SMWX

Gogo Aubrey Matshiqi joins Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh for a wide-ranging analysis of South Africa's political moment: the Madlanga Commission, Phala Phala, the ANC's crisis and the 2026 local government elections. What remains unanswered about the relationship between organised crime, corruption and the state? What does presidential accountability mean in practice? And how could voter disillusionment and political realignment reshape Johannesburg? The conversation also explores ANC history, infiltration and Matshiqi's experience of the SABC blacklist. Allegations discussed are distinguished from established findings. Watch the full conversation and share your perspective in the comments. Subscribe to SMWX for in-depth South African political interviews and analysis.

Five bodies of women have been found in and around the Kempton Park area in the last two months and the fourth being of the no-late runner, Elizabeth 'Tsontso' Moselakgomo. This has sparked outrage at the continous targeting of women in South Africa. Is there a serial killer on the loose in Kempton Park? We unpack it all in this episode.

The ANC has in the last few days embroiled itself in a 'late' submission dramatic spectacle, after they allegedly failed to submit some of their candidate lists on time to the IEC last week Friday. In this analysis episode, we unpack what the consequence for this might be and how the ANC is potentially crumbling internally over who should take accountability for this saga.

In this analysis episode, Otsile Nkadimeng unpacks the trial of former National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and her attempt at getting the case thrown out, the ANC's scramble after the allegedly submitted their candidate lists to the IEC late. We also unpack the Vusimusi Cat Matlala attempted trial and the latest coming from there.

Lord Peter Hain joins us on SMWX for a wide-ranging conversation on apartheid, the ANC, corruption, Nelson Mandela, Donald Trump, the Madlanga Commission and the alleged infiltration of South Africa’s law-enforcement institutions. Drawing on his extraordinary political journey — from growing up in apartheid South Africa and becoming a leading anti-apartheid activist to serving in the British government and House of Lords — Hain reflects on the values that drove the liberation struggle and why he now feels personally “betrayed” by the corruption that followed. He discusses the ANC’s decline, Jacob Zuma and State Capture, while arguing that corruption in South Africa did not begin in 1994 and that apartheid itself was deeply corrupt. The conversation also explores the international machinery behind corruption, including the role of banks, corporations, lawyers, financial advisers, offshore jurisdictions and foreign governments in enabling illicit money to leave developing countries. Hain makes the case for an International Anti-Corruption Court capable of targeting corruption that crosses national borders.

Minister Thembi Simelane joins us for a deeply personal conversation about the disappearance of her sister, Nokuthula Simelane, an MK operative who was abducted by apartheid security police in 1983 and whose remains have never been found. Simelane reflects on her family’s decades-long search for truth and justice, the investigations and legal battles surrounding Nokuthula’s case, and the broader struggle faced by families still seeking answers about crimes committed during apartheid. She also discusses the work of the Nokuthula Simelane Foundation and the difficult questions surrounding accountability, reconciliation and the unfinished business of the TRC process.

Otsile Nkadimeng and Khumo Khumalo unpack the arguments before the Western Cape High Court in President Ramaphosa's review case. We also preview the upcoming local government elections and why some political parties seem to be slow at ramping up their campaigns.

President Ramaphosa's review of the s89 panel report continued in the Western Cape High Court and we also unpack the revelations out of Dr Lebeya's testimony at the Madlanga Commission.

President Ramaphosa's review of the s89 panel report continued in the Western Cape High Court and we also unpack the revelations out of Dr Lebeya's testimony at the Madlanga Commission.

Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh unpacks one of the most consequential accountability cases of Cyril Ramaphosa’s presidency as the Western Cape High Court considers his attempt to review and set aside the Section 89 independent panel report on Phala Phala. The report found prima facie evidence that Ramaphosa may have committed serious misconduct and became the basis for a full parliamentary impeachment inquiry. At stake is whether the President’s legal challenge will correct a flawed process—or help him avoid the public accountability that the impeachment inquiry was intended to provide.

