SMWX
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- Nov 13, 2026
About the podcast
A journey into the heart of South Africa politics, through interviews and analysis, with your guide Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh. Ayeye!
Episodes 100
Coalitions: MAJOR shake-up in SA politics?
Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh unpacks the latest coalition negotiations following South Africa’s 2026 local government elections and asks whether the country is entering a fundamental political realignment. With reports …
Show notes
Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh unpacks the latest coalition negotiations following South Africa’s 2026 local government elections and asks whether the country is entering a fundamental political realignment. With reports emerging from the ANC’s NEC that the DA should be treated as a last resort in local coalitions, Sizwe examines what this could mean for Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, including the possibility of Herman Mashaba and Nasiphi Moya leading two of Gauteng’s biggest metros. He also explores the battle for eThekwini, the prospect of an MK–IFP arrangement in KwaZulu-Natal, the finely balanced contest in Mangaung and likely outcomes in Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay. Turning to the national picture, Sizwe considers whether being frozen out of Gauteng could push the DA away from the GNU, what this could mean for Cyril Ramaphosa’s position inside the ANC, and whether a completely different coalition era could be emerging nationally and locally.
New twists in coalition talks
Coalition negotiations continue to get more and more interesting, as political parties rush to meet with each other to agree on council leaderships before the 14 day deadline. In this episode, we zone in …
Show notes
Coalition negotiations continue to get more and more interesting, as political parties rush to meet with each other to agree on council leaderships before the 14 day deadline. In this episode, we zone in particularly on Gauteng and give you the latest updates on the coalitions in Joburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.
Matlala exposed, while Malema guns for Zille
Vusimusi Cat Matlala wraps up his testimony at the Madlanga Commission today and in this testimony, he was grilled on his relationship and links with the likes of Bheki Cele, Senzo Mchunu, Calvin Rafadi and …
Show notes
Vusimusi Cat Matlala wraps up his testimony at the Madlanga Commission today and in this testimony, he was grilled on his relationship and links with the likes of Bheki Cele, Senzo Mchunu, Calvin Rafadi and many others. In this episode, we unpack his evidence as well as what it means for the bigger picture that the Madlanga Commission is looking into. We also zoom in on the defamation case against Helen Zille, that EFF Leader Julius Malema is lodging.
Mbeki guns for Ramaphosa
Does former President Thabo Mbeki’s criticism signal the beginning of the end of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s dominance over the ANC? Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh unpacks Mbeki’s remarks, assesses the promises of the …
Show notes
Does former President Thabo Mbeki’s criticism signal the beginning of the end of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s dominance over the ANC? Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh unpacks Mbeki’s remarks, assesses the promises of the “new dawn” and examines the ANC’s electoral decline. From weak economic growth and unemployment to resignation reports, calls for an early elective conference and tensions over coalitions with the DA, this analysis explores the pressures facing the party’s leadership—and how the Madlanga Commission and Phala Phala could deepen its internal reckoning.
Could ANC abandon DA in coalitions?
As coalition negotiations progress, we unpack the possibility of various permutations, some that include and some that exclude the DA and ANC. What are the implications for the ANC and DA's relationship and the …
Show notes
As coalition negotiations progress, we unpack the possibility of various permutations, some that include and some that exclude the DA and ANC. What are the implications for the ANC and DA's relationship and the GNU? Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh unpacks.
Matlala drops MASSIVE bombshells
Vusimusi Cat Matlala testified at the Madlanga Commission today, on its resumption of public hearings after a 26 day break whilst they conducted in-camera hearings. In his testimony, Matlala was taken through …
Show notes
Vusimusi Cat Matlala testified at the Madlanga Commission today, on its resumption of public hearings after a 26 day break whilst they conducted in-camera hearings. In his testimony, Matlala was taken through his s204 statement that formed part of his plea deal with IDAC in his corruption trial regarding the Medicare24 tender fraud. In this statement, he makes serious allegations about senior politicians in government and in the police service. Otsile Nkadimeng unpacks!
Cat Matlala attempts to dodge Madlanga?
The Madlanga Commission is back and when we expected Vusimusi Cat Matlala to give evidence, the day started with arguments about whether his collapsed plea deal statement can be admissible and used by the …
Show notes
The Madlanga Commission is back and when we expected Vusimusi Cat Matlala to give evidence, the day started with arguments about whether his collapsed plea deal statement can be admissible and used by the Commission in his testimony. Once a ruling was made, an attempt to go in-camera was lodged by Matlala's counsel. Was this an attempt to delay proceedings? Oratile Kekana unpacks.
Election Update: Will the GNU survive?
How will the Government of National Unity be affected by the local government elections and their results.
Fikile Mbalula reacts to catastrophic ANC results
ANC SG Fikile Mbalula reacts to the 2026 Election results, and the ANC's performance.
Julius Malema reacts to disappointing EFF results
EFF Leader, Julius Malema, held a press briefing and reacted to the 2026 Election Results.
I've looked at the election, here's what could happen...
