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SMWX

Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh

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

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72 episodes
Avg 46 min
English

Episodes 72

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Friday · 1 hr 1 min
Lukhona Mnguni speaks out: Helen Zille, Joburg crisis, coalitions, Floyd Shivambu, 2026 election
Lukhona Mnguni returns to SMWX for a conversation with Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh about his campaign to become Johannesburg’s mayor and Rise Mzansi’s plans to rebuild the city. Drawing on stories from the campaign trail, he discusses the everyday corruption, crime and water shortages affecting residents, and why so many are losing faith in politics. He outlines proposals to stabilise municipal finances, make procurement transparent, repair water infrastructure and establish an investment fund that gives residents a stake in the city’s recovery, alongside ward-level budgets to strengthen community participation. Turning to the battle for City Hall, Mnguni explains why he believes Helen Zille is unlikely to become mayor, sets out Rise Mzansi’s conditions for a stable coalition and challenges Floyd Shivambu’s proposal that the largest party should automatically take the mayoralty. At the heart of the discussion is whether Johannesburg’s next government can move beyond political deal-making to restore services, accountability and public trust
Thursday · 45 min
Brett Herron unpacks: Cape Town’s housing crisis, DA donors, Airbnb, gangs, N2 wall, 2026 election
Who is Cape Town really being built for? Brett Herron joins SMWX to unpack the city’s housing and affordability crisis, explain why he left the DA, and discuss his allegations about donor and property developer influence over affordable housing. He outlines GOOD’s proposals for building homes, reducing municipal tariffs and regulating Airbnb, while questioning whether residents are being priced out of their own city. The conversation also tackles tourism and digital nomads, inequality and informal settlements, crime and gangsterism on the Cape Flats, and Herron’s opposition to the proposed N2 wall. He sets out his alternative, reflects on his record in government, and answers questions about smaller parties, coalitions and GOOD’s ability to govern Cape Town.
Thursday · 1 hr 23 min
Doctor Xhakaza opens up: Ekurhuleni, Madlanga, Panyaza, EMPD, 2026 election, EFF, coalitions, ANC
Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Doctor Xhakaza joins SMWX for a frank conversation about the city’s future ahead of the 2026 local government elections. He makes the ANC’s case for another term, outlines plans to revive manufacturing and establish a university, and responds to the Madlanga Commission revelations involving the EMPD. Xhakaza also addresses his fallout with the EFF, the removal of Dunga, tensions over coalition arrangements and efforts to recover revenue lost through billing manipulation. The discussion tackles gender-based violence, whistleblower protection and the personal risks of confronting corruption.
Tuesday · 1 hr 12 min
Vusi Shongwe speaks out: MK Party, Ad Hoc, Feroz Khan, Sibiya, Malema, 2026 election, Ekurhuleni
MK Party MP Vusi Shongwe joins SMWX for a conversation about Parliament’s ad hoc committee, the Madlanga Commission and the political battles surrounding Feroz Khan. He explains why he believes Khan was shielded from appearing before the committee and questions Julius Malema and the EFF’s handling of the matter. Shongwe recounts a Durban meeting where he alleges he was offered money and cars, shares his account of being abducted in Tembisa, and discusses allegations involving Shadrack Sibiya, Cat Matlala and Crime Intelligence. Beyond the investigations, he reflects on his background in music production and the SAPS, his long-standing relationship with former President Jacob Zuma and his journey into politics. Turning to the local government elections, Shongwe outlines MK’s ambitions in Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg and its priorities on security, jobs and service delivery. He also defends the party’s leadership changes, responds to concerns about suspensions and redeployments, and explains his reservations about holding an elective conference.
#50
Tuesday · 32 min
More election polls! New updates
Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh breaks down the latest election polls on SMWX, updating the picture of South Africa’s political landscape and the battle for control of its major metros. What do the new numbers suggest about the ANC, DA, MK Party, EFF, ActionSA and other contenders—and how has the outlook shifted? Sizwe examines where parties are gaining ground or coming under pressure, which races could deliver surprises, and the coalition possibilities that could determine who actually governs after the votes are counted. Looking beyond the headline percentages, this analysis considers voter turnout, undecided voters and the limits of polling to distinguish emerging trends from uncertain predictions. From the contest for Johannesburg to the broader balance of power, we unpack what the latest numbers could mean for South Africa’s local government elections and the country’s political future.
October 18 · 1 hr 30 min
Floyd Shivambu unpacks: 2026 election, Mkhwanazi, Mayibuye, Joburg, coalitions, ANC, SA Constitution
