SMWX

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 and her proposal to introduce a tourist levy to help fund public services. James reflects on her personal experiences with violence and community activism, arguing that Cape Town needs a different approach to governance that prioritises dignity, affordability and the communities she believes have been left behind.

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 rebuilding the SABC, barriers to creative education, and how South Africans can take ownership of our story on the world stage.

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 to the July unrest. Beyond the political headlines, Dudu explains why she is choosing personal peace over political turmoil, before sharing her support for General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and her views on the Madlanga Commission.

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 Phala despite pressure from her party, and the difficult decisions behind the COVID-19 lockdown regulations.

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.