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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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24 episodes
Avg 39 min
English

Episodes 24

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Today · 1 hr 21 min
Jackie Phamotse speaks out: Big 5 cartel, Mkhwanazi, Madlanga, Cat Matlala, mafias, Epstein, crime
In this wide-ranging conversation, author Jackie Phamotse joins us to reflect on the personal experiences that shaped her writing and the journey behind her Bare book series. She speaks about surviving sexual violence, entering a world of powerful and wealthy individuals, and the experiences that led her to explore themes of human trafficking, organised crime, corruption and the so-called “blesser” economy. The discussion then turns to her latest book, The Big Five Cartel, and its parallels with revelations emerging from the Madlanga Commission, including alleged criminal networks, political connections, extreme wealth, the role of women around powerful figures and the hidden systems that enable organised crime. Phamotse also reflects on global trafficking networks, the Epstein files, the vulnerability of children online and why South Africans may still be underestimating the scale of the criminal underworld operating around them.
Wednesday · 34 min
Cat Matlala, Senona relationship exposed, while Didiza faces axe
Vusimusi Cat Matlala continued his testimony at the Madlanga Commission and his relationship with General Lesetja Senona took centre stage today. WhatsApp chats specifically regarding Mr Nangy were also used to question Matlala. Thoko Didiza, Speaker of the National Assembly, also faces a motion of no confidence vote brought by the EFF in Parliament. We unpack this all!
Tuesday · 26 min
Matlala divulges relationship with Maumela, Msibi
Vusimusi Cat Matlala continued giving evidence at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and today the spotlight was on his relationships with Mswazi Msibi, Steve Motsumi and Morgan Maumela. Matlala was expected to explain payments and loans with these figures. We unpack his testimony and the consequences for the greater scandals coming out of the Commission.
Sunday · 54 min
Inside Ekhuruleni's Corruption Crisis w Modibe Modiba
Modibe Modiba blows open Ekurhuleni’s deepening corruption crisis, revealing how alleged wrongdoing has left officials and whistleblowers living in fear. He also reflects on his career in journalism and offers a candid assessment of South Africa’s media landscape. _______ 00:00 - Introduction 04:08 - Early life and school experiences 08:16 - Building sources through journalism 12:25 - The changing media landscape 16:33 - Intelligence and political pressure 20:41 - Investigating corruption 24:49 - Black business under Ramaphosa 28:57 - Political networks and legal threats 33:05 - Municipal corruption and accountability 37:14 - Madlanga Commission 41:22 - State security and policing 45:30 - Arrests and breaking news 49:38 - Journalists and whistleblowers 53:46 - South Africa’s risk of becoming a mafia state
#44
August 16 · 59 min
IFP leader's bold election prediction
Election season is heating up — and IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa could be one of the key figures shaping what comes next. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss the latest polling, the IFP’s growing support in KwaZulu-Natal, the challenge from MK, and the coalition negotiations that could determine control of municipalities across the country. Hlabisa also explains why he believes the next local government elections could be a major turning point. We also go inside the GNU, as Hlabisa reflects on his experience serving in Cabinet, the realities of governing alongside political rivals, and what he thinks coalition government has taught South Africa so far. We unpack the crisis in local government, proposed reforms to municipalities and coalition rules, the future of the IFP after Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, and the party’s ambitions beyond KZN. 00:00 Introduction 01:49 Inside the GNU: Is it working? 05:33 The economy, jobs and service delivery 12:18 Hlabisa’s plan to reset local government 19:42 Why voters must demand change 21:52 Why coalition government is here to stay 28:24 New rules to stabilise coalitions 33:11 KZN politics: IFP, MK and the battle ahead 39:53 How post-election coalition negotiations could work 46:26 The IFP after Mangosuthu Buthelezi 53:10 The Zulu monarchy and politics 57:00 Final thoughts
August 9 · 38 min
Charles Molapisi unpacks: SA's economy, MTN, Tour de France, healthcare, Education, business
Charles Molapisi joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, endurance, business, and the future of South Africa. As MTN Group's Chief Technology and Information Officer, Molapisi explains how elite cycling shaped his approach to leadership, capital allocation, resilience, and decision-making. He shares remarkable lessons from completing one of the toughest amateur cycling events in the world before applying those insights to running large organisations and building high-performance teams. The discussion then turns to South Africa's future. Molapisi argues that while the country possesses extraordinary natural advantages and untapped potential, education remains the single biggest obstacle to long-term prosperity. He reflects on governance, opportunity, leadership, and why he believes South Africa can become one of the greatest countries in the world if it gets the fundamentals right.
August 7 · 21 min
ANC support collapses ahead of 2026 election
In this episode, we start shifting attention to the upcoming 2026 Local Government Election. We unpack what the recent polls suggest about the situation in Joburg and other metros. Will the ANC hold on, or are the polls accurate to sugggest that they are in for a horrid election?
August 6 · 24 min
Shocking IDAC kidnapping story told
IDAC Head of Investigations and Operations Mr Matthew Sesoko appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry today. He was grilled on his potential complicity to wrongdoing that previous IDAC witnesses have implicated former boss Adv Andrea Johnson. In addition, Sesoko's kidnapping ordeal was also covered. In this episode, we unpack today's testimony.