Floyd Shivambu returns to SMWX for a conversation with Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh about Mayibuye’s first election campaign and his call for a new approach to coalition government. Predicting widespread hung councils, he argues that the largest party should take the mayor’s office . The discussion tackles Johannesburg’s financial and service-delivery crises, his support for the ANC’s candidate-list court challenge, and why he believes political cooperation must come before personal rivalries. Shivambu also responds to Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi’s criticism of new political parties and makes his case for constitutional reform, land restitution and a stronger role for traditional leaders. From the Madlanga Commission and what he describes as a “parallel underground state” to the ANC’s future, immigration and unemployment, the conversation explores his vision for Mayibuye and the changes he believes South Africa needs.
October 17 · 54 min
DA Joburg Mayor Candidate Helen Zille: 2026 election, ANC, Action SA, illegal immigration, GNU
Helen Zille returns to SMWX for a conversation with Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh about her campaign to become Johannesburg’s mayor and how she would tackle the city’s financial and service-delivery crises. She outlines proposals to fix the billing system, make procurement transparent and ring-fence water and electricity revenue, while working with Treasury and the presidency on Johannesburg’s recovery. Zille also weighs the DA’s coalition options, questions whether an ANC partnership could tackle corruption, rules out a deal with MK and proposes extending the Madlanga Commission’s work to Johannesburg. From her digital-first campaign and viral pothole swim to immigration, policing and the DA’s leadership transition, the discussion explores both the campaign trail and the challenges of governing. Looking beyond the local elections, she reflects on the Government of National Unity, the ANC’s declining dominance and what the Phala Phala controversy could mean for Cyril Ramaphosa’s future.
October 16 · 59 min
Acting Justice Tembeka Ngcukaitobi delivers lecture on SA's Constitution
Acting Justice Tembeka Ngcukaitobi unpacks South Africa’s Constitution and Bill of Rights in an interactive lecture with learners at the Constitutional Court. He explains who the Constitution protects, the distinction between rights reserved for citizens and those enjoyed by everyone, and what this means for access to education, healthcare and protection from violence. Through practical examples and questions from the students, he explores what the right to basic education should mean in their own classrooms, why rights come with responsibilities, and how ordinary people give meaning to the Constitution. The discussion also tackles discrimination against migrants, gender-based violence, frustrations over service delivery, landmark court judgments and accountability when government fails to comply with court orders. At its heart is Ngcukaitobi’s idea of “constitutionalism from below”: a Constitution that people must actively build, defend and bring to life in their communities.
#49
October 15 · 26 min
ConCourt bails out Mbalula and ANC
The Constitutional Court has given the ANC and its SG Mbalula a lifeline by granting them leave in the application against the IEC. We unpack the judgments and its implications.
October 15 · 48 min
ActionSA CPT Mayor Candidate Dereleen James: Geordin Hill-Lewis, DA, tariffs, crime, poverty, drugs
Action SA's Cape Town mayoral candidate Dereleen James joins us on SMWX for a wide-ranging interview ahead of the 2026 local government elections. James challenges the DA's record of governance under Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, questioning whether Cape Town's reputation as a well-run city reflects the lived realities of residents in poorer communities. She outlines her plans to tackle gang violence, drug abuse and crime on the Cape Flats, while addressing the city's deep inequalities, housing crisis, rising municipal tariffs and cost of living. The conversation also explores Action SA's electoral prospects, possible coalitions with the DA, illegal immigration, affordable housing and her proposal to introduce a tourist levy to help fund public services. James reflects on her personal experiences with violence and community activism, arguing that Cape Town needs a different approach to governance that prioritises dignity, affordability and the communities she believes have been left behind.
October 14 · 34 min
Shocking Serge Cabonge recording exposes Sibiya
Former SAPS Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya's bail hearing continues in the Randburg Magistrate's Court. In the hearing yesterday, we heard a phone call recording between Mr M and Serge Cabonge where Cabonge made some serious allegations. In this episode we unpack the consequences of this recording and the Adv Madonsela vs Impeachment Committee matter before the Western Cape High Court.
October 13 · 38 min
What's holding South Africa back? | Tshabalala & panel explore
South Africa has world-class talent. How do we turn it into lasting opportunity? Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh hosts a panel featuring Siphiwe Tshabalala to explore the power of football, film, culture and storytelling to shape South Africa’s future. The panel was at the Brand South Africa's Nation Brand Forum. From Tshabalala’s iconic opening goal at the 2010 FIFA World Cup to the global influence of South African creatives, the discussion explores what makes the country exceptional—and where we are falling short. The panel reflects on the World Cup’s legacy, missed opportunities in youth development, the importance of rebuilding the SABC, barriers to creative education, and how South Africans can take ownership of our story on the world stage.
