Sunday Times Politics Weekly
Sunday Times Politics Weekly is a flagship political podcast from the Sunday Times. Each week, the show speaks exclusively with politicians, academics, policy experts and analysts to unpack the issues shaping South Africa — from power and governance to accountability, the economy and social justice. Through rigorous, informed conversations, the podcast offers context, scrutiny and insight into the decisions that affect the country and its people. It is an Arena Holdings production.
Episodes
Can the DA fix Johannesburg? Helen Zille on crime, corruption and coalitions
Helen Zille is back on the campaign trail — this time aiming to become mayor of Johannesburg.
The former Western Cape premier and long-time Democratic Alliance (DA) leader says South Africa’s economic hub can be turned around after years of instability, corruption and failing infrastructure.
In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, Zille speaks to Sunday Times deputy edior Mike Siluma ab
Herman Mashaba: How I’ll rescue Johannesburg from collapse
Johannesburg is South Africa’s economic engine but it is also battling infrastructure decay, water shortages, collapsing inner-city buildings and fragile coalition politics.
ActionSA leader and newly announced mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, Herman Mashaba, joins Sunday Times Politics Weekly to outline his plan to fix the city.
Mashaba reflects on his previous tenure as mayor (2016–2019), what
Did John Steenhuisen jump or was he pushed?
The Democratic Alliance faces a pivotal moment following John Steenhuisen’s decision not to seek re-election. In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, host Mike Siluma speaks with political analyst Khanyi Magubane and veteran journalist Peter Bruce about the internal tensions that shaped Steenhuisen’s departure, the party’s challenges in balancing government roles and opposition and what t
Ramaphosa safe… for now: Experts say he’s a skilful politician and contenders want him to stay
Cyril Ramaphosa remains one of the most skilful politicians in the ANC, analysts say, despite party turmoil. His ability to manage the Government of National Unity (GNU) and counter critics has kept him firmly in power, at least for now.
Leadership decisions are heavily influenced by party power brokers and the intellectual capital that once guided its strategy has largely dissipated.
Susan Booyse
‘G20 is bigger than Trump’: Bonang Mohale on SA’s global moment, US snubs, and why redress still matters
As South Africa hosts the G20 Leaders’ Summit this weekend, business leader and G20 Sherpa Prof Bonang Mohale says the world’s focus should extend far beyond the drama surrounding US President Donald Trump’s expected absence.
Mohale, who served as South Africa’s G20 negotiator (“Sherpa”), argues that the summit represents a pivotal opportunity for South Africa to reassert itself economically and d
Floyd Shivambu on Malema split, MK ‘betrayal’, VBS money and future of SA politics
Afrika Mayibuye Movement leader Floyd Shivambu sits down with Sunday Times deputy editor Mike Siluma to reflect on his political journey from the ANCYL to the EFF, why he broke with Julius Malema, and the fallout from his stint in the MK Party. He responds to lingering questions about the VBS scandal, his meeting with Bushiri, and his expulsion from MK, while unpacking what “total freedom and eman
Nomvula Mokonyane on political awakening, GNU, Zuma’s ‘betrayal’ and presidential ambitions
ANC first deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane sits down with Mike Siluma to discuss how the Catholic Church shaped her political awakening, why she believes the DA is destabilising the GNU and why Jacob Zuma’s breakaway to form MK was “an act of betrayal.” She also opens up about her personal journey and whether she’s ready to run for ANC president.
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National dialogue: How much time does SA have before frustration boils over?
The launch of the national dialogue has reignited debate about whether the process can genuinely help fix the country’s problems or it is just another stage to advance elite interests.Political analyst and Public Affairs Research Institute executive director Dr Sithembile Mbete says dialogue has been a recurring theme in South Africa’s democratic journey.“It comes from this idea that we are so fr
An eroded NEC – Malusi Gigaba speaks out
Long standing NEC member Dr Malusi Gigaga has hit out at the party arguing that it is yet to start fulfilling its ambition to renew itself Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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‘All my office furniture was made by prisoners’: Groenewald pushes for hard labour, deportations
Correctional services minister Pieter Groenewald wants inmates to grow food, make clothing, bake bread and work in factories to save taxpayers hundreds of millions of rand and promote rehabilitation.
