The Daily Friend Show
The Daily Friend Show is a 30-minute current affairs podcast featuring analysts and writers from the SA Institute of Race Relations. It presents a liberal perspective on political, social, and economic issues, releasing episodes Monday through Friday at 17:00. On Fridays, a live show is broadcast on YouTube at 13:30. The podcast covers a wide range of topics with no taboos, offering commentary from South Africa's leading liberal opinion site.
Episodes
The Shadowy world of SA political influencers
Nicholas Lorimer and Makone Maja discuss the growing sophistication of online influence campaigns on South African social media. They also chat about the new minister of Social development Dina Pule and Thabo Mbeki trying to rescue SA-US relations. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Cabinet reshuffled but don't miss the real problem
Nicholas Lorimer and Michael Morris talk about the cabinet reshuffle announced by the president, the Madlanga commission, and Zuma in India. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
The Day South Africa didn’t burn down
Nicholas Lorimer and Chris Hattingh discuss the June 30th marches against immigration. They also chat about Steenhusien's reaction to his demotion and inflation worries. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Inside South Africa’s Political Future | Full interview with John Endres
Nicholas Lorimer interviews the CEO of the Institute of Race Relations about South Africa's political landscape. Where is the country headed? Can it be rescued from its current crisis? Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
SA holds its breath for June 30th | The Daily Friend Show Live
Today's Daily Friend Show with Ricardo Teixeira and Nicholas Lorimer. They chat about the looming 30th of June deadline for all foreigners to leave SA. They also discuss the Madlanga commission and SA's policy towards BRICS. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Joburg to be cut off from national funds
Nicholas Lorimer and Michael Morris discuss the impending cut off of national funding for Johannesburg. They also discuss fixing South Africa's mining industry and the looming threat of June 30th. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
South Africa’s privatized police force
Hermann Pretorius and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the growing cooperation between the police and private security in the lead-up to the 30th of June. They also discuss the ANC’s candidate selection process for Joburg mayor. Lastly, they discuss the resignation of Keir Starmer. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
South Africa's worsening political violence crisis
Nicholas Lorimer and Terence Corrigan discuss the spate of political violence over the weekend, the Speaker of Parliament trying to protect the president, and de facto weed legalization. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
South Africa Could Be a Mining Superpower—Why Isn't It? | Interview with James Lorimer
Nicholas Lorimer interviews DA shadow minister of mining and minerals James Lorimer (disclaimer: his father) on South Africa's mineral wealth and mining industry. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Ramaphosa vs Parliament
Makone Maja and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the latest impeachment committee news, Park Tau defending BEE, and Zille meeting March and March. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
DA demotes Steenhuisen
Nicholas Lorimer and Hermann Pretorius discuss the DA's reshuffle of their representation in national government. They also discuss the strange goings on in the FF+ and the celebration of No More Race Laws Day. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Remembering June 16th with Barry D. Wood
Nicholas Lorimer asks veteran American journalist about his career and his experience witnessing the events of June 16th, 1976. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
No one likes us and we don't care!
Today's Daily Friend Show with Anlu Keeve and Nicholas Lorimer. They discuss the anti-South African sentiment in South Africa evidenced on social media around the soccer world cup. They also discuss the public service culture in government and the failure of basic services in courts and police stations. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
South Africa’s fat bloated government
Ofentse Davhie and Nicholas Lorimer discuss calls for a restriction on the size of the government executive in South Africa. They also talk about the incredible vulnerabilities of the South African government’s web infrastructure, and they lastly discuss the banning of a Somali soccer official from the World Cup. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Economy growing, but is it enough?