October 12 · 47 min
Duduzile Zuma breaks silence: MKP, ANC, Duduzane, local elections, Mkhwanazi, Jacob Zuma, GNU, exile
Duduzile “Dudu” Zuma joins Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh on SMWX to give her side of her disputed expulsion from the MK Party, challenge claims that she controlled the organisation behind the scenes and reflect on her role in its formation. She opens up about her relationship with Jacob Zuma, her decision to leave Parliament and Duduzane Zuma’s political ambitions, while sharing memories of a childhood in exile and the pressures of growing up in a prominent political family. The conversation also tackles the ANC’s decline, the Government of National Unity, the local government elections and her criminal trial linked to the July unrest. Beyond the political headlines, Dudu explains why she is choosing personal peace over political turmoil, before sharing her support for General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and her views on the Madlanga Commission.
October 11 · 2 hr 25 min
Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma speaks out: Mkhwanazi, upbringing, ANC, MK Party, Mbeki, exile, Mandela
Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma joins us on SMWX for an in-depth conversation about her life in the liberation struggle, government and African diplomacy. From her rural KwaZulu-Natal upbringing and journey into exile to Nelson Mandela’s call appointing her Minister of Health, she shares the personal experiences that shaped her public life. She reflects on confronting tobacco and pharmaceutical interests, working with Thabo Mbeki on South Africa's foreign policy, tackling corruption at Home Affairs and developing the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The conversation also revisits her 2017 ANC leadership contest against Cyril Ramaphosa, why she supported a further inquiry into Phala Phala despite pressure from her party, and the difficult decisions behind the COVID-19 lockdown regulations.
October 10 · 59 min
Action SA Joburg Mayor Candidate Herman Mashaba: Helen Zille, illegal immigration, corruption, ANC
Herman Mashaba returns to SMWX for a conversation about his campaign to become Johannesburg’s mayor again and his plans to turn the city around. From fixing municipal finances and restoring basic services to reclaiming hijacked buildings and tackling corruption, Mashaba outlines his priorities, including a skills audit and a professional public service built on merit rather than political connections. The discussion also tackles illegal immigration, public safety and his views on the relationship between the rule of law and Ubuntu.
October 9 · 1 hr 5 min
Home Affairs revokes Asylum Seeker directive | Week in Review
In this episode of Week in Review, we unpack the Asylum Seeker drama that's been unfolding in South Africa, we give you the context and facts so you are able to make up your own minds. We also unpack the reports of former President Zuma being unwell and hospitalized as well as the Lungisa case that has brought defeat at the hands of the ANC.
October 8 · 49 min
MKP Joburg Mayor candidate Bongani Baloyi: 2026 election, SA economy, coalitions, Zuma, DA
Bongani Baloyi returns to SMWX for a conversation about his campaign to become Johannesburg’s mayor. He outlines his “one city, two plans” approach to stabilising municipal finances and restoring basic services before driving growth, including tackling water and electricity losses, investing in infrastructure maintenance and appointing a professional civil service. The discussion also explores township electricity generation, inner-city renewal, public safety and his proposals on immigration, before turning to the MK Party’s internal instability and Jacob Zuma’s leadership.
October 7 · 35 min
Unpacking the TRC Inquiry | Zuma, Mbeki to appear
The TRC Inquiry has been underway for a number of months now and it has been mandated to look into issues arising from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Former Presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki are expected to give testimony at this inquiry and in this episode we give you an overview of what the TRC inquiry is.
October 6 · 22 min
I've read the polls. Here's what could happen in the election…
The 2026 Local Government Elections are around the corner in South Africa and in this episode, we unpack what the polls are telling us to expect on November 4th. From the situation in Johannesburg, Ethekwini, and other metropolitan municipalities; we break it all down on SMWX.
October 6 · 39 min
Bheki Cele in hot water for links to Cat Matlala?
A SAPS forensic report has recently recommended that former Police Minister Bheki Cele be criminally charged for receiving benefits from Vusimusi Cat Matlala such as alleged cash payments, penthouse stays at no cost and many others. We unpack this and what it means for the credibility of those entrusted to safeguard public resources and policies. We also shift to the latest remarks by the USA's ambassador to South Africa, Brent Bozell's about DIRCO Minister Ronald Lamola and how this continues to affect relationships between South Africa and the US.

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