Daily Maverick

In this special edition of The Readiness Report, recorded ahead of the high-stakes meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump, Redi Tlhabi unpacks what’s at stake, who’s really in the room, and why South Africa’s apparent diplomatic win may not be what it seems. From quiet backchannel deals to disinformation campaigns, this conversation explores the real power dynamics shaping how South Africa is perceived on the global stage. 00:34 South African Delegation to the White House 01:08 Trump's Approach to Diplomacy 02:00 Challenges and Misconceptions 05:28 Strategic Importance of the Meeting 07:22 US Delegation and Media Dynamics 10:19 Key Issues and Future Prospects 18:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Production: Bernard Kotze & Emilie Gambade Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Power Chat, Daily Maverick’s Ferial Haffajee talks with DIRCO’s Director-General Zane Dangor about South Africa’s role on the global stage. From the G20 summit to the ICJ case in The Hague, they explore the power of partnerships, South Africa’s position as a middle power, and what’s next for the country in international relations. 01:10 Activism and Family Legacy 03:32 International Court of Justice and Israel-Palestine Conflict 05:11 South Africa's Role in Global Justice 08:12 Diplomacy and International Relations 18:58 G20 and Global Governance 33:50 Middle Powers and Global Collaboration 42:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts #PowerChat #G20 #Zane Dangor #SouthAfrica #FerialHaffajee Produced by: Emilie Gambade & Bernard Kotze Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Prudential Authority of the SA Reserve Bank is seeking to liquidate KZN-based Ithala SOC due to serious concerns about the state-owned lender’s financial health. In this video, Daily Maverick's Pieter-Louis Myburgh unpacks for Scorpio the recent court application and investigates a questionable Ithala loan.Written & Narrated by Pieter-Louis MyburghProduced by Bernard Kotze & Emilie GambadeEdited by Rufaro ChiswoOriginal Theme Music & Design by Bernard KotzeSupport journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As negotiations between the ANC and DA over the national budget dragged into the early hours of April 1, 2025, no agreement was reached—deepening the ongoing deadlock within the Government of National Unity (GNU). Just days before, Ferial Haffajee sat down with Deputy Finance Minister Ashor Sarupen to unpack the key issues surrounding the Budget and the GNU. Here’s an excerpt from their conversation.00:49 Challenges Facing the GNU02:10 Economic Policy and Taxation Issues04:04 Energy and Infrastructure Concerns06:51 Implementation and Bureaucratic Hurdles12:44 Coalition Dynamics and Political Realities16:24 Personal Insights and Relationships22:15 International Relations and Economic Strategy25:46 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsProduced by: Emilie Gambade & Bernard KotzeSupport journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Power Chat, Daily Maverick Associate Editor Ferial Haffajee sits down with South African-born American conservative political commentator, author and Breitbart News Senior Editor-at-Large Joel Pollak for a conversation on US democracy, the Trump presidency, South Africa’s foreign policy, and the future of US-SA relations. A sharp, high-stakes exchange on power, sovereignty, and ideology in a shifting global order. 01:06 Trump's First 100 Days and Executive Orders 02:59 Legal Challenges and Political Prosecutions 06:10 Debates on Democracy and Policy 11:20 Government Spending and Efficiency 17:09 US-South Africa Relations and Ambassadorship 20:14 Diplomatic Relations and Misinformation 24:26 Documenting Dissidents' Visit to South Africa 25:08 Legal Jeopardy and Freedom of Speech 26:22 The African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) 27:46 US-South Africa Relations and Trade 29:12 South Africa's Foreign Policy and the ICC 30:39 South Africa's Stance on Israel and Palestine 38:25 Personal Reflections and South Africa's Future 43:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Produced by: Emilie Gambade & Bernard Kotze Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Afrikaner activists have been in Washington, telling people about the plight of Afrikaans farmers and urging the US to lay sanctions against ANC politicians. Rebecca Davis unpacks who they met with and how impactful their visit was.Written & Narrated by Rebecca DavisProduced by Bernard Kotze & Emilie GambadeOriginal Theme Music & Design by Bernard KotzeSupport journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider.https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Power Chat, Daily Maverick Associate Editor Ferial Haffajee speaks with the Chairperson of the Federal Council of the Democratic Alliance, Helen Zille; they discuss the state of Johannesburg, the challenges of fixing a broken city, and the role of voters in driving change. Zille highlights the impact of cadre deployment, the importance of skilled councillors, and the Democratic Alliance’s strategy for the 2026/2027 elections. Zille contrasts DA-led governance with Johannesburg’s decline, outlining the time and effort needed to rebuild. She also discusses the party’s candidate selection process and the early progress of the Government of National Unity (GNU). A sharp conversation about leadership, governance, and the future of South Africa’s metros. 