SMWX

How global crime syndicates target South Africa, and why Mkhwanazi Commission matters

Acclaimed investigative journalist Caryn Dolley unpacks her book Clash of the Cartels. From the shadowy underworld of international drug syndicates to their deep connections in South Africa, Caryn reveals how global crime networks have infiltrated our borders, police, and politics. We also dive into the latest revelations at the Mkhwanazi Commission, connecting her reporting to the shocking claims of political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation that exposes the dark web of organised crime gripping South Africa.

Mkhwanazi finally speaks out at Madlanga Commission

The Commission of Inquiry into political inteference in the criminal justice system is underway. Lt Gen Mkhwanazi was the first witness to take the stand and we unpack Day 1 of his testimony. We discuss president Ramaphosa's role in the establishment of the PKTT, and the inter-ministerial committee. We also preview what could happen next. Ayeye!

Mighti Jamie unpacks Madlanga Commission: Lt Gen Mkhwanazi, Ramaphosa, Phala Phala, ANC, dockets

South Africa is on edge — and we’re unpacking why. Mightie Jamie joins SMWX to make sense of the Madlanga Commission, Lt Gen Mkhwanazi’s testimony, Phala Phala, and the growing claims about syndicates touching politics, policing, prosecutors and even the judiciary.

Mkhwanazi set for explosive commission testimony

This week, Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi takes the stand at the Commission of Inquiry after his explosive July press conference shook South Africa. From allegations against senior politicians to claims of a powerful syndicate infiltrating the police, prosecutors, and even the judiciary — this is testimony that could change everything.

‘Hunger gripping South Africa’: Panel on social grants, poverty, UBI, Treasury, Brazil

South Africa’s social grants are a lifeline—but they’re under pressure. Treasury is pushing cuts and tighter verification, while millions face hunger and unemployment. Is it time to go beyond targeted grants and implement a Universal Basic Income (UBI)? In today's episode of Economic Justice Matters in collaboration with the Institute for Economic Justice, we sit down with: Kelle Howson (Institute for Economic Justice), Thandi Henkeman (Black Sash) and Leandro Ferreira (Brazilian Expert).

African tech titan Melvyn Lubega shares success secrets: Go1, BRICS, Ramaphosa, G20, SA economy, GNU

Unlocking South Africa’s next wave of growth—through tech, policy, and bold execution. In this episode of In This Economy? (in collaboration with Standard Bank Private), Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh sits down with Melvyn Lubega—entrepreneur, investor, and public-sector advisor—best known as co-founder of Go1, the learning platform that scaled to unicorn status (including the Blinkist acquisition). From boarding school and Oxford to Y Combinator, Melvyn shares the mindset, systems, and failures behind building at scale—plus his mission to help create 100,000 sustainable jobs. He unpacks why execution beats ideas, why your speed of learning matters more than your speed of doing, and why “it takes the same energy to do something big as it does to do something small—so do something big.

"Is SA failing?" | Aubrey Matshiqi, Sithembile Mbete, Thabo Makwakwa

What is the legacy of OR Tambo. In this panel discussion following the OR Tambo Lecture, some of South Africa's key intellectuals and journalists debate the state of the nation.

Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh delivers the Oliver Tambo Memorial Lecture

In this lecture, Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh reflects on the life and legacy of Oliver Reginald Tambo and what it demands of leaders today. Drawing from Tambo’s words and archives, Sizwe unpacks three pillars of Tambo’s example—radical critic, lawgiver, and statesman—and argues that true leadership must both tell hard truths and do the hard work of rebuilding.

Solly Mapaila slams GNU: Mkhwanazi, Mantashe, SACP, Ramaphosa, Sibiya, Cachalia, Madlanga Commission

SACP’s General Secretary, Solly Mapaila, joins us for a wide-ranging, hard-hitting conversation on South Africa’s shifting political landscape. We unpack the SACP’s decision to prepare for independent contestation in 2026, the removal of Gwede Mantashe from the party’s structures, the ANC–SACP alliance “reconfiguration” saga, and whether the so-called GNU has already failed. We also dig into Lt Gen Mkhwanazi's explosive allegations, docket interference, and what the coming commission and Parliament inquiries could reveal.

China plots new world order: Xi hosts Putin and Modi

This week, China became the center of global politics. From hosting Vladimir Putin, Narendra Modi, and Erdogan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, to staging its largest-ever military parade, Beijing sent a powerful message about the future of world order.