Election season is heating up — and IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa could be one of the key figures shaping what comes next. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss the latest polling, the IFP’s growing support in KwaZulu-Natal, the challenge from MK, and the coalition negotiations that could determine control of municipalities across the country. Hlabisa also explains why he believes the next local government elections could be a major turning point. We also go inside the GNU, as Hlabisa reflects on his experience serving in Cabinet, the realities of governing alongside political rivals, and what he thinks coalition government has taught South Africa so far. We unpack the crisis in local government, proposed reforms to municipalities and coalition rules, the future of the IFP after Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, and the party’s ambitions beyond KZN. 00:00 Introduction 01:49 Inside the GNU: Is it working? 05:33 The economy, jobs and service delivery 12:18 Hlabisa’s plan to reset local government 19:42 Why voters must demand change 21:52 Why coalition government is here to stay 28:24 New rules to stabilise coalitions 33:11 KZN politics: IFP, MK and the battle ahead 39:53 How post-election coalition negotiations could work 46:26 The IFP after Mangosuthu Buthelezi 53:10 The Zulu monarchy and politics 57:00 Final thoughts

Charles Molapisi joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, endurance, business, and the future of South Africa. As MTN Group's Chief Technology and Information Officer, Molapisi explains how elite cycling shaped his approach to leadership, capital allocation, resilience, and decision-making. He shares remarkable lessons from completing one of the toughest amateur cycling events in the world before applying those insights to running large organisations and building high-performance teams. The discussion then turns to South Africa's future. Molapisi argues that while the country possesses extraordinary natural advantages and untapped potential, education remains the single biggest obstacle to long-term prosperity. He reflects on governance, opportunity, leadership, and why he believes South Africa can become one of the greatest countries in the world if it gets the fundamentals right.

In this episode, we start shifting attention to the upcoming 2026 Local Government Election. We unpack what the recent polls suggest about the situation in Joburg and other metros. Will the ANC hold on, or are the polls accurate to sugggest that they are in for a horrid election?

IDAC Head of Investigations and Operations Mr Matthew Sesoko appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry today. He was grilled on his potential complicity to wrongdoing that previous IDAC witnesses have implicated former boss Adv Andrea Johnson. In addition, Sesoko's kidnapping ordeal was also covered. In this episode, we unpack today's testimony.

Suspended Deputy Chief of Police at EMPD, Julius Mkhwanazi has been arrested for the fourth time! This time, in connection with the murder and cover-up of businessman Emmanuel Mbense in 2022. Mkhwanazi is arrested alongside 4 other suspects. We unpack this breaking news story and continue to unpack what happened at the Madlanga Commission today with Ms Ramsamy continuing her testimony in the IDAC stream. Lastly, Parliament's impeachment committee has resolved on one name to recommend as Evidence Leader for the impeachment inquiry. We unpack it all on SMWX!

Vafa Naraghi joins Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh for a wide-ranging conversation on identity, comedy, race, politics and what it truly means to be South African. From his hit show Becoming South African to his journey from engineering into comedy, Vafa explains why great comedy is far more than entertainment—it is a powerful tool for challenging assumptions, creating empathy and bringing people together. The conversation explores South Africa's complex identity, xenophobia, the Madlanga Commission, education, history, social cohesion and the role of artists in shaping public discourse. Vafa also reflects on optimism, the country's future, and why he believes humour can help unlock difficult conversations that politics often cannot.

Former Goldman Sachs executive and leading economist Colin Coleman returns to SMWX for a wide-ranging discussion on South Africa's political and economic future. He unpacks the country's weak economic outlook, the fallout from the Constitutional Court's Phala Phala judgment, the growing impact of the Madlanga Commission, and why he believes the ANC could lose most of the country's metros in the upcoming local government elections.

IDAC Investigator Mr Mantsha Raphesu, testified at the Madlanga Commission today and it was not a good day for Andrea Johnson again. In his testimony today, Raphesu corroborated a lot of what Adv Ramsamy gave as evidence in her testimony. In this episode, we unpack Raphesu's testimony and what it means for the IDAC stream of evidence at the Madlanga Commission.

