SMWX

South Africa is heading into another crucial round of local government elections — but the political landscape has fundamentally changed. In this episode of SMWX, we break down the latest polling from the Social Research Foundation and Ipsos to understand where each major party stands right now — nationally and in key metros like Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and eThekwini. The numbers tell a clear story: no party is anywhere near outright control in the country’s major cities. Instead, South Africa is entering a deeper phase of coalition politics — with more parties, more fragmentation, and more uncertainty than ever before. We unpack: Where the African National Congress actually sits today — and whether this is now its ceiling The Democratic Alliance’s position in metros and why it still struggles to break through The rise of the MK Party and how it is reshaping the political map What’s happening to the Economic Freedom Fighters vote Why parties like ActionSA, Inkatha Freedom Party and Patriotic Alliance could decide who governs We also revisit the 2021 results in key metros to show how coalition politics has evolved — and why instability may actually increase after the next election, not decrease. The big question is no longer “who will win?” — but rather: who can actually form a stable government? Further reading: SRF polls: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/polls Inside Politics: https://inside-politics.org

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi reshuffled his provincial government today, and the EFF has joined the Government of Provincial Unity. We unpack this, the increase in fuel prices and Helen Zille's ongoing campaign in Joburg for the 2026 Local Government Election.

We take a deep dive into the case against SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola; what are the consequences for him and the SAPS. We unpack this and more!

Gogo Aubrey Matshiqi joins us on SMWX for a much-anticipated breakdown of the latest at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee. From Jermaine Prim's mystery letter to the defamation case between Kenny Kunene and Julius Malema. We unpack this all and more!

Julius Malema and Kenny Kunene are now locked in a high-stakes defamation battle — and the implications could be massive for South African politics. What started as claims on Podcast & Chill has now escalated into court proceedings, with serious allegations, sworn affidavits, and explosive testimony entering the public domain. From claims about visits to a controversial farm, to allegations of cash exchanges, this case intersects directly with the “Big Five cartel” narrative, the Madlanga Commission, and broader questions about power, politics, and influence in South Africa.

In this episode, we react to breaking news about the SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola being charged, Sergeant Nkosi’s testimony at the Madlanga Commission and Rivo Spies’ evidence too.

EFF Leader, Julius Malema, recently addressed an EFF voter registration rally and he took the opportunity to respond to some parts of Lt Gen Mkhwanazi's testimony before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee. Malema swung at Lt Gen Mkhwanazi for allegedly involving him in his fights with Major Gen Khan. We explore this and other key moments in the last week of testimonies.

Lt Gen Mkhwanazi shared a potentially explosive but unverified prison letter with Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee and now we have it. The document which Mkhwanazi placed before the Ad Hoc Committee reportedly written by a former cellmate of Cat Matlala makes serious allegations that reach the highest levels of South African politics. It claims links between Matlala and President Cyril Ramaphosa, and names senior ministers Senzo Mchunu and Gayton McKenzie. McKenzie has already strongly denied these claims. So the question is, is this letter significant or just a desperate ploy from an unreliable source? Viewers are strongly encouraged to watch and share the full video to ensure proper context. We discourage the circulation of isolated clips without a link to the full video, in the interest of fairness to all those implicated.

Cyril Ramaphosa submits written answers to the Ad Hoc Committee. We explore the questions which linger over his claims.

Mighti Jamie joins us on SMWX to unpack the fiery testimony of Lt Gen Mkhwanazi before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee. Mkhwanazi revealed amongst other things; a letter received from Matlala's cell mate at C-Max, details about the meeting with Cat Matlala and Senona and other explosive revelations.

Sergeant Nkosi continued his testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. He was questioned on his conversations with Steve Motsumi, his alleged tipoff to Matlala about the police raid at his home and his supposed fandom of Lt Gen Mkhwanazi. We also explore SAPS boss Gen Masemola's testimony in Parliament, particularly his explanation of his meeting with President Ramaphosa.

Sergeant Nkosi testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and was questioned on his relationships with Zee Nxumalo, Shadrack Sibiya and Cat Matlala. We unpack his testimony and what it means for the bigger picture. We also look at Thabo Bester's request to appear before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee.

We've had more revelations coming out of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry today as Maj Gen Shibiri continued his testimony. From luxury Gucci and LV purchases while taking loans from Cat Matlala; it was not a good day for the suspended Organized Crime boss. We also unpack new US ambassador Bozell's recent remarks and South Africa's reaction.

Major General Richard Shibiri testifies again at the Madlanga Commission. Shibiri was grilled about his relationship with Cat Matlala and Sergeant Nkosi, including a "loan" he received from Matlala for his son's vehicle repairs. Lets unpack this and more.

Suleiman Carrim continued his testimony at the Madlanga Commission today, in what will be remembered as one of the heated and most intense Commission sittings. We learned about additional R2M payments by Carrim to Matlala that he "supposedly" wasn't aware of, Justice Madlanga and Adv Bhana SC (Carrim's counsel) had an intense moment. In this humorous episode of SMWX we unpack it all and more. Ayeye!

Alleged businessman Suleiman Carrim appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Carrim was questioned on his relationship with Cat Matlala, Brown Mogotsi and Morgan Maumela, as well as transactions of money made among them.

In this SMWX interview, Nicholas Nyati opens up about his journey from a small town in the Eastern Cape to becoming one of the DA’s rising young leaders. He speaks about student politics, why he opposed university shutdowns during Fees Must Fall, his push for more grounded and people-centered leadership in the DA, and why he is standing for federal deputy chairperson. The conversation also dives into the DA’s upcoming leadership conference, policy debates on gambling, teenage pregnancy, and foreign policy, as well as Nyati’s views on Israel and Palestine, the GNU, and whether the DA would ever work with ActionSA in Johannesburg.

Sarah-Jane Trent testified in Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee until the wee hours of this morning, while Suleiman Carrim's advocate brought an application for his in-camera testimony on Monday. Patrice Motsepe, in an address to ARM shareholders, also addressed questions about whether he will be running for ANC leadership. We explore this and more in this analysis!

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.