In today's episode, we are joined by acclaimed political analyst and SMWX legend, Gogo Aubrey Matshiqi, to unpack Lt. Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's bombshell allegations from his press briefing this Sunday. Gogo Matshiqi unpacks the 'deep state' and how it has infiltrated SA, possible implications of Gen Mkhwanazi's allegations, SA criminal justice system, GNU's response and much more!
Jul 08, 2025•1 hr 32 min
General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, KwaZulu-Natal’s top police official, has accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of colluding with organized crime. He alleges they dismantled a key task force investigating politically motivated killings—supposedly to protect drug cartels and business interests—and that state institutions including the judiciary and law enforcement are infiltrated by syndicates.
Jul 08, 2025•32 min
Justice Edwin Cameron — former Constitutional Court judge and Inspecting Judge of Prisons joins us to unpack South Africa’s broken criminal justice system, the Thabo Bester prison escape, and the urgent need for reform.
Jul 06, 2025•1 hr 13 min
In today's episode, we are joined by Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Paul Mashatile, for an unfiltered, in-depth conversation on the state of South African politics, coalition governance, personal controversy, and the future of the ANC.
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh unpacks the recent GNU developments: DA 'withdraws' from National Dialogue and Whitfield fired as Deputy Minister. Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama arrested.
Jul 01, 2025•28 min
In today's episode, in collaboration with the Institute for Economic Justice, we are joined by Febe Potgieter (ANC: Head of Policy), Neil Coleman (IEJ: Senior Policy Specialist) and Sithembile Mbete (PARI: Executive Director) to unpack the GNU and whether it can bring economic justice.
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 19
In today's episode, Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh unpacks recent developments in the Israel-Iran War.
Jun 26, 2025•34 min
Prof Bonang Mohale — UFS chancellor, author, and business leader — delivers an unflinching assessment of South Africa’s past, present, and future. From state capture and economic betrayal to coalition chaos, Prof. Mohale pulls no punches as he reflects on leadership, transformation, and the soul of the nation.
Jun 22, 2025•49 min
US Senator Chris Van Hollen, a leading voice on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joins us for a deep dive into South Africa–US relations, Trump-era disinformation, and global diplomacy.
Jun 19, 2025•17 min
Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh breaks down the most critical and volatile geopolitical crisis of 2025 — the rapidly escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. What began as a surprise Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities has triggered a fierce Iranian retaliation, plunging the Middle East into chaos.
Jun 17, 2025•35 min
In today's episode, we are joined by Black Business Council President Elias Monage — joins us to unpack South Africa's political and economic power structures.
Jun 15, 2025•1 hr 3 min
In this month's 'Owning Our Wealth' series episode, we are joined by media personality and entrepreneur Maps Maponyane. Maps unpacks facing suspension in primary school to being bullied as a kid, Maps shares the raw, unfiltered truth behind his rise — and the challenges he’s faced along the way.
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr 12 min
Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh delves into the rise of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso's interim president. We explore his unexpected ascent to power, his political strategies, and the broader implications for West Africa and the continent as a whole. Is Traoré merely a transitional figure, or could he be shaping a new era of African leadership?
Jun 11, 2025•30 min
Founder of Gift of The Givers Foundation, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, unpacks the formation of the organisation, SA's political landscape, the work that Gift of The Givers has done in SA and abroad, Gaza-Palestine and more!
Jun 09, 2025•55 min
Legendary musician Simphiwe Dana, who celebrates 20 years in the music industry joins us today! Simphiwe unpacks her musical journey, balancing political messaging and the artistic aspect of her music, 'Kill The Boer' chant -- is it acceptable?, Donald Trump and Elon Musk, racism and more!
Jun 06, 2025•54 min
Floyd Shivambu's removal and redeployment from SG to Parliament. Mighti Jamie covers Shivambu's Bushiri trip to Malawi, MKP internal dynamics and more!
Jun 03, 2025•26 min
Veteran trade unionist Zwelinzima Vavi unpacks South Africa’s political crossroads. From explosive claims about Ramaphosa’s White House visit and Starlink’s entry into the country, to sharp critiques of the ANC’s decline, coalition politics, and the myth of Zuma’s progressive legacy—Vavi holds nothing back.
May 30, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Discover how Trump’s Oval Office stunt could backfire — not just geopolitically, by alienating South Africa and the broader Global South, but also domestically, by exposing the fragility of the narratives pushed by his supporters.
May 28, 2025•40 min
Deputy Minister of Transport and IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of South African politics. From revelations about the Government of National Unity (GNU) to inside takes on coalition dysfunction, the AmaZulu royal succession, and the controversial Trump-Ramaphosa meeting.
May 26, 2025•1 hr 7 min
BOSA Leader Mmusi Maimane joins us for an unfiltered breakdown of the most pressing issues in South African politics. From the diplomatic disaster at the White House with President Ramaphosa and President Trump to deep critiques of education, governance, and racial injustice.
May 23, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Ahead of the new budget speech, we speak to progressive economist and Executive Director of the Institute for Economic Justice, Dr Gilaad Isaacs. Ayeye!
May 21, 2025•52 min
MK Party spokesperson and MP Nhlamulo Ndhlela joins us for a conversation on the state of South African politics. From claims of election rigging to behind-the-scenes revelations about President Zuma’s political strategy, Ndhlela shares untold stories of MK’s rise, the ANC-DA coalition, and why the ANC has “the DNA of racists.”
May 20, 2025•1 hr 25 min
We cover all the highlights on SMWX this week. Featuring: Bheki Cele, Lindiwe Zulu and thoughts on the unjustified ejection of Sihle Lonzi from a parliamentary committee.
May 18, 2025•32 min
ANC veteran and former minister Lindiwe Zulu joins us for an unfiltered conversation about her life in exile, her time in Umkhonto weSizwe, and the evolution of South African politics. Zulu shares untold stories of underground activism, her role in international diplomacy, and her views on the ANC’s coalition with the DA.
May 16, 2025•1 hr 26 min
Former Police Minister and long-time ANC figure, Bheki Cele is today's guest. In this rare and revealing interview, Cele opens up about his controversial time in office, reflects on policing under pressure, and shares insights into his relationship with former President Jacob Zuma. He speaks candidly about the July 2021 unrest, the threats he now faces post-office, navigating crime during one of the bloodiest tenures in SAPS history, and the evolution of the ANC from UDF days to now.
May 14, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Reflecting and unpacking the recent interview episodes on SMWX with Standard Bank GCEO Sim Tshabalala and Former Statistician-General Dr Pali Lehohla.
May 11, 2025•32 min•Ep. 18
Following controversy over comments made by major podcaster MacG about celebrity Minnie Dlamini, we ask: will podcasters be placed under broadcast-style rules—or is this more about political control? Let’s map the policy maze from Cabinet corridors to your earbuds and explain exactly what it means for podcasting in SA.
May 08, 2025•38 min•Ep. 17
Former Statistician-General, Dr Pali Lehohla, reflects on his tenure as Statistician-General for 17 years, unpacks statistics behind unemployment and poverty, demographic transition, infrastructure, mineral wealth and more!
May 07, 2025•1 hr 19 min
Group CEO of Standard Bank, Sim Tshabalala, joins us for the first episode in our new series #InThisEconomy? We discussed his journey to CEO, South Africa's economic potential, the 'GNU', and the possibility of an African century. Ayeye!
May 01, 2025•42 min
In this month’s 'Owning Our Wealth' episode, we are joined by entrepreneur Talifhani Banks, who unpacks building Spaza Eats, entrepreneurship, SA economy and more!
Apr 30, 2025•56 min
