We unpack a dramatic week in South African politics, focusing on three major stories: the ANC’s upcoming NGC and growing fears of factional battles against President Ramaphosa; the scandal involving the Zuma family, Russia, and 17 young South Africans sent abroad for alleged military training; and Donald Trump’s escalating attacks on South Africa after the G20, including threats to block SA from future summits. A concise breakdown of power struggles, propaganda, and South Africa’s political future.

In the debut episode of This Is Politics, Justice Malala and Mondli Makanya dive straight into the deep end. From the ANC’s high-stakes National General Council and whispers of coup plotting, to explosive allegations around the Zuma family’s links to Russia and the recruitment of young South Africans for “military training,” no stone is left unturned. The two also unpack Donald Trump’s escalating hostility towards South Africa and what it means for global alliances. A sharp, fearless first episode that sets the tone for everything to come.