SMWX

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By: Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh

A journey into the heart of South Africa politics, through interviews and analysis, with your guide Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh.

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Serious hunger and food security crisis in SA | Is government doing enough?
Yesterday at 6:01 AM

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.


Cat Matlala turns state witness!
Last Thursday at 2:50 PM

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.


ANC abandons Phala Phala case
#43
Last Wednesday at 4:59 PM

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.


Opposition parties slam Ramaphosa interdict
Last Tuesday at 2:01 PM

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.


JJ Tabane unpoacks: Ramaphosa, Thoko Didiza, Phala Phala, GNU, Gayton, March and March, Africa
Last Monday at 5:50 PM

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.


Christine Qunta unpacks: BEE, legal sector code, transformation, black advocates, Apartheid, SOEs
06/21/2026

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.


Wayne Duvenage unpacks: OUTA, eTolls, Madlanga Commission, Mkhwanazi, Ramaphosa impeachment, SETAs
06/21/2026

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.


Khumalo & Mkhwanazi targeted in botched IDAC arrest?
06/19/2026

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.


Impeachment Committee to oppose Ramaphosa in court
06/18/2026

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.


Emergency impeachment committee meeting!
06/17/2026

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.


Mzilikazi Wa Afrika unpacks: Mkhwanazi, DD Mabuza, Sibiya, Cato Manor, Phala Phala, SARS rogue unit
06/16/2026

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.


Ramaphosa goes nuclear to block impeachment committee
06/15/2026

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 Parliament from investigating him. This is a major test of accountability, separation of powers, and whether Parliament will be allowed to do its...


Mpho Popps unpacks: Ramaphosa, comedy, Gayton McKenzie, FIFA World Cup, Podcast n Chill, Madlanga
06/14/2026

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.


R300M drug bust: links to big politicians?
06/12/2026

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.


Explosive WhatsApp chats link Malema and Khan
06/09/2026

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.


Madlanga Commission: Wild details of another drug bust
06/08/2026

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.


New twist in Phala Phala impeachment probe
06/05/2026

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.


Ramaphosa roasted in Parliament
06/04/2026

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.


Fresh details on R200M drug bust!
06/03/2026

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.


What's next for Ramaphosa impeachment process?
06/03/2026

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.


Wild R200K cocaine story!
06/02/2026

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.


Dan Corder unpacks: Ramaphosa impeachment, digital media, ANC succession, Trevor Noah, Parliament
06/02/2026

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.


Phala Phala Committee elects chair!
06/01/2026

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.


Gogo Matshiqi unpacks: Phala Phala, ANC, Ramaphosa impeachment, Mkhwebane, Didiza, immigration
05/30/2026

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!


Ramaphosa impeachment committee date set!
#42
05/29/2026

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.


Tara Roos previews new book: ANC, Phala Phala, Helen Zille, Ramaphosa impeachment, GNU, Joburg
05/28/2026

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 the year.


Ramaphosa threatens Parliament with interdict
05/26/2026

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.


Mbeki, Fraser speak out on Ramaphosa impeachment
#41
05/26/2026

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.


Why Brown Mogotsi is in the dock...
05/25/2026

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.


Inflation rates vs Interest rates | SA's monetary policy effective?
05/24/2026

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.


Tokyo Sexwale speaks out: Ramaphosa, ‘GNU’, Mkhwanazi, ANC succession, Phala Phala, Zuma, Bozell
05/23/2026

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’.


Lukhona Mnguni announces his Joburg Mayor bid!
05/23/2026

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.


ANC leadership shakedown in Gauteng
05/21/2026

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.


MK Party internal instability continues
#40
05/20/2026

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.


Shocking extortion case dumped by Magistrate!
05/19/2026

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.


Why Cyril's delay shouldn't succeed
05/18/2026

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.


A crazy week in SA politics!
05/15/2026

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. 


Mighti Jamie warns Ramaphosa: Impeachment, Concourt judgment, ANC, Parliament
#39
05/09/2026

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. 


Ramaphosa impeachment looms | Massive Phala Phala judgment!
#38
05/08/2026

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. 


Why Phala Phala judgment could change South Africa...
05/07/2026

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.