Podcasts about sunday times politics weekly

This week on Sunday Times Politics Weekly we look at the strained relationship between SA and its neighbours due to an influx of foreigners accused of crime. Recent cases include the gang rape of eight women in Krugersdorp, which has been blamed on illegal foreign miners, and Eswatini spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo's comment that “South Africa is infested with a cancer of criminality from head to toe”. Clayson Monyela, deputy director-general for public diplomacy, said Nxumalo had insulted South Africans. Monyela joins host Mike Siluma to discuss these issues.

Today on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we look at one of most important events on this year's political calendar – the ANC's policy conference, which is in preparation for the organisation's national conference in December. Hypothetically, if the proposals of the policy conference are adopted in December, they should feed into government policy and impact directly your life and mine. The question is whether the ANC is attuned to the problems faced by the country – or whether its leaders are living in a leadership bubble? Most analysts and commentators predict that the 'step-aside' policy, which requires ANC members charged with serious crimes to recuse themselves from their posts within 30-days or be forcefully removed, will steal the limelight this weekend. The so called 'step-aside' issue, is suggested as being a yardstick with which to gauge President Ramaphosa's support base within the ANC, ahead of the all important December leadership conference. In this episode we consider the significance of the ANC's policy conference in 2022, what we are expecting from the conference, the significance of the step-aside policy and what this all means for Ramaphosa and the country.  Joining our host,Mike Siluma, to discuss these critical issues is Sunday Times political reporter Kgothatso Madisa, as well as Associate Professor at the School of Governance, Wits University William Gumede.

With the work of the State Capture Commission finally concluded, this episode of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly is set aside for a one-on-one with the catalyst for the commission, former public protector who recommended the establishment of a commission into state capture Professor Thuli Madonsela. Madonsela opens up to our host, Mike Siluma, about the importance of whistle-blowers in protecting the integrity of our democracy, why she feels amnesty should be given to certain enablers of state capture, what Ramphosa ought to have done about the ‘Farmgate' scandal and more.

In today's instalment of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we look at President Cyril Ramaphosa's predicament, in the wake of the scandal over a burglary on his Phala Phala farm two years ago. The scandal was set off by the laying of charges including bribery, kidnapping and money laundering, among others. The controversy which has been dubbed 'Farmgate', 'Mattressgate' or even 'Dollargate', now threatens to topple the ANC. In this episode we consider the likelihood of President Ramaphosa's political career being able to withstand the proverbial storm. We also consider the implications the scandal has had on the inner dynamics of the ANC and the trust voters have in the party.  For today's conversation, our host Mike Siluma, is joined by Sunday Times  Political Reporter Kgothatso Madisa, lecturer in Public Policy and Political Science at UKZN Dr Fikile Vilakazi, as well as Associate Professor at the School of Governance, Wits University William Gumede.

This week the country was abuzz with the news that the villains of the state capture story in SA, the Gupta brothers, had been arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), pending extradition to SA. In this weeks episode of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we ask how soon they might be brought back to SA – and whether the country is ripe to be captured again by other nefarious interests? Our host Mike Siluma is joined by Sunday Times investigative reporter Thanduxolo Jika, political analyst and Unisa politics lecturer Prof Dirk Kotze, as well as author and professor of political theory at Wits University Prof Lawrence Hamilton.

This week the former head of the State Security Agency Arthur Fraser dropped what looked like a political bombshell – laying criminal charges against President Cyril Ramaphosa.  According to a statement released by Fraser, he has pressed criminal charges against President Ramaphosa which include defeating the ends of justice, torture, kidnapping and bribery. However, the presidency quickly rebutted these claims saying that while a robbery did take place at his farm in Limpopo on or around February 9 2020 in which proceeds from the sale of game were stolen, Ramaphosa rejects claims that he was involved in any criminal conduct over the theft of millions of dollars at his farm in 2020. Ramaphosa holds that he was attending an AU summit in Addis Ababa at the time the incident occurred. He claims that the allegations are simply a disinformation campaign.  On this week's episodes of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we consider who Arthur Fraser is in our political landscape, why he might make these claims now, who might gain from a 'disinformation campaign', why Ramaphosa might keep such a large amount of cash on a farm and the political implications for SA should Ramaphosa be made to step aside. J

Embattled former health minister Zweli Mkhize used his son's wedding, over the weekend, as a mini rally to launch his bid to unseat President Cyril Ramaphosa at the ANC's national conference in December this year. A group of Zulu regiments, along with controversial former Ukhozi FM presenter Ngizwe Mchunu, took turns to endorse his campaign at his homestead in Willowfontein, Pietermaritzburg. This week on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we look at the question of ethnicity or tribalism in SA politics, particularly in the ruling ANC. Of course, we'll also discuss the danger it poses to nation building. Our host Mike Siluma, is joined by lecturer in Public Policy and Political Science at UKZN Dr Fikile Vilakazi, as well as Sunday Times Politics Editor Sibongakonke Shoba to unpack this important issue. 

Last week the Commission into State Capture, led by chief justice Raymond Zondo delivered its fourth report into state capture. So, in this episode of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly we reflect on the outcomes of the commission's work, and whether SA is a better place after its revelations.

