SMWX
News & Politics
About
A journey into the heart of South Africa politics, through interviews and analysis, with your guide Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh.
Episodes
- Mighti Jamie warns Ramaphosa: Impeachment, Concourt judgment, ANC, Parliament
Mighti Jamie joins Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh to discuss the implications of the Constitutional Court’s Phala Phala judgment, political pressure on President Ramaphosa, and the challenges of impeachment. They explore whether resignation could avert…
- Ramaphosa impeachment looms | Massive Phala Phala judgment!
A landmark Constitutional Court judgment reopens the Phala Phala saga, referring it to Parliament for impeachment proceedings. The episode features discussions with political parties and analysts.
- Why Phala Phala judgment could change South Africa...
Lukhona Mnguni, a political analyst, joins SMWX to preview the ConCourt's Phala Phala judgment. They discuss the potential political consequences for South Africa and whether the ANC in Parliament unconstitutionally used its majority to sh…
- Fadiel Adams arrested | Phala Phala judgment date set!
MP Fadiel Adams has been arrested by the SAPS PKTT. The Constitutional Court announced the Phala Phala judgment will be delivered on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 10 AM, and the episode also discusses the latest from the Madlanga Commission.
- Madlanga shuts Commission doors
Witness G, a Crime Intelligence official, appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The proceedings were moved in-camera to protect the witness' identity and the integrity of the evidence presented.
- Phala Phala judgment looms
This episode discusses the impending Constitutional Court judgment on Phala Phala, anticipated to be delivered within a month. It provides context on the background of the case and explores different potential scenarios that could arise fr…
- Malatji exposed for alleged tender fraud?
Tshukudu Malatji, a City of Tshwane official, was questioned at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry regarding a R14M expenditure on a security tender and related tender processes. The episode discusses these allegations and their connection…
- Shady tenders, free SUVs and AI policies | Is the GNU crumbling?
This episode of SMWX unpacks scandals surrounding a R1Bn textbook tender, Chinese SUVs given to ministers, and AI-generated sources in a draft policy. It also discusses the stability of the Government of National Unity.
- Brown Mogotsi requests Chaskalson recusal
Umashi Dlamini continued his testimony at the Madlanga Commission. Brown Mogotsi requested Adv Chaskalson SC's recusal. The episode also covers Kagiso Lerutle and Julius Mkhwanazi's successful bail application.
- David Martinon unpacks: G7, Ramaphosa, France-SA relations, Just Energy, Donald Trump, US-Iran war
French Ambassador to South Africa, David Martinon, joins SMWX to discuss France-South Africa relations, the Africa Summit, and the upcoming G7 summit in France.
- Ramaphosa suspends Police Chief Masemola
President Ramaphosa has suspended SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola. Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane has been appointed as the Acting National Police Commissioner. This episode discusses the implications for crime and corruption in…
- Nkosi denied bail | Nkhwashu explains KT Molefe relationship
Sergeant Fannie Nkosi was denied bail. Brigadier Nkhwashu appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and was questioned about his relationship with KT Molefe and docket movements in the Armand Swart murder case.
- Masemola appears in court | DJ Sumbody plot thickens...
This episode of SMWX discusses Gareth Mnisi's testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Police chief Gen Fannie Masemola's court appearance, and the ongoing DJ Sumbody murder investigation, analyzing their implications for South Afr…
- Mnisi denies tender corruption claims
Gareth Mnisi, the suspended City of Tshwane CFO, continued his testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, addressing tender awarding processes and denying his involvement in alleged corruption. He discussed the possible benefit to Se…
- Dr Mmusi Maimane unpacks: BOSA, Unite for Change, GNU, Geordin Hill-Lewis, Joburg, Dobsonville
Dr Mmusi Maimane, leader of Build One South Africa, discusses Unite for Change, BOSA’s merger, and the outlook for opposition politics in South Africa. The conversation covers coalition politics, leadership, and the future of the GNU.
