SMWX

ANC falls further in election polls?

South Africa is heading into another crucial round of local government elections — but the political landscape has fundamentally changed. In this episode of SMWX, we break down the latest polling from the Social Research Foundation and Ipsos to understand where each major party stands right now — nationally and in key metros like Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and eThekwini. The numbers tell a clear story: no party is anywhere near outright control in the country’s major cities. Instead, South Africa is entering a deeper phase of coalition politics — with more parties, more fragmentation, and more uncertainty than ever before. We unpack: Where the African National Congress actually sits today — and whether this is now its ceiling The Democratic Alliance’s position in metros and why it still struggles to break through The rise of the MK Party and how it is reshaping the political map What’s happening to the Economic Freedom Fighters vote Why parties like ActionSA, Inkatha Freedom Party and Patriotic Alliance could decide who governs We also revisit the 2021 results in key metros to show how coalition politics has evolved — and why instability may actually increase after the next election, not decrease. The big question is no longer “who will win?” — but rather: who can actually form a stable government? Further reading: SRF polls: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/polls Inside Politics: https://inside-politics.org

Panyaza Lesufi reshuffles Gauteng cabinet!

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi reshuffled his provincial government today, and the EFF has joined the Government of Provincial Unity. We unpack this, the increase in fuel prices and Helen Zille's ongoing campaign in Joburg for the 2026 Local Government Election.

Unpacking: Police Chief Masemola to face court

We take a deep dive into the case against SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola; what are the consequences for him and the SAPS. We unpack this and more!

Aubrey Matshiqi unpacks: Mkhwanazi, Jermaine Prim, Ramaphosa, Kunene vs Malema, Mchunu, Madlanga

Gogo Aubrey Matshiqi joins us on SMWX for a much-anticipated breakdown of the latest at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee. From Jermaine Prim's mystery letter to the defamation case between Kenny Kunene and Julius Malema. We unpack this all and more!

Malema vs Kunene: high-stakes legal fight

Julius Malema and Kenny Kunene are now locked in a high-stakes defamation battle — and the implications could be massive for South African politics. What started as claims on Podcast & Chill has now escalated into court proceedings, with serious allegations, sworn affidavits, and explosive testimony entering the public domain. From claims about visits to a controversial farm, to allegations of cash exchanges, this case intersects directly with the “Big Five cartel” narrative, the Madlanga Commission, and broader questions about power, politics, and influence in South Africa.