SMWX

Day 6 of the escalating US–Iran regional war is raising fears of a wider global conflict. In this update, we break down the latest strikes across the Gulf, Iran’s retaliation targeting oil infrastructure and US assets, and the growing political backlash inside the United States. We also examine how the conflict is disrupting global energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, the risk of a ground invasion in northwest Iran, and the wider economic consequences for countries from Europe to Asia — including South Africa.

Paul O'Sullivan appeared before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee again today and apologized for walking out on the Ad Hoc previously. He was grilled by MPs on various other issues too. We unpack this and more!

We explore the latest developments in the US-Iran War and also have a look at global reactions, including from President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Suspended SAPS Organized Crime boss Maj Gen Richard Shibiri appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry today. Shibiri testified about his relationship with Cat Matlala and his work as the head of the Organized Crime unit, including some allegations made by Lt Gen Mkhwanazi. We explore his testimony and its links to various other witnesses that have testified before like Witness A and B.

We unpack the latest coming out of the geopolitical scene, in the conflict between the US and Iran. What are the consequences geopolitically and for South Africa? We explore this and much more. Ayeye!

In this SMWX interview, Rise Mzansi MP, Makashule Gana breaks down what “hard work” in Parliament actually looks like — from delivering an unusually high number of budget-vote speeches to juggling committee work in a tiny two-seat caucus. We also unpack his political journey, explain why South Africans prefer parties cooperating over fragmentation, and detail why they’ve become one of Parliament’s most consistent voices on gambling reform. Finally, Gana explains Rise Mzansi’s strategic role inside the GNU — and shares a personal goal: running Comrades again.

We unpack the US-Iran war that's happening and break down all that you need to know about it.

Musicians, Jesse Clegg and Msaki, join us on SMWX for a conversation about their new EP: Entropy which deals with themes of love and loss. We explore the music journey and what this EP means to them; we also explore the state of South Africa and its leadership crisis.

ANC MP Xola Nqola joins us on SMWX for a wide-ranging conversation on the work of the Ad Hoc Committee, ANC renewal and succession, President Ramaphosa's appearance before Ad Hoc Committee, the rot in SAPS and more!

Paul O Sullivan walked out of Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee while the evidence leaders were still busy asking him questions. Geordin Hill-Lewis and Solly Msimanga put their hats in for the DA leadership race. We unpack it all and more!

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana presented the 2026 Budget Speech in Parliament yesterday. Members of Parliament share their reactions to the budget and its priorities.

Lt Gen Sibiya and Brown Mogotsi have both continued their testimonies at the Madlanga Commission and Ad Hoc Committee respectively. We unpack their testimonies and what it means for the bigger picture.

In this episode, SMWX sits down with Sol Phenduka — legendary broadcaster, musician, master of the pun, and co-host of Podcast and Chill. We get into Phenduka’s story before the spotlight: being raised by his mom, the grit of the early years, how hip-hop and production shaped his voice, and the hustle that took him from UJFM to the YFM pipeline. Then we unpack what people don’t see: the behind-the-scenes work, structure, and consistency that turned Podcast and Chill from “just chatting” into a full enterprise. To close, we touch on the state of the country — policing, corruption, consequences — and the frustration driving voters ahead of the next big election.

Former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's son has been arrested in Hyde Park, Johannesburg for the attempted murder of his gardener. We unpack this story and the latest at the Madlanga Commission.

MK Party MP, Sibonelo Nomvalo, joins us for a conversation around Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee investigating Lt Gen Mkhwanazi's allegations, his life as a lawyer and setting up his own firm, allegations of SAPS capture by syndicates by Lt Gen Mkhwanazi and much more.

Lt Gen Sibiya, suspended SAPS Deputy National Commissioner, has began his testimony at the Madlanga Commission. Let's unpack his evidence and allegations he has made.

Legendary South African football coach, Dr Pitso Mosimane, joins us on SMWX for a conversation about his early life, footballing career as both a player and coach, the state of SA football and development, coaching education, and his future prospects. Ayeye!