Drushantha Ramsamy, state attorney at IDAC, gave testimony at the Madlanga Commission. In this testimony, she provided explosive audio recordings of a telephone conversation with former IDAC boss Adv Andrea Johnson. In this recording, Johnson is heard speaking about the Madlanga Commission and making some strong statements about their unprofessionalism etc. In this episode, we unpack Ramsamy's testimony and her allegations that Johnson presided over a reign of terror at IDAC and was a "flip flopper".

ATM and EFF have approached the Constitutional Court for direct access to appeal the Western Cape High Court's ruling in President Ramaphosa's interdict application. The Western Cape High Court granted President Ramaphosa an interim interdict, pending the finalisation of the s89 panel report review set down for 2nd - 4th September 2026. In this episode, we unpack the appeal that has been lodged at the ConCourt and what the road ahead for the Phala Phala saga might look like.

Adv Andrea Johnson, now former IDAC boss, has been grilled for 6 days of testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. She has subsequently requested permission from the President to resign and that request was accepted. What consequence does this have for Andrea Johnson, we unpack in this episode.

NDPP Andy Mothibi has provisionally withdrawn the charges against Lt Gen Dumisani Khumalo, Brigadier Mokwele and others. These were charges that were administered by IDAC, and have been under serious scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission. We unpack the consequences of these charges of late and where to from here for IDAC.

Adv Andrea Johnson has resigned as the Investigative Director of IDAC, after she sought permission from the President and the NDPP to release her effective immediately. In this episode, we unpack Johnson's testimony at the Madlanga Commission today and her resignation from IDAC. We also take a look at the latest coming from the Cat Matlala attempted murder trial.

In this episode, a discussion featuring Arab Barghouti, son of imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, alongside former Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal Azhar Cachalia. Together, they explore Marwan Barghouti's political legacy, the campaign for his release, lessons from the Free Mandela movement, the prospects for Palestinian leadership, and whether international pressure can help shape a path towards peace and justice. The discussion also examines strategy, negotiations, sanctions, and the role of civil society in ending conflict.

Vuka Azania, a think tank and advocacy group led by Adv Muzi Sikhakhane SC, Professor Isaac Shai, Rev. Dr Allan Boesak and Arthur Fraser, was launched. In this media briefing, the founding directors provide an overview of their mission and what they aim to achieve.

The Western Cape High Court has delivered its judgment in the interdict application brought by President Ramaphosa in an attempt to block Parliament's impeachment process from continuing. In this episode, we unpack the majority judgment by Judges Davis and Le Grange, the minority judgment by Judge Francis and the consequences that this has for the accountability mechanisms of the President.

IDAC Boss, Adv Andrea Johnson, continued her testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry today and she made some very important concessions. We unpack her testimony from today, as well as an update from the Cat Matlala attempted murder trial. Parliament's impeachment committee also met today to discuss the terms of references and the appointment of evidence leaders. We bring you the latest there too.

IDAC Boss, Adv Andrea Johnson has appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry for her first day of testimony. Johnson was questioned on her recusal in the Lt Gen Khumalo matter, her "protection against self-incrimination" with regards to evidence relating to Major General Khan, the arrest of Lt Gen Khumalo and much more. We unpack her testimony, as well as the commencement of the Cat Matlala attempted murder trial. We also touch on the submission of names by political parties in Parliament's impeachment committee for the appointment of evidence leaders, ahead of their meeting tomorrow.

Former Speaker of the Israeli Knesset and former Acting President of Israel, Avrum Burg, delivers a scathing address on the Israel–Palestine conflict, the future of Israeli democracy, and the path to a lasting peace. Drawing on decades at the heart of Israeli politics, Burg reflects on the country's political direction, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, leadership, security, reconciliation, and why he believes a different future is still possible. This address explores difficult questions with honesty, nuance, and a commitment to understanding one of the world's most consequential conflicts. This was part of the Festival of Dangerous Ideas hosted by the Jewish Democratic Initiative.