“All [prison] uniforms are produced by inmates. All the furniture in my offices — Cape Town and Pretoria — has been manufactured by inmates, so it's much cheaper,” Groenewald said.
Though the fur
'Sometimes rules are an obstacle': Firoz Cachalia talks Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and new job
Soon-to-be acting police minister Firoz Cachalia has questioned KwaZulu-Natal police chief Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s decision to bypass reporting lines, but says rules can sometimes be an obstacle.
In an exclusive Sunday Times Politics Weekly podcast interview, Cachalia said he was “surprised and shocked” by Mkhwanazi’s bombshell remarks, which implicated police minister Senzo Mchunu and depu
The cost of protest in South Africa
Protesting in South Africa comes at a price, sometimes a deadly one. From Sharpeville to today’s crackdowns, the state’s response to dissent has often been force, not dialogue. As the country marks Human Rights Day, the question remains: Why does standing up for basic rights still come with heavy consequences?
In this episode of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we unpack with experts issues behi
How the ANC in Gauteng will be fixed
The Sunday Times’ Lizeka Tandwa spoke to Gauteng PTT coordinator Hope Papo about how they intend to turn around the party’s fortunes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Dlamini-Zuma shoots down GNU, turns on MK Party
ANC heavyweight Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has expressed her disapproval of the government of national unity (GNU), saying that if it had been up to her, the ANC would not have formed a government with the DA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
'I will take back my ANC to honour our ancestors' — Jacob Zuma
ormer president Jacob Zuma has laid out details of an audacious plan to “take back my ANC', by uniting “black” parties under his MK party banner and recapturing the leadership of the party, which he said had “deviated from our ancestors”. He spoke to Sunday Times politics editor Sibongakonke Shoba about various topics, including the formation of the MK Party and his decision not to relinquish his
Khama wants probe into public finances after Masisi’s ousting
Former Botswana leader Ian Khama has called on the country’s new president, Duma Boko, to launch an investigation into the ousted Mokgweetsi Masisi’s use of government finances during his period in power. Khama says he feels responsible for the 'dictatorship' that ensued after Masisi took power.
The former president was in conversation with Sunday Times politics reporter, Kgothatso Madisa. Hosted
'It's a coalition – the ANC knew it would go with the DA'
Prof Susan Booysen says the government of national unity (GNU) is a coalition with the DA but the ANC invited other parties to avoid political trouble.
The Wits emeritus professor and independent research consultant explored the survival prospects of the GNU and the changed terrain in which all political parties are having to find their way. She joined Sunday Times deputy editor Mike Siluma on the
‘White racists need trauma healing’: Thuli Madonsela
Former public protector Thuli Madonsela believes white racists should be helped to heal so they don’t wound others.
She joined Sunday Times deputy editor Mike Siluma in conversation after she set the cat among the pigeons with a post on her X account suggesting race supremacists need to be helped to heal from their post-transformation trauma.
Madonsela said supremacists need to accept they are not
Limpopo ANC secretary wants Cyril Ramaphosa to serve full term
Just a week after President Cyril Ramaphosa reassured the country he intended to serve a full term in office, ANC Limpopo provincial secretary Reuben Madadzhe has come out in support of his continued presidency. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
ANCYL's Ngudle warns a revolution is coming against white South Africans if industrialisation is not achieved
The ANC Youth League secretary-general has warned South Africa is on the brink of a revolution that will see young people rise up against white South Africans if the economy continues to be in the red.Mntuwoxolo Ngudle spoke to TimesLIVE Premium on the state of the economy, accusing the private sector of “treason” for failing to transform the economy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See
Zuko Godlimpi says his generation can revive dying ANC
At the age of just 32 and with a possibly illustrious political career ahead of him, acting ANC national spokesperson Zuko Godlimpi admits that the prospect of inheriting a dying party keeps him up at night. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
How we saved Eskom from collapse: utility chair Mteto Nyati
A few months ago Eskom was the black sheep of public opinion, but last month we reported that the utility recorded its highest energy generation levels in six years.
It’s not out of the woods yet — chairperson Mteto Nyati says they will execute remaining aspects of Eskom’s recovery plan.
Nyati shares the formula they used to rescue Eskom from the brink of collapse.
