SMWX

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.

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.

Tumi Sole joins us on SMWX for a wide-ranging conversation about activism, accountability and the power of ordinary South Africans to shape the country around them. The attorney and founder of Country Duty reflects on his journey into civic activism, the role social media has played in mobilising communities and holding institutions to account, and the challenges of turning online outrage into meaningful action. The conversation also explores leadership, service delivery, South Africa’s political culture, youth participation and what it will take to rebuild a stronger sense of civic responsibility in a country where many citizens are increasingly frustrated with the state of public institutions.

Suspended Deputy National Commissioner Lt Gen Sibiya appeared at the Randburg Magistrate's Court for his bail hearing and some explosive recordings and WhatsApp chats around the allegations.

We unpack the latest coming out of the Madlanga Commission today, as Joe Sibanyoni concluded his testimony around the Shosholoza stokvel and his attempts at acquiring stakes in Putco busses.

Joe Sibanyoni returned to the Madlanga Commission today and had his evidence cross-examined regarding allegations around extortion and various relationships with Sindane and others. We unpack this and Lt Gen Sibiya's bail application appearance.

Khaya Dlanga, author and commentator, joins us on SMWX for a wide-ranging conversation about grief and time, being asked by AKA to write his biography, his views on the state of South Africa and reactions to the Mkhwanazi revelations.

Bafana Sindane's evidence was presented by Adv Chaskalson SC at the Madlanga Commission today. In these chats, allegations of extortion, drug syndicates and many explosive information was laid bare. Sindane nor his lawyers were in attendance today, however the evidence was presented nonetheless. In this episode, we unpack the revelations from these WhatsApp chats and Feroz Khan's lawyers' brief appearance before the Commission this morning too.

BRICS has become the topical global power bloc that has everyone talking. Is this a real global shift in power dynamics? In this episode of Mzansi Way Makers in collaboration with Brand South Africa, Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh sits down with Busi Mabuza, Chairperson of SA BRICS Business Council and the IDC. Its an in-depth conversation about her career, the recent BRICS Summit and how to get our economy moving in the right direction.

Suspended SAPS Deputy National Commissioner Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya was arrested this week, suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's house was raided and phone seized and many more interesting developments took place this week. In this 'Week in Review' episode, Otsile Nkadimeng and Oratile Kekana unpack what happened this week and preview the week to come. Feroz Khan is also expected to appear before the Madlanga Commission next week, with some evidence in-camera.