Sunday Times Politics Weekly

By TimesLIVE Podcasts

What's Sunday Times Politics Weekly about?

The weekly political show by top journalists of the Sunday Times discussing the week's biggest stories, toughest topics in a tight and guided conversation.

An Arena Holdings Production.

Keywords: podcast, analysis, politics, social justice, news commentary, economy, opinions, accountability

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Sunday Times Politics Weekly episodes:

06.06.2024
ANC opts for GNU – governing models and coalition partner options it had – and implications
Political analyst Dr Sithembile Mbete and Lizeka Tandwa from the Sunday Times politics team define and scrutinise the ANC’s options for governing models, such as government of national unity [which the party announced as its choice on Thursday evening], a...
05.16.2024
Maimane says SA is responsible for influx of Zimbabweans
South Africa allowed Zimbabwe to be run into the ground, says Mmusi Maimane on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, blaming the government for the influx of Zimbabweans into SA. “If it wasn’t for the ANC’s policy on the government of national...
05.10.2024
DA should have burnt the ANC flag instead, says Herman Mashaba
The DA should have burnt the ANC flag instead of the national flag, says ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba says in a wide-ranging interview on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly podcast. The party stirred controversy earlier this week when it launched its...
05.04.2024
Why independent candidate Anele Mda is fearlessly taking on the 'big guns'
Anele Mda, an independent candidate vying for a seat in parliament, says political parties will be chasing after independents but she won’t work with any party. She is our guest on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly podcast with Sunday Times...
04.18.2024
Zuma is out for revenge and has nothing to lose
One of the big election stories has been the Jacob Zuma factor and his uMkhonto weSizwe Party. According to polls and by-election results, the party has outshone parties such as the EFF and the IFP. In this episode of the Sunday Times...
03.28.2024
Understanding Elections with Ebrahim Fakir
Mike Siluma sits down with Election expert Ebrahim Fakir to discuss the upcoming South African elections and what you need to know from how they work, to how they are calculated and what you need to do!
03.16.2024
Backing Zuma my worst mistake: Zwelinzima Vavi
Veteran trade union leader Zwelinzima Vavi has had his setbacks, but the “tragic mistake” he is still kicking himself for was to support Jacob Zuma in becoming president of the ANC and the republic. The only mistake, and the biggest...
11.09.2023
Israel-Hamas war: the case for cutting ties with Israel
South Africa’s position in the Israel-Hamas war has further strained relations between Pretoria and the Israeli government, culminating this week in the withdrawal of our country’s diplomats from Israel. In this episode of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly we explore the...
10.05.2023
Did Zondo’s state capture recommendations fall on deaf ears?
This week police arrested Dudu Myeni, the former chairperson of SAA and an associate of ex-president Jacob Zuma on fraud and corruption charges – charges arising from benefits she allegedly received from Bosasa, the defunct company implicated in state capture. In...
09.15.2023
Mangosuthu Buthelezi - The man who tried to ride two horses
This week on Sunday Times Politics Weekly we delve into the controversial legacy of IFP founder and prime minister to the Zulu nation Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who died at the weekend at the age of 95. Buthelezi's legacy has been the centre of debate...
07.29.2023
'SA is not ready for a white president' - FF Plus leader Pieter Groenewald
In this episode of the Sunday Times Politics weekly, Sunday Times Politics Editor Sibongakonke Shoba sat down with Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Groenewald, one of the parties for the proposed ‘moonshot’ pact alliance. Asked if he thought the country...
07.27.2023
Why Zimbabwe needs a negotiated settlement, not another rigged election
This week on the Sunday Times politics Weekly we shine the spotlight on the prospects of the Zimbabwe elections. Our panellists on the podcast are prominent Zimbabwean scholar professor Ibbo Mandaza and Ngqabutho Nicholas Mabhena representing Zimbabwe Community in South Africa...
07.22.2023
ANCYL president Collen Malatji chats about his political rise, diagnoses governing party
Recently elected ANC Youth League president Collen Malatji joins 'Sunday Times Politics Weekly' to assess South Africa's politics and the role of young people and what he stands for. He was elected unopposed earlier this month after an eight-year leadership void...
07.20.2023
Deputy president Paul Mashatile talks national issues and the politics of office
Since his appointment, there has been keen interest to better understand where Deputy president Paul Mashatile stands on national issues. In this episode of the Politics Weekly, Mashatile sat down with Sunday Times' Sibongakonke Shoba, Kgothatso Madisa and Caiphus Kgosana for...
07.06.2023
Is the Moonshot Pact pie in the sky or will it reset SA politics?
Our guests on the ‘Sunday Times Politics Weekly’ are pessimistic about the plan hatched by DA leader John Steenhuisen to unseat the ANC. This week Steenhuisen announced that six opposition parties would hold a national convention aimed at ousting the ANC...
07.01.2023
Joburg speaker Colleen Makhubele talks about politics, COPE factions, ambition to be president and more
Joburg speaker Colleen Makhubele talks to Sunday Times Politics Weekly about politics, her ambition to lead COPE, being fired on national TV and more. She joined Sunday Times journalist Sisanda Mbolekwa in studio on the podcast and talked about the calibre...