Feroz Khan brought a postponment application to the Madlanga Commission and former Hawks boss Godfrey Lebeya returned to continue his testimony at the Madlanga Commission. We unpack this and more.

Lt Col Govender appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry today and revealed explosive phone recordings. We unpack this in today's analysis, as well as Feroz Khan's surprise hospitalisation.

South Africa’s borders sit at the centre of some of the country’s biggest debates — immigration, national security, trade and the movement of people across the continent. In this episode of Mzansi Way Makers in collab with Brand South Africa, Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh sits down with Dr Mike Masiapato, Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), for an in-depth conversation about the work being done to manage and secure South Africa’s borders.

In this wide-ranging conversation, author Jackie Phamotse joins us to reflect on the personal experiences that shaped her writing and the journey behind her Bare book series. She speaks about surviving sexual violence, entering a world of powerful and wealthy individuals, and the experiences that led her to explore themes of human trafficking, organised crime, corruption and the so-called “blesser” economy. The discussion then turns to her latest book, The Big Five Cartel, and its parallels with revelations emerging from the Madlanga Commission, including alleged criminal networks, political connections, extreme wealth, the role of women around powerful figures and the hidden systems that enable organised crime. Phamotse also reflects on global trafficking networks, the Epstein files, the vulnerability of children online and why South Africans may still be underestimating the scale of the criminal underworld operating around them.

Vusimusi Cat Matlala continued his testimony at the Madlanga Commission and his relationship with General Lesetja Senona took centre stage today. WhatsApp chats specifically regarding Mr Nangy were also used to question Matlala. Thoko Didiza, Speaker of the National Assembly, also faces a motion of no confidence vote brought by the EFF in Parliament. We unpack this all!

Vusimusi Cat Matlala continued giving evidence at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and today the spotlight was on his relationships with Mswazi Msibi, Steve Motsumi and Morgan Maumela. Matlala was expected to explain payments and loans with these figures. We unpack his testimony and the consequences for the greater scandals coming out of the Commission.

Modibe Modiba blows open Ekurhuleni’s deepening corruption crisis, revealing how alleged wrongdoing has left officials and whistleblowers living in fear. He also reflects on his career in journalism and offers a candid assessment of South Africa’s media landscape. _______ 00:00 - Introduction 04:08 - Early life and school experiences 08:16 - Building sources through journalism 12:25 - The changing media landscape 16:33 - Intelligence and political pressure 20:41 - Investigating corruption 24:49 - Black business under Ramaphosa 28:57 - Political networks and legal threats 33:05 - Municipal corruption and accountability 37:14 - Madlanga Commission 41:22 - State security and policing 45:30 - Arrests and breaking news 49:38 - Journalists and whistleblowers 53:46 - South Africa’s risk of becoming a mafia state

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.

DPCI KZN Warrant Officer, Karl Sander, testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry over the last two days. We unpack his testimony, including a story about a massive consignment of cocaine.

Digital creator and podcaster, Dan Corder, joins us on SMWX for a conversation about his growth in the digital media space and variety of SA current affairs issues like President Ramaphosa's impeachment, ANC succession and GNU dynamics.

Parliament's impeachment committee on the s89 panel's report has kicked off and the committee has elected its chair - Rise Mzansi's Makashule Gana. Gana was nominated by the ANC and seconded by the DA and will lead the impeachment committee's work henceforth. We unpack the first sitting of the committee and preview what to expect.

SMWX Legend Gogo Aubrey Matshiqi joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on the latest in South African politics; from President Ramaphosa's impeachment, to March and March's illegal immigration marches. We unpack it all, right here on SMWX!

Parliament’s impeachment committee consisting of 31 members of parliament will commence on Monday next week. This committee is expected to kick things off by electing a chairperson. We preview the committee meeting and what’s important to have on the agenda.