Racial politics and the rise of ethnic pride, are on the agenda for the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, this week. Recently, a new organisation, purportedly standing for the rights of coloured people, or the 'brown people', as it put it, was announced. It was met with skepticism from many quarters. We looks at the question of group identity, specifically so-called coloured identity, as part of our national conversation. Joining our host, Mike Siluma, are journalist, academic and author of “Too White to be Coloured, Too Coloured to be Black”, Ismail Lagardien and long-time social and labour activist and former deputy general secretary of the National Union of Metalworkers Karl Cloete. The panel untangles racial politics, the feeling of othering that the coloured community in SA is subject to, the danger or ethnic and racial tribalism and the undeniable decline of nonracialism as a form of popular thinking in SA. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has campaigned on a policy of clean governance, but when it comes to cleaning up the ANC he seems to be all bark and no bite.  This week on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, our panel looks at the question of ethics in political and other leadership in society. Why? Because, as you may know, the ANC in Mpumalanga has elected someone who is facing charges of murder — treasurer Mandla Msibi — flying in the face of Ramaphosa's campaign to clean up the party's tarnished image. While Ramaphosa had words with the voting delegates during his closing address, little was done to prevent the appointment. In this week's discussion, we ask if it is too much to expect ethical political leadership in SA. Who — if any — of our politicians are for clean governance, and why Ramaphosa would not intervene in an appointment with his own reputation on the line? 

Today on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we consider the harm and the need for vigilantly groups, such as Operation Dudula, in modern SA society. Recently, we had a conversation about the challenges of managing immigration in our country, and touched on the activities of organisations such as Operation Dudula, which campaign to give priority to South Africans when it comes to job and business opportunities. Dudula is again in the news, following the arrest of its leader, Nhlanhla 'Lux' Dlamini. his week, we ask whether there is a leadership vacuum in our society, which leaves space for groups like Dudula to flourish. Are vigilantly groups necessary to enforce the law in SA? What dangers accompany vigilantism? What is the difference between citizen policing or a citizens arrest and what Operation Dudula has been doing? 

This week on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we are looking at the controversy surrounding our country's R50m donation to the republic of Cuba, which has been interdicted by the courts. The panel discusses what our legal and ethical obligations are to allied foreign countries. Can South Africa afford to help others when its own house is not in order? If we do not look to maintain foreign relationship, will our allies still support us when we need aid? 

This week on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly we talk matters immigration, more specifically the activities of the group calling itself Operation Dudula and the Dulula Movement , which have been campaigning against what they calls 'illegal foreign traders' and the employment of undocumented foreign workers. This week our host Mike Siuluma is joined by Shenilla Mohamed Executive Director of Amnesty International, Prof Rothney Tshaka Director of the School of Humanity at  UNISA, as well as Naledi Shange a Senior Sunday Times journalist, who has been following the Dudula Movement closely.

This week on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we thought we should catch up on the build up to arguably the major political event of the year – the ANC's elective conference taking place in December. Among other things, we look at the state of play in the provinces, the lack of skilled leadership within the party, as well as the names of some of the candidates bubbling to the top.

SA's response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine has divided public opinion. Some felt our response was too tepid, while others supported Pretoria's call for a negotiated solution. In this week's episode of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we explore the government's rationale, as well options open to it. Our host, Mike Siluma is joined by Prof Daniel Bradlow from the University of Pretoria and co-editor of the book Values, Interests and Power: South African foreign policy in uncertain times, as well as Caiphus Kgosana the Sunday Times Opinions editor. The panel sits down to discuss SA's standing on the international stage, what indecisive foreign policy does to that standing and where SA should position itself.

In this week's episode of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly we are talk about the state of the African National Congress – and how that impacts our national life. This off the back of the assertion by former president Thabo Mbeki that the collapse of the ANC would have dire consequences for the country. Is he right in that assertion? Or the ANC itself become a threat to the well-being of the country and its people?

In this week's episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly we are reflecting on President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation address, and asking if we need to maintain an event that seems to be nothing more than a political ritual. Our host Mike Siluma is joined by UniSA political lecturer Dr Dirk Kotze and Associate Prof with the School of Governance at Wits University William Gumede. The panel concludes that the vision is there politically, but the state simply does not have capacity. They also find that Ramaphosa avoids direct rule or declarations strategically, to avoid putting his head on the political chopping block.

When the majority of a country is “captured” who is left to hold those responsible to account? This week on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly podcast, we're reflecting on the Zondo commission's reports so far. Now that we have a clearer understanding of the effects of state capture in SA, our panel asks: who should we be holding accountable and is SA's justice system up to the task? In this riveting episode our host, Mike Siluma, is joined by political journalist Mawande AmaShabalala and associate professor with the School of Governance at Wits University William Gumede. The panel discusses the likelihood of any action being taken against those implicated in state capture, the political willingness to make heads roll in an ANC leadership election year and whether the commission was money well spent for the country.

