
SMWX
bySizwe Mpofu-Walsh
CommentaryNews
A journey into the heart of South Africa politics, through interviews and analysis, with your guide Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh.
Episodes(40 episodes)

JJ Tabane rants: Steenhuisen, GNU, Malema, Ramaphosa, Madlanga, Zuma, Mbeki, Mandela, ANC succesion
Prof JJ Tabane joins us for a candid conversation about the state of South Africa's rule of law. JJ explores the revelations coming out of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Phala Phala ConCourt judgement, the relationship between the media and SA heads of state, John Steenhuisen's imminent withdrawal from the DA's leadership and much more!
Published: Feb 4, 2026Duration: 1:16:51

Steenhuisen dumps DA leadership race?
John Steenhuisen, DA Federal Leader, is said to be making announcement soon about his withdrawal from the DA's leadership race in April this year at the DA's National Congress. We unpack this as well as some shocking revelations coming out of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Published: Feb 3, 2026Duration: 25:36

Trevor Noah roasts Donald Trump
Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee investigating Lt Gen Mkhwanazi's allegations is considering bringing President Ramaphosa to testify, while the Speaker puts the breaks on attempts by the Ad Hoc to summon Brown Mogotsi. Last night, at the Grammys, Trevor Noah roasted President Donald Trump about his alleged relationship and implication with Jeffrey Epstein. We unpack all of this and more in today's episode of SMWX!
Published: Feb 2, 2026Duration: 20:19

More delays at the Madlanga Commission
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry experienced more delays today as Sergeant Fannie Nkosi's lawyer made a submission for postponement at the Commission. This was due to his client receiving documents late and needing more time to prepare. The witness will testify next week, partially in-camera.
Published: Jan 30, 2026Duration: 16:59

Pali Lehohla unpacks: SA economy, Mkhwanazi, education, inequality, Stats SA, wealth fund, growth
Former Statistician-General of South Africa, Dr Pali Lehohla, joins us for a candid conversation around the state of South Africa's economy and development. Dr Lehohla explores the idea of a sovereign wealth fund, a growth model that he has developed to save South Africa, inequality and poverty since 1994 and more!
Published: Jan 29, 2026Duration: 53:29

Senona disavows Ramaphosa message from Matlala
Major General Senona, KZN Hawks Boss, has returned on to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to give further evidence about his relationship with Cat Matlala, why Matlala sent him Ramaphosa's confidential information and why he never reported Cat Matlala. Let's unpack this and more!
Published: Jan 28, 2026Duration: 19:07

Senona: Mkhwanazi met Matlala
KZN Hawks Boss, Major General Senona testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry today and amongst other things, made similar allegations to Brown Mogotsi about an alleged meeting between Vusimusi Cat Matlala and Lt Gen Mkhwanazi. Let's unpack this and what it means for the bigger picture.
Published: Jan 28, 2026Duration: 18:18

"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!
Published: Jan 26, 2026Duration: 17:32

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.
Published: Jan 23, 2026Duration: 26:57

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!
Published: Jan 23, 2026Duration: 1:24:10

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.
Published: Jan 22, 2026Duration: 23:33

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.
Published: Jan 21, 2026Duration: 17:03

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 system. Viewers will get a close look at McBride’s responses, parliamentary cross-examination, and what his evidence could mean for accountability and policing reform.
Published: Jan 20, 2026Duration: 16:42

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!
Published: Jan 20, 2026Duration: 16:37

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.
Published: Jan 15, 2026Duration: 24:12

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.
Published: Jan 14, 2026Duration: 22:43

Muzi Sikhakhane speaks out: Mkhwanazi, Madlanga Commission, Black People’s Convention, Constitution
Adv Muzi Sikhakhane, one of South Africa's best legal minds, joins us on SMWX to unpack his idea of a 'Black People's Convention' to reshape and transform South Africa and the livelihoods of the poor. He also unpacks a new constitution and previews his version of a preamble.
Published: Jan 11, 2026Duration: 1:04:39

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!
Published: Jan 10, 2026Duration: 1:05:02

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?
Published: Jan 8, 2026Duration: 16:06

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.
Published: Jan 7, 2026Duration: 18:41