Show Notes
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.
More from SMWX
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.
Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Doctor Xhakaza joins SMWX for a frank conversation about the city’s future ahead of the 2026 local government elections. He makes the ANC’s case for another term, outlines plans to revive manufacturing and establish a university, and responds to the Madlanga Commission revelations involving the EMPD. Xhakaza also addresses his fallout with the EFF, the removal of Dunga, tensions over coalition arrangements and efforts to recover revenue lost through billing manipulation. The discussion tackles gender-based violence, whistleblower protection and the personal risks of confronting corruption.
MK Party MP Vusi Shongwe joins SMWX for a conversation about Parliament’s ad hoc committee, the Madlanga Commission and the political battles surrounding Feroz Khan. He explains why he believes Khan was shielded from appearing before the committee and questions Julius Malema and the EFF’s handling of the matter. Shongwe recounts a Durban meeting where he alleges he was offered money and cars, shares his account of being abducted in Tembisa, and discusses allegations involving Shadrack Sibiya, Cat Matlala and Crime Intelligence. Beyond the investigations, he reflects on his background in music production and the SAPS, his long-standing relationship with former President Jacob Zuma and his journey into politics. Turning to the local government elections, Shongwe outlines MK’s ambitions in Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg and its priorities on security, jobs and service delivery. He also defends the party’s leadership changes, responds to concerns about suspensions and redeployments, and explains his reservations about holding an elective conference.
Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh breaks down the latest election polls on SMWX, updating the picture of South Africa’s political landscape and the battle for control of its major metros. What do the new numbers suggest about the ANC, DA, MK Party, EFF, ActionSA and other contenders—and how has the outlook shifted? Sizwe examines where parties are gaining ground or coming under pressure, which races could deliver surprises, and the coalition possibilities that could determine who actually governs after the votes are counted. Looking beyond the headline percentages, this analysis considers voter turnout, undecided voters and the limits of polling to distinguish emerging trends from uncertain predictions. From the contest for Johannesburg to the broader balance of power, we unpack what the latest numbers could mean for South Africa’s local government elections and the country’s political future.
Floyd Shivambu returns to SMWX for a conversation with Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh about Mayibuye’s first election campaign and his call for a new approach to coalition government. Predicting widespread hung councils, he argues that the largest party should take the mayor’s office . The discussion tackles Johannesburg’s financial and service-delivery crises, his support for the ANC’s candidate-list court challenge, and why he believes political cooperation must come before personal rivalries. Shivambu also responds to Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi’s criticism of new political parties and makes his case for constitutional reform, land restitution and a stronger role for traditional leaders. From the Madlanga Commission and what he describes as a “parallel underground state” to the ANC’s future, immigration and unemployment, the conversation explores his vision for Mayibuye and the changes he believes South Africa needs.