In this episode of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we'll be looking at the ANC's succession race, which is under way in all but name. Apart from the obvious names, such as President Cyril Ramaphosa and tourism minister Lindiwe Sisulu, another name that has come up is that of justice and correctional services minister Ronald Lamola. This week we consider the “youth factor” in ANC leadership and whether the party should have more young people in its leadership ranks. Is Lamola really jumping the succession queue by wanting to form part of the ANC's top leadership? Where did the idea of queuing originate, and is Lamola really to young to be considered for top leadership, or has the ANC let its youth members down?

SA's constitution has recently been the subject of much public debate following a critical opinion piece penned by tourism minister Lindiwe Sisulu. In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we invite one of the leaders who participated in the drafting and adoption of the constitution, struggle veteran, activist and former constitutional development minister, Mohammed Valli Moosa, to share his thoughts. What were the tenets upon which SA's constitution was based; how much of the document was a compromise to satisfy the old apartheid regime; are the criticisms levelled at it fair; and is the constitution to blame for the pervasive inequality that still exists in South African society?

In this week's episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we look at President Cyril Ramaphosa's four-nation diplomatic excursion to West Africa. We discuss the significance of the visit, and whether it marks a change in SA's relations with West Africa, as well as the rest of the continent and even the globe. We discover that the visit marked a change in the attitude of Ramaphosa towards the West in particular, and a unification of African countries.

This week on Sunday Times Politics Weekly, our panel delves into some pre-election analysis. Ahead of the polls, we will look at which major cities are likely to fall to coalition governments, and how those coalitions are likely to be structured. After that, we will be looking at the sea change in the ANC, which has seen the return to the political forefront of key leaders, including ex-president Thabo Mbeki. What lies behind this development, and what does it mean for the ANC?

Our big stories on this week's episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly with Mike Siluma include the factors that have affected the 2021 municipal elections so far, including; mounting political killings, empty promises and the seeming eradication of Covid-19 as a health concern at most political rallies.  We also try to gauge the temperature inside the ANC, where two of its most powerful leaders, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and Former Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize, are fighting for their political lives, and why they are desperate to clear their names.

This week on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly with Mike Siluma, our learned panel considers the uncertain future of the DA in the wake of controversial election posters which have caused tensions within the party. Insiders suggest this may be a litmus test for party leader John Steenhuisen's future at the helm of the opposition party. Also on our menu this week will be the pressure piling up on Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane after the public protector's adverse report on him. The panel considers the effect these allegations could have on President Cyril Ramaphosa's future political career as divisions in the party continue to grow.

In this week's episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we try to shed light on the controversy around the Democratic Alliance's campaign posters in Phoenix, which seemed to endorse racial attacks on black people during the July riots. We try to understand the logic behind the posters themselves and unpack the behind the scenes of the DA's eventual apology and removal of said posters. Our panel also provides listeners with an update on the search for the country's new Chief Justice, with the formal departure this week of the incumbent justice Mogoeng Mogoeng. Joining our regular host, Mike Siluma, this week is Sunday Times legal correspondent Franny Rabkin, executive secretary of the Council for the Advancement of the SA Constitution Lawson Naidoo and Sunday Times parliamentary correspondent Thabo Mokone.

In this week's episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly we discuss the main party election manifestos- who are the three main parties targeting, what are they promising and what is the likely impact on voter participation levels? Also this week, we take a closer look at the SIU's report on the Digital Vibes scandal and the criticism of the president's handling of the situation along with the valid question - in a country that is supposed to be on a crusade against corruption, how is it no one has been convicted yet? Our host is Mike Siluma, deputy editor of the Sunday Times along with our guests Amanda Khoza, ST politics writer focusing on the presidency, and William Gumede, associate professor at the Wits School of Governance.

In this week's episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, our panel talks about the importance of public institutions, and the responsibility of political leaders, particularly those in the DA, have to support them. Also this week our panel will try to understand what's going on in the ANC Alliance, following Cosatu's decision to, again, support the ANC in the municipal elections.

This week on Sunday Times Politics Weekly, our host Mike Siluma and his all female panel, discuss the culture of violence which has entrenched itself in SA's politics, about which not much is being done. The panel also contemplate the impact of the Covid pandemic on the forthcoming municipal elections, with a particular focus on how it has altered the face of campaigning in the country. 

This week on Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we start our chat by shining the spotlight on one of the most important institutions of our democracy, the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC). The IEC has been the subject of controversy because of its handling of preparations for the coming municipal elections. We also try to understand the implications of the medical parole given to former president Jacob Zuma, which has also led to a predictable controversy. The parole frees the former president from jail and allows him to serve the rest of his term at home.  This week our host, Mike Siluma, is joined by Ebrahim Fakir, electoral analyst based at the AUWAL Socioeconomic Research Institute, Sibongakonke Shoba, Sunday Times politics editor and Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, political analyst. 

This week on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly podcast, we unpack the ANC's electoral crisis, where the party has failed to register local election candidates in a number of localities, some quite important for its performance. With our panel, we'll try to understand how the party could get things so wrong, after so many years of successful campaigning. After that we'll look at government's efforts to extend the SA social security net, and whether we are using the correct mechanisms to address poverty in the country. This off the back of the announcement and withdrawal of Social Development's green paper on social security retirement.

