SMWX

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

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.

DA's Retief Odendaal is running for Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Mayor and he joins us on SMWX for a wide-ranging conversation on his background, law interest, experience as a councillor in the metro, DA internal dynamics and more.

Academic and author, Prof Bongani Ngqulunga, joins us on SMWX to explore his new book: Under Smuts' rule - a deep dive into Jan Smuts and his legacy as Prime Minister. Prof Ngqulunga has also authored: The Man Who Founded The ANC, a book about Pixley ka Isaka Seme.

After an eventful political year in 2025, we explore what to watch out for in 2026. The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee will resume and continue to hear witness testimonies, but also the DA is having its congress and will elect its new leadership. The Local Government Elections could be taking place between the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027. Could we see a repeat of the budget drama like last year? We explore all of this and more, and what the consequences for South Africa are.

We asked you to submit your questions and in this episode, Sizwe answers them all! From football, to whether he'd consider running for political office; Sizwe unpacks some of the details you might not know!