Two years ago the president rope
'This ship [ANC] is sinking': Panyaza Lesufi
Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi outlines promising economic plans that will “break the backbone of unemployment” like expanding the Gautrain for residents and plans the government of provincial unity has to make Gauteng a world-class province.
Lesufi warns that the ANC is a “sinking ship” and speaks on the government of national unity.
He exclusively speaks to Sunday Times political journalist Kgo
ANC bigwigs face the music over state capture
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has launched a disciplinary process against three senior party leaders implicated in the Zondo state capture report: Malusi Gigaba, David Mahlobo and Cedric Frolick. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
GNU, DA, race, life and family: Interview with Helen Zille
After the formation of the government of national unity, the DA has emerged as an important player in the alliance. The party's federal chairperson Helen Zille opens up on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly podcast about the considerations of the architecture of the GNU and her relationship with some of the ANC's top executives. She also speaks about issues such as racism, service delivery, the econ
In conversation with Zingiswa Losi
In this episode TimesLIVE digital politics editor Lizeka Tandwa talks to COSATU president Zingiswa Losi about the formation and the SACP stance on the government of national unity, the ANC’s path of renewal, and the party’s drop in the election results. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Helen Zille will collapse government of national unity, Mantashe tells Sunday Times
ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe tells Sunday Times politics editor Sibongakonke Shoba that DA federal chair Helen Zille will collapse the government of unity.
“We are not going to have a parallel government run by Helen Zille. There’s one president here and that president is President Cyril Ramaphosa.
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ANC opts for GNU – governing models and coalition partner options it had – and implications
Political analyst Dr Sithembile Mbete and Lizeka Tandwa from the Sunday Times politics team define and scrutinise the ANC’s options for governing models, such as government of national unity [which the party announced as its choice on Thursday evening], a grand coalition and a minority government. They also look at the party's conflicting ideologies and policies, the options for coalition partners
Maimane says SA is responsible for influx of Zimbabweans
South Africa allowed Zimbabwe to be run into the ground, says Mmusi Maimane on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, blaming the government for the influx of Zimbabweans into SA.
“If it wasn’t for the ANC’s policy on the government of national unity when [late former president of Zimbabwe Robert] Mugabe had lost elections we wouldn’t have this influx of Zimbabweans,” says Maimane as he is quizzed by S
DA should have burnt the ANC flag instead, says Herman Mashaba
The DA should have burnt the ANC flag instead of the national flag, says ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba says in a wide-ranging interview on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly podcast.
The party stirred controversy earlier this week when it launched its election campaign advertisement showing the national flag in flames. The DA has defended the advert, with federal chair Helen Zille saying the altern
Why independent candidate Anele Mda is fearlessly taking on the 'big guns'
Anele Mda, an independent candidate vying for a seat in parliament, says political parties will be chasing after independents but she won’t work with any party. She is our guest on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly podcast with Sunday Times deputy editor Mike Siluma.
We kick-start the conversation by asking her why it was important to publicly rebuke the IEC for not displaying her photo during the
Zuma is out for revenge and has nothing to lose
One of the big election stories has been the Jacob Zuma factor and his uMkhonto weSizwe Party.
According to polls and by-election results, the party has outshone parties such as the EFF and the IFP.
In this episode of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly we explain and hopefully demystify the Zuma/MKP phenomenon in our politics, and how it might impact our body politic after May 29.
Our guests this ti
Understanding Elections with Ebrahim Fakir
Mike Siluma sits down with Election expert Ebrahim Fakir to discuss the upcoming South African elections and what you need to know from how they work, to how they are calculated and what you need to do! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Backing Zuma my worst mistake: Zwelinzima Vavi
Veteran trade union leader Zwelinzima Vavi has had his setbacks, but the “tragic mistake” he is still kicking himself for was to support Jacob Zuma in becoming president of the ANC and the republic.
The only mistake, and the biggest mistake, is that I was convinced by some members of both Cosatu and the SACP that the then deputy president of the ANC, Jacob Zuma, was going to be good for the agend
Israel-Hamas war: the case for cutting ties with Israel
South Africa’s position in the Israel-Hamas war has further strained relations between Pretoria and the Israeli government, culminating this week in the withdrawal of our country’s diplomats from Israel.
In this episode of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly we explore the issues at the heart of the disagreement between the countries, and why South Africa is supporting the cause of the Palestinians.
