The Political Desk

Clement Manyathela is joined by Alpha Ramushwana, EWN Reporter, for this week's Political Desk, unpacking the biggest political stories making headlines. The discussion covers the court appearance of former Ekurhuleni City Manager Imogen Mashazi and other senior municipal officials on corruption-related charges, explosive testimony before the Madlanga Commission regarding the alleged relationship...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Sam Mkokeli, journalist and political commentator , about an eventful week in South African politics, with developments that could have significant implications for the country's political landscape. From former President Jacob Zuma's controversial visit to India and reported meeting with Ajay Gupta, to President Cyril Ramaphosa's Cabinet reshuffle, and growing t...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Alan Beesley, ActionSA MP and Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) member, about Parliament’s latest scrutiny of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg-based talk radio station.   Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in...

Bongani Bingwa speaks with ActionSA leader, Herman Mashaba, on the party's stance on immigration, as South Africa braces for 30 June demonstrations. The party has insisted that its position is rooted in the rule of law but critics say the message is becoming increasingly volatile. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg-based talk radio station.   Bongani ma...

Bongani Bingwa is in conversation with Vuyo Zungula, ATM Parliamentary Leader, about the party’s decision to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa’s bid to block Parliament from continuing with the impeachment inquiry, while a separate court case is still pending. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg-based talk radio station.   Bongani makes sense...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Chris Hattingh, executive director of the Centre for Risk Analysis, about whether South Africa’s Government of National Unity is holding firm, and what rising political tensions could mean for President Ramaphosa and the country’s investment outlook.  702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg-based talk radio station. &nbsp...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Alpha Ramoshwana, EWN political reporter, about key political developments ahead of the local government elections, including Liam Jacobs' return to the DA, the ANC's removal of the Emfuleni mayor, and the implications of Kenyan President William Ruto's state visit amid ongoing immigration debates. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg-based...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Mmusi Maimane, leader of Build One South Africa (BOSA), about the changing face of South African politics as a new generation of leaders begins taking up positions in Parliament, municipalities, and key government portfolios. The conversation explores whether younger political voices can bring fresh ideas, rebuild public trust, and shift the country away from old political...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis about growing pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa following the Constitutional Court judgment and rising tensions within the Government of National Unity. The discussion explores Cabinet accountability, political fallout in Parliament and the DA’s position as coalition politics continue to test the stability of the GNU. 702 Breakfast wi...

Bongani Bingwa speaks with president of the Black Lawyers Association, Nkosana Mvundlela, about the battle of legal minds on the debate of the new Legal Sector Code, introduced under the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment framework in September 2024. The code requires large law firms to move toward 50% black ownership within five years, while also increasing targets for briefing black advocate...

Ray White, standing in for Bongani Bingwa, speaks to political commentator Dan Corder about major developments, including allegations against Sisisi Tolashe over misuse of state resources. They discuss the withdrawal of South Africa’s draft AI policy, a R285 million textbook tender under investigation, and global tensions following the arrest of a suspect linked to an alleged assassination a...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Sandile Swana, political analyst, about rising tensions within the ANC, including integrity commission scrutiny of senior leaders ahead of a key Women’s League meeting. They also unpack the SACP’s potential move to contest elections independently and Helen Zille’s firm coalition 'red lines', highlighting the growing complexity of coalition politics in Sou...

Bongani Bingwa speaks with author and investigative journalist Pauli van Wyk about the sentencing of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema to five years in prison in a firearm discharge case. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg-based talk radio station.   Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds...

Bongani Bingwa speaks with political analyst Asanda Ngoasheng about the Democratic Alliance’s newly elected federal leader, Geordin Hill-Lewis, who has taken the helm following a decisive congress vote. Attention now turns to whether this leadership reset can translate into real national voter growth. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg-based talk radio stat...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Terence McNamee, a global affairs specialist and senior fellow at the Montreal Institute of Global Security in Canada, about the recent ceasefire between the United States and Iran.  702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg-based talk radio station.   Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and...

Bongani Bingwa speaks with Professor Mazwe Majola, a leadership and governance expert, about South Africa’s top police official remaining in the spotlight amid corruption allegations. This follows the arrest of 16 individuals, including senior police officers and alleged underworld figure Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesbur...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Kgomotso Modise, journalist and news creator, about the explosive testimonies from the Ad Hoc Committee and more. From the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team, to claims that ministers were 'captured' by criminal networks, and even letters from prison exposing hidden deals.   702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg-based...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Sandile Swana about recurring questions around money, power and accountability in South African politics. From historical investigations to modern controversies such as the Phala Phala scandal and oversight by bodies like the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and the Constitutional Court of South Africa, the discussion explores whether democratic institutions are effec...

Bongani Bingwa speaks with Kyle Cowan, investigative journalist at News24, about Vincent Smith, the former MP who has since been sentenced to seven years in direct imprisonment. This follows his plea and sentence agreement with the State, nearly six years after the Zondo Commission heard explosive testimony from former Bosasa executive Angelo Agrizzi implicating several senior ANC leaders. 702 Bre...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Ferial Haffajee, associate editor at Daily Maverick, about the state of Johannesburg’s ward system and whether it is still working as intended. The discussion examines growing concerns around local governance in the city, questioning whether ward councillors are still accountable to residents, whether community representation has weakened, and what the brea...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Marrianne Merten, associate editor at Daily Maverick, about the tough questions emerging from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address. In a sharply argued opinion piece, Merten questions whether the President’s strong rhetoric on crime and the deployment of the South African National Defence Force reflect genuine urgency and political will...

Bongani Bingwa speaks with with Ferial Haffajee, journalist and editor at the Daily Maverick, to discuss her reaction to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg-based talk radio station.   Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Dan Corder, news commentator, comedian, and host of The Corder Report podcast, for this week’s political wrap-up. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg-based talk radio station.   Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team brings you...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Sandile Swana about the resignation of DA MP Dion George, to the stepping down of embattled IDT CEO Tebogo Malaka, and renewed debate around apartheid reparations.    702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station.   Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day,...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to political analyst Lukhona Mguni  for his take on the ANC’s January 8 statement celebrations held in the North West over the weekend, as well as his analysis of the ongoing tensions between  Dion George  and  John Steenhuisen .    702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station...