06.22.2023
SA’s 'neutrality' rubbed global powers the wrong way
Unisa’s Prof Everisto Benyera counts what South Africa loses for its stance in the Russia-Ukraine war. He, in part, specialises in peace-building and mediation. Last week, African leaders led by President Cyril Ramaphosa undertook a mediation mission to Ukraine and Russia...
06.17.2023
'I'm ready to be president' - EFF leader Julius Malema
In a wide-ranging conversation with ‘Sunday Times Politics Weekly’, EFF leader Julius Malema shared his views on the upcoming elections, and possible coalition permutations. Malema says he won’t join any coalition in which Cyril Ramaphosa or John Steenhuisen are potential...
06.08.2023
Why King Misuzulu and Prince Buthelezi dispute can lead to violence in KZN if not handled with care
A public spat has recently broken out between King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and his prime minister, Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi, over control of the Ingonyama Trust. The trust controls large tracts of land in KwaZulu-Natal — about 2.8-million hectares — on behalf...
06.03.2023
Fikile Mbalula on ANC governance going into 2024, Ace Magashule, Putin's visit
In a wide-ranging conversation with ‘Sunday Times Politics Weekly’, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula speaks on the ANC, his predecessor Ace Magashule who faces possible expulsion from the party, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Mbalula reflected on his tenure as party SG...
05.25.2023
Cholera crisis: what to do with non-performing local government?
The cholera outbreak in Tshwane has again put the spotlight on the crisis in local government negatively impacting service delivery to citizens. Local government is often regarded as the coalface at which the state delivers citizens’ basic needs. But what is...
05.18.2023
Why Gayton McKenzie thinks he’ll be SA president and six things he stands for
Mass deportation of illegal foreigners, death penalty, cancelling race — some of the (things) Gayton McKenzie says he will do when he becomes president. In a robust conversation on the Sunday Times Politics weekly with the Patriotic Alliance leader, McKenzie says...
05.04.2023
Arrest Putin or not — has SA’s foreign policy lost its way?
Amid the ICC arrest warrant, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit has been intensely debated in the ANC NEC. SA was also naive for not making provisions to protect itself when it joined the International Criminal Court. We hear from our guests...
04.13.2023
ActionSA lays down the line for coalitions
Amid continuing uncertainty in the leadership of metros in Gauteng, ActionSA has tabled motions of no-confidence against the current mayor Thapelo Amad and speaker of Johannesburg, Colleen Makhubele. To talk about what seems like a drastic step, and other issues...
03.30.2023
How Ramaphosa can defuse the Putin arrest hot potato
Our country has been placed in a quandary after the International Criminal Court issued a warrant of arrest for Russian President Vladimir Putin which compels SA, as a signatory to the ICC’s Rome Statute, to arrest him if he visits...
03.16.2023
Leaked Phala Phala report, consequences for president and predicament for retired arms deal judges
This week on the Politics Weekly we reflect on the public protector’s leaked preliminary report, which seems to have exonerated President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala scandal. We also look at public accountability of our judges, and why it...
03.09.2023
Ramaphosa’s cabinet reshuffle was to please ANC, not the country
The recent cabinet reshuffle was not intended to address South Africa's crises but to satisfy ANC factions. And Gwede Mantashe and Pravin Gordhan will call the shots regarding electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. The two ministers, Mantashe (energy) and Gordhan (public enterprises), might...
03.02.2023
Without political will, can South Africa’s corruption crisis be overcome?
Guilty players castigating former Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter expose their lack of commitment to solve corruption crisis, argued Lawson Naidoo and Wayne Duvenhage on the 'Sunday Times Politics weekly'. De Ruyter made claims of how corruption brought the power utility...
02.23.2023
The crime problem: why it persists, trends, solutions and the political will
The latest crime stats indicate that, despite government’s promises to contain it, crime is getting worse, posing a threat to the country and its people — that’s the focus of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly podcast this week. The head of...
02.02.2023
Coalition chaos — why we must hold elected politicians accountable
The latest local authority elections have been hailed as an indicator of the rapidly waning influence of the ANC. But they also gave us a foretaste of what life might be like under a national coalition government. To date, that...
01.26.2023
We all know the solution: get the politicians out of Eskom
As power generation crumbles around our ears, experts are calling to have politicians ousted from Eskom's decision-making processes. South Africa in the throes of the worst power crisis in history and the government has again promised it has a plan to...
01.19.2023
Will forcing politicians to use public services solve service delivery woes?
One of the biggest problems in our country is the failure of the state to provide quality services to us, the citizens – such as public health services, transport and education. This week Sunday Times columnist Prof William Gumede wrote that...
12.14.2022
Zweli Mkhize on ANC presidency, Digital Vibes and Cyril Ramaphosa
On Sunday Times Politics Weekly, Zweli Mkhize chats about what he will do if he is elected ANC president at the party's elective conference this weekend, Digital Vibes corruption allegations and the growing support he has received since being nominated....