This week on Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we focus on the state of our State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) , which have proven time and time again to be a thorn in the side of SA's tax payers. After that we'll cast our eye to the other big story of the week, the unpopular election of NC MP Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula as the new speaker of the National Assembly.She was elected by 199 MPs, beating DA candidate Annelie Lotriet who received 82 votes. Bound to raise eyebrows are the 17 spoilt ballots, suspected to be from disapproving ANC MPs.

In this week's episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, host Mike Siluma speaks to the head of the ANC's National Electoral Committee, Kgalema Motlanthe, about the party's plan to improve the quality of its candidates in the forthcoming local elections. Motlanthe, a former president of the country and deputy president of the ANC, also talked about the importance of local government in our democracy.

Topping our conversation this week on Sunday Times Politics Weekly, is the fate of former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize. You'll remember that, despite allegations of impropriety, having come thick and fast against him, he hung on to his position, as if his life depended on it, only to resign yesterday just hours before President Cyril Ramaphosa was set to announce a cabinet reshuffle. What then, we ask, are the dictates of public accountability in SA and why didn't the presidency act again Mkhize earlier? Of course, we also address the other hot political topic of the week – the prolonged absences of deputy president David Mabuza. *This episode was recorded a few hours before former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize resigned 

On this week's episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we will be looking at the increasing calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to reshuffle his cabinet, in light of the state's rather ham-handed response to the recent looting and unrest, which cost much in terms of lives and damage to our economy. We'll also be touching on the government's recently announced economic interventions, to turn things around. This week our host Mike Siluma is joined by political analyst and project manager at Democracy Works Foundation, Nompumelolo Runji, as well as Sunday Times parliamentary correspondent Andisiwe Makinana, to unpack the issues.

This week on Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we discuss money in our politics, more specifically the high court's decision to keep sealed the CR17 funding details, information on the funding of Cyril Ramaphosa's campaign for the ANC presidency. We ask, what is the decision's affect on transparency and the role of money in our politics? After that, we'll try to make sense of the apparent broken telephone in the government's security cluster in the wake of last week's rioting in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Join our host Mike Siluma and his panel of experts: Dr Sithembile Mbete, senior lecturer of political sciences at the University of Pretoria; Franny Rabkin, Sunday Times legal correspondent; and Sibongakonke Shoba, Sunday Times politics editor, as they unpack SA's complex political landscape.

In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, there can only be one topic worth delving into; this week we focus all our attention on SA's current looting crisis and how it came about. Was it organised? Is there a political agenda, who may be complicit and would pardoning former president Jacob Zuma escalate or calm the situation?   We delve into all this and much more in this week's episode. 

It's arguable that this week has been one of the most important in the political history of democratic South Africa. The arrest of former president Jacob Zuma was seen as a representation of the tussle between the rule of law and the political elite. But what does Zuma's arrest mean for the ANC as a ruling party and political structure. In this week's Sunday Times Politics Weekly, our host Mike Siluma is joined by Wits School of Governance associate prof William Gumede, Sunday Times political correspondent Mawande Amashabalala, and Sunday Times parliamentary correspondent Thabo Mokone. The panel discusses the implications of Zuma's eventual arrest, what it means for our democracy and how it has changed the face of the ANC by all but destroying what was left of the parties RET faction.

Supporters of former president Jacob Zuma fired gunshots in the air as they led a motorcade from Eshowe to his rural homestead of Nkandla in northern KwaZulu-Natal to lend him support on Thursday. This after a momentous Constitutional Court judgment sentencing him to 15 months in prison for contempt of court. In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we dive head-first into the former president's sentencing, what kind of threat his supporters pose, what might have led to his decision to disobey a direct court order and his potential underlying motives for refusing to appear before the state capture inquiry. 

In this week's episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we ask the question: is SA on the brink of becoming a failed state?  We speak to Associate Professor in the School of Governance at Wits University William Gumede, about the state of local governance and the collapse of basic service delivery. The conversation outlines how crucial local governance is to service delivery, job creation, investment and the overall functioning of the country as a whole. We then turn our attention to Land Expropriation Bill, which is currently the subject of heated debate in parliament. We dissect the issue with our parliamentary correspondent Andisiwe Makinana, who has been tracking the story since its inception

This week's top political stories have revolved around the all mighty Rand. It's no secret that SA's economy has been under strain and it seems that everyone - from paupers to politicians - have been trying to recover.  This week on Sunday Times Politics Weekly we discuss the ruling party's shrinking purse. This after scores of disgruntled staffers took to the streets at the party's headquarters, Luthuli House in the Johannesburg CBD, on Tuesday to air their grievances over late and unpaid salary payments, provident funds, medical aid and other “unfair” labour practices. What do the ANC's recent money woes mean for the party?  We also discuss the unofficial 'diamond rush' underway in Kwa-Zulu Natal, where more than 1,000 fortune seekers have flocked to the village of KwaHlathi in search of what they believed to be diamonds after a discovery of unidentified stones in the area. Despite the fact that these stones have not been authenticated and that mining them with out proper authorization is illegal, hundreds of desperate South African's have be spending their days trying to gather as many precious rocks as they can. 