- MEC Tasneem Motara unpacks: RDPs, Helen Zille, Human Settlements, Gauteng, EFF, coalitions, ANC
Gauteng MEC Tasneem Motara discusses housing, politics, and leadership in South Africa, including RDP housing, mega projects, and spatial inequality. The conversation also covers Johannesburg’s political landscape, Helen Zille’s campaign,…
- Gareth Mnisi interrogated about tender fraud
Gareth Mnisi, suspended City of Tshwane CFO, testified at the Madlanga Commission. This episode discusses his testimony and Julius Malema's reaction to his sentencing hearing. Additionally, Lt Gen Mkhwanazi was appointed as the head of the…
- BREAKING: Malema faces 5 years in prison
EFF leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to 5 years in prison for contravention of the Firearms Control Act. The episode discusses the implications for Malema, the EFF, and the South African political landscape.
- Malema sentencing looms | Julius Mkhwanazi continues testimony
Julius Malema appeared for his pre-sentencing hearing in East London and awaits sentencing. This episode discusses the implications for Malema and the EFF. Additionally, Julius Mkhwanazi's ongoing testimony at the Madlanga Commission is co…
- Julius Malema appears for sentencing
Julius Malema appears for sentencing today in the East London Magistrate's Court for contravening firearm laws. This episode discusses the potential impact on the EFF and South Africa's political landscape.
- Mkhwanazi exposed, Hill-Lewis meets Ramaphosa
This episode discusses Julius Mkhwanazi's testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, including questions about a requested postponement. It also covers Geordin Hill-Lewis' meeting with President Ramaphosa.
- Nkosi applies for bail, as Carrim hospitalized
Suleiman Carrim, a witness set to testify at the Madlanga Commission, has been hospitalized due to a suspected heart attack. Additionally, Sergeant Nkosi was in court for a bail application.
- Inside DA Congress: A New Generation!
This SMWX episode reports from day 2 of the DA congress. It covers the announcement of a new generation of DA leaders.
- Big Debate: Experts & Deputy Minister on SA's economy
This episode of Economic Justice Matters by the Institute for Economic Justice discusses South Africa's economy. Guests include Deputy Finance Minister Ashor Sarupen, Gilad Isaacs, and Thoko Madonko, who debate the economy's direction, deb…
- Explosive IPID report blows open Phala Phala
Action SA has secured the release of the IPID report on the Phala Phala saga. The report details investigations and recommendations, revealing how senior SAPS officials allegedly contravened the law to conceal the theft of foreign currency…
- The Tshwane story gets deeper...
This episode of SMWX discusses the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, focusing on the testimony of Tshukudu Malatji from the Asset Protection department and revelations concerning the City of Tshwane.
- Phala Phala judgment loading!
The Constitutional Court of South Africa is in the advanced stages of completing the Phala Phala judgment and expects to deliver it within a month. This comes after a letter from EFF leader Julius Malema regarding delays in the matter. Thi…
- Sergeant Nkosi arrested as Madlanga Commission continues
Sergeant Fannie Nkosi has been arrested and will be in custody until April 13. The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry resumes after an Easter recess, expecting to hear evidence related to the City of Tshwane, particularly the Tshwane Metropoli…
- Prof Kishore Mahbubani speaks out: Iran-US war, China, Trump, India, BRICS
In this episode, Prof Kishore Mahbubani breaks down global geopolitical shifts, covering US-China relations, the Middle East conflict, BRICS, and South Africa's place in the global order. He discusses the significance of the delayed meetin…
- Mzwanele Nyhontso unpacks: land reform, GNU, Helen Zille, SA constitution, Expropriation Act, PAC
Mzwanele Nyhontso, Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, discusses the realities of land redistribution, expropriation, and the challenges of policy implementation in South Africa. The conversation also covers proposed legislation…
- ANC falls further in election polls?
This episode of SMWX examines recent election polls in South Africa, detailing the current standing of major political parties like the ANC, DA, and MK Party. It explores the implications of these numbers for coalition politics in key metr…
- Panyaza Lesufi reshuffles Gauteng cabinet!
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has reshuffled his provincial cabinet, with the EFF joining the Government of Provincial Unity. Other topics include the increase in fuel prices and Helen Zille's campaign in Joburg for the 2026 Local Governm…
- Unpacking: Police Chief Masemola to face court
This episode discusses the case against SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola. It examines the potential consequences for Masemola and the SAPS.