12.08.2022
A fish rots from the head & the ANC's NEC nominees are giving off a stink
The much-anticipated ANC national conference takes place next week at Nasrec in Johannesburg. Apart from providing policy direction for the organisation, one of the key tasks of the conference will be to choose a new party leadership. But unfortunately for...
11.30.2022
One on one with ANC treasurer-general contender Pule Mabe
Pule Mabe joins Sunday Times Politics Weekly to reflect on his tenure as ANC spokesperson, speaks about contesting for a top 6 position, competition, dubious cadres and party electoral decline. Mabe is running for the position of treasurer-general alongside presidency special...
11.23.2022
Masualle on why Ramaphosa must go, ANC factions, NEC, Mkhize as president
Public enterprises deputy minister Phumulo Masualle, chatting to Sunday Times Politics Weekly, says some candidates for the ANC top six don’t deserve support. He motivates why President Cyril Ramaphosa's time in office has expired and rallies behind former health minister Zweli...
11.21.2022
Mdumiseni Ntuli diagnoses the ANC, chats Zuma incarceration fabrications
ANC “top six” contender Mdumiseni Ntuli spoke to Sunday Times Politics Weekly. He assesses the governing party and speaks about “lies” he found himself embroiled in with former KwaZulu-Natal premier Sihle Zikalala, including plotting to have former president Jacob Zuma incarcerated. Ntuli...
11.16.2022
Mashatile talks positions, SOEs, Phala Phala, former presidents
Paul Mashatile hosted the Sunday Times Politics Weekly team at his home to chat, rolling up his sleeves to be “hands on deck” if elected ANC deputy president next month. He is ANC treasurer-general and speaks about his rise to the...
11.09.2022
Mokonyane alleges assassination attempts, talks contestation, weeps over Duarte
ANC deputy secretary-general hopeful Nomvula Mokonyane opens up to Sunday Times Politics weekly about dirty politics, why she is contesting and corruption-accused Bosasa. She is hoping to win an ANC secretary-general position when the party holds its elective conference next month. The...
11.03.2022
We need to transition from generation that fought for freedom, says Lamola
ANC deputy president hopeful Ronald Lamola talks to Sunday Times Politics Weekly about his personal life and politics. In conversation with special edition host Kgothatso Madisa from his home, Lamola focuses on his life before politics and what he can offer...
10.27.2022
I need to put on my big girl panties and keep going: Phalatse
Recent political events in coalition-run municipalities have cast doubt on the viability of such governments. A prime example is Johannesburg, whose mayor Mpho Phalatse and speaker Vasco da Gama were removed last month after no-confidence motions. Phalatse was ousted by an...
10.21.2022
Debate - Ministers salaries may be market competitive, but have they earned it?
While many taxpayers struggle to make ends meet, ministers and their deputies — who earn a salary of between R2.5 and R2m a year — do not pay a cent for municipal services such as water and electricity at their...
10.13.2022
Infighting in Gauteng’s coalition metro’s and the ANC’s leader ship race
In this episode of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we discuss what has been happening in Gauteng’s metros of Joburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, caught up by coalition government infighting. We also take a look at the latest in the ANC’s leadership...
10.08.2022
Eskom’s new chair makes coal costs first target
Mpho Makwana, the new chair of Eskom, has backed incumbent CEO Andre de Ruyter and set his sights on bringing down the price of electricity by reducing the cost of coal supplied to its plants while also improving the quality...
10.06.2022
New board chairperson says he plans to restore Eskom to an award-winning utility
Today on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we give you a sneak-peak into our discussion with veteran business leader Mpho Makwana, who is Eskom’s new chairperson. Makwana gives us insight into his perspectives on Eskom and the seemingly insurmountable energy crisis...
09.29.2022
Eskom - The 'dark side' of political power
In this episode of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we discuss the politics which has historically shaped, and which continues to shape SA's energy crisis. Our host, Mike Siluma is joined by Prof Mark Swilling chair of the Development Bank of...
09.22.2022
The ANC's new electoral rules and their continued shortfalls
By all indications, the ANC’s leadership succession race well underway. This week on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we assess the likely effectiveness of the party’s new campaign rules, which, on the surface, seek to improve the quality of its...
09.01.2022
Is it possible to hold Zuma to account, despite the risk of unrest?
He left office more than four years ago but former president Jacob Zuma has remained a feature in SA's political and public life. This week the Pietermaritzburg high court gave VBS Mutual Bank permission to seize Zuma’s assets to repay a...
08.18.2022
What will Kenya's recent election mean for SA?
Last week one of the more influential countries in East Africa, Kenya went to the polls to choose a new president. And, not for the first time, the outcome sparked controversy as current vice-president William Ruto narrowly defeated long-time campaigner...
08.12.2022
Contestation for the Zulu throne is set to intensify
In March this year President Cyril Ramaphosa legally recognised Prince Misuzulu ka Zwelithini as the king-elect of the Zulu people, following the death last year of long-reigning King Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu. But subsequent events around the Zulu royal household...