Another week passes in SA, and with it another Covid-19 corruption allegation rears its ugly head, this time in relation to the mass sanitising of Gauteng schools in 2020. The presses are still hot with the news of health minister Zweli Mkhize's special leave over the controversial R150m Digital Vibes contract. As the country grew accustomed to that news, yet another allegation of fraud and corruption related to SA's handling of the pandemic has arisen. In a matter of weeks, the directors of seven companies contracted to decontaminate Gauteng schools during last year's Covid-19 lockdown blew through more than R40m in a spending spree that included designer watches, jewellery, luxury cars, plastic surgery, investment policies and paying off home loans. In this week's episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we confront the latest allegations, and check in with our disgraced health minister. 

There can be little doubt that the ANC is currently negotiating its way through a crisis. Consistent infighting, ideological rifts and corruption allegations seem to be the norm for the party.  In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we consider what it means to be an ANC member, what turmoil in the ANC means for the rest of SA and whether the party has any viable leaders to take them into the future. We also discuss the fiasco that unfolded at the Pan African Parliament (PAP) in Midrand, where chaos broke out, not over the advancement of our continent, but over power and positions. Should it shut up shop for a while?

The collective noun for politicians is a lie of politician, and given the political week SA has had, it's little wonder why. From allegations of irregular spending that seem to have tainted health minister Zweli Mkhize illustrious political career, to the the circus around former president Jacob Zuma's corruption trial and finally to the seemingly unending State Capture Commission. No one could be blamed for losing track.  In this weeks episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, our host Mike Siluma breaks down the biggest political stories of the week with his panel of journalists, experts and analysts.

SA has had a dramatic political week.In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the Sunday Times politics team guides you through the ins and outs of SA’s biggest political news stories of the week. (01:56) The latest updates from the state capture inquiry, including Lucky Montana’s funding allegations against the ANC. We discuss what the allegations by the former CEO of the Passenger Rail Agency of SA mean for political funding in the country. (13:05) We take a deep dive into the step-aside issue and ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule’s suspension. We consider what the saga indicates about fractional battles within the ANC and the strength of Ramaphosa heading into the weekend’s national executive committee meeting. 

SA has had a dramatic political week. In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the Sunday Times politics team guides you through the ins and outs of SA's biggest political news stories of the week. (01:14) The conversation begins with the Sunday Times politics team dissecting President Ramaphosa's responses before the State Capture Commission. The team considers if Ramaphosa did enough to prevent state corruption during his time as Deputy President and what his action tell us about him as a leader.  (19:09) The team also discusses the controversial 'step-aside' issue brewing within the ANC. They consider what might become of ANC secretary general Ace Magashule, now that his grace period has lapsed. Will he step-aside peacefully or attempt to test the issue further?   (22:34) Finally, spurred on by recent allegations of misrepresentation within the DA, the team asks how important it is for political leaders to receive a higher education or form of training.

SA has had a dramatic political week. In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the Sunday Times politics team guides you through the ins and outs of SA's biggest political news stories of the week. (01:09) The latest updates from the state capture commission, including the brazen burglary of the state capture inquiry administration offices in Parktown, where one computer and a monitor screen were taken. Is the robbery a gambit to derail the work of the commission?  (12:18) Former president Jacob Zuma's legal problems mount by the day. Lawyers acting for Zuma in his corruption trial due to start next month filed a formal notice of withdrawal in the Pietermaritzburg high court on Wednesday. Reasons have not been given but we speculate as to what the reasons might be.   (19:46) While former president Jacob Zuma seems to have lost popularity, ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule seems to be more popular than ever, as his supporters fight to keep him in the ANC. We discuss the ongoing step-aside issue and consider who might be left in the ANC if the step-aside rule is enacted. 

SA has had a dramatic political week. In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the Sunday Times politics team guides you through the ins and outs of SA's biggest political news stories of the week. (01:28) The latest updates from the state capture commission, including the failure of the estranged wife of former finance minister Malusi Gigaba, Norma Mngoma, to appear before the commission. (09:59) KwaZulu-Natal judge Dhaya Pillay's need to defend her private financial investments, her “friendship” with Pravin Gordhan and a lunch she had with Jacob Zuma at his homestead in Nkandla during her interview with the Judicial Service Commission on Tuesday. (26:50) How comfortable should President Cyril Ramaphosa feel in his post, with the likes of Ace Magashule or Jessie Duarte in the post of ANC secretary-general? 

In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we bring you an exciting interview between our host Mike Siluma and convicted former ANC councillor Andile Lungisa.Former ANC Nelson Mandela Bay councillor Lungisa was recently released from jail on parole. His release has angered many South Africans who took to social media to call out the ruling party for “wasting taxpayers' money”.  In this episode, Lungisa talks to us about the incident that lead to his conviction, his time in jail and his plans going forward. He also defends his recent warning to President Cyril Ramaphosa to halt attacks on former president Jacob Zuma to preserve "national unity". 