Did Zondo’s state capture recommendations fall on deaf ears?
This week police arrested Dudu Myeni, the former chairperson of SAA and an associate of ex-president Jacob Zuma on fraud and corruption charges – charges arising from benefits she allegedly received from Bosasa, the defunct company implicated in state capture.
In this episode of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we look at the state’s underwhelming track record in bringing to book individuals accu
Mangosuthu Buthelezi - The man who tried to ride two horses
This week on Sunday Times Politics Weekly we delve into the controversial legacy of IFP founder and prime minister to the Zulu nation Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who died at the weekend at the age of 95.
Buthelezi's legacy has been the centre of debate in recent days after his passing, with some labelling him a “warmonger”, a catalyst for violence and a prop or ally of the apartheid government.
On th
'SA is not ready for a white president' - FF Plus leader Pieter Groenewald
In this episode of the Sunday Times Politics weekly, Sunday Times Politics Editor Sibongakonke Shoba sat down with Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Groenewald, one of the parties for the proposed ‘moonshot’ pact alliance. Asked if he thought the country was ready for a white president, Groenewald said: ‘No. We’re too close to apartheid still’.
Groenewald also spoke on working dynamics of multipa
Why Zimbabwe needs a negotiated settlement, not another rigged election
This week on the Sunday Times politics Weekly we shine the spotlight on the prospects of the Zimbabwe elections.
Our panellists on the podcast are prominent Zimbabwean scholar professor Ibbo Mandaza and Ngqabutho Nicholas Mabhena representing Zimbabwe Community in South Africa organisation. The two assess what the elections mean and the role of the Southern Africa region in turning the country aro
ANCYL president Collen Malatji chats about his political rise, diagnoses governing party
Recently elected ANC Youth League president Collen Malatji joins 'Sunday Times Politics Weekly' to assess South Africa's politics and the role of young people and what he stands for.
He was elected unopposed earlier this month after an eight-year leadership void in the ANCYL.
Episode hosted by Sunday Times political reporter Sisanda Mbolekwa and produced by Bulelani Nonyukela. Hosted by Simplecast
Deputy president Paul Mashatile talks national issues and the politics of office
Since his appointment, there has been keen interest to better understand where Deputy president Paul Mashatile stands on national issues.
In this episode of the Politics Weekly, Mashatile sat down with Sunday Times' Sibongakonke Shoba, Kgothatso Madisa and Caiphus Kgosana for a wide ranging conversation including among other things his view on the country's just transition to green and renewable
Is the Moonshot Pact pie in the sky or will it reset SA politics?
Our guests on the ‘Sunday Times Politics Weekly’ are pessimistic about the plan hatched by DA leader John Steenhuisen to unseat the ANC.
This week Steenhuisen announced that six opposition parties would hold a national convention aimed at ousting the ANC in the next elections.
The so-called “Moonshot Pact” was first mooted by the DA at its congress in April. Besides the DA, the parties which have
Joburg speaker Colleen Makhubele talks about politics, COPE factions, ambition to be president and more
Joburg speaker Colleen Makhubele talks to Sunday Times Politics Weekly about politics, her ambition to lead COPE, being fired on national TV and more.
She joined Sunday Times journalist Sisanda Mbolekwa in studio on the podcast and talked about the calibre of leaders in Johannesburg and mayor Kabelo Gwamanda. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our c
SA’s 'neutrality' rubbed global powers the wrong way
Unisa’s Prof Everisto Benyera counts what South Africa loses for its stance in the Russia-Ukraine war. He, in part, specialises in peace-building and mediation.
Last week, African leaders led by President Cyril Ramaphosa undertook a mediation mission to Ukraine and Russia in the latest bid to end the war in Ukraine.
That mission received a mixed reaction, with some deriding it as Ramaphosa’s ploy
'I'm ready to be president' - EFF leader Julius Malema
In a wide-ranging conversation with ‘Sunday Times Politics Weekly’, EFF leader Julius Malema shared his views on the upcoming elections, and possible coalition permutations. Malema says he won’t join any coalition in which Cyril Ramaphosa or John Steenhuisen are potential presidents. However, he did speak of his willingness to work with deputy president, Paul Mashatile, whom he acknowledged he had
Why King Misuzulu and Prince Buthelezi dispute can lead to violence in KZN if not handled with care
A public spat has recently broken out between King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and his prime minister, Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi, over control of the Ingonyama Trust. The trust controls large tracts of land in KwaZulu-Natal — about 2.8-million hectares — on behalf of the Zulu kingdom.