With formal coalition negotiations looming, Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh unpacks the possible permutations and debuts his coalition arrangement idea across South Africa.
Who will work together? 2026 Election Results
The conversation around the 2026 Election Results has shifted from the projections and results to the possible coalition partners that we might see across the country in municipalities and metros. Will the ANC …
Show notes
The conversation around the 2026 Election Results has shifted from the projections and results to the possible coalition partners that we might see across the country in municipalities and metros. Will the ANC be able to negotiate their way to victory like they did in 2024? Will the DA draw a line? Will Action SA use their kingmaker position in Gauteng to their advantage. We unpack all of this and more, coming to you live from the IEC's Results Operation Centre.
Reviewing shocking election results in South Africa
We wrap up the day at the IEC's Results Operation Centre and give you a view of what to expect tomorrow (Saturday).
More reactions to the shocking 2026 election results
We're bringing you reactions from political parties at the IEC's Results Operation Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg.
Watershed election, what next?
The results are close to being complete, with nearly 90% of votes already counted and captured by the IEC. Where to from here? In this analysis, Oratile Kekana explores the possible coalitions we might see …
Show notes
The results are close to being complete, with nearly 90% of votes already counted and captured by the IEC. Where to from here? In this analysis, Oratile Kekana explores the possible coalitions we might see across municipalities in South Africa, why this election matters and some projections looking at Joburg, Ekurhuleni, Ethekwini and Tshwane.
DA wins big, ANC crushed!
With over 70% of votes counted and captured across South Africa, by the IEC, the picture is starting to be clearer about where power will lie across many councils in the country. The ANC, in this watershed …
Show notes
With over 70% of votes counted and captured across South Africa, by the IEC, the picture is starting to be clearer about where power will lie across many councils in the country. The ANC, in this watershed election, have lost all their majorities in municipalities that have been historically strongholds, and the DA has surpassed the ANC in many of these municipalities as the biggest party. Otsile Nkadimeng, SMWX analyst, unpacks!
Reacting to MASSIVE 2026 election results!
The ANC faces a dramatic collapse as early CSIR projections point to major shifts in South Africa’s 2026 local government elections. The DA is gaining ground in key metros, ActionSA is showing signs of a …
Show notes
The ANC faces a dramatic collapse as early CSIR projections point to major shifts in South Africa’s 2026 local government elections. The DA is gaining ground in key metros, ActionSA is showing signs of a comeback, and the EFF and MK Party face difficult questions. In this SMWX analysis, we unpack the national picture, the battle for Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, and striking projections from Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City and Mangaung. We also examine what voting trends in Gauteng, the Eastern Cape and Limpopo could mean for 2029, Cyril Ramaphosa’s legacy and the ANC’s future.
Reactions to shocking 2026 election results
We're coming to you live from the IEC's Results Centre and we are speaking to political leaders about their thoughts of the results thus far.
2026 Election Results: Nightmare for ANC!
The results have started to come in from the 2026 Local Government Elections in South Africa. With the counting just under 20% complete, we're bringing you analysis of the picture we're seeing so far; how is …
Show notes
The results have started to come in from the 2026 Local Government Elections in South Africa. With the counting just under 20% complete, we're bringing you analysis of the picture we're seeing so far; how is the ANC doing across municipalities that have been historically strong-holds for them, how are other relatively newer and smaller parties performing and what the national picture looks like.
Warning signs for the ANC on Voting Day?
We're coming to you live from the IEC's Results Operation Centre (ROC) in Midrand, Johannesburg and we'll be bringing you extensive coverage of the election results, analysis and interviews with some key …
Show notes
We're coming to you live from the IEC's Results Operation Centre (ROC) in Midrand, Johannesburg and we'll be bringing you extensive coverage of the election results, analysis and interviews with some key political leaders as the results trickle in. Stay tuned to SMWX throughout the week.
Mighti Jamie unpacks: Madlanga, Mkhwanazi, Ramaphosa, Masemola, cartels, mainstream media, Johnson
Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh and Mighti Jamie come together in front of a live audience in Durban to unpack the Madlanga Commission, alleged cartel influence and what the revelations mean for South Africa’s democracy …
Show notes
Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh and Mighti Jamie come together in front of a live audience in Durban to unpack the Madlanga Commission, alleged cartel influence and what the revelations mean for South Africa’s democracy. Sizwe shares the story behind his interview with Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, while the two reflect on General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s whistleblowing and the moments at the commission that shocked them most. From Witness B’s testimony to questions surrounding Fannie Masemola, Andrea Johnson and IDAC, they examine allegations of interference in policing and the importance of public accountability. The conversation also explores the rise of independent podcasts, their relationship with mainstream journalism and the responsibilities that come with a growing platform. Taking questions from the audience, they debate media ethics, the right of reply, civic education and misinformation, before addressing whether Cyril Ramaphosa should testify before the commission and how South Africa’s Constitution and institutions could better serve its people.
