Watch It's Topical - Phala Phala Judgment: What's next for Ramaphosa?
It's Topical
Phala Phala Judgment: What's next for Ramaphosa?
- Season 1
The 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to a thrilling conclusion at the New York New Jersey Stadium (also known as MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Defending champions Argentina take on Spain, with kick-off at 21:00 (SA time). Argentina, captained by the great Lionel Messi, are hoping to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles. Joining us in studio to unpack the tournament and preview the final are sport analyst Khanyiso Tshwaku, SoccerBeatjournalist Neo Poho, and sport psychologist Rishaan Govind.
South Africa face Canada in a second round clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 tonight, 28 June, in Los Angeles. The co-hosts are favourites on paper, ranked 32th in the world compared to South Africa’s 54th, but Bafana Bafana have already shown they can rise to the occasion after upsetting higher-ranked Korea Republic in the group stage. This is South Africa’s first knockout appearance in four World Cup tournaments, driving huge interest and expectation back home. SABC News is on the ground with multiple teams across watch parties and public viewing areas, with live crossings to fan zones and a live studio audience. Which brings us today's topic: What do Bafana Bafana need to do to secure a place in the next round?
South Africa has launched Lenacapavir, a new long-acting HIV prevention injection that many believe could change the fight against HIV. For a country that has carried one of the world’s biggest HIV burdens, this breakthrough offers new hope. But can it make a real difference, and what needs to happen to ensure everyone who needs it can access it? This week, we discuss the promise of Lenacapavir, the challenges of rolling it out, and whether it could help South Africa move closer to ending new HIV infections. Question of the Week: Do you think the new HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, can help turn the tide against the epidemic? To discuss this we are joined by Dr Nonhlanhla Ndlovu, Deputy Director General for HIV/AIDS, TB, Women and Child Health and Yvette Raphael, advocate for the prevention of HIV in Africa.
Almost exactly one year ago today... On 6th of July, 2025, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi stunned the nation with a bombshell briefing that sent shockwaves across South Africa. A year later, South Africans are left to sift through explosive testimony, dramatic allegations and uncomfortable revelations at the Madlanga Commission. Serious allegations and questions about whether the very institutions meant to uphold the law, have themselves been compromised. It's been gripping television at times. But this isn't a courtroom drama written for ratings. It's about whether South Africans can still trust the people and institutions responsible for keeping them safe. The focus will eventually shift to what happens next. Will this be a commission remembered for its headlines.. Or one that changes the system? And the Question we are asking is: With Vusimuzi Cat Matlala expected to testify on Tuesday, do you think his evidence could change the direction of the Commission? And our guests are Private Security Investigator Mike Bolhuis, Legal Expert Advocate Bayethe Maswazi and Senior Legal Practitioner Thabo Masombuka.
The first voter registration weekend - done and dusted. So, we're cutting through the noise, weighing the challenges against the progress, and exploring why participation in democracy remains one of the most powerful tools citizens have. Whether you're a first-time voter or a seasoned election veteran, this conversation is for you. Which brings us to the Question of the Week: Have you registered to vote and what motivated your decision or what held you back? To unpack this issue we are joined by IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo, political analyst Mpho Moalamedi and social commentator Donovan Williams. We also take your calls.
Youth Month. 50 years since the 1976 Soweto Uprising, we ask - what language is shaping the future now? Because in 2026, it's not just Afrikaans or English... It's algorithms, data, and Artificial Intelligence. From chalkboards to chatbots. South African youth are once again at a crossroads. Only this time, the struggle isn't just about access to classrooms... It's about access to opportunity in a digital world. So, how prepared are South Africa's youth for the opportunities and challenges of the AI era? To unpack this we have Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo who is an AI expert and former CEO of the South African National Research Foundation. We also have Brian Temba who is a well-known music artist and producer. The studio audience also share their thoughts.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on government’s approach to illegal migration and the recent rise in protests against undocumented immigrants. The address comes amid growing public concern over border management and community tensions in several parts of the country. Ramaphosa announced key actions the government will take to address the issue. So what has been the public reaction to the President's address?
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on government’s approach to illegal migration and the recent rise in protests against undocumented immigrants. The address comes amid growing public concern over border management and community tensions in several parts of the country. Ramaphosa announced key actions the government will take to address the issue. So what has been the public reaction to the President's address?
The top 6 political parties are on the show. Top 6 by virtue of the seats in the National Assembly. And they are ready to tackle border control and security. The big question: just how secure are South Africa's borders? To unpack this issue, we have Mzwandile Masina from the ANC, Adrian Roos from the DA, Sihle Ngubane from the MKP, Sam Matiase from the EFF, Nhlanhla Hadebe from the IFP and Ashley !Qhoeke Sauls from the PA.