Sunday Times journalist Zimasa Matiwane, who has been following the story, and UKZN academic Dr Mphumeleli Ngidi, who
Fikile Mbalula on ANC governance going into 2024, Ace Magashule, Putin's visit
In a wide-ranging conversation with ‘Sunday Times Politics Weekly’, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula speaks on the ANC, his predecessor Ace Magashule who faces possible expulsion from the party, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Mbalula reflected on his tenure as party SG and assessed the ruling party under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa. He said voter frustration gave him the
Cholera crisis: what to do with non-performing local government?
The cholera outbreak in Tshwane has again put the spotlight on the crisis in local government negatively impacting service delivery to citizens.
Local government is often regarded as the coalface at which the state delivers citizens’ basic needs. But what is their recourse when it fails to do so, as is the case in much of the country?
To explore the matter, we are joined on Sunday Times Politics
Why Gayton McKenzie thinks he’ll be SA president and six things he stands for
Mass deportation of illegal foreigners, death penalty, cancelling race — some of the (things) Gayton McKenzie says he will do when he becomes president.
In a robust conversation on the Sunday Times Politics weekly with the Patriotic Alliance leader, McKenzie says he knows he will become SA president and laid down his objectives which “are all anti-SA constitution”, which he labelled as hypocritica
Arrest Putin or not — has SA’s foreign policy lost its way?
Amid the ICC arrest warrant, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit has been intensely debated in the ANC NEC.
SA was also naive for not making provisions to protect itself when it joined the International Criminal Court.
We hear from our guests on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly podcast this week.
Previously, we discussed the dilemma faced by our government after the ICC’s issuing of
ActionSA lays down the line for coalitions
Amid continuing uncertainty in the leadership of metros in Gauteng, ActionSA has tabled motions of no-confidence against the current mayor Thapelo Amad and speaker of Johannesburg, Colleen Makhubele.
To talk about what seems like a drastic step, and other issues afflicting party coalitions as well as ActionSA's way forward going into the 2024 elections, host Mike Siluma is joined by ActionSA Nat
How Ramaphosa can defuse the Putin arrest hot potato
Our country has been placed in a quandary after the International Criminal Court issued a warrant of arrest for Russian President Vladimir Putin which compels SA, as a signatory to the ICC’s Rome Statute, to arrest him if he visits South Africa.
International relations minister Naledi Pandor has said Russian is an old, historic friend which supported the fight against apartheid. Putin is expected
Leaked Phala Phala report, consequences for president and predicament for retired arms deal judges
This week on the Politics Weekly we reflect on the public protector’s leaked preliminary report, which seems to have exonerated President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala scandal. We also look at public accountability of our judges, and why it seems to take so long to bring them to book when they stray.
Joining us for this episode of the Politics Weekly is Franny Rabkin (Sunday Times legal cor
Ramaphosa’s cabinet reshuffle was to please ANC, not the country
The recent cabinet reshuffle was not intended to address South Africa's crises but to satisfy ANC factions. And Gwede Mantashe and Pravin Gordhan will call the shots regarding electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.
The two ministers, Mantashe (energy) and Gordhan (public enterprises), might overpower the new electricity minister who was brought in to deal with the ongoing load-shedding crisis
Without political will, can South Africa’s corruption crisis be overcome?
Guilty players castigating former Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter expose their lack of commitment to solve corruption crisis, argued Lawson Naidoo and Wayne Duvenhage on the 'Sunday Times Politics weekly'.
De Ruyter made claims of how corruption brought the power utility to its knees. The ANC party has challenged him to provide proof to back up his allegations, failing which, it says, it will take legal
The crime problem: why it persists, trends, solutions and the political will
The latest crime stats indicate that, despite government’s promises to contain it, crime is getting worse, posing a threat to the country and its people — that’s the focus of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly podcast this week.
The head of justice & violence prevention at the Institute for Security Studies, Gareth Newham, spoke on crime patterns and trends in the country while giving his expert
Coalition chaos — why we must hold elected politicians accountable
The latest local authority elections have been hailed as an indicator of the rapidly waning influence of the ANC. But they also gave us a foretaste of what life might be like under a national coalition government. To date, that foretaste has at times been sweet, and at other times rancid and desperately wanting.