Tensions in the trucking industry have reached boiling point after a 45-year-old truck driver was shot and killed on Monday night, the latest in a string of attacks that has seen at least 30 trucks targeted in the past week. President Cyril Ramaphosa has spoken out against the carnage on SA's roads as truck drivers and companies have come under attack amid a spate of vehicle hijackings and protests by those calling for the removal of foreign truck drivers. In today's episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the politics team considers if there are any merits to this kind of protest and what implications these protests have for the political structure of the country. 

In this week's episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the politics team, dive head-first into the topics of former President Jacob Zuma and his attempt to get Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo to recuse himself. They also consider what Shepard Bushiri's flee to his native country means for the future of his case and the country's politics.

In this week's episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the politics team, with the help of commissioner Andre Gaum of the SA Human Rights Commission, dive headfirst into the topics of racial tensions at Brakenfell High and the arrest of ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule.  They negotiate the fine line between a private social event and racial discrimination. They also consider what Magashule's arrest and court appearance will mean for the future of the ANC and the country's politics.

In this weeks episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the team looks into the system of coalition governments which has caused instability in many of SA's major cities. They discuss why they are becoming more prevalent in SA and why they cause such controversy. The team also tackles the latest from SA's longest ongoing political story, the state capture inquiry, where former SAA chairperson Dudu Myeni's antics in the witness chair enthrall the nation.

Politicians continue to frivolously spend taxpayer money. Well paid, expenses covered by the taxpayer and living opulently, SA politicians are living the high life.  In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the politics team finds themselves questioning the integrity of SA's politicians. They discuss the public works department's splurging of more than R226m of taxpayers' money to renovate the houses of MPs and parliamentary kitchens, perimeter fencing and "anti-ramming devices", despite a rapidly shrinking public purse and plummeting tax revenue.

From revelations of alleged “historical, personal, family and professional relations” to alleged subpoenaed bank statements, it's been a month of high drama between former president Jacob Zuma and deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo. In this week's episode of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly podcast, Sunday Times political editor Sibongakonke Shoba, deputy editor Mike Siluma and political reporter Mawande Amashabalala dive head first into the tension. They come to the conclusion that Zuma's days of avoiding the commission and his criminal trail are numbered. 

The Hawks on Wednesday arrested six people involved in the alleged masterminding of a R200m asbestos audit project in the Free State. Hawks spokesman Brig Hangwani Mulaudzi said that, "among those arrested are three senior government officials, three businessmen and five companies. The accused face 60 charges which include corruption, fraud, money laundering, contravention of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (Precca) as well as contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA)." In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the politics team looks deeper into the the arrests and testimony on the matter heard at the State Capture Commission of Inquiry.

MultimediaLIVE — Identity politics and covert racism have without a doubt been thrust into the political spotlight this week.   In this week’s episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the team discusses the weeklong showdown between the EFF and Clicks over a racially demeaning hair-care advertisement posted on the Clicks website. They also dive into the DA’s new redress policy, which doesn’t address race.

MultimediaLIVE — This past weekend held an NEC meeting mainly dominated by discussions on the scourge of corruption in the ANC-led government. This follows media reports about ANC comrades, their family members and business friends helping themselves to personal protective equipment (PPE) tenders worth 100's of millions of rand in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the politics team discusses ANC NEC meeting review — focus on the meeting's resolutions on dealing with corruption.​

MultimediaLIVE — President Cyril Ramaphosa needs to take real action against ANC members found guilty of corruption, angry South Africans said in response to the president's letter to party members on Sunday. In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the politics team discusses the seven-page open letter, in which Ramaphosa said the anger of South Africans towards the ruling party is justified. 

MultimediaLIVE — In today's episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the politics team discusses DA leader hopeful Mbali Ntuli tossing down the gauntlet on Monday by challenging interim leader John Steenhuisen to four televised debates as the race for the party's top position intensifies. The team also deals with the global embarrassment facing SA as a result of continuing Covid-19 corruption scandals.

MultimediaLIVE — The president was in consultation on Wednesday night before an expected move to lockdown level 2. But the decision​, following the urging of directors-general, hinges on a nod from the virus command council and the cabinet. In this episode of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly podcast, the politics team considers SA's readiness to enter level 2 and what that may entail.

MultimediaLIVE — Damaging claims of profiteering from Covid-19 contracts have split the ANC's top brass along pre-Nasrec lines, as leaders squabbled at the party's national executive committee (NEC) meeting over the weekend about how to deal with corruption allegations levelled against its leaders. In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the politics team discusses the latest allegations, the ANC's previous attempts at rooting out corruption within its ranks, and what we as South Africans can expect to see from the party as they try to navigate their way through the scandal. 

MultimediaLIVE — DA federal chairperson Helen Zille has been at it again on Twitter, this time claiming that there are more racist laws under the current government than there were during apartheid. These controversial comments have thrown the DA's racial politics into the spotlight, yet again.  In this episode of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly podcast, the team discusses Zille's tweets and what her presence means for the seemingly aimless political party. The team also considers the political killings that continue to plague KwaZulu-Natal. 

MultimediaLIVE — An outcry and protests against gender-based violence are again gripping SA. This following an overwhelming wave of reports of women and children being murdered, raped and assaulted.  As the outcry begins to reach fever pitch, SA's political parties are chiming in with speeches of outrage and condemnation.  In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we consider the comments made by various political parties on the topic of GBV and how their actions support their denunciation. 

