SMWX

Dada Morero joins Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh on SMWX to discuss his journey into politics, his record as Johannesburg’s mayor and the choices facing the city ahead of the local government elections. From growing up in Orlando West and becoming involved in student activism to working in civilian intelligence and city administration, Morero reflects on the experiences that shaped his leadership. He revisits his first 25-day stint as mayor, the instability of coalition government and his priorities on crime prevention, municipal finances and service delivery. The conversation tackles the Auditor-General’s findings, wasteful expenditure, water shortages, electricity interruptions and dete...

Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, former Constitutional Court Judge, joins us on SMWX to have a conversation about his early life, what drew him to the Law, his career as an advocate, and his many landmark judgements and court appearances, including the ICJ in 2004. In this episode, we get to know and understand the man behind the name and where it all truly began. Justice Madlanga also reflects on the life and legacy of Oliver Tambo. The interview was filmed on the sidelines of the Oliver Tambo Memorial Lecture, hosted by the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation in collaboration with Infinity...

Lukhona Mnguni returns to SMWX for a conversation with Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh about his campaign to become Johannesburg’s mayor and Rise Mzansi’s plans to rebuild the city. Drawing on stories from the campaign trail, he discusses the everyday corruption, crime and water shortages affecting residents, and why so many are losing faith in politics. He outlines proposals to stabilise municipal finances, make procurement transparent, repair water infrastructure and establish an investment fund that gives residents a stake in the city’s recovery, alongside ward-level budgets to strengthen community participation. Turning to the battle for City Hall, Mnguni explai...

Who is Cape Town really being built for? Brett Herron joins SMWX to unpack the city’s housing and affordability crisis, explain why he left the DA, and discuss his allegations about donor and property developer influence over affordable housing. He outlines GOOD’s proposals for building homes, reducing municipal tariffs and regulating Airbnb, while questioning whether residents are being priced out of their own city. The conversation also tackles tourism and digital nomads, inequality and informal settlements, crime and gangsterism on the Cape Flats, and Herron’s opposition to the proposed N2 wall. He sets out his alternative, reflec...

Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Doctor Xhakaza joins SMWX for a frank conversation about the city’s future ahead of the 2026 local government elections. He makes the ANC’s case for another term, outlines plans to revive manufacturing and establish a university, and responds to the Madlanga Commission revelations involving the EMPD. Xhakaza also addresses his fallout with the EFF, the removal of Dunga, tensions over coalition arrangements and efforts to recover revenue lost through billing manipulation. The discussion tackles gender-based violence, whistleblower protection and the personal risks of confronting corruption.

MK Party MP Vusi Shongwe joins SMWX for a conversation about Parliament’s ad hoc committee, the Madlanga Commission and the political battles surrounding Feroz Khan. He explains why he believes Khan was shielded from appearing before the committee and questions Julius Malema and the EFF’s handling of the matter. Shongwe recounts a Durban meeting where he alleges he was offered money and cars, shares his account of being abducted in Tembisa, and discusses allegations involving Shadrack Sibiya, Cat Matlala and Crime Intelligence. Beyond the investigations, he reflects on his background in music production and the SAPS, his long...

Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh breaks down the latest election polls on SMWX, updating the picture of South Africa’s political landscape and the battle for control of its major metros. What do the new numbers suggest about the ANC, DA, MK Party, EFF, ActionSA and other contenders—and how has the outlook shifted? Sizwe examines where parties are gaining ground or coming under pressure, which races could deliver surprises, and the coalition possibilities that could determine who actually governs after the votes are counted. Looking beyond the headline percentages, this analysis considers voter turnout, undecided voters and the limits of poll...

Floyd Shivambu returns to SMWX for a conversation with Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh about Mayibuye’s first election campaign and his call for a new approach to coalition government. Predicting widespread hung councils, he argues that the largest party should take the mayor’s office . The discussion tackles Johannesburg’s financial and service-delivery crises, his support for the ANC’s candidate-list court challenge, and why he believes political cooperation must come before personal rivalries. Shivambu also responds to Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi’s criticism of new political parties and makes his case for constitutional reform, land restitution and a stronger role for tradit...

Helen Zille returns to SMWX for a conversation with Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh about her campaign to become Johannesburg’s mayor and how she would tackle the city’s financial and service-delivery crises. She outlines proposals to fix the billing system, make procurement transparent and ring-fence water and electricity revenue, while working with Treasury and the presidency on Johannesburg’s recovery. Zille also weighs the DA’s coalition options, questions whether an ANC partnership could tackle corruption, rules out a deal with MK and proposes extending the Madlanga Commission’s work to Johannesburg. From her digital-first campaign and viral pothole swim to im...