This week on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we look at the phenomenon of coalitio
We all know the solution: get the politicians out of Eskom
As power generation crumbles around our ears, experts are calling to have politicians ousted from Eskom's decision-making processes.
South Africa in the throes of the worst power crisis in history and the government has again promised it has a plan to end load-shedding. But given previous empty promises, what is the country to make of government pronouncements?
This is the question Sunday Times Po
Will forcing politicians to use public services solve service delivery woes?
One of the biggest problems in our country is the failure of the state to provide quality services to us, the citizens – such as public health services, transport and education.
This week Sunday Times columnist Prof William Gumede wrote that the solution lies in forcing political leaders to use public services in order to improve them.
In this podcast, Gumede, associate professor at the School o
Zweli Mkhize on ANC presidency, Digital Vibes and Cyril Ramaphosa
On Sunday Times Politics Weekly, Zweli Mkhize chats about what he will do if he is elected ANC president at the party's elective conference this weekend, Digital Vibes corruption allegations and the growing support he has received since being nominated.
The former health minister received 916 nominations for the position, while his rival, President Cyril Ramaphosa, received 2,037. However, Mkhize
A fish rots from the head & the ANC's NEC nominees are giving off a stink
The much-anticipated ANC national conference takes place next week at Nasrec in Johannesburg. Apart from providing policy direction for the organisation, one of the key tasks of the conference will be to choose a new party leadership. But unfortunately for the party, none of its nominated leaders join the fray without the lingering stink of scandal and accusation.
In today’s episode of the Sunday
One on one with ANC treasurer-general contender Pule Mabe
Pule Mabe joins Sunday Times Politics Weekly to reflect on his tenure as ANC spokesperson, speaks about contesting for a top 6 position, competition, dubious cadres and party electoral decline.
Mabe is running for the position of treasurer-general alongside presidency special adviser Benjamin Chauke, who received 552 nominations, and recently resigned ANC Ekurhuleni councillor Mzwandile Masina, wh
Masualle on why Ramaphosa must go, ANC factions, NEC, Mkhize as president
Public enterprises deputy minister Phumulo Masualle, chatting to Sunday Times Politics Weekly, says some candidates for the ANC top six don’t deserve support.
He motivates why President Cyril Ramaphosa's time in office has expired and rallies behind former health minister Zweli Mkhize. Ramaphosa and Mkhize are the only candidates running for presidency next month when the party elects new leadersh
Mdumiseni Ntuli diagnoses the ANC, chats Zuma incarceration fabrications
ANC “top six” contender Mdumiseni Ntuli spoke to Sunday Times Politics Weekly.
He assesses the governing party and speaks about “lies” he found himself embroiled in with former KwaZulu-Natal premier Sihle Zikalala, including plotting to have former president Jacob Zuma incarcerated.
Ntuli is running for the secretary-general position. He is confident he will receive the support of most provinces a
Mashatile talks positions, SOEs, Phala Phala, former presidents
Paul Mashatile hosted the Sunday Times Politics Weekly team at his home to chat, rolling up his sleeves to be “hands on deck” if elected ANC deputy president next month.
He is ANC treasurer-general and speaks about his rise to the position. The governing party will elect its new leadership at its elective conference from December 16 to 20 and Mashatile has been nominated for deputy president, alon
Mokonyane alleges assassination attempts, talks contestation, weeps over Duarte
ANC deputy secretary-general hopeful Nomvula Mokonyane opens up to Sunday Times Politics weekly about dirty politics, why she is contesting and corruption-accused Bosasa.
She is hoping to win an ANC secretary-general position when the party holds its elective conference next month.
The former environmental affairs minister hosts Kgothatso Madisa at her home and reflects on her relationship with la
We need to transition from generation that fought for freedom, says Lamola
ANC deputy president hopeful Ronald Lamola talks to Sunday Times Politics Weekly about his personal life and politics.
In conversation with special edition host Kgothatso Madisa from his home, Lamola focuses on his life before politics and what he can offer should he pin down the position.