MultimediaLIVE — In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, our political desk including political editor Sibongakonke Shoba reflects on South Africa's national lockdown thus far and how SA has responded to the Covid-19 pandemic.  Is our government to be commended or condemned for their sometimes controversial approach? 

MultimediaLIVE — A fourth-quarter GDP contraction of 1.4%, following a decline of 0.8% in Q3, has placed SA in a technical recession for the second year in a row. Load-shedding and the coronavirus outbreak mean that any quick improvement is unlikely. In this week’s Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the team says that the governing party is not blameless in having caused this situation.

MultimediaLIVE — Cosatu has warned the government that it will have “egg on its face” for wanting to cut the public sector wage bill, saying its behaviour in the saga was worse than the apartheid government's. The SA economy is in trouble and the public sector has made it clear that it is not happy to bear the brunt of the decline. In this week's Sunday Times Politics Weekly podcast, the team is joined by Business Day journalist Mudiwa Gavaza. They get into the nitty-gritty of the politics that will follow finance minister Tito Mboweni's 2020 budget speech.

MultimediaLIVE — In this week's Sunday Times Politics Weekly podcast, the Sunday Times politics team follows President Cyril Ramaphosa from the AU (AU) summit in Ethiopia to the state of the nation (Sona) address in Cape Town. While shadowing the president, a theme has emerged as top dignitaries and political players call for the president to take charge.

MultimediaLIVE — 2020’s political play opened up with a bang, as the Sunday Times Politics Weekly podcast hits your streaming apps once again. In our first episode for 2020 the Sunday Times politics' team discusses the unjust calls for new Transnet CEO Portia Derby to account for her ex-husband Brian Molefe’s sins. The team also looks into the DA’s loss of control in yet another Metro, as embattled Tshwane mayor,Stevens Mokgalapa, announces his seemingly forced resignation.

MultimediaLIVE — In the final episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the politics desk covers the biggest political stories of the year. Its members discuss what happened and how events are likely to affect the country's political future. 

MultimediaLIVE — SAA continues to hemorrhage funds and politicians continue to argue about the future of the embattled state-owned entity. In this week’s Sunday Times Politics Weekly podcast, the team has a heated debate about what ought to be done with SAA and who is to blame for the situation the airline finds itself in. The team also confronts the contentious issue of coalition governance. Is it the future of SA politics or simply a divisive strategy that prevents adequate governance?

MultimediaLIVE — In today’s Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the politics team discusses the appointments of new Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter and DA interim leader John Steenhuisen. Both appointments raised concerns within the political arena around competency and transformation. For more episodes, click here. Chat to us on Twitter at #STPoliticsWeekly Subscribe: iono.fm | Spotify | Apple Podcast | Pocket Casts | Player.fm

MultimediaLIVE — In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the Sunday Times politics team deep-dives into the Kwazi Mshengu scandal. KwaZulu-Natal MEC Mshengu has been caught using an elaborate scam to justify his not using the state car used by his predecessor - instead blowing hundreds of thousands of rands in taxpayers' money on car hire. The team also discusses who is likely to take over as DA party leader at the federal council meeting, set to be held at the weekend. Debate with us on Twitter #STPoliticsWeekly

MultimediaLIVE — For political parties, the old adage “nothing succeeds like success” is so true. When you win, keep on winning and expand your electoral base, you’re on top of the world. But, when you shed support and lose parliamentary seats, internal divisions are unleashed as personality clashes and the hunt for scapegoats dominate the discourse." And that’s largely the story of the DA, which is now in danger of a meltdown. This week the Sunday Times Politics Weekly team is joined by DA national spokesperson Solly Malatsi, as he tries to field their hot topic questions. Political reporter Qaanitah Hunter speaks on her controversial cover story in last week’s Sunday Times.

MultimediaLIVE — In this week’s Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the team discusses allegations raised against former police minister Nathi Mthethwa by former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks boss, Johan Booysen. That he interfered in the appointment of Richard Mdluli as Crime Intelligence head and then unduly benefited from a secret service account. While Mthethwa has denied the allegations by saying that nothing that took place was untoward, the Commission of Inquiry is still hearing the matter. The team also speaks on the decision by the Department of Basic Education's move to introduce an exit-level exam for grade 9 pupils.

MultimediaLIVE — In this week’s episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the team discusses racial tension brewing within the official opposition, stirred by the party’s matriarch Helen Zille. The team also delves into the possibility of drawing answers from former president Jacob Zuma, when he appears at the Zondo Commission of inquiry in July. Finally, the team briefly predicts what president Cyril Ramaphosa will say in response to the onslaught of criticism he has received for his most recent state of the nation address. Join the debate:

MultimediaLIVE — In this week’s Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the team look at the factionalism within the ruling party and the dominance this has held over local headlines. The team members stress concerns that the ANC’s internal conflict has hamstrung Ramaphosa’s ability to enact change, and is also likely to taint the country’s upcoming state of the nation address.