Acting Justice Tembeka Ngcukaitobi unpacks South Africa’s Constitution and Bill of Rights in an interactive lecture with learners at the Constitutional Court. He explains who the Constitution protects, the distinction between rights reserved for citizens and those enjoyed by everyone, and what this means for access to education, healthcare and protection from violence. Through practical examples and questions from the students, he explores what the right to basic education should mean in their own classrooms, why rights come with responsibilities, and how ordinary people give meaning to the Constitution. The discussion also tackles discrimination against migrants, gender-based violence, fr...

The Constitutional Court has given the ANC and its SG Mbalula a lifeline by granting them leave in the application against the IEC. We unpack the judgments and its implications.

Action SA's Cape Town mayoral candidate Dereleen James joins us on SMWX for a wide-ranging interview ahead of the 2026 local government elections. James challenges the DA's record of governance under Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, questioning whether Cape Town's reputation as a well-run city reflects the lived realities of residents in poorer communities. She outlines her plans to tackle gang violence, drug abuse and crime on the Cape Flats, while addressing the city's deep inequalities, housing crisis, rising municipal tariffs and cost of living. The conversation also explores Action SA's electoral prospects, possible coalitions with the DA, illegal immigration, affordable housing...

Former SAPS Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya's bail hearing continues in the Randburg Magistrate's Court. In the hearing yesterday, we heard a phone call recording between Mr M and Serge Cabonge where Cabonge made some serious allegations. In this episode we unpack the consequences of this recording and the Adv Madonsela vs Impeachment Committee matter before the Western Cape High Court.

South Africa has world-class talent. How do we turn it into lasting opportunity? Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh hosts a panel featuring Siphiwe Tshabalala to explore the power of football, film, culture and storytelling to shape South Africa’s future. The panel was at the Brand South Africa's Nation Brand Forum. From Tshabalala’s iconic opening goal at the 2010 FIFA World Cup to the global influence of South African creatives, the discussion explores what makes the country exceptional—and where we are falling short. The panel reflects on the World Cup’s legacy, missed opportunities in youth development, the importance of rebuildi...

Duduzile “Dudu” Zuma joins Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh on SMWX to give her side of her disputed expulsion from the MK Party, challenge claims that she controlled the organisation behind the scenes and reflect on her role in its formation. She opens up about her relationship with Jacob Zuma, her decision to leave Parliament and Duduzane Zuma’s political ambitions, while sharing memories of a childhood in exile and the pressures of growing up in a prominent political family. The conversation also tackles the ANC’s decline, the Government of National Unity, the local government elections and her criminal trial linked t...

Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma joins us on SMWX for an in-depth conversation about her life in the liberation struggle, government and African diplomacy. From her rural KwaZulu-Natal upbringing and journey into exile to Nelson Mandela’s call appointing her Minister of Health, she shares the personal experiences that shaped her public life. She reflects on confronting tobacco and pharmaceutical interests, working with Thabo Mbeki on South Africa's foreign policy, tackling corruption at Home Affairs and developing the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The conversation also revisits her 2017 ANC leadership contest against Cyril Ramaphosa, why she supported a further inquiry into Phala Phal...

Herman Mashaba returns to SMWX for a conversation about his campaign to become Johannesburg’s mayor again and his plans to turn the city around. From fixing municipal finances and restoring basic services to reclaiming hijacked buildings and tackling corruption, Mashaba outlines his priorities, including a skills audit and a professional public service built on merit rather than political connections. The discussion also tackles illegal immigration, public safety and his views on the relationship between the rule of law and Ubuntu.

In this episode of Week in Review, we unpack the Asylum Seeker drama that's been unfolding in South Africa, we give you the context and facts so you are able to make up your own minds. We also unpack the reports of former President Zuma being unwell and hospitalized as well as the Lungisa case that has brought defeat at the hands of the ANC.

Bongani Baloyi returns to SMWX for a conversation about his campaign to become Johannesburg’s mayor. He outlines his “one city, two plans” approach to stabilising municipal finances and restoring basic services before driving growth, including tackling water and electricity losses, investing in infrastructure maintenance and appointing a professional civil service. The discussion also explores township electricity generation, inner-city renewal, public safety and his proposals on immigration, before turning to the MK Party’s internal instability and Jacob Zuma’s leadership.

The TRC Inquiry has been underway for a number of months now and it has been mandated to look into issues arising from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Former Presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki are expected to give testimony at this inquiry and in this episode we give you an overview of what the TRC inquiry is.

The 2026 Local Government Elections are around the corner in South Africa and in this episode, we unpack what the polls are telling us to expect on November 4th. From the situation in Johannesburg, Ethekwini, and other metropolitan municipalities; we break it all down on SMWX.

A SAPS forensic report has recently recommended that former Police Minister Bheki Cele be criminally charged for receiving benefits from Vusimusi Cat Matlala such as alleged cash payments, penthouse stays at no cost and many others. We unpack this and what it means for the credibility of those entrusted to safeguard public resources and policies. We also shift to the latest remarks by the USA's ambassador to South Africa, Brent Bozell's about DIRCO Minister Ronald Lamola and how this continues to affect relationships between South Africa and the US.

