Shows
Daily MaverickSanctions? Not So Fast — Redi Tlhabi on What the U.S. Bill Really Means for South AfricaIn this solo episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi cuts through the panic and misinformation surrounding the US–SA Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025. Are sanctions really imminent? What stage is the bill really at? From Washington, Tlhabi explains the legislative process, the politics behind the headlines, and why it’s crucial to stay informed, not alarmed. 00:27 Understanding the Legislative Process 01:39 Current Developments and Misreporting 02:10 Clarifying the Sanctions Situation 04:10 The Role of the Global Magnitsky Act 05:25 Review of Bilateral Relations 06:28 The Real Motive: The ICJ Case 06:48 Corruption and Accountability 07:30 Foreign Infl...2025-07-2516 min
Daily MaverickPeace or Plunder? Redi Tlhabi & Michela Wrong on Rwanda–DRC TensionsRedi Tlhabi speaks with journalist and author Michela Wrong about the murky peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. What’s really driving this latest effort: justice, minerals, or Trump’s quest for a Nobel Peace Prize? Wrong unpacks the long-standing roots of the conflict, Rwanda’s covert military interventions, and the DRC’s strategic value in a world desperate for critical minerals. Together, they explore the price of transactional peace, the manipulation of genocide trauma, and the fragile political future of both nations.Michela Wrong has spent more than three decades writing about Africa...2025-07-2532 min
Daily MaverickDirty linen, global stakes: Redi Tlhabi on the media’s failure in US–SA coverageIn a solo episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi turns the microphone on her own industry — calling out how South African broadcasting has mishandled coverage of US–South Africa relations. From misplaced outrage to narratives driven by vested interests, Tlhabi unpacks the dangers of a media captured by factional agendas and reminds us what journalism is, and isn’t, meant to do. 00:29 Media's Role in US-SA Relations 01:19 The Influence of Vested Interests 02:38 Understanding US Legislative Processes 03:31 The First Proposed Bill 08:07 The Second Proposed Bill 10:21 The Importance of Background Checks 15:09 Symbolism in Legislatio...2025-07-2124 min
Daily MaverickRedi Tlhabi meets Winnie Byanyima: Ending AIDS, Fighting Inequality, Reclaiming PowerUNAIDS head Winnie Byanyima joins Redi Tlhabi to unpack HIV funding, health justice, and democracy under threat. From South Africa to the UN, she reveals what it takes to lead—and why the world must act now. A bold, urgent conversation on rights, resistance, and real change. Read more about the report, "UNAids HIV/Aids report calls for ‘global solidarity’ in face of mass funding cuts": https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-07-10-unaids-hiv-aids-report-calls-for-global-solidarity-in-face-of-mass-funding-cuts/ "The UNAids Global Aids Update 2025, launched on 10 July, shows ‘remarkable achievements’ in the worldwide effort to combat HIV/Aids. However, because of t...2025-07-1424 min
Daily MaverickOPINION | The strange campaign around Senzo MchunuSenior journalist Rebecca Davis highlights a disturbing trend on South African social media: fake accounts, copy-paste tweets, and manufactured praise for politicians. From the ANC to ActionSA, online manipulation is simulating public support and it’s already impacting political discourse. With the 2026 elections around the corner, this could be a threat to democracy. Reporting by: Rebecca Davis Produced by: Emilie Gambade Edited by: Rufaro Chiswo Filmed by: Bernard Kotze & Joel Seboa Sub-edited by: Mike van Olst Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/ 2025-07-1002 min
Daily MaverickOPINION | Floyd Shivambu - Between Revolutions and RejectionsOnce a firebrand of the EFF, now a brief resident of Zuma’s MK party, Floyd Shivambu is re-emerging—this time with plans to launch his own political movement. But after being sidelined in yet another party power struggle, is this a comeback or just more political wandering? Marianne Thamm unpacks the theatrics, the ideology, and the irony. Reporting by: Marianne Thamm Filmed by: Bernard Kotze & Joel Seboa Edited by: Joel Seboa Produced by: Emilie GambadeSub-edited by: Kevin Flynn Marianne Thamm is a South African journalist, author and stand-up comedian. She is th...2025-07-0409 min