The ruling party is expected to hold its national elective conference next month, at which its new top six l
I need to put on my big girl panties and keep going: Phalatse
Recent political events in coalition-run municipalities have cast doubt on the viability of such governments. A prime example is Johannesburg, whose mayor Mpho Phalatse and speaker Vasco da Gama were removed last month after no-confidence motions.
Phalatse was ousted by an ANC-led coalition that included the EFF and Patriotic Alliance (PA).
Sunday Times Politics Weekly hosts the mayor, who has si
Debate - Ministers salaries may be market competitive, but have they earned it?
While many taxpayers struggle to make ends meet, ministers and their deputies — who earn a salary of between R2.5 and R2m a year — do not pay a cent for municipal services such as water and electricity at their official residences.
City Press reported that the ministerial handbook has been amended to remove a cap on municipal utilities for ministers and deputy ministers. According to the previou
Infighting in Gauteng’s coalition metro’s and the ANC’s leader ship race
In this episode of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we discuss what has been happening in Gauteng’s metros of Joburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, caught up by coalition government infighting. We also take a look at the latest in the ANC’s leadership race ahead of the parties national conference in December.
Our host Mike Siluma is joined by Sunday Times Politics editor, Sibongakonke Shoba and Sunda
Eskom’s new chair makes coal costs first target
Mpho Makwana, the new chair of Eskom, has backed incumbent CEO Andre de Ruyter and set his sights on bringing down the price of electricity by reducing the cost of coal supplied to its plants while also improving the quality of the fuel it receives.
In an interview with Business Times this week, Makwana spoke about the link between Eskom’s climate commitments and the cost of coal supplied to the c
New board chairperson says he plans to restore Eskom to an award-winning utility
Today on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we give you a sneak-peak into our discussion with veteran business leader Mpho Makwana, who is Eskom’s new chairperson.
Makwana gives us insight into his perspectives on Eskom and the seemingly insurmountable energy crisis the country faces. Having worked at the utility before, Makwana says he is lucky to benefit from institutional knowledge and hopes t
Eskom - The 'dark side' of political power
In this episode of the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we discuss the politics which has historically shaped, and which continues to shape SA's energy crisis.
Our host, Mike Siluma is joined by Prof Mark Swilling chair of the Development Bank of Southern Africa and professor at Stellenbosch University and Prof Mazwe Majola, CEO of the Worldwide Institute of Leadership.
The panel discusses the fact
The ANC's new electoral rules and their continued shortfalls
By all indications, the ANC’s leadership succession race well underway. This week on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly, we assess the likely effectiveness of the party’s new campaign rules, which, on the surface, seek to improve the quality of its leadership.
We will also look at the leadership candidates that have emerged so far, and what these rules mean for their various campaigns. Are the new
Is it possible to hold Zuma to account, despite the risk of unrest?
He left office more than four years ago but former president Jacob Zuma has remained a feature in SA's political and public life.
This week the Pietermaritzburg high court gave VBS Mutual Bank permission to seize Zuma’s assets to repay a loan of nearly R7m relating to the refurbishment of his Nkandla homestead.This follows his pending corruption trial and a separate court case on whether he should
What will Kenya's recent election mean for SA?
Last week one of the more influential countries in East Africa, Kenya went to the polls to choose a new president. And, not for the first time, the outcome sparked controversy as current vice-president William Ruto narrowly defeated long-time campaigner Raila Odinga.
Odinga, who lost the August 9 presidential elections by a tiny margin, rejected the outcome of the vote and vowed to take constituti
Contestation for the Zulu throne is set to intensify
In March this year President Cyril Ramaphosa legally recognised Prince Misuzulu ka Zwelithini as the king-elect of the Zulu people, following the death last year of long-reigning King Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu. But subsequent events around the Zulu royal household suggest that the president’s decision does not enjoy universal support.
The Zulu royal household this week condemned an alleged
Why SA lambasted Eswatini government spokesperson for his comments on crime
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 t
Step-aside issue set to dominate policy conference and influence ANC leadership
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 ques
A province run by personal politics - what to expect from the ANC KZN conference
This weekend, the ANC in KwaZulu Natal holds its provincial conference, as part of the build up to the all-important ANC national Conference in December, which will, among other things choose a new leader for the organisation – and by extension, the new leader of the country.
On the Politics Weekly this time we look at the significance of the conference, and also at the key players and factions s