Tumi Sole joins us on SMWX for a wide-ranging conversation about activism, accountability and the power of ordinary South Africans to shape the country around them. The attorney and founder of Country Duty reflects on his journey into civic activism, the role social media has played in mobilising communities and holding institutions to account, and the challenges of turning online outrage into meaningful action. The conversation also explores leadership, service delivery, South Africa’s political culture, youth participation and what it will take to rebuild a stronger sense of civic responsibility in a country where many citizens are increasingly fr...

Suspended Deputy National Commissioner Lt Gen Sibiya appeared at the Randburg Magistrate's Court for his bail hearing and some explosive recordings and WhatsApp chats around the allegations.

We unpack the latest coming out of the Madlanga Commission today, as Joe Sibanyoni concluded his testimony around the Shosholoza stokvel and his attempts at acquiring stakes in Putco busses.

Joe Sibanyoni returned to the Madlanga Commission today and had his evidence cross-examined regarding allegations around extortion and various relationships with Sindane and others. We unpack this and Lt Gen Sibiya's bail application appearance.

Khaya Dlanga, author and commentator, joins us on SMWX for a wide-ranging conversation about grief and time, being asked by AKA to write his biography, his views on the state of South Africa and reactions to the Mkhwanazi revelations.

Bafana Sindane's evidence was presented by Adv Chaskalson SC at the Madlanga Commission today. In these chats, allegations of extortion, drug syndicates and many explosive information was laid bare. Sindane nor his lawyers were in attendance today, however the evidence was presented nonetheless. In this episode, we unpack the revelations from these WhatsApp chats and Feroz Khan's lawyers' brief appearance before the Commission this morning too.

BRICS has become the topical global power bloc that has everyone talking. Is this a real global shift in power dynamics? In this episode of Mzansi Way Makers in collaboration with Brand South Africa, Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh sits down with Busi Mabuza, Chairperson of SA BRICS Business Council and the IDC. Its an in-depth conversation about her career, the recent BRICS Summit and how to get our economy moving in the right direction.

Suspended SAPS Deputy National Commissioner Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya was arrested this week, suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's house was raided and phone seized and many more interesting developments took place this week. In this 'Week in Review' episode, Otsile Nkadimeng and Oratile Kekana unpack what happened this week and preview the week to come. Feroz Khan is also expected to appear before the Madlanga Commission next week, with some evidence in-camera.

Sello Maake kaNcube joins Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh on SMWX for a conversation about his acting career, South Africa’s political direction and the responsibilities of fatherhood. From his experiences on Generations to playing Mufasa in The Lion King, Sello reflects on his journey through television and theatre, the frustrations behind leaving Generations and the importance of ownership and control over Black storytelling. He also shares his concerns about South Africa’s leadership and future, discussing the revelations surrounding General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and the Madlanga Commission. Beyond the screen and politics, the conversation explores masculinity, personal accountability and his relationship with...

Has taxi-boss and Sibanyoni-associate, Bafana Sindane, dodged the Madlanga Commission? Sindane's legal representatives applied for a postponement at the Commission, citing medical reasons and a "spiritual seclusion" as reasons that necessitated the postponement. The Commission granted the postponement until Monday next week and Sindane is expected to give evidence then. Cat Matlala's wife, Tsakani Matlala, was also arrested a day ago and we unpack this and more!

Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya, appeared before the Randburg Magistrate's Court on charges of alleged sexual assault. We unpack this and the withdrawal of charges against suspended National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola.

Joe Ferarri Sibanyoni appeared befoe the Madlanga Commission again today and continued reading his statement into the record. In this episode, we unpack his testimony and what it means for the bigger picture and allegations that Gen Mkhwanazi made on July 6th 2025.

Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi joins Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh for a wide-ranging conversation on life after politics, South Africa’s political landscape and his renewed focus on civil society. In this joint broadcast between SMWX and the African Renaissance Podcast, Ndlozi reflects on stepping away from the political spotlight and outlines his vision for the Batho Pele Convention, community self-reliance and rebuilding public schools. The discussion tackles the Madlanga Commission, Gen. Mkhwanazi’s allegations, Parliament’s ad hoc committee, Phala Phala and accountability in government and the media. Against the backdrop of Ndlozi’s new book, Love and Violence, the two also deb...

The killings of women in Kempton Park and across Ekurhuleni have left families grieving and communities demanding answers. Why are women still unsafe — and what must change? In this SMWX analysis, Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh examines the background to the killings, the wider crisis of gender-based violence, and the response from government and society.

The ANC took the IEC to the Electoral Court over claims that there were technical glitches that prevented them from submitting a number of candidates on their lists to the IEC. The Electoral Court has since ruled against the ANC. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the details of this case as well as the consequences for the ANC leading up to the 2026 Local Government Elections.

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...

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.