Nicholas Lorimer and Chris Hattingh discuss the latest GDP figures for the 1st quarter of 2026. They also discuss the mining department's failure to implement new systems, and they discuss the DA's visit to the Zulu king. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Malema’s dodgy cop ally
Malema’s dodgy cop ally
Ricardo Teixeira and Nicholas Lorimer discuss Malema's connections to Feroz Khan which have emerged at the Madlanga commission. They also discuss Morero's new promotion and more xenophobia. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Schools may have admissions criteria restricted
Nicholas Lorimer and Terence Corrigan discuss restrictions on school admissions criteria proposed by the department of Basic Education. They also talk about the president’s address on immigration and business fixing Joburg. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Bad cops rule, good cops suffer
Ricardo Teixeira and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the latest from the Madlanga commission, the shock from the Iran war. Lastly, they discuss new rules at Stellenbosch res. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
South Africa's extortion economy
Nicholas Lorimer and Terence Corrigan discuss the extortionate role in the South African economy played by both criminals and government. They also discuss ghost workers and the Patriotic Alliance. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Judging Ramaphosa: Impeachment committee chair elected
Makone Maja and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the election of an impeachment committee chairman for Ramaphosa's impeachment trial. They also discuss who funds NUMSA's leader and they discuss Liam Jacobs returning to the DA. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Cadres, imaginary budgets, motte-and-bailey, and a rocket blows up
Today's Daily Friend Show with Ofentse Donald Davhie and Nicholas Lorimer. They talk about the ANC's human capital problem, Joburg's latest budget, immigration and a rocket that blew up. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
DA wins its first Gauteng township election
Hermann Pretorius and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the DA's historic win in a township ward in Gauteng. They also discuss what non-racialism means in our constitution. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
South Africa doesn't look like you think it does
Michael Morris and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the latest General Household Survey from StatsSA. They also chat about Ramaphosa's challenge to the impeachment enquiry and the broken South African asylum system. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Joburg seeks to hire EVEN more managers
Makone Maja and Nicholas Lorimer chat about Joburg hiring more staff, yet it can't afford to as it loses control over its own finances. They also discuss a court defeat for Minister Steenhuisen and the Department of Agriculture. Lastly, they chat about the ongoing divorce of the ANC and SACP. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
ANC mayor fail
Nicholas Lorimer and Terence Corrigan discuss the struggles of the ANC to find a mayor for Joburg. They also ask if the anti-foreigner movement is real or manufactured. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
The hell which traps 13 million South Africans
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer and Anlu Keeve. They discuss the unemployment crisis, anti-immigration marches and demographic representativity. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Do you have what it takes to be an ANC mayor?
Nicholas Lorimer and Hermann Pretorius discuss the ANC's call for outside talent to apply to be their mayoral candidates. They also chat about Joburg losing control of its electricity billing to Eskom. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
South Africa hit by rising prices
South Africa hit by rising prices
Nicholas Lorimer and Chris Hattingh discuss the surge in inflation in April. They also chat about how out of touch Gwede Mantashe is with the reality of the mining industry. Lastly, they discuss the problems with the UIF system and citrus growing success. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Government STILL coming for your healthcare
Terence Corrigan and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the dogmatic obsession with the NHI from the health department. They also talk about “study groups” and the use of the SANDF as an employment agency. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
DA flooded with calls to save Ramaphosa
Nicholas Lorimer and Michael Morris discuss the calls to the DA to protect Ramaphosa. They also discuss the over-million-rand salary of the average Eskom employee and the latest court defeat for the NHI. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Ramaphosa claims mining is proof of BEE success!
Today's Daily Friend Show with John Endres and Nicholas Lorimer. They discuss Ramaphosa's answers to a Q&A in parliament. The place of the MK and EFF party in the impeachment hearings, the cold reality of provincial finances and the Madlanga commission. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Ramaphosa fires Tolashe
Nicholas Lorimer and Terence Corrigan discuss the firing of Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe. They also discuss sweatshops in KZN and the ANC’s sink or swim moment. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Motsoaledi: NHI will fix it all
Anlu Keeve and Makone Maja discuss Minister Motsoaledi’s comments regarding the judges’ impartiality in the NHI Con Court challenge, Tshwane Mayor’s appearance at SCOPA, and the ANCYL’s call to supporters to bring CVs to President Ramaphosa at the June 16 event. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Ramaphosa seeks legal limbo to solve crisis
Nicholas Lorimer and Ricardo Teixeira discuss the president‘s speech on the Con Court ruling last night. They also discuss Eskom shutting off Joburg streetlights. Lastly, they discuss the problems with public participation. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
The court ruling that has reset South Africa’s politics
Hermann Pretorius and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the fallout from the Constitutional Court ruling on an impeachment hearing for President Ramaphosa. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Ramaphosa faces impeachment hearing
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer and Ofentse Donald Davhie. They discuss the ruling against parliament when it voted to ignore an impeachment hearing against President Ramaphosa. They also discuss immigration and xenophobia and they chat about fuel prices. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Hacked CITY: R2 billion stolen over wifi
John Endres and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the incredible theft of R2 billion from an unsecured Wi-Fi network in the East Rand. They also discuss the lack of accountability in dealing with Minister Tolashe, and they chat about the weak defences of the NHI by the SACP and ANC. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Joburg’s financial catastrophe
Chris Hattingh and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the letter by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to Joburg making clear just how bad Joburg’s finances are. They also discuss the ANC’s defence of NHI and South Africa’s opportunity to benefit from increased naval traffic around Africa. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
‘Sharia court’ horror: ISIS network in SA?