In this explosive SMWX exclusive, Brown Mogotsi sits down for an unfiltered, in-depth interview following his appearance at the Madlanga Commission and ahead of his return to testify. Now a central figure in one of South Africa’s most controversial political and intelligence sagas, Mogotsi addresses the allegations against him, his role in crime intelligence structures, and the claims he has made about senior police and political leaders. This interview gives viewers the opportunity to hear directly from Brown Mogotsi, in his own words. As always, SMWX provides a platform for open dialogue and multiple perspectives on matters of national importance.

Dereleen James, ActionSA MP and member of Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee investigating Lt Gen Mkhwanazi's allegations, joins us on SMWX for a conversation around her political journey, choosing ActionSA as her political party, her activism, crime and corruption in SA, Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee and much more!

President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his 9th State of the Nation Address at the Cape Town City Hall last night. Members of Parliament, Government Officials, Politicians share their reactions to the #SONA2026 and their thoughts about the plans the President shared for South Africa.

Howzit! Amahle 'jaxxofalltrades' Jaxa joins us for a conversation to reflect on her life, content creation and social media, the state of South Africa and where we're headed, President Ramaphosa's State of The Nation Address and more!

Legendary radio and television broadcaster, Bongani Bingwa, joins us for a wide-ranging conversation and reflection on his early life and introduction to media and broadcasting, his views about the state of South Africa, President Ramaphosa's legacy, revelations coming out of the Madlanga Commission and more!

Paul O'Sullivan will be appearing before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee on Tuesday morning, after weeks of dodging a physical appearance in Parliament due to alleged safety concerns. We unpack this and the key questions he will be expected to answer. We also unpack today's sitting of the Madlanga Commission, where suspended Ekurhuleni Legal Services Head Adv Behari took the stand

Brigadier Matjeng appeared for her second day of testimony at the Madlanga Commission today. She gave more testimony about her supposed relationship with Cat Matlala and the gifts she would receive from him. We unpack this and more!

Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, Section Head for Criminal Records and Crime Scene Management in the SAPS Forensic Division gave shocking testimony today about her romantic relationship with Vusimusi Cat Matlala. We unpack her evidence and what this means in the greater scheme of things.

Prof JJ Tabane joins us for a candid conversation about the state of South Africa's rule of law. JJ explores the revelations coming out of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Phala Phala ConCourt judgement, the relationship between the media and SA heads of state, John Steenhuisen's imminent withdrawal from the DA's leadership and much more!

John Steenhuisen, DA Federal Leader, is said to be making announcement soon about his withdrawal from the DA's leadership race in April this year at the DA's National Congress. We unpack this as well as some shocking revelations coming out of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee investigating Lt Gen Mkhwanazi's allegations is considering bringing President Ramaphosa to testify, while the Speaker puts the breaks on attempts by the Ad Hoc to summon Brown Mogotsi. Last night, at the Grammys, Trevor Noah roasted President Donald Trump about his alleged relationship and implication with Jeffrey Epstein. We unpack all of this and more in today's episode of SMWX!

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry experienced more delays today as Sergeant Fannie Nkosi's lawyer made a submission for postponement at the Commission. This was due to his client receiving documents late and needing more time to prepare. The witness will testify next week, partially in-camera.

Former Statistician-General of South Africa, Dr Pali Lehohla, joins us for a candid conversation around the state of South Africa's economy and development. Dr Lehohla explores the idea of a sovereign wealth fund, a growth model that he has developed to save South Africa, inequality and poverty since 1994 and more!

Major General Senona, KZN Hawks Boss, has returned on to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to give further evidence about his relationship with Cat Matlala, why Matlala sent him Ramaphosa's confidential information and why he never reported Cat Matlala. Let's unpack this and more!

KZN Hawks Boss, Major General Senona testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry today and amongst other things, made similar allegations to Brown Mogotsi about an alleged meeting between Vusimusi Cat Matlala and Lt Gen Mkhwanazi. Let's unpack this and what it means for the bigger picture.

Today, the Madlanga Commission resumed for the year and heard testimony from Acting KZN Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Anthony Gopaul and Witness E. They both dropped some shocking testimony about suspended police minister, Senzo Mchunu. Let's unpack all that and more!

EFF President, Julius Malema, appeared before the East London Magistrate's Court today for his pre-sentencing hearing in his fire-arm discharge case. We unpack the case and what it means for Malema, EFF and the South African political landscape.