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry heard evidence from Warrant Officer Mpangase, who worked on the Port Shepstone drug bust and was part of the team of SAPS officials that transported and stored the drugs at the DPCI storage room in Port Shepstone. We unpack his testimony and the in-camera application of Suliman Carrim, who is expected to make a postponement application in-camera next week Friday. Andrea Johnson, IDAC boss, is also back at work after missing her scheduled appearance before the Commission this week due to ill-health.

In this wide-ranging conversation, renowned academic, scientist and former Vice-Chancellor Prof Malegapuru Makgoba joins Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh to reflect on South Africa's democratic journey, leadership, governance and public institutions. Prof Makgoba discusses the Constitutional Court's impeachment ruling, President Cyril Ramaphosa, Nelson Mandela's legacy, Thabo Mbeki's presidency, the HIV/AIDS crisis, the Life Esidimeni tragedy, Eskom, political interference in state institutions, his scientific career at Oxfor, and the challenges of transformation in higher education.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the Madlanga Commission to October 2026, with its report now due on 16th November 2026. Julius Mkhwanazi, Imogen Mashazi and others have been arrested. We unpack all of this and more!

Podcaster and host of Palatable Politics, TJ Masilela, joins us for a conversation about the digital media landscape, building a podcast, ANC succession, President Ramaphosa's impeachment and more.

James Manyika, Google Vice President focusing on technology and AI, joins us on SMWX for a conversation about AI, the future of work and whether Africa can shape AI.

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry today read into the record, the evidence of Major General Feroz Khan. In his absense, Adv Adila Hassim SC presneted WhatsApp conversations and transcripts between Khan and Mo Sayed, a businessman linked to Carnlinx. We unpack the evidence that was presented and what consequences this might have for Khan.

President Ramaphosa has submitted his replying affidavit in his attempt to block Parliament from continuing with the impeachment process. We unpack the President's response to the politicial parties and the Chair of the impeachment committee.

We unpack former president Jacob Zuma's trip to India to visit Ajay Gupta and Cat Matlala's plea agreement being denied in court. We also unpack what happened in the Madlanga Commission.

Prof William Gumede joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on BEE and transformation policy, President Ramaphosa's impeachment, stability of the GNU, cadre deployment and more.

Crime Intelligence senior official Major General Feroz Khan has been shot in an attempted hit in Johannesburg last night. We unpack this story and unpack Tumelo Nku's testimony at the Madlanga Commission.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Hunter Biden discusses Donald Trump, corruption, the war with Iran, Russia, Zohran Mamdani, the future of American democracy, South Africa's relationship with the United States, his father Joe Biden, President Barack Obama, addiction, recovery, and why he believes connection is the answer to today's political and social divisions. He also reflects on surviving years of public scrutiny, rebuilding his life after addiction, and why he is using his platform to advocate for recovery around the world.

In this episode of Economic Justice Matters by the Institute for Economic Justice, we unpack the food security and hunger crisis in South Africa and it's consequences on our country's future and potential. Is the government doing enough to address this issue? We are joined by Dr Andrew Bennie (IEJ), Koketso Moeti (Union Against Hunger) and Dr Edzani Mphaphuli (Grow Great Campaign) to unpack how we should be addressing this issue in South Africa.

Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala has entered into a plea agreement with the state and has turned state witness in the fraud and corruption case involving the R260M SAPS tender. Matlala has allegedly presented evidence that implicates more high ranking officials of the SAPS and is expected to serve a discounted 8 years in prison, should the Magistrate ratify the plea agreement.

Parliament's Impeachment Committee investigating Phala Phala has met to discuss the draft terms of referece and the appointment of an evidence leader for the committee. President Ramaphosa's physical appearance before the impeachment committee and the vetting of the evidence leader were some of the issues of contention that were debated by members and in this episode we unpack and reflect on the committee's meeting. We also unpack the ANC's alleged decision to withdraw its notice to intervene in the President's panel report review application.

Respondents in President Ramaphosa's interdict application have submitted their answering affidavit and have slammed the President's supposed grounds for this application. The EFF, MKP, UAT, Vuyo Zungula and Makashule Gana have all filed notices to oppose the President's interdict application on the grounds of lack of urgency and no jurisdiction by the High Court to rule on the matter. In this episode, we take a deep dive into each respondent's affidavit and the consequences for President Ramaphosa's race of averting accountability on Phala Phala.

