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SMWX

Sizwe Mpofu-Walshsmwx.podbean.com
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

"Witness E" gives shocking testimony...

Today, the Madlanga Commission resumed for the year and heard testimony from Acting KZN Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Anthony Gopaul and Witness E. They both dropped some shocking testimony about suspended police minister, Senzo Mchunu. Let's unpack all that and more!

Jan 26, 202618 min

Why Julius Malema's Sentencing Matters

EFF President, Julius Malema, appeared before the East London Magistrate's Court today for his pre-sentencing hearing in his fire-arm discharge case. We unpack the case and what it means for Malema, EFF and the South African political landscape.

Jan 23, 202627 min

Aubrey Matshiqi unpacks: Malema, Davos, Phala Phala judgement, Mkhwanazi, McBride, Trump, Ramaphosa

SMWX Legend, Gogo Aubrey Matshiqi, joins us to explore what the political year ahead could look like. In this conversation, Gogo Matshiqi unpacks the WEF in Davos and the statements that have come from global leaders, Julius Malema's pre-sentencing hearing and its prospective consequences for SA's political landscape, Robert McBride's testimony in Parliament, the Phala Phala ConCourt judgment and more!

Jan 23, 20261 hr 24 min

Mkhwanazi grilled in Parliament

Julius Mkhwanazi, Suspended EMPD Deputy Police Chief, testified before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee investigating Lt Gen Mkhwanazi's allegations. We unpack his relationship with Vusimusi Cat Matlala and the improper MOU that was for the supply of vehicles to EMPD by CAT VIP Protection Services, a company owned by Matlala.

Jan 22, 202624 min

MPs gun for McBride

Former IPID boss, Robert McBride, appears before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee and answers questions from MPs. McBride is questioned about his relationship with Paul O Sullivan, his allegations against Lt Gen Mkhwanazi and more.

Jan 21, 202617 min

McBride guns for Mkhwanazi

Former IPID head Robert McBride takes the stand in Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee hearings on alleged police corruption and political interference. McBride faces intense questioning from MPs over accusations he colluded with private investigator Paul O’Sullivan to target senior police officials and undermine processes within law enforcement. The high-profile testimony comes as the committee grills witnesses in a broader probe into allegations of graft and misconduct in South Africa’s justice syst...

Jan 20, 202617 min

Ad Hoc Committee wants more witnesses

Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee resumes hearings this week; Robert McBride (former IPID boss) and Julius Mkhwanazi (Suspended EMPD Deputy Police Chief) are expected to testify and be questioned by MPs. Ekurhuleni Mayor, Doctor Xhakaza, was allegedly placed at the crime scene of murdered DJ in 2023. We unpack this and more in today's analysis!

Jan 20, 202617 min

Delay tactics? | Phahlane exposes plot to overthrow him

Former acting SAPS boss, Lt Gen Phahlane testified before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee yesterday and in his evidence, he testified about his dismissal from office by former police minister Fikile Mbalula, his working relationship with Richard Mdluli and an alleged plot to overthrow him which included Robert McBride, Paul O Sullivan and other journalists in the media space.

Jan 15, 202624 min

Phahlane, Khumalo testify while Steenhuisen faces DA probe

Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee investigating Lt Gen Mkhwanazi's allegations resumes today and we preview the appearance of former acting SAPS National Commissioner, Khomotso Phahlane, and Crime Intelligence boss, Dumisani Khumalo. We also unpack the DA's investigation into John Steenhuisen and Deon George. They have been accused of bringing the party into disrepute.

Jan 14, 202623 min

Qaanitah Hunter previews 2026: Madlanga, NDPP, Mchunu, SONA, Zille, Ramaphosa, SA Elections, Trump

The Debrief Network's founding editor, Qaanitah Hunter, joins us to preview what to watch out for in the South African political landscape in 2026. From the DA's national congress where a new leader will be elected, to the Madlanga Commission, the appointment of the NPA's National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), the Local Government Elections coming up and more!

Jan 10, 20261 hr 5 min

5 key races in the 2026 South African election

In 2026, the Local Government Elections will be taking place in South Africa and in this episode we highlight the 5 important municipalities that will be hotly contested in this election. Who will emerge?

Jan 08, 202616 min

Trump bombs Venezuela, captures Maduro

Global politics have been shaken in the last few days as US President Donald Trump has bombed Venezuela and captured its President Maduro. In this first analysis episode of 2026, Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh unpacks what is happening and what it means for the global political landscape.

Jan 07, 202619 min

Retief Odendaal on running for Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor

DA's Retief Odendaal is running for Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Mayor and he joins us on SMWX for a wide-ranging conversation on his background, law interest, experience as a councillor in the metro, DA internal dynamics and more.

Jan 05, 202648 min

Prof Bongani Ngqulunga unpacks Jan Smuts’ legacy

Academic and author, Prof Bongani Ngqulunga, joins us on SMWX to explore his new book: Under Smuts' rule - a deep dive into Jan Smuts and his legacy as Prime Minister. Prof Ngqulunga has also authored: The Man Who Founded The ANC, a book about Pixley ka Isaka Seme.

Jan 03, 202658 min

Watch out for this in 2026 | GNU, Steenhuisen, 2026 Elections, Madlanga, US-SA, budget, Ramaphosa

After an eventful political year in 2025, we explore what to watch out for in 2026. The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee will resume and continue to hear witness testimonies, but also the DA is having its congress and will elect its new leadership. The Local Government Elections could be taking place between the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027. Could we see a repeat of the budget drama like last year? We explore all of this and more, and what the consequences...

Jan 02, 202613 min

South Africa's BIGGEST moments of 2025 | Mkhwanazi, DRC, Trump, budget chaos, Ndlozi, G20, Shivambu

In South Africa's political landscape, 2025 has not been short of a rollercoaster of a year. We started off the year with uncertainty over Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi's place in the EFF and his subsequent exit from politics, to the drama in the Oval Office between South Africa and the US, to chaos over the budget to vote and many more moments. Let's unpack these and more, in this review episode of the 2025 political year.

Dec 26, 202518 min

Mbalula surging? Inside ANC NGC

We bring you coverage from inside the ANC’s National General Council hosted in Johannesburg. We spoke to various senior leaders of the party about their reflections.

Dec 12, 202534 min

Pule Letshwiti-Jones exposes all: Witness D, Madlanga, Cat Matlala, Bushiri, Mkhwanazi

eNCA Reporter and Award-Winning Journalist, Pule Letshwiti-Jones, joins us on SMWX to unpack everything that has been happening at the Madlanga Commission and Parliament's Ad Hoc. From Mkhwanazi's initial allegations in a press briefing to Witness D and his death. Pule lays it all and gives us in-depth details about what's in the public domain.

Dec 10, 202559 min

Ramaphosa addresses ANC

The ANC's 5th National General Council commenced today in Johannesburg and delegates from across South Africa are in attendance to engage in discussions around the ANC. President Ramaphosa addressed delegates, followed by a report by Secretary General Fikile Mbalula. We unpack this and preview what's expected in the coming days.

Dec 08, 202517 min
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