SMWX

Election season is heating up — and IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa could be one of the key figures shaping what comes next. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss the latest polling, the IFP’s growing support in KwaZulu-Natal, the challenge from MK, and the coalition negotiations that could determine control of municipalities across the country. Hlabisa also explains why he believes the next local government elections could be a major turning point. We also go inside the GNU, as Hlabisa reflects on his experience serving in Cabinet, the realities of governing alongside political rivals, and what he thinks coalition government has taught South Africa so far. We unpack the crisis in local government, proposed reforms to municipalities and coalition rules, the future of the IFP after Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, and the party’s ambitions beyond KZN.

00:00 Introduction
01:49 Inside the GNU: Is it working?
05:33 The economy, jobs and service delivery
12:18 Hlabisa’s plan to reset local government
19:42 Why voters must demand change
21:52 Why coalition government is here to stay
28:24 New rules to stabilise coalitions
33:11 KZN politics: IFP, MK and the battle ahead
39:53 How post-election coalition negotiations could work
46:26 The IFP after Mangosuthu Buthelezi
53:10 The Zulu monarchy and politics
57:00 Final thoughts

Charles Molapisi joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, endurance, business, and the future of South Africa. As MTN Group's Chief Technology and Information Officer, Molapisi explains how elite cycling shaped his approach to leadership, capital allocation, resilience, and decision-making. He shares remarkable lessons from completing one of the toughest amateur cycling events in the world before applying those insights to running large organisations and building high-performance teams. The discussion then turns to South Africa's future. Molapisi argues that while the country possesses extraordinary natural advantages and untapped potential, education remains the single biggest obstacle to long-term prosperity. He reflects on governance, opportunity, leadership, and why he believes South Africa can become one of the greatest countries in the world if it gets the fundamentals right.

In this episode, we start shifting attention to the upcoming 2026 Local Government Election. We unpack what the recent polls suggest about the situation in Joburg and other metros. Will the ANC hold on, or are the polls accurate to sugggest that they are in for a horrid election?

IDAC Head of Investigations and Operations Mr Matthew Sesoko appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry today. He was grilled on his potential complicity to wrongdoing that previous IDAC witnesses have implicated former boss Adv Andrea Johnson. In addition, Sesoko's kidnapping ordeal was also covered. In this episode, we unpack today's testimony.

Suspended Deputy Chief of Police at EMPD, Julius Mkhwanazi has been arrested for the fourth time! This time, in connection with the murder and cover-up of businessman Emmanuel Mbense in 2022. Mkhwanazi is arrested alongside 4 other suspects. We unpack this breaking news story and continue to unpack what happened at the Madlanga Commission today with Ms Ramsamy continuing her testimony in the IDAC stream. Lastly, Parliament's impeachment committee has resolved on one name to recommend as Evidence Leader for the impeachment inquiry. We unpack it all on SMWX!