Prof JJ Tabane joins us for a conversation about the latest in SA's political landscape. From President Ramaphosa's impeachment to his attempt at interdicting the impeachment process, to Gayton McKenzie, March and March's planned march and more.

Chairperson of the Legal Sector Charter Council, Christine Qunta, joins us on SMWX for a conversation about transformation in the legal sector. We unpack the legal sector code and how it intends to address the plight of black advocates and legal professionals in South Africa, and how big firms have attempted to challenge this code.

Civil action organisation, Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) CEO, Wayne Duvenage joins us for a conversation about the importance of civil action organisations, OUTA's projects, removing eTolls, President Ramaphosa's impeachment and more.

Lt Gen Khumalo had shockingly received communication to hand himself over to a police station in Pretoria by 3pm last night and meet with IDAC officials, this was before a u-turn was taken and this arrest was not effected. We unpack this and Lt Gen Mkhwanazi's presence at the Brooklyn Police Station too. We also unpack Major General Lesetja Senona's testimony at the Madlanga Commission.

Parliament's Phala Phala impeachment committee met today to discuss their response to President Ramaphosa's interdict application. The committee agreed to oppose this application and to lobby the Speaker of the National Assembly to do the same. We unpack what this means for Ramaphosa's efforts to evade accountability and the Phala Phala saga.

Parliament's Phala Phala Committee will be meeting tomorrow to discuss how they proceed with President Ramaphosa's interdict application. What will the various political parties have to say and will the impeachment committee chair oppose this application. We unpack this and more.

Investigative Journalist, Mzilikazi Wa Afrika, joins us on SMWX for a conversation about his life and work as a journalist, being arrested in 2010 by Shadrack Sibiya, investigating and exposive a SARS rogue unit, illegal renditions, Phala Phala and more.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved to interdict Parliament’s impeachment committee, a dramatic escalation in the Phala Phala accountability process. In this episode, we unpack what the interdict means, why Ramaphosa is trying to stop the committee, and whether Parliament is legally obliged to proceed despite the President’s review application. We also look at the Constitutional Court’s order, the role of the impeachment committee, and the political stakes of a President going to court to stop Parliament from investigating him. This is a major test of accountability, separation of powers, and whether Parliament will be allowed to do its constitutional work. Join the conversation in the comments.

One of SA's sharpest comedic minds, digitial content creator and TV personality, Mpho 'Popps' Modikoane, joins us on SMWX for a conversation about SA comedy, his journey, the current state of South Africa, political satire and more.

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry heard testimony from the Gauteng Traffic Police Chief Inspector, Samuel Mashaba about drug bust operations in Johannesburg. We unpack this and the alleged links to various politicians in South Africa.

Explosive court documents in Maj Gen Feroz Khan's court application was made public and we unpack the contents of the 750-page document. We unpack the allegations made by Madlanga Commission Investigator Tshepo Nyatlo and the relationship that is alledged between EFF leader Julius Malema, Businessman Mohammed Sayed and Crime Intelligence official Maj Gen Feroz Khan.

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry today heard more evidence around drug busts and this time the focus was on Aeroton, Johannesburg. Lt Col Sebola testified and revealed some wild details about drug busts that happened. In this episode we break it down and unpack all that happened.

President Cyril Ramaphosa's review of Parliament's s89 panel report has been scheduled for 2-4 September 2026 and this will run parallel to the impeachment committee's work. We unpack the consequences of this and what this means for the impeachment committee.

President Cyril Ramaphosa was in the National Assembly to table the Presidency's Budget. MPs had the opportunity to reply to the Presidency's budget and they didn't hold back! In this episode, we take a look at these reactions and the President's reply.

Colonel Gavin Jacobs appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry today, as the Commission continues to hear evidence about the Durban Harbour drug bust and subsequent theft at the Port Shepstone HAWKS offices.

Parliament's Phala Phala impeachment committee has elected a chairperson, but where to from here? We unpack the timelines and what to expect in the coming weeks.