In this episode we focus on the devastating severe weather conditions that have swept across parts of South Africa, leaving a trail of destruction, claiming lives and displacing communities. The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, is convening an intergovernmental committee on disaster management following deadly weather conditions that have affected six provinces. According to government, at least 18 lives have been lost, with the Western Cape recording the highest number of fatalities, while scores of residents have been left homeless and critical infrastructure severely damaged. As communities grapple with the aftermath, questions remain around disaster preparedness, emergency response and long-term solutions to climate-related disasters. Joining us to unpack the impact and response efforts are Jurgens Dyssel, Chief Director of Policy, Institutional Development and Compliance at the South African National Disaster Management Centre; Dr John Okedi, Civil Engineering and Water Resources Expert at the University of Cape Town; and Suzette Little, Community Activist and Former Ward Councillor in Athlone, Cape Town. We are also joined by callers from affected areas, sharing first-hand accounts of the devastation, response efforts and the realities communities are facing on the ground.
On Friday, the Constitutional Court handed down judgment in an application brought by the Economic Freedom Fighters and the African Transformation Movement regarding the Phala Phala controversy. It concerns the alleged theft of a large sum of foreign currency from the private Game Farm of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the circumstances surrounding that incident. Three judgments were produced. The ruling revives the possibility of a full impeachment inquiry. President Cyril Ramaphosa says he respects the Constitutional Court's judgment and reaffirms his commitment to the Constitution and the independence of the Judiciary and the rule of law. So, what's your take on the possible impeachment process against President Cyril Ramaphosa? To help us unpack this issue, we have Constitutional Law Expert from the University of Limpopo, Adv Lufuno Nevondwe, and Dr Ongama Mtimka who is the Acting Director of the Raymond Mhlaba Centre for Governance and Leadership at the Nelson Mandela University. We also get to hear from our audience made up of people against and those in support of the Constitutional Court judgment.
Covering undocumented migration demands more than surface-level questions. Why? Because much of the issue sits at the intersection of law, of economics, of human rights, and public sentiment. So we have to look at all sides. Questions around accountability, migrant realities, and community impact. So, how do you balance the needs of the local population, with those who find their way to this country for legitimate reasons? To unpack this issue we are joined by Home Affairs Deputy Minister, Njabulo Nzuza. We have a live studio audience with diverse views on the topic.
On Monday, South Africa marks the country's transition from the oppressive apartheid regime to a free democratic country, and in commemoration of the first democratic elections on the 27 April 1994 that gave birth to our constitutional democracy. But the question is, how much are we still carrying, from our past? Is part of the solution to know each other's cultural heritage, start understanding what makes the other person tick and by doing so, respecting each other. As South Africans, do you think we have a common heritage? What is it? How do we celebrate our 'South Africaness'? Freedom should mean emancipation from poverty, unemployment... But also racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination. To unpack this issue, we are joined virtually by Prof Armand Bam who is the Head of Social Impact and Postgraduate Diploma Leadership Development for NPOs at Stellenbosch Business School. We also have Asanda Ngoasheng who is a Political Analyst, academic and diversity expert. The live studio also weighs in.
Julius Malema's gun discharge case - very much still in the spotlight. Lawyers for the Economic Freedom Fighters' leader say they are confident that the five-year imprisonment sentence he was handed will be overturned in the appeal process in the higher courts. You'll remember that Malema was granted leave to appeal his sentence but the court denied leave to appeal the conviction. The EFF maintains that this case has been pursued in a highly politicised environment. The National Prosecuting Authority has also put out a statement noting with concern the circulation of content on a social media, in which statements contain serious threats directed at a Prosecutor involved in a matter. They say they strongly condemns any form of intimidation or threats against its prosecutors. So, this week we ask - As the Julius Malema firearm case enters the appeal process, what stands out to you most about how it's being handled? To unpack this issue we are joined by Kaizer Kganyago who is the National Prosecuting Authority Spokesperson. Inam Kula is a member of the EFF Central Command Team.And Ebrahim Harvey is a Political Analyst and author. The studio audience also weigh in
Geordin Hill-Lewis served as Chief of Staff to former DA leaders Helen Zille and Mmusi Maimane. He was the youngest Member of Parliament when elected in 2011, at the age of 24. Now 39, he takes over the reins from John Steenhuisen as the new leader of the Democratic Alliance. The question now is: what does the future hold for the DA under Hill-Lewis’ leadership?
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