What's Sunday Times Politics Weekly about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Sunday Times Politics Weekly episodes:

ANC opts for GNU – governing models and coalition partner options it had – and implications

Maimane says SA is responsible for influx of Zimbabweans

DA should have burnt the ANC flag instead, says Herman Mashaba

Why independent candidate Anele Mda is fearlessly taking on the 'big guns'

Zuma is out for revenge and has nothing to lose

Understanding Elections with Ebrahim Fakir

Backing Zuma my worst mistake: Zwelinzima Vavi

Israel-Hamas war: the case for cutting ties with Israel

Did Zondo’s state capture recommendations fall on deaf ears?

Mangosuthu Buthelezi - The man who tried to ride two horses

'SA is not ready for a white president' - FF Plus leader Pieter Groenewald

Why Zimbabwe needs a negotiated settlement, not another rigged election

ANCYL president Collen Malatji chats about his political rise, diagnoses governing party

Deputy president Paul Mashatile talks national issues and the politics of office

Is the Moonshot Pact pie in the sky or will it reset SA politics?

Joburg speaker Colleen Makhubele talks about politics, COPE factions, ambition to be president and more

SA’s 'neutrality' rubbed global powers the wrong way

'I'm ready to be president' - EFF leader Julius Malema

Why King Misuzulu and Prince Buthelezi dispute can lead to violence in KZN if not handled with care

Fikile Mbalula on ANC governance going into 2024, Ace Magashule, Putin's visit

Cholera crisis: what to do with non-performing local government?

Why Gayton McKenzie thinks he’ll be SA president and six things he stands for

Arrest Putin or not — has SA’s foreign policy lost its way?

ActionSA lays down the line for coalitions

How Ramaphosa can defuse the Putin arrest hot potato

Leaked Phala Phala report, consequences for president and predicament for retired arms deal judges

Ramaphosa’s cabinet reshuffle was to please ANC, not the country

Without political will, can South Africa’s corruption crisis be overcome?

The crime problem: why it persists, trends, solutions and the political will

Coalition chaos — why we must hold elected politicians accountable

We all know the solution: get the politicians out of Eskom

Will forcing politicians to use public services solve service delivery woes?

Zweli Mkhize on ANC presidency, Digital Vibes and Cyril Ramaphosa

A fish rots from the head & the ANC's NEC nominees are giving off a stink

One on one with ANC treasurer-general contender Pule Mabe

Masualle on why Ramaphosa must go, ANC factions, NEC, Mkhize as president

Mdumiseni Ntuli diagnoses the ANC, chats Zuma incarceration fabrications

Mashatile talks positions, SOEs, Phala Phala, former presidents

Mokonyane alleges assassination attempts, talks contestation, weeps over Duarte

We need to transition from generation that fought for freedom, says Lamola

I need to put on my big girl panties and keep going: Phalatse

Debate - Ministers salaries may be market competitive, but have they earned it?

Infighting in Gauteng’s coalition metro’s and the ANC’s leader ship race

Eskom’s new chair makes coal costs first target

New board chairperson says he plans to restore Eskom to an award-winning utility

Eskom - The 'dark side' of political power

The ANC's new electoral rules and their continued shortfalls

Is it possible to hold Zuma to account, despite the risk of unrest?

What will Kenya's recent election mean for SA?

Contestation for the Zulu throne is set to intensify