0:00 Introduction – The broken state of Johannesburg and the councillor selection process 0:58 The calibre of DA councillor candidates in Johannesburg 2:15 The harsh realities of being a local councillor 3:53 DA’s electoral strategy for 2026/2027 5:13 Proportional representation and the chances of majority governments 6:32 Comparing DA- and ANC-governed areas – tangible differences in service delivery 7:28 The role of local government in service delivery and reducing inequality 9:06 Johannesburg’s decline – visible decay and infrastructure failures 10:25 The long road to fixing Johannesburg – why voter support is key 12:15 The multifaceted role of a local councillor 13:26 Personal experiences and challenges of being a councillor 14:15 Combating patronage and corruption in councillor selection 15:56 Thoughts on the progress of the Government of National Unity (GNU) 18:36 Conclusion Produced by: Emilie Gambade & Bernard Kotze Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Since at least 2018, a claim doing the rounds on social media alleges that white people own only around 22% of South Africa’s land. This claim has been circulating again now in the light of the recent tensions around the Expropriation Act. But is it true? Daily Maverick's Rebecca Davis explains. Written & Narrated by Rebacca DavisProduced by Bernard Kotze & Emilie GambadeEdited by Rufaro ChiswoMusic & Design by Bernard KotzeSupport journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From business moguls like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, to political insiders like Joel Pollak, several South African men have found their way into Donald Trump’s orbit. Rebecca Davis unpacks who they are, how they got there, and what role they play in the US president’s world.Written & Narrated by Rebecca DavisProduced by Bernard Kotze & Emilie GambadeEdited by Rufaro ChiswoOriginal Music & Design by Bernard KotzeSupport journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Queeny Madikizela-Malema, an alleged ‘informant’ with a murky past, has been murdered. Her story is tangled in claims of rogue state activity, a reported 'jailbreak' linked to Jacob Zuma, and alleged smear campaigns tied to Western Cape policing and politics. What really happened? Watch as we unpack the intrigue surrounding her life and murder.Written & Narrated by Caryn DolleyProduced by Bernard Kotze & Emilie GambadeEdited by Malibongwe TyiloOriginal Theme Music & Design by Bernard KotzeRead the full story on Daily Maverick:https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-01-14-murdered-worcester-gangster-informant-madonsela-target-hit/Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Power Chat, author and Daily Maverick Associate Editor Ferial Haffajee sits down with Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis to unpack the city’s record-breaking tourism season, the impact of global politics—like Donald Trump’s statements—on local affairs, and the challenges of attracting international investment amid policy uncertainty. Hill-Lewis addresses issues of inequality and public infrastructure and shares insights on maintaining affordable living in rapidly developing urban spaces. A candid conversation about leadership, opportunity, and the future of one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.0:00 Introduction2:05 Expropriation Act and Investment4:45 Diplomacy and International Trade7:40 Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA)8:35 Cape Town Voted Number One City11:40 Inequality in South Africa and Cape Town15:00 Cape Town's Budgeting and Spending16:00 Spatial Inequality and Housing Plans19:40 Public Transport and Integration22:30 Affordability and Housing24:50 Airbnb Regulation26:00 Political Future27:50 Government of National Unity (GNU)30:00 Importance of Relationships in the GNU31:00 Favorite Moments as Mayor33:00 ConclusionProduced by: Bernard Kotze & Emilie GambadeSupport journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider.https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Daily Maverick's Caryn Dolley previously uncovered possible links between fugitive ‘Cryptoqueen’ Ruja Ignatova and South Africa, particularly Cape Town. Now, new clues sparked speculation that Ignatova, wanted globally for her OneCoin cryptocurrency scam, may have been hiding in South Africa, challenging rumours of her murder at sea. Could the elusive mastermind behind one of the world’s biggest scams be closer than we think? Dolley explains.Written & Narrated by Caryn DolleyProduced by Bernard Kotze & Emilie GambadeEdited by Malibongwe TyiloOriginal Theme Music & Design by