MultimediaLIVE — In this week’s episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the politics team discusses whether or not the mass resignation of MPs is indicative of a self-serving governing party, and the debate gets heated. They also hotly argue the potential political interference at the National Prosecuting Authority, and finally they touch on top political issues to keep a wary eye on in coming weeks.

MultimediaLIVE — In this week’s episode, the Sunday Times Politics Weekly deals with more contradictory information coming out of the ruling party. The ANC’s Secretary General Ace Magashule has stated that the Reserve Bank's mandate will be expanded, but according to the ANC's Head of Economic Policy Enoch Godongwane no decision has been taken over the Reserve Bank. The indecisiveness has markets quaking and the team asks: who should we believe?

MultimediaLIVE — In this week’s episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the politics team dissects President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet allocations. They discuss their concerns over several returning ministers, continued cabinet bloat and encouraging new appointments.

MultimediaLIVE — In this week’s episode, the Sunday Times Politics Weekly team discussed the selection of the 6th South African Parliament’s newest MPs. The team shows great concerns over the renewal of embattled political names.

MultimediaLIVE — In this week's episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the Sunday Times politics team discusses some of the smaller political parties, how they were formed and if they are indeed viable alternatives. Have a listen to analysis on South Africa's smaller parties prior to casting your vote.

MultimediaLIVE — In this week's episode, the Sunday Times Politics Weekly team discusses the resurgence of historically prominent political figures; including Thabo Mbeki, Tony Leon and Helen Zille. What does their reappearance on the national political stage indicate for our upcoming elections? The politics team also addresses the ANC's controversial history, dissecting how the past 15 years have shaped South Africa's political landscape. Take a listen:

MultimediaLIVE — The Sunday Times Politics Weekly team discusses allegations of "cash for votes" or voter buying laid against the ANC recently. ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule’s cash handout to a woman with an empty fridge could land him in hot water with the electoral court. Magashule was filmed giving R400 to a woman in Philippi, Cape Town, while visiting her home during door-to-door campaigning. The DA has since laid a complaint with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), calling it a case of "cash for votes", which would contravene the Electoral Act. Mosotho Moepya, a commissioner at the IEC, said that for a politician to offer a voter cash could violate the law. The team further discusses the cost of state infrastructure upgrades, voter apathy, the controversial state of Alexandra township, and alternative options for voters.

MultimediaLIVE — This week the Sunday Times Politics Weekly team discusses the very latest corruption allegations against President Jacob Zuma. Just before his death in 2011 it is alleged that Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi entrusted around R400m in cash to then president, Jacob Zuma, for safe keeping at his Nkandla residence. South African intelligence agents say the cash was later transported to Eswatini (Swaziland), and now President Cyril Ramaphosa has been asked to help recover it. The team also continues their election coverage, this week dissecting the escalating crime rate in the country.

MultimediaLIVE — The Sunday Times Politics Weekly team discusses the most recent allegations of rampant corruption and gangsterism levelled against ANC secretary general Ace Magashule, this week. The team voices their distaste for the ANC’s adamant denial of the allegations brought forward by Pieter-Louis Myburgh new book Gangster State: Unravelling Ace Magashule's Web of Capture. They also raise hopes that Magashule makes good on his threats to take the issue to court. The team also looks at the ruling party’s national health insurance scheme and its feasibility, in light of a dilapidated public healthcare sector.

MultimediaLIVE — The Sunday Times Politics Weekly team this week discusses the various stances of the top three political parties on land expropriation without compensation. Is the ANC only using land as a campaigning tool, how radical a concept is the EFF’s idea of land nationalisation, and has the DA missed the mark on land? Join the conversation. Take a listen to this week’s episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly.

MultimediaLIVE — In light of a myriad of sexual harassment and racial scandals coming out against various DA members, the Sunday Times Politics Weekly team questions if the main opposition party is simply hypocritical.

MultimediaLIVE — In South Africa’s struggling economy, political parties have been bold in their promises for economic stimulation and job creation. The Sunday Times Politics Weekly team critically analyse the economic stimulus promises made in the manifestos of the ANC, DA and EFF. The discussion raises concerns of discrimination in the financial sector, empty promises around increases in the national minimum wage, corruption and its effects on South African citizens.

MultimediaLIVE — In the wake of social uproar related to the alleged assault of musician Babes Wodumo by boyfriend Mampitsha, the Sunday Times Politics Weekly team looks to the manifestos of South Africa's leading political parties for potential guidance and solutions to the country's recent surge of gender based violence. Join the Sunday Times Politics Weekly team this week as they discuss the approaches adopted by political parties in addressing gender based violence and systemic patriarchy. The conversation takes an interesting turn as team members disagree about the role men ought to play in eradicating the scourge.

MultimediaLIVE — In the first episode of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, journalists Amil Umraw, Qaanitah Hunter and Ranjeni Munusamy take a closer look at the early testimonies in the ongoing judicial commission of inquiry into allegations of state capture.

MultimediaLIVE — In the first episode of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, journalists Amil Umraw, Qaanitah Hunter and Ranjeni Munusamy take a closer look at the early testimonies in the ongoing judicial commission of inquiry into allegations of state capture.