SMWX Contributor, Tara Roos, joins Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh for a conversation about her new book: Where to from here? This book delves into coalition politics in South Africa and an analysis of who were the winners, losers and survivors of the 2024 election. In this conversation, we also unpack various current affairs issues like President Ramaphosa's review application of Parliament's s89 panel report, the mayoral race in Joburg and GNU dynamics ahead of a local government election at the end of the year.

President Ramaphosa has finally brought his review application to court. The President is reviewing Parliament's s89 panel report on Phala Phala and this is in an attempt for the court to set the report aside and halt the impeachment process. Interestingly, the President has decided not to bring an interdict application in the immediate, but has rather threatened to bring the urgent interdict application should Parliament not halt its impeachment process. We unpack this and the road ahead.

Former Correctional Service Commissioner, Arthur Fraser, and Former SA President, Thabo Mbeki, have both weighed in on the Ramaphosa impeachment drama. We unpack their perspectives and also give insight into the newly published list of MPs who will serve on Parliament's impeachment committee.

Alleged political fixer, Brown Mogotsi, has appeared in court again today for the continuation of his bail application. The matter has been postponed for the next 3 days while the court verifies his home address that he supplied. In this episode, we unpack why Brown Mogotsi has been arrested and the details of his bail application.

In this episode of Economic Justice Matters by the Institute for Economic Justice, we unpack whether the South African Reserve Bank has positioned South Africa's monetary policy effectively. We are joined by Gina Schoeman (Economist at Citibank), Dr Roelof Botha (Economist) and Dr Mzwanele Ntshwanti (Economist at IEJ) to unpack SA's 3% inflation target, the effect of interest rates and other economic factors in South Africa that could be hindering or promoting growth.

Tokyo Sexwale, who has served as SA’s Human Settlements Minister and Premier of Gauteng, joins us for a candid conversation about the state of our country — South Africa. Is South Africa a failed state and what opportunities are available to be exploited. We also unpack service delivery, President Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala scandal and the crisis of the ‘Government of National Unity’.

Breaking news on SMWX! Lukhona Mnguni announces he is running to be Mayor of Joburg with Rise Mzansi. He explains the decision and unpacks the key elements of his campaign.

In this latest episode of SMWX, we unpack the ANC's reconfigured Gauteng structure that is being led by Convenor Panyaza Lesufi. We unpack what this means for the ANC and its electoral prospects. We also unpack National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza's refusal of the ATM's request for a motion of no confidence in the President.

There are more internal shifts within the MK Party and this time, in dramatic fashion, MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela has been fired. We unpack this and what it means for MKP internal dynamics and opposition politics.

Amongst others, Joe 'Ferrari' Sibanyoni and Bafana Sindane appeared before the Kwaggafontein Magistrate's Court for charges of extortion and other serious allegations. The case was shockingly struck off the roll by the Magistrate on Monday after the state prosecutor wasn't able to attend the court's proceedings. We unpack this and the response from the NPA in this analysis episode.

Is the President considering to interdict Parliament's impeachment process, subject to his review of the s89 panel's report? Would this be in contravention of the ConCourt judgment directing Parliament to begin this process? Does the President have the grounds for an interdict? We explore all of this and more in today's analysis about the President's next move.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has fired Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe, just before his scheduled appearance before the National Assembly to answer wuestions from MPs. The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry continues hearing evidence regarding drug busts across SA, and the famous case of the missing drugs from Port Shepstone. We unpack all of this and what the mean for South Africa.

The Constitutional Court’s Phala Phala judgment may have closed one chapter — but it may have opened another. In this episode, Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh is joined by Mighti Jamie to unpack the implications of the judgment, the growing political pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa, and the difficult road that impeachment would present for Parliament and the country. Would resignation spare South Africa a prolonged institutional crisis? Or would it create an even deeper political vacuum? Let’s dive in.

In a landmark Constitutional Court judgment today, the Phala Phala saga has been reopened and been referred for Parliament to institute impeachment proceedings. We speak to political parties, analysts and unpack what this moment means for South Africa and its future.