Bernard KotzeRead the full story on Daily Maverick:https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-11-17-wanted-global-cryptoqueen-ruja-ignatova-may-be-in-sa-german-cops/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-06-11-cryptoqueens-link-to-murder-of-bulgarians-in-sa/Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Polokwane's mayor, Justice Minister Thembi Simelane's lavish lifestyle raised serious questions. With designer shopping sprees and cash property purchases, her expenses far exceeded her official salary. Follow our three-part investigation as we trace every cent of Simelane's money trail from 2016 to 2020, revealing the gap between her income and her luxury spending.Written & Narrated by Pauli Van WykProduced by Emilie Gambade & Bernard KotzeEdited by Malibongwe TyiloOriginal Theme Music & Design by Bernard KotzeRead more on Daily Maverick: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-03-thembi-simelanes-unexplained-cash-part-one-shopping-therapy-a-property-bought-cash-disney-world-trips/If you want to support journalism that is having a positive effect on South Africa, become a Maverick Insider: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider. Your benefits? Up to 50% off tickets to all events; always-on 10% discount at the Daily Maverick Shop; sign up for R200 or more per month and get R200 back in Pick n’Pay vouchers. See T&Cs for more details; ad-free browsing; comment on articles and a ‘behind-the-scenes’ bi-weekly newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Extortion is a massive problem in South Africa. It affects many industries, areas and individuals – and crimes in this arena can prove fatal, people have before been murdered. Railway tracks and construction sites have been disrupted and extortionists even go after pensioners. Restaurants and entertainment venues are also targeted.Written & Narrated by Caryn DolleyProduced by Emilie Gambade & Bernard KotzeEdited by Rufaro Chiswo Theme Music & Design by Bernard Kotze Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A sensational R2-billion drug bust in Limpopo has resulted in five suspects, some of them Mexican citizens, being arrested. Three months ago, cocaine shipped from Colombia was intercepted in KwaZulu-Natal, and cases in Brazil and Australia have also highlighted drug-smuggling links to SA.Written & Narrated by Caryn DolleyProduced by Emilie Gambade & Bernard KotzeEdited by Malibongwe Tyilo Music & Design by Bernard Kotze Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In murky organised crime arenas, the irrefutable facts take the form of a murder toll. A dead body equates to cold, hard fact. The stories spun around it, some which may be intentionally planted to divert from truth and those guilty of crime, need to be carefully unravelled. Organised crime suspect Mark Lifman consistently denied accusations that he was linked to lawbreaking. The businessman was assassinated in the Western Cape town of George on 3 November 2024 while facing accusations, and on trial, for the assassination of another organised crime suspect - Brian “the Steroid King” Wainstein.Written & Narrated by Caryn DolleyProduced by Emilie Gambade & Bernard KotzeEdited by Malibongwe TyiloOriginal Theme Music & Design by Bernard Kotze Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is the scandal that has lacerated the South African Police Service and implicated some of the country’s top cops and politicians. A story of Mandela’s top cop, steeped in apartheid-era sabotage across local and global criminal investigations spanning decades. Add in nefarious individuals, from an informant once close to Colombia’s Pablo Escobar, to several suspected Cape Town crime kingpins, the stakes only get higher. Dolley provides unprecedented insight into how apartheid-era policing structures lay the foundations for cop-gangster collusion and how these have endured into democracy. With exclusive access to retired policeman André Lincoln’s life, Dolley exposes the dirty ploys that have swung South Africa’s trajectory; how street-level killings could be flashpoints of deep state proxy wars; and raises suspicions about who in Nelson Mandela’s realm backstabbed whom. Dolley’s in-depth reporting brings to light the hidden power struggles, street-level killings, and state sabotage that have scarred South Africa, while exploring high-profile cases like the assassination of Lieutenant Charl Kinnear and recent tender fraud investigations, including the recent arrest of former City of Cape Town councillor Malusi Booi, are also under the microscope. Written & Narrated by Caryn DolleyProduced by Emilie Gambade & Bernard KotzeEdited by Malibongwe TyiloOriginal Theme Music & Design by Bernard KotzeCaryn Dolley's book 'Man Alone' is now available for pre-order from the Daily Maverick Shop for R310. ORDER HERE: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/man-a... or available at all good bookstores. For media enquiries, please contact: Ingrid Sinclair, [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.