Daily MaverickREDI TLHABI | Iran standoff, NYC chooses Dem new candidate – and the media’s roleIn this episode, journalist and editor Tony Karon joins Redi Tlhabi on The Readiness Report to unpack the pressures facing newsrooms in the West, from censorship around Israel and Palestine, to the collapse of US foreign policy credibility on Iran. 01:55 Tony's Work and Al Jazeera 02:30 Challenges in Western Media 03:55 Personal Experiences with Media Censorship 05:17 The Role of Western Media in Politics 09:09 Iran's Nuclear Program and Geopolitics 15:19 Trump's Foreign Policy and Media Influence 19:51 Trump's Coalition and US Military Presence 22:36 New York Politics and South African Connection 24:34 Zoran's Campaign and Progressive Politics ...2025-06-2731 min
Daily MaverickREDI TLHABI | Carole Cadwalladr on How Tech Giants Hijacked Truth and PowerInvestigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr joins Redi Tlhabi to expose how powerful tech platforms manipulate our data, fuel disinformation, and endanger democracy. From Cambridge Analytica to AI and surveillance capitalism, this urgent conversation asks: Are we sleepwalking into a future where truth itself is algorithmically controlled? And what can we still do to fight back? 00:36 AI for Humanity and Its Dark Side 01:38 Disinformation and Social Media 02:13 Guest Introduction: Carole Cadwalladr03:40 Digital Surveillance Explained 04:49 Surveillance Capitalism 06:03 The Danger of Data Harvesting 14:50 The Cambridge Analytica Scandal 15:22 The Role of Technology in Politics 17:25 Challeng...2025-06-1930 min
Daily MaverickREDI TLHABI | A look at Israel's attack on Iran and Trump's authoritarian turnIn this episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi and Philip Vank delve into the escalating tensions in the Middle East, following a significant Israeli attack on Iranian targets. They discuss Israel's motives, potential repercussions, and the United States' ambiguous role in these developments. The discussion also touches on domestic issues in the US, including Trump's controversial military parade on his birthday, the crackdown on immigrants in California, and increasing authoritarian tendencies under his administration. The conversation highlights the global and local implications of these events, painting a picture of a turbulent geopolitical landscape. 00:40 Israel Strikes Iran2025-06-1328 min
Daily MaverickREDI TLHABI & MEHDI HASAN | Trump Administration is a sh*t showIn this hard-hitting episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi sits down with influential broadcaster, journalist and and Zeteo founder Mehdi Hasan for an unflinching conversation on global politics. From the chaos brought by Trump’s administration to the genocide in Gaza, Elon Musk’s DOGE distractions, and President Ramaphosa’s punchlines, no topic is off-limits.00:53 Drama in the United States01:21 Elon Musk and Disinformation02:30 Mehdi Hassan's Take on Trump03:01 Trump's Impact on America and the World04:00 Trump's End Game and Erratic Behavior06:01 International Reactions to Trump08:38 Trump's Relationship with Russia1...2025-05-3032 min
Daily MaverickREDI TLHABI asks: Elon Musk, Starlink, and South Africa, what is the real deal?In this episode of the Readiness Report, Redi takes a hard look at Elon Musk’s comments about South Africa — and the controversy surrounding the government’s reported efforts to lure Starlink, Musk's very own telecommunications provider, into the country. She’s joined by outspoken activist, academic, and Daily Maverick columnist Khaya Sithole for a sharp, no-holds-barred conversation. 1:18 Trump, Biden, and the Ukraine Conflict 03:09 Starlink and South Africa: The Drama Unfolds 03:41 South Africa's Legal Framework and BEE Codes 04:41 The Role of ZA in Ending Apartheid 05:33 Challenges in South Africa's Parliament 06:52 Speculations on the Starlink D...2025-05-2728 min
Daily MaverickREDI TLHABI Breaks Down the Trump–Ramaphosa Meeting in the White HouseIn this episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi discusses the tense political atmosphere in Washington and the recent visit of South African President Ramaphosa to the White House. The discussion dives into the ambush-like reception Ramaphosa faced, his handling of U.S. President Donald Trump's antics, and the broader implications for US-South Africa relations. Alongside guest Phillip Van Niekerk, Redi critiques the optics and outcomes of the meeting, including discussions on trade agreements, potential collaborations, and Trump's unpredictable behaviour. Insights are provided on the complex diplomatic dance and the symbolic victories amidst the chaos. 00:32 President Ramaphosa's W...2025-05-2325 min