Vuyo Zungula unpacks: 2026 election, Joburg, ANC, coalitions, DA, Madlanga Commission, Phala Phala
Vuyo Zungula returns to SMWX to discuss his bid to become Johannesburg’s mayor and the African Transformation Movement’s plans to tackle the city’s service-delivery failures. He outlines proposals to repair …
Show notes
Vuyo Zungula returns to SMWX to discuss his bid to become Johannesburg’s mayor and the African Transformation Movement’s plans to tackle the city’s service-delivery failures. He outlines proposals to repair infrastructure, reduce reliance on water tankers, restructure municipal entities and confront what he describes as criminal networks operating within and around the city. Zungula sets out ATM’s conditions for joining a coalition, addresses voter disillusionment and raises his concerns about electoral integrity. Drawing lessons from the Madlanga Commission, he argues for independent investigations into municipal corruption and explains how he would measure progress on financial management, water losses, support for small businesses and the reclamation of hijacked buildings. The conversation also explores his opposition to the DA’s approach to privatisation and his case for bringing core municipal services in-house. Turning to Phala Phala, Zungula criticises the suspension of the impeachment inquiry and explains why he believes parliamentary scrutiny of Cyril Ramaphosa is essential to accountability in South Africa’s highest office.
The reason to vote is not what you think
Why vote when it feels as though one person cannot change anything? In this TedXDurban x SMWX talk, Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh challenges that argument by comparing voting to applause: its power comes from individual …
Show notes
Why vote when it feels as though one person cannot change anything? In this TedXDurban x SMWX talk, Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh challenges that argument by comparing voting to applause: its power comes from individual voices joining together, not from any one person deciding the outcome. He explores the make-up of South Africa’s electorate, highlighting the electoral weight of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal and the gap between women’s participation and their representation in political leadership. Sizwe then explains his polling-average methodology and shares his predictions for the 2026 local government elections, assessing the ANC’s potential decline, the DA’s prospects in the major cities and the MK Party’s strength in eThekwini. From coalition possibilities to the contest over Cape Town’s outright majority, he examines how the political map could change—and why the collective power of voting matters far more than the influence of any single ballot.
Andrea Johnson, Feroz Khan arrested | Mkhwanazi to Hawks? | Carrim bail
In this week’s episode of Week in Review, we unpack the breaking news of former IDAC head Andrea Johnson and former SAPS senior intelligence offical Feroz Khan’s arrest. We also unpack Suliman Carrim’s bail …
Show notes
In this week’s episode of Week in Review, we unpack the breaking news of former IDAC head Andrea Johnson and former SAPS senior intelligence offical Feroz Khan’s arrest. We also unpack Suliman Carrim’s bail application, Lt Gen Mkhwanazi’s proposed appointment as Hawks head and much more from this week.
I'm ready to make my election predictions!
The 2026 Local Government Elections are fast looming and Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh makes his predictions for the various metropolitan municipalities, and the national picture.
Madlanga demands answers from Ramaphosa advisor
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s former political advisor, Bejani Chauke, has been served with a rule 10 (6) notice and has been requested to explain his conversations he has allegedly been having with alleged big 5 …
Show notes
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s former political advisor, Bejani Chauke, has been served with a rule 10 (6) notice and has been requested to explain his conversations he has allegedly been having with alleged big 5 cartel leader, Mswazi. In this episode, we also unpack the possible link that this has to the Phala Phala story, as earlier mentioned in the Jermaine Prim prison letter.
Joburg Mayor Dada Morero opens up: 2026 election, coalitions, Helen Zille, service delivery, Chikane
Dada Morero joins Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh on SMWX to discuss his journey into politics, his record as Johannesburg’s mayor and the choices facing the city ahead of the local government elections. From growing up …
Show notes
Dada Morero joins Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh on SMWX to discuss his journey into politics, his record as Johannesburg’s mayor and the choices facing the city ahead of the local government elections. From growing up in Orlando West and becoming involved in student activism to working in civilian intelligence and city administration, Morero reflects on the experiences that shaped his leadership. He revisits his first 25-day stint as mayor, the instability of coalition government and his priorities on crime prevention, municipal finances and service delivery. The conversation tackles the Auditor-General’s findings, wasteful expenditure, water shortages, electricity interruptions and deteriorating roads, with Morero defending his administration’s approach and outlining its infrastructure investment plans.
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Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga opens up: SA's constitution, Mogoeng Mogoeng, Law, upbringing, OR Tambo
Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, former Constitutional Court Judge, joins us on SMWX to have a conversation about his early life, what drew him to the Law, his career as an advocate, and his many landmark judgements …
Show notes
Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, former Constitutional Court Judge, joins us on SMWX to have a conversation about his early life, what drew him to the Law, his career as an advocate, and his many landmark judgements and court appearances, including the ICJ in 2004. In this episode, we get to know and understand the man behind the name and where it all truly began. Justice Madlanga also reflects on the life and legacy of Oliver Tambo. The interview was filmed on the sidelines of the Oliver Tambo Memorial Lecture, hosted by the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation in collaboration with Infinity Dynamic Strategy.
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 …
Show notes
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
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 …
Show notes
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.
These are the latest 40 of 100 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
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