SMWX Legend, Gogo Aubrey Matshiqi, joins us to explore what the political year ahead could look like. In this conversation, Gogo Matshiqi unpacks the WEF in Davos and the statements that have come from global leaders, Julius Malema's pre-sentencing hearing and its prospective consequences for SA's political landscape, Robert McBride's testimony in Parliament, the Phala Phala ConCourt judgment and more!

Julius Mkhwanazi, Suspended EMPD Deputy Police Chief, testified before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee investigating Lt Gen Mkhwanazi's allegations. We unpack his relationship with Vusimusi Cat Matlala and the improper MOU that was for the supply of vehicles to EMPD by CAT VIP Protection Services, a company owned by Matlala.

Former IPID boss, Robert McBride, appears before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee and answers questions from MPs. McBride is questioned about his relationship with Paul O Sullivan, his allegations against Lt Gen Mkhwanazi and more.

Former IPID head Robert McBride takes the stand in Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee hearings on alleged police corruption and political interference. McBride faces intense questioning from MPs over accusations he colluded with private investigator Paul O’Sullivan to target senior police officials and undermine processes within law enforcement. The high-profile testimony comes as the committee grills witnesses in a broader probe into allegations of graft and misconduct in South Africa’s justice system. Viewers will get a close look at McBride’s responses, parliamentary cross-examination, and what his evidence could mean for accountability and policing reform.

Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee resumes hearings this week; Robert McBride (former IPID boss) and Julius Mkhwanazi (Suspended EMPD Deputy Police Chief) are expected to testify and be questioned by MPs. Ekurhuleni Mayor, Doctor Xhakaza, was allegedly placed at the crime scene of murdered DJ in 2023. We unpack this and more in today's analysis!

Former acting SAPS boss, Lt Gen Phahlane testified before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee yesterday and in his evidence, he testified about his dismissal from office by former police minister Fikile Mbalula, his working relationship with Richard Mdluli and an alleged plot to overthrow him which included Robert McBride, Paul O Sullivan and other journalists in the media space.

Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee investigating Lt Gen Mkhwanazi's allegations resumes today and we preview the appearance of former acting SAPS National Commissioner, Khomotso Phahlane, and Crime Intelligence boss, Dumisani Khumalo. We also unpack the DA's investigation into John Steenhuisen and Deon George. They have been accused of bringing the party into disrepute.

Adv Muzi Sikhakhane, one of South Africa's best legal minds, joins us on SMWX to unpack his idea of a 'Black People's Convention' to reshape and transform South Africa and the livelihoods of the poor. He also unpacks a new constitution and previews his version of a preamble.

The Debrief Network's founding editor, Qaanitah Hunter, joins us to preview what to watch out for in the South African political landscape in 2026. From the DA's national congress where a new leader will be elected, to the Madlanga Commission, the appointment of the NPA's National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), the Local Government Elections coming up and more!

In 2026, the Local Government Elections will be taking place in South Africa and in this episode we highlight the 5 important municipalities that will be hotly contested in this election. Who will emerge?

Global politics have been shaken in the last few days as US President Donald Trump has bombed Venezuela and captured its President Maduro. In this first analysis episode of 2026, Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh unpacks what is happening and what it means for the global political landscape.

DA's Retief Odendaal is running for Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Mayor and he joins us on SMWX for a wide-ranging conversation on his background, law interest, experience as a councillor in the metro, DA internal dynamics and more.

Academic and author, Prof Bongani Ngqulunga, joins us on SMWX to explore his new book: Under Smuts' rule - a deep dive into Jan Smuts and his legacy as Prime Minister. Prof Ngqulunga has also authored: The Man Who Founded The ANC, a book about Pixley ka Isaka Seme.

After an eventful political year in 2025, we explore what to watch out for in 2026. The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee will resume and continue to hear witness testimonies, but also the DA is having its congress and will elect its new leadership. The Local Government Elections could be taking place between the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027. Could we see a repeat of the budget drama like last year? We explore all of this and more, and what the consequences for South Africa are.

We asked you to submit your questions and in this episode, Sizwe answers them all! From football, to whether he'd consider running for political office; Sizwe unpacks some of the details you might not know!

In this episode, we take you behind the scenes and into the funniest moments on the SMWX set. From guests sleeping mid-interview, to many re-takes because the crew can't stop laughing, we bring you all of this from 2025.