Daily MaverickPOWER CHAT | Ferial Haffajee in conversation with DIRCO Director-General Zane DangorIn this episode of Power Chat, Daily Maverick’s Ferial Haffajee talks with DIRCO’s Director-General Zane Dangor about South Africa’s role on the global stage. From the G20 summit to the ICJ case in The Hague, they explore the power of partnerships, South Africa’s position as a middle power, and what’s next for the country in international relations. 01:10 Activism and Family Legacy 03:32 International Court of Justice and Israel-Palestine Conflict 05:11 South Africa's Role in Global Justice 08:12 Diplomacy and International Relations 18:58 G20 and Global Governance 33:50 Middle Powers and Global Collaboration 42:49 Conclusion and F...2025-05-1946 min
Daily MaverickINVESTIGATION | Ithala - Billions in the BalanceThe Prudential Authority of the SA Reserve Bank is seeking to liquidate KZN-based Ithala SOC due to serious concerns about the state-owned lender’s financial health. In this video, Daily Maverick's Pieter-Louis Myburgh unpacks for Scorpio the recent court application and investigates a questionable Ithala loan.Written & Narrated by Pieter-Louis MyburghProduced by Bernard Kotze & Emilie GambadeEdited by Rufaro ChiswoOriginal Theme Music & Design by Bernard KotzeSupport journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/
2025-04-0807 min
Daily MaverickPOWER CHAT | Ferial Haffajee speaks to Deputy Finance Minister Ashor Sarupen about the Budget — and the GNU — after talks collapsedAs negotiations between the ANC and DA over the national budget dragged into the early hours of April 1, 2025, no agreement was reached—deepening the ongoing deadlock within the Government of National Unity (GNU). Just days before, Ferial Haffajee sat down with Deputy Finance Minister Ashor Sarupen to unpack the key issues surrounding the Budget and the GNU. Here’s an excerpt from their conversation.00:49 Challenges Facing the GNU02:10 Economic Policy and Taxation Issues04:04 Energy and Infrastructure Concerns06:51 Implementation and Bureaucratic Hurdles12:44 Coalition Dynamics and Political Realities16:24 Personal Insights and Relationships22:15 International Rela...2025-04-0226 min
Daily MaverickPOWER CHAT | Ferial Haffajee and Breitbart's Joel Pollak on democracy, foreign policy, and powerIn this episode of Power Chat, Daily Maverick Associate Editor Ferial Haffajee sits down with South African-born American conservative political commentator, author and Breitbart News Senior Editor-at-Large Joel Pollak for a conversation on US democracy, the Trump presidency, South Africa’s foreign policy, and the future of US-SA relations. A sharp, high-stakes exchange on power, sovereignty, and ideology in a shifting global order. 01:06 Trump's First 100 Days and Executive Orders 02:59 Legal Challenges and Political Prosecutions 06:10 Debates on Democracy and Policy 11:20 Government Spending and Efficiency 17:09 US-South Africa Relations and Ambassadorship 20:14 Diplomatic Relations and Misinformation 24:2...2025-03-3045 min
Daily MaverickEXPLAINER | Solidarity Movement’s Great Trek to WashingtonAfrikaner activists have been in Washington, telling people about the plight of Afrikaans farmers and urging the US to lay sanctions against ANC politicians. Rebecca Davis unpacks who they met with and how impactful their visit was.Written & Narrated by Rebecca DavisProduced by Bernard Kotze & Emilie GambadeOriginal Theme Music & Design by Bernard KotzeSupport journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider.https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/
2025-03-2010 min
Daily MaverickPOWER CHAT | Helen Zille on how to fix Johannesburg & the future of the Government of National UnityIn this episode of Power Chat, Daily Maverick Associate Editor Ferial Haffajee speaks with the Chairperson of the Federal Council of the Democratic Alliance, Helen Zille; they discuss the state of Johannesburg, the challenges of fixing a broken city, and the role of voters in driving change. Zille highlights the impact of cadre deployment, the importance of skilled councillors, and the Democratic Alliance’s strategy for the 2026/2027 elections. Zille contrasts DA-led governance with Johannesburg’s decline, outlining the time and effort needed to rebuild. She also discusses the party’s candidate selection process and the early progress of the Govern...2025-03-1621 min
Daily MaverickFACT-CHECK | Do white people own 22% of the land in South Africa?Since at least 2018, a claim doing the rounds on social media alleges that white people own only around 22% of South Africa’s land. This claim has been circulating again now in the light of the recent tensions around the Expropriation Act. But is it true? Daily Maverick's Rebecca Davis explains. Written & Narrated by Rebacca DavisProduced by Bernard Kotze & Emilie GambadeEdited by Rufaro ChiswoMusic & Design by Bernard KotzeSupport journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/
