SMWX

A journey into the heart of South Africa politics, through interviews and analysis, with your guide Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh. Ayeye!
A journey into the heart of South Africa politics, through interviews and analysis, with your guide Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh. Ayeye!
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Episodes
Episodes



Apr 21, 2026
Apr 21, 2026
33 min
Gareth Mnisi concludes his testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Police chief Gen Fannie Masemola appeared in court and the story of DJ Sumbody's murder continues. We unpack all of this and the consequences for South Africa.



Apr 20, 2026
Mnisi denies tender corruption claims
Apr 20, 2026
Apr 20, 2026
26 min
Suspended City of Tshwane CFO, Gareth Mnisi, has continued his appearance at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. He has been giving evidence around the tender awarding process at the City and his possible involvement in the outcomes of this project to the possible benefit of Sergeant Nkosi's brother.



Apr 19, 2026
Apr 19, 2026
32 min
In this conversation, SMWX sits down with Build One South Africa leader Dr Mmusi Maimane to discuss Unite for Change, BOSA’s merger with the People’s Prosperity Movement, and what opposition politics in South Africa could look like ahead of 2029. Maimane reflects on coalition politics, leadership, the DA’s federal congress, Geordin Hill-Lewis, and whether South Africa needs a new centrist political alternative. The discussion also explores governance, coalition-building, the future of the GNU, and the big questions facing Johannesburg ahead of the next local government elections.



Apr 18, 2026
Apr 18, 2026
1hr 5 min
In this in-depth conversation, SMWX sits down with Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Tasneem Motara, to unpack the realities of housing, politics, and leadership in South Africa. The discussion explores the state of mega housing projects in Gauteng, the challenges of spatial inequality, and the evolving approach to RDP housing. Tasneem also reflects on her journey into politics, the demands of public service, and the personal growth that comes with leadership. The conversation then shifts to Johannesburg’s political landscape, including Helen Zille's campaign, coalition politics, and the ANC’s position in government. A deep dive into coalition instability, ideological divides, and governance challenges provides insight into the current political climate. Finally, the discussion tackles infrastructure, the role of private capital, hostel redevelopment, and how government balances economic growth with social responsibility.



Apr 17, 2026
Gareth Mnisi interrogated about tender fraud
Apr 17, 2026
Apr 17, 2026
15 min
Gareth Mnisi, suspended City of Tshwane CFO, was testifying today at the Madlanga Commission. We unpack his testimony thus far and weigh in more on Julius Malema's reaction to his sentencing hearing. Lt Gen Mkhwanazi was also appointed as the head of the National Crime Fighting Task Team.



Apr 16, 2026
BREAKING: Malema faces 5 years in prison
Apr 16, 2026
Apr 16, 2026
18 min
EFF leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to 5 years direct imprisonment by the East London Magistrate's Court this morning. Malema was trialed for the contravention of the Firearms Control Act and had been convicted on 5 counts. The 5 year prison sentence is inclusive of a 2 year sentence for count 2, which would be served concurrently to count 1's 5 year sentence. He has also been sentenced to R60K in fines, or 18 months combined imprisonment for the other 3 counts. Malema has also successfully applied for leave to appeal the sentencing and will be petitioning the higher courts for a leave to appeal his conviction as well. We unpack all of this and make sense of the consequences for Malema, the EFF and the South African political landscape.



Apr 15, 2026
Apr 15, 2026
29 min
EFF Leader Julius Malema appeared before the East London Magistrate's Court today for his pre-sentencing hearing and will be appearing on Thursday for his sentencing. We unpack this and what it means for him and the organization. We also zoom in on the continued testimony of Julius Mkhwanazi at the Madlanga Commission.



Apr 15, 2026
Julius Malema appears for sentencing
Apr 15, 2026
Apr 15, 2026
13 min
EFF Leader Julius Malema, who has been convicted for contravening firearm laws in South Africa related to an EFF rally from 2018, appears for his sentencing at the East London Magistrate's Court today. We preview this sentencing, what could happen and what this means for the EFF and South Africa's political landscape.



Apr 14, 2026
Mkhwanazi exposed, Hill-Lewis meets Ramaphosa
Apr 14, 2026
Apr 14, 2026
22 min
Julius Mkhwanazi re-appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry today and at the beginning of his testimony, was questioned about whether he misled the Commission in getting a postponement for his appearance. This postponement was requested due to the passing of his mother. We unpack this and the rest of his testimony, as well as Geordin Hill-Lewis' meeting with President Ramaphosa.



Apr 13, 2026
Nkosi applies for bail, as Carrim hospitalized
Apr 13, 2026
Apr 13, 2026
13 min
Suleiman Carrim, who was expected to continue his testimony at the Madlanga Commission this week, has been hospitalized following a suspected heart attack. Sergeant Nkosi has also appeared in court today for his bail application. We unpack this and more!