- Aubrey Matshiqi unpacks: Mkhwanazi, Jermaine Prim, Ramaphosa, Kunene vs Malema, Mchunu, Madlanga
Aubrey Matshiqi joins SMWX to discuss the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee. Topics include Jermaine Prim's letter and the defamation case between Kenny Kunene and Julius Malema.
- Malema vs Kunene: high-stakes legal fight
Julius Malema and Kenny Kunene are engaged in a defamation lawsuit that could impact South African politics. The case involves allegations stemming from a podcast, court proceedings, and connections to various political narratives and comm…
- SA Police Boss Masemola charged!
This episode discusses the charges against SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola. It also covers testimony from Sergeant Nkosi and Rivo Spies at the Madlanga Commission.
- Malema faces backlash for slamming Mkhwanazi
Julius Malema responded to Lt Gen Mkhwanazi's testimony before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee, where Malema addressed being involved in Mkhwanazi's disputes with Major Gen Khan. This episode explores these and other key moments from the pas…
- Crazy prison letter links Cat Matlala to Phala Phala?
An unverified prison letter discussed by Lt Gen Mkhwanazi with Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee reportedly links Cat Matlala to Phala Phala and implicates high-ranking South African politicians. The letter's authenticity and significance are…
- Ramaphosa throws Senzo Mchunu overboard
This episode discusses Cyril Ramaphosa's written answers to the Ad Hoc Committee and the questions arising from his claims.
- Mighti Jamie unpacks: Mkhwanazi, Ad Hoc Committee, KT Molefe, Motsumi, Cat Matlala, Nkosi, Madlanga
Mighti Jamie joins SMWX to discuss Lt Gen Mkhwanazi's fiery testimony before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee. The discussion includes a letter from Matlala's cell mate and details about meetings with Cat Matlala and Senona.
- Mkhwanazi strikes back in Parliament!
The SMWX podcast discusses Mkhwanazi and Parliament. The episode is titled "Mkhwanazi strikes back in Parliament!"
- Masemola reveals one-hour meeting with Cyril
General Fannie Masemola testified in Parliament about his meeting with President Ramaphosa. Sergeant Nkosi also continued his testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
- Nkosi exposed at Madlanga | Bester to appear at Ad Hoc?
Sergeant Nkosi's testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry concerning his relationships with Zee Nxumalo, Shadrack Sibiya, and Cat Matlala is discussed. The episode also covers Thabo Bester's request to appear before Parliament's Ad…
- Gucci, R70K and BBLs | South Africa's BROKEN police system
This episode of SMWX discusses Maj Gen Shibiri's testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, including revelations about luxury purchases and loans. It also covers new US ambassador Bozell's recent remarks and the reaction in South Af…
- WhatsApp links Shibiri and Cat Matlala
Major General Richard Shibiri testifies at the Madlanga Commission. He discusses his relationship with Cat Matlala and Sergeant Nkosi, and a loan received from Matlala for his son's vehicle repairs.
- Sparks FLY at Madlanga Commission
Suleiman Carrim continues his testimony at the Madlanga Commission, discussing R2M payments and an intense exchange between Justice Madlanga and Adv Bhana SC. This episode of SMWX unpacks the events.
- R10M to Matlala? Suleiman Carrim Questioned
Suleiman Carrim was questioned by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry regarding his connections with Cat Matlala, Brown Mogotsi, and Morgan Maumela. The inquiry also addressed financial transactions among these individuals.
- Nicholas Nyati reveals: DA succession, GNU, NSFAS, Helen Zille, Joburg, Geordin, foreign policy
In this SMWX interview, Nicholas Nyati shares his journey in the DA and discusses student politics, his push for people-centered leadership, and his candidacy for federal deputy chairperson. The conversation covers the DA’s leadership conf…
- Motsepe answers ANC leadership race question
Patrice Motsepe addressed questions regarding his potential candidacy for ANC leadership. This episode also covers Sarah-Jane Trent's testimony in Parliament and an application for Suleiman Carrim's in-camera testimony.
- US-Iran War: Major Global Energy Crisis?
This episode covers the escalating US-Iran regional war, focusing on strikes, Iran's retaliation, political backlash in the US, disruptions to global energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, and economic consequences for various countrie…