2025-03-0503 min
Daily MaverickEXPLAINER | Donald Trump's inner circle: All the President's South African menFrom business moguls like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, to political insiders like Joel Pollak, several South African men have found their way into Donald Trump’s orbit. Rebecca Davis unpacks who they are, how they got there, and what role they play in the US president’s world.Written & Narrated by Rebecca DavisProduced by Bernard Kotze & Emilie GambadeEdited by Rufaro ChiswoOriginal Music & Design by Bernard KotzeSupport journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/
2025-02-2706 min
Daily MaverickINVESTIGATION | Queeny Madikizela-Malema: 'Gangster Informant'Queeny Madikizela-Malema, an alleged ‘informant’ with a murky past, has been murdered. Her story is tangled in claims of rogue state activity, a reported 'jailbreak' linked to Jacob Zuma, and alleged smear campaigns tied to Western Cape policing and politics. What really happened? Watch as we unpack the intrigue surrounding her life and murder.Written & Narrated by Caryn DolleyProduced by Bernard Kotze & Emilie GambadeEdited by Malibongwe TyiloOriginal Theme Music & Design by Bernard KotzeRead the full story on Daily Maverick:https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-01-14-mur...2025-02-2314 min
Daily MaverickPOWER CHAT | Geordin Hill-Lewis on leadership, global tensions & Cape Town’s futureIn this episode of Power Chat, author and Daily Maverick Associate Editor Ferial Haffajee sits down with Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis to unpack the city’s record-breaking tourism season, the impact of global politics—like Donald Trump’s statements—on local affairs, and the challenges of attracting international investment amid policy uncertainty. Hill-Lewis addresses issues of inequality and public infrastructure and shares insights on maintaining affordable living in rapidly developing urban spaces. A candid conversation about leadership, opportunity, and the future of one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.0:00 Introduction2:05 Expropriation Act and Investment4:45 Diplomacy...2025-02-1337 min
Daily MaverickINVESTIGATION | Is the ‘cryptoqueen’, Ruja Ignatova, hiding in South Africa?Daily Maverick's Caryn Dolley previously uncovered possible links between fugitive ‘Cryptoqueen’ Ruja Ignatova and South Africa, particularly Cape Town. Now, new clues sparked speculation that Ignatova, wanted globally for her OneCoin cryptocurrency scam, may have been hiding in South Africa, challenging rumours of her murder at sea. Could the elusive mastermind behind one of the world’s biggest scams be closer than we think? Dolley explains.Written & Narrated by Caryn DolleyProduced by Bernard Kotze & Emilie GambadeEdited by Malibongwe TyiloOriginal Theme Music & Design by Bernard KotzeRead the full story on Dai...2025-01-3116 min
Daily MaverickINVESTIGATION | The Luxury Life of Thembi SimelanePolokwane's mayor, Justice Minister Thembi Simelane's lavish lifestyle raised serious questions. With designer shopping sprees and cash property purchases, her expenses far exceeded her official salary. Follow our three-part investigation as we trace every cent of Simelane's money trail from 2016 to 2020, revealing the gap between her income and her luxury spending.Written & Narrated by Pauli Van WykProduced by Emilie Gambade & Bernard KotzeEdited by Malibongwe TyiloOriginal Theme Music & Design by Bernard KotzeRead more on Daily Maverick: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-03-thembi-simelanes-unexplained-cash-part-one-shopping-therapy-a-property-bought-cash-disney-world-trips/If you...2025-01-0714 min
Daily MaverickINVESTIGATION | Man Alone - Mandela's Top CopThis is the scandal that has lacerated the South African Police Service and implicated some of the country’s top cops and politicians. A story of Mandela’s top cop, steeped in apartheid-era sabotage across local and global criminal investigations spanning decades. Add in nefarious individuals, from an informant once close to Colombia’s Pablo Escobar, to several suspected Cape Town crime kingpins, the stakes only get higher. Dolley provides unprecedented insight into how apartheid-era policing structures lay the foundations for cop-gangster collusion and how these have endured into democracy. With exclusive access to retired policema...2024-11-1116 min