SMWX

In this episode, a discussion featuring Arab Barghouti, son of imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, alongside former Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal Azhar Cachalia. Together, they explore Marwan Barghouti's political legacy, the campaign for his release, lessons from the Free Mandela movement, the prospects for Palestinian leadership, and whether international pressure can help shape a path towards peace and justice. The discussion also examines strategy, negotiations, sanctions, and the role of civil society in ending conflict.

Vuka Azania, a think tank and advocacy group led by Adv Muzi Sikhakhane SC, Professor Isaac Shai, Rev. Dr Allan Boesak and Arthur Fraser, was launched. In this media briefing, the founding directors provide an overview of their mission and what they aim to achieve.

The Western Cape High Court has delivered its judgment in the interdict application brought by President Ramaphosa in an attempt to block Parliament's impeachment process from continuing. In this episode, we unpack the majority judgment by Judges Davis and Le Grange, the minority judgment by Judge Francis and the consequences that this has for the accountability mechanisms of the President.

IDAC Boss, Adv Andrea Johnson, continued her testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry today and she made some very important concessions. We unpack her testimony from today, as well as an update from the Cat Matlala attempted murder trial. Parliament's impeachment committee also met today to discuss the terms of references and the appointment of evidence leaders. We bring you the latest there too.

IDAC Boss, Adv Andrea Johnson has appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry for her first day of testimony. Johnson was questioned on her recusal in the Lt Gen Khumalo matter, her "protection against self-incrimination" with regards to evidence relating to Major General Khan, the arrest of Lt Gen Khumalo and much more. We unpack her testimony, as well as the commencement of the Cat Matlala attempted murder trial. We also touch on the submission of names by political parties in Parliament's impeachment committee for the appointment of evidence leaders, ahead of their meeting tomorrow.

Former Speaker of the Israeli Knesset and former Acting President of Israel, Avrum Burg, delivers a scathing address on the Israel–Palestine conflict, the future of Israeli democracy, and the path to a lasting peace. Drawing on decades at the heart of Israeli politics, Burg reflects on the country's political direction, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, leadership, security, reconciliation, and why he believes a different future is still possible. This address explores difficult questions with honesty, nuance, and a commitment to understanding one of the world's most consequential conflicts. This was part of the Festival of Dangerous Ideas hosted by the Jewish Democratic Initiative.

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry heard evidence from Warrant Officer Mpangase, who worked on the Port Shepstone drug bust and was part of the team of SAPS officials that transported and stored the drugs at the DPCI storage room in Port Shepstone. We unpack his testimony and the in-camera application of Suliman Carrim, who is expected to make a postponement application in-camera next week Friday. Andrea Johnson, IDAC boss, is also back at work after missing her scheduled appearance before the Commission this week due to ill-health.

In this wide-ranging conversation, renowned academic, scientist and former Vice-Chancellor Prof Malegapuru Makgoba joins Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh to reflect on South Africa's democratic journey, leadership, governance and public institutions. Prof Makgoba discusses the Constitutional Court's impeachment ruling, President Cyril Ramaphosa, Nelson Mandela's legacy, Thabo Mbeki's presidency, the HIV/AIDS crisis, the Life Esidimeni tragedy, Eskom, political interference in state institutions, his scientific career at Oxfor, and the challenges of transformation in higher education.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the Madlanga Commission to October 2026, with its report now due on 16th November 2026. Julius Mkhwanazi, Imogen Mashazi and others have been arrested. We unpack all of this and more!

Podcaster and host of Palatable Politics, TJ Masilela, joins us for a conversation about the digital media landscape, building a podcast, ANC succession, President Ramaphosa's impeachment and more.