Today's episode has Nicholas Lorimer and Ricardo Teixeira discuss the recent murder of several Ethiopian businessmen in Johannesburg and the possible links to a broader terror network. They also discuss theft of drugs from the Hawks and theft of guns from the SANDF. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
The 46 BEE mining billionaires
Terence Corrigan and Nicholas Lorimer discuss claims that 60% of BEE benefits accrued to only 46 connected billionaires. They also talk about property rights, taxation and cities. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
The rand falls, the Fed holds, stormy seas ahead
Nicholas Lorimer and Anlu Keeve discuss the worsening global economic outlook. They also chat about BEE sector codes and the legal challenges against them and they discuss the new safety budget in Cape Town. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Bankrupted by the city. It could happen to you.
Nicholas Lorimer and Terence Corrigan discuss the failure of Joburg's water billing system. They also discuss a community that built its own clinic in the Eastern Cape, and lastly, they discuss an "employment equity" internship. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
The right to remain: community vs people
Michael Morris and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the debate over property rights, urban planning, and gentrification. They also discuss Xenophobia. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Reaping what is sown
Today's Daily Friend Show with Makone Maja, Nicholas Lorimer and Anlu Keeve. They discuss Ramaphosa's suspension of the national Police Commissioner, the SACP expressing panic at an ANC ultimatum. Lastly they talk about Zille's recent tennis game. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Zille’s tough choices
John Endres and Nicholas Lorimer discuss remarks by Helen Zille that the DA will not form a coalition with the ANC in Joburg. They also chat about the growing tensions between the ANC and SACP over the SACP’s decision to run in the local government elections. Lastly, they discuss allegations of mismanagement and harassment at a renewables project. Website · Facebook · Instagram &midd
Trippling down on BEE
Nicholas Lorimer and Hermann Pretorius discuss the latest BEE procurement regulations tabled by the finance minister last Friday. They also discuss the court ruling against the Human Rights Commission, and lastly, they discuss police body cameras. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Mantashe: Iran saved South Africa from petrol shortages
Ricardo Teixeira and Nicholas Lorimer discuss comments from Gwede Mantashe that good relations with Iran saved us from petrol shortages. They also discuss U.S. Marines training the Cape Town metro police. Lastly, they discuss the need for a capable civil service. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Can the DA ever be SA's biggest party?
Michael Morris and Nicholas Lorimer discuss an article by Jonny Steinberg on the prospects for the DA winning a national election. They also discuss the financial state of Johannesburg. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Malema sentenced to 5 years in Jail
Herrmann Pretorius and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the sentencing of Julius Malema to 5 years in prison. They also chat about the incredible findings of recent IRR polling. Lastly, they discuss the appointment of Roelf Meyer as SA ambassador to the US. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
The land lie
Makone Maja and Nicholas Lorimer discuss how the government uses the land issue to play race politics whilst taking more power for the state. They also discuss Fort Hare and the suspension of Vice Chancellor Sakhela Buhlungu. Lastly, they discuss new allegations against Sgt Fanie Nkosi. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Geordin Hill-Lewis A new DA leader for a new age?
Nicholas Lorimer and Terence Corrigan discuss the results of the DA conference held over the weekend and the DA’s attempts to become South Africa’s biggest party. They also discuss the new draft history curriculum and the appearance of ANC “study groups.” Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Fixing South Africa's immigration CRISIS!
Nicholas Lorimer and Chris Hattingh discuss the revised White Paper on immigration, which has recently been approved by cabinet and endorsed by Leon Schreiber. They also discuss the potential for more fuel price increases if the oil crisis is not resolved. And they discuss efforts to solve the water crisis by ordinary South Africans. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
South Africa's 40 transformation funds
Nicholas Lorimer and Dr. John Endres discuss the incredible world of South Africa's over 40 murky transformation funds. They also discuss Value For Money and the R2 billion spent on a leadership school in Gauteng, and lastly, they chat about the president's long-delayed lifestyle audits. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Praying for water
Michael Morris and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the serious effects of the water crisis on South Africans. They also discuss Ferrocrome smelters and Eskom’s plan to save them. Lastly, they discuss declining rates of alcohol consumption amongst South Africans and the relationship between culture and vice. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Lesufi pays the price of ideology
Nicholas Lorimer and Makone Maja discuss the inclusion of the EFF in the Gauteng provincial government. They also discuss the Post Office needing another bailout and they discuss allegations of reckless endangerment in Bitou municipality. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
South Africa’s rapidly changing campaign landscape
Nicholas Lorimer and Hermann Pretorius discuss the latest campaign stunt by the Zille campaign in Joburg. They also discuss the loss of faith in democracy and the record revenue collection from SARS. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Petrol panic sparks tax relief
Chris Hattingh, and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the fuel levy relief offered by the finance minister. They also discuss Cadre deployment, a battle over traditional leadership and yet another investor conference. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Schools EXTORTED
Terence Corrigan and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the reports of extortion of schools in the Western Cape. They also discuss US-SA relations and the slum lord mafias in Joburg. They finish with a brief tribute to Steven Gruzd. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Chaos in council meeting: ANC mayor removed!