August 5 · 18 min
Julius Mkhwanazi arrested, AGAIN!
Suspended Deputy Chief of Police at EMPD, Julius Mkhwanazi has been arrested for the fourth time! This time, in connection with the murder and cover-up of businessman Emmanuel Mbense in 2022. Mkhwanazi is arrested alongside 4 other suspects. We unpack this breaking news story and continue to unpack what happened at the Madlanga Commission today with Ms Ramsamy continuing her testimony in the IDAC stream. Lastly, Parliament's impeachment committee has resolved on one name to recommend as Evidence Leader for the impeachment inquiry. We unpack it all on SMWX!
August 2 · 1 hr
Vafa Naraghi unpacks: Becoming South African, comedy, engineering, UCT, Madlanga Commission
Vafa Naraghi joins Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh for a wide-ranging conversation on identity, comedy, race, politics and what it truly means to be South African. From his hit show Becoming South African to his journey from engineering into comedy, Vafa explains why great comedy is far more than entertainment—it is a powerful tool for challenging assumptions, creating empathy and bringing people together. The conversation explores South Africa's complex identity, xenophobia, the Madlanga Commission, education, history, social cohesion and the role of artists in shaping public discourse. Vafa also reflects on optimism, the country's future, and why he believes humour can help unlock difficult conversations that politics often cannot.
August 1 · 29 min
Colin Coleman unpacks: SA's economy, Phala Phala, 2026 Election, ANC, GNU, Ramaphosa, Mashatile
Former Goldman Sachs executive and leading economist Colin Coleman returns to SMWX for a wide-ranging discussion on South Africa's political and economic future. He unpacks the country's weak economic outlook, the fallout from the Constitutional Court's Phala Phala judgment, the growing impact of the Madlanga Commission, and why he believes the ANC could lose most of the country's metros in the upcoming local government elections.
July 31 · 21 min
More worrying IDAC revelations
IDAC Investigator Mr Mantsha Raphesu, testified at the Madlanga Commission today and it was not a good day for Andrea Johnson again. In his testimony today, Raphesu corroborated a lot of what Adv Ramsamy gave as evidence in her testimony. In this episode, we unpack Raphesu's testimony and what it means for the IDAC stream of evidence at the Madlanga Commission.
July 30 · 23 min
Explosive recordings read out at Madlanga
Drushantha Ramsamy, state attorney at IDAC, gave testimony at the Madlanga Commission. In this testimony, she provided explosive audio recordings of a telephone conversation with former IDAC boss Adv Andrea Johnson. In this recording, Johnson is heard speaking about the Madlanga Commission and making some strong statements about their unprofessionalism etc. In this episode, we unpack Ramsamy's testimony and her allegations that Johnson presided over a reign of terror at IDAC and was a "flip flopper".
July 29 · 32 min
What next for Phala Phala battle?
ATM and EFF have approached the Constitutional Court for direct access to appeal the Western Cape High Court's ruling in President Ramaphosa's interdict application. The Western Cape High Court granted President Ramaphosa an interim interdict, pending the finalisation of the s89 panel report review set down for 2nd - 4th September 2026. In this episode, we unpack the appeal that has been lodged at the ConCourt and what the road ahead for the Phala Phala saga might look like.
July 28 · 26 min
The meaning of Andrea Johnson's fall
Adv Andrea Johnson, now former IDAC boss, has been grilled for 6 days of testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. She has subsequently requested permission from the President to resign and that request was accepted. What consequence does this have for Andrea Johnson, we unpack in this episode.
July 28 · 28 min
NPA withdraws charges against Khumalo, Mokwele
NDPP Andy Mothibi has provisionally withdrawn the charges against Lt Gen Dumisani Khumalo, Brigadier Mokwele and others. These were charges that were administered by IDAC, and have been under serious scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission. We unpack the consequences of these charges of late and where to from here for IDAC.
July 27 · 20 min
Andrea Johnson resigns as IDAC boss
Adv Andrea Johnson has resigned as the Investigative Director of IDAC, after she sought permission from the President and the NDPP to release her effective immediately. In this episode, we unpack Johnson's testimony at the Madlanga Commission today and her resignation from IDAC. We also take a look at the latest coming from the Cat Matlala attempted murder trial.
July 26 · 56 min
Renowned SA judge speaks to son of jailed Palestinian leader
In this episode, a discussion featuring Arab Barghouti, son of imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, alongside former Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal Azhar Cachalia. Together, they explore Marwan Barghouti's political legacy, the campaign for his release, lessons from the Free Mandela movement, the prospects for Palestinian leadership, and whether international pressure can help shape a path towards peace and justice. The discussion also examines strategy, negotiations, sanctions, and the role of civil society in ending conflict.
July 25 · 1 hr 7 min
Muzi Sikhakhane announces 'black Afriforum'
Vuka Azania, a think tank and advocacy group led by Adv Muzi Sikhakhane SC, Professor Isaac Shai, Rev. Dr Allan Boesak and Arthur Fraser, was launched. In this media briefing, the founding directors provide an overview of their mission and what they aim to achieve.
July 25 · 1 hr 9 min
Shocking judgment hands Ramaphosa lifeline!
The Western Cape High Court has delivered its judgment in the interdict application brought by President Ramaphosa in an attempt to block Parliament's impeachment process from continuing. In this episode, we unpack the majority judgment by Judges Davis and Le Grange, the minority judgment by Judge Francis and the consequences that this has for the accountability mechanisms of the President.

Showing 1–20 of 24 episodes