Political analyst, Lukhona Mnguni, joins us on SMWX for a preview of the ConCourt's Phala Phala judgment which will be delivered on Friday 8 May 2026. This judgement is about whether the ANC in Parliament, unconstitutionally used its majority to shield the President from accountability. In this episode, we scenario plan what could unfold in the ConCourt and what the political consequences are for South Africa.

MP Fadiel Adams has been arrested by the SAPS PKTT for charges of defeating the ends of justice and fraud. The Constitutional Court has also announced that they will deliver the Phala Phala judgment on Friday 8 May 2026 at 10am. We unpack this and the latest coming out of the Madlanga Commission.

Witness G, a Crime Intelligence official who manages informers and is alleged to have been Brown Mogotsi's handler appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Justice Madlanga had to move the proceedings fully in-camera after it became impossible to have the evidence presented in public without compromising the witness' identity.

We are exactly a week away from the expected deadline for the much anticipated Phala Phala ConCourt judgment to be delivered. The Constitutional Court, in response to EFF Leader Julius Malema's letter, ascertained that the judgment was at an advanced stage and should be expected within a month from the response (8 April 2026). In this episode, we give you context about how we got here and the different scenarios that we could see play out once the judgment is given.

Tshukudu Malatji, a City of Tshwane official in charge of asset protection appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry today and was questioned about the unlawful R14M expenditure on a security tender, the movement of bid documents related to tenders, the payment and authorisation of invoices for services that were not yet delivered to the City. We unpack all of this and how it links to the testimonies of other key witnesses in the Tshwane story like Gareth Mnisi, Lebogang Phiri, Umashi Dlamini and others.

In this episode of SMWX, we unpack this week's scandals involving an over R1Bn tender for textbooks, Chinese SUVs that were given to Ministers and AI generated sources in a draft policy. What does the mean for the Government of National Unity and its stability?

Umashi Dlamini continued his testimony at the Madlanga Commission and he was questioned today on the tender awarding saga in the City of Tshwane. We unpack this, and Brown Mogotsi's shock application for Evidence Leader Adv Chaskalson SC's recusal for his testimony that is scheduled. We finally also unpack Kagiso Lerutle and Julius Mkhwanazi's successful bail application

French Ambassador to South Africa, David Martinon, joins us on SMWX for a conversation about France-SA relations, the Africa Summit, upcoming G7 summit in France.

President Ramaphosa has suspended SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola amidst charges against him of contravening the PFMA in Matlala’s R360M tender. Ramaphosa appoints SAPS CFO Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane as the Acting National Police Commissioner. We unpack this and what it means for the fight against crime and corruption in South Africa.

Sergeant Fannie Nkosi was denied bail today, whilst Suspended Deputy District Commissioner in Sedibeng Brigadier Nkhwashu appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Nkhwashu was questioned on his relationship with KT Molefe as well as the movement of dockets in the Armand Swart murder case.

Gareth Mnisi concludes his testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Police chief Gen Fannie Masemola appeared in court and the story of DJ Sumbody's murder continues. We unpack all of this and the consequences for South Africa.

Suspended City of Tshwane CFO, Gareth Mnisi, has continued his appearance at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. He has been giving evidence around the tender awarding process at the City and his possible involvement in the outcomes of this project to the possible benefit of Sergeant Nkosi's brother.

In this conversation, SMWX sits down with Build One South Africa leader Dr Mmusi Maimane to discuss Unite for Change, BOSA’s merger with the People’s Prosperity Movement, and what opposition politics in South Africa could look like ahead of 2029. Maimane reflects on coalition politics, leadership, the DA’s federal congress, Geordin Hill-Lewis, and whether South Africa needs a new centrist political alternative. The discussion also explores governance, coalition-building, the future of the GNU, and the big questions facing Johannesburg ahead of the next local government elections.