SMWX
A journey into the heart of South Africa politics, through interviews and analysis, with your guide Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh.
All episodes(50)
- StandardSummaries onlySerious hunger and food security crisis in SA | Is government doing enough?
Published Jun 27, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyCat Matlala turns state witness!
Published Jun 25, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyANC abandons Phala Phala case
Published Jun 24, 2026
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
- StandardSummaries onlyOpposition parties slam Ramaphosa interdict
Published Jun 23, 2026
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 Ramaph
- StandardSummaries onlyJJ Tabane unpoacks: Ramaphosa, Thoko Didiza, Phala Phala, GNU, Gayton, March and March, Africa
Published Jun 22, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyChristine Qunta unpacks: BEE, legal sector code, transformation, black advocates, Apartheid, SOEs
Published Jun 21, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyWayne Duvenage unpacks: OUTA, eTolls, Madlanga Commission, Mkhwanazi, Ramaphosa impeachment, SETAs
Published Jun 21, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyKhumalo & Mkhwanazi targeted in botched IDAC arrest?
Published Jun 19, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyImpeachment Committee to oppose Ramaphosa in court
Published Jun 18, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyEmergency impeachment committee meeting!
Published Jun 17, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyMzilikazi Wa Afrika unpacks: Mkhwanazi, DD Mabuza, Sibiya, Cato Manor, Phala Phala, SARS rogue unit
Published Jun 16, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyRamaphosa goes nuclear to block impeachment committee
Published Jun 15, 2026
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 P
- StandardSummaries onlyMpho Popps unpacks: Ramaphosa, comedy, Gayton McKenzie, FIFA World Cup, Podcast n Chill, Madlanga
Published Jun 14, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyR300M drug bust: links to big politicians?
Published Jun 12, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyExplosive WhatsApp chats link Malema and Khan
Published Jun 9, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyMadlanga Commission: Wild details of another drug bust
Published Jun 8, 2026
Madlanga CommissionThe 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.
- StandardSummaries onlyNew twist in Phala Phala impeachment probe
Published Jun 5, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyRamaphosa roasted in Parliament
Published Jun 4, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyFresh details on R200M drug bust!
Published Jun 3, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyWhat's next for Ramaphosa impeachment process?
Published Jun 3, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyWild R200K cocaine story!
Published Jun 2, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyDan Corder unpacks: Ramaphosa impeachment, digital media, ANC succession, Trevor Noah, Parliament
Published Jun 2, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyPhala Phala Committee elects chair!
Published Jun 1, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyGogo Matshiqi unpacks: Phala Phala, ANC, Ramaphosa impeachment, Mkhwebane, Didiza, immigration
Published May 30, 2026
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!
- StandardSummaries onlyRamaphosa impeachment committee date set!
Published May 29, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyTara Roos previews new book: ANC, Phala Phala, Helen Zille, Ramaphosa impeachment, GNU, Joburg
Published May 28, 2026
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 t
- StandardSummaries onlyRamaphosa threatens Parliament with interdict
Published May 26, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyMbeki, Fraser speak out on Ramaphosa impeachment
Published May 26, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyWhy Brown Mogotsi is in the dock...
Published May 25, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyInflation rates vs Interest rates | SA's monetary policy effective?
Published May 24, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyTokyo Sexwale speaks out: Ramaphosa, ‘GNU’, Mkhwanazi, ANC succession, Phala Phala, Zuma, Bozell
Published May 23, 2026
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’.
- StandardSummaries onlyLukhona Mnguni announces his Joburg Mayor bid!
Published May 23, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyANC leadership shakedown in Gauteng
Published May 21, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyMK Party internal instability continues
Published May 20, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyShocking extortion case dumped by Magistrate!
Published May 19, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyWhy Cyril's delay shouldn't succeed
Published May 18, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyA crazy week in SA politics!
Published May 15, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyMighti Jamie warns Ramaphosa: Impeachment, Concourt judgment, ANC, Parliament
Published May 9, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyRamaphosa impeachment looms | Massive Phala Phala judgment!
Published May 8, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyWhy Phala Phala judgment could change South Africa...
Published May 7, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyFadiel Adams arrested | Phala Phala judgment date set!
Published May 5, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyMadlanga shuts Commission doors
Published May 4, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyPhala Phala judgment looms
Published May 1, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyMalatji exposed for alleged tender fraud?
Published Apr 30, 2026
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 D
- StandardSummaries onlyShady tenders, free SUVs and AI policies | Is the GNU crumbling?
Published Apr 30, 2026
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?
- StandardSummaries onlyBrown Mogotsi requests Chaskalson recusal
Published Apr 28, 2026
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
- StandardSummaries onlyDavid Martinon unpacks: G7, Ramaphosa, France-SA relations, Just Energy, Donald Trump, US-Iran war
Published Apr 26, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyRamaphosa suspends Police Chief Masemola
Published Apr 23, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyNkosi denied bail | Nkhwashu explains KT Molefe relationship
Published Apr 22, 2026
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.
- StandardSummaries onlyMasemola appears in court | DJ Sumbody plot thickens...
Published Apr 21, 2026
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.