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer and Hermann Pretorius. They discuss the disruption of a council meeting in Maluti-a-phofung and the R10 billion spending package on municipal workers in Joburg. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Relief for fuel prices?
Nicholas Lorimer and Ofentse Donald Davhie discuss the DA proposal to cut the fuel levy by 50%. They also discuss podcast regulation and Ghost workers on the East Rand. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Senior cops arrested
Chris Hattingh and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the arrest of several senior police officers. They also discuss the latest on court actions around Employment Equity, oil and gas exploration court battles, and lastly, they chat about fuel shortages. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Poverty is a choice
Nicholas Lorimer and John Endres discuss the outcome of the News24 On the Record conference. They also discuss the latest polling and the DA topping up its salaries. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
ANC muzzles political speech
Michael Morris and Nicholas Lorimer discuss a Sunday Times story about cancelling Face the Nation on the SABC due to political pressure. They also discuss the declining relevance of racial classification, and they discuss the decay of the Sharpeville memorial. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Exploring Ideas which shape South Africa
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer and Ricardo Teixeira. They discuss using the army as police, a collection of ideas about how to fix South Africa and they discuss the legacy of Paul R. Ehrlich. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
GEORDIN HILL-LEWIS sets out his vision for the DA
Hermann Pretorius and Nicholas Lorimer discuss an op-ed from GEORDIN HILL-LEWIS about the path the DA is on. They also discuss the latest developments in Zuma’s party. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Joburg ANC tears itself apart
Ofentse Donald Davhie and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the growing infighting in the ANC’s Joburg branch as well as potential ANC candidates for mayor of Joburg. They also chat about how government is managing its relationship with the U.S. and a sobering crime. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Was Madlanga Commission’s Witness D killed by former police officer?
Terence Corrigan and Makone Maja discuss the arrest of former SAPS Special Task Force member who’s been formally charged for the murder of Madlanga Commission witness, Marius van Der Merwe; Minister Gwede Mantashe’s grand plan to rescuscitate fuel refineries ahead of fuel price shocks; and conclude the SANDF’s deployment at Zama Zama operations. Website · Facebook · Instagram ·
Fighting with the Americans
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer and Hermann Pretorius. They discuss the recent dust up with the new U.S. ambassador. They also discuss the Patrice Motsepe campaign in the ANC. Lastly they discuss a village left without water. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Does South Africa need a navy?
Nicholas Lorimer and Ricardo Teixeira discuss why South Africa needs a navy and an armed forces. They also discuss Illegal mining, the role of soldiers in policing activities, and an ANC ritual cleansing. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
South Africa’s economy, weaker than it looks
Michael Morris and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the latest GDP figures. They also discuss the issue of crime and building a wall to stop it. Lastly, they discuss how regulations are strangling SA’s potential. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Joburg’s electricity company is doomed
Nicholas Lorimer and Makone Maja discuss disaster that is Joburg’s City Power. They also discuss prisons and taxi violence. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Populist surge in South Africa?
Nicholas Lorimer and Terence Corrigan discuss the future prospects for the Patriotic Alliance, what populism is, making coalitions work, and the latest foot and mouth disease news. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
South Africans abandoned in the Middle East
Today's Daily Friend Show with Ricardo Teixeira, Ofentse Donald Davhie and Nicholas Lorimer. They discuss DIRCO's poor response the war in the Persian Gulf. They also discuss Floyd Shivambu's new party and lastly they discuss the growing importance of India. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
They didn't hide the dead rats
John Endres and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the latest on the battle for Joburg. They also discuss the ANC sending condolences to Iran. And they discuss the court action against News24 for what they published on a Gauteng mayor. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Life can be better in SA
Nicholas Lorimer and Michael Morris discuss the difference between the quality of life in SA’s provinces. They also discuss the life of Mosiuoa Lekota and some dead-end approaches to unemployment. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Value for MONEY isn't a favour, it's a right
Hermann Pretorius and Nicholas Lorimer discuss Value for Money, healthcare corruption, and their effects on ordinary people. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
A GNU divided against itself can stand
Nicholas Lorimer and Michael Morris discuss how a competitive GNU is better than a cozy one. They also chat about the larger ramifications of the water crisis. And about the uncertainty of war. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Gauteng ANC in flames
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer and Chris Hattingh. They discuss the latest internal ANC conflict in the Gauteng ANC. They also chat about future leaders of the ANC and DA. Lastly they discuss the inquiry into Iran's participation in naval exercises in Jan this year. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
All roads lead to Joburg
Ofentse Donald Davhie and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the national budget, the Joburg water crisis and the latest by-elections. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
The Budget all you need to know
Nicholas Lorimer and Hermann Pretorius discuss the 2026 budget, BEE compliance, and the new US ambassador to South Africa, Brent Bozell. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
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