Daily Maverick

Redi Tlhabi sits down with B20 Sherpa Cas Coovadia to unpack the summit’s strong outcome, the real barriers to mobilising capital for a just transition, and what it will take to unlock investment in emerging markets. They also tackle the political fallout from the US boycott of South Africa, and what it actually signals for global cooperation.Hosted by: Redi TlhabiGuest: Cas CoovadiaProduced by: Emilie Gambade & Joel SeboaOriginal Theme Music & Design by: Bernard KotzeYou can listen to the podcast everywhere, including Spotify!Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a MaverickInsider. https://tinyurl.com/SupportDailyMaverick  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When John Steenhuisen abruptly removed Environment Minister Dion George and replaced him with DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp in mid-November, it left many observers scratching their heads. Daily Maverick’s Rebecca Davis explains. Reporting by: Rebecca Davis Edited by: Joel Seboa  Produced by: Emilie Gambade Sub-edited by: Kevin Flynn Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://tinyurl.com/SupportDailyMaverick  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As G20 leaders gather in Johannesburg, former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel joins Ferial Haffajee on Power Chat, tounpack a bold new set of proposals aimed at refinancing Africa’s mounting debt. From tapping the IMF’s soaring gold reserves todeploying special drawing rights, Manuel explains why the moment demands structural action rather than diplomaticrhetoric.Hosted by: Ferial HaffajeeGuest: Trevor ManuelEdited by: Joel SeboaProduced by: AMPD Production TeamPre-production by: Emilie Gambade & Malibongwe TyiloOriginal Theme Music & Design by: Bernard KotzeEpisode filmed on location at AMPD Studios, JohannesburgYou can listen to the podcast everywhere, including Spotify!Support journalism that protects democracy. Become aMaverick Insider. https://tinyurl.com/SupportDailyMaverick  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful episode of The Readiness Report, award-winning journalist Redi Tlhabi sits down with human rights activistMark Heywood for an unflinching conversation about power, inequality, and accountability — from the incredible election ofZohran Mamdani as Mayor of New York to South Africa’s deepening crises of corruption and malnutrition. A candid, urgent exchangeabout what it means to lead, and to care, in a fractured world.Hosted by Redi TlhabiGuest Mark HeywoodProduced by Emilie Gambade & Joel SeboaOriginal Theme Music & Design by Bernard KotzeYou can listen to the podcast everywhere, including Spotify!Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider.https://tinyurl.com/SupportDailyMaverick  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As South Africa prepares to host the G20 and its presidency to the United States, President Donald Trump announced its decision to boycott the summit. In this episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi speaks with Professor John Stremlau about the power play behind the boycott, the diplomatic fallout, and what it signals about an era where disruption is strategy.This episode is brought to you by global investment manager Ninety One: https://ninetyone.com/en/south-africaHosted by: Redi TlhabiGuest Professor: John StremlauProduced by: Emilie Gambade, Joel SeboaOriginal Theme Music & Design by: Bernard KotzeYou can listen to the podcast everywhere, including Spotify!Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://tinyurl.com/SupportDailyMaverick00:48 Trump's Withdrawal from G20 01:48 Reactions and Speculations 03:35 Logistics and Preparations 04:39 Diplomatic Embarrassment 05:27 South Africa's Strategic Position 05:49 US Withdrawal from Multilateral Organizations 07:04 Interview with Professor John Stremlau08:29 Trump's Executive Orders and Racism 10:21 Democratic Sweep and Optimism 17:12 Challenges for Democrats 18:53 Right-Wing Influence in South Africa  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi reflects on Johannesburg, a city rich in promise, the economic heart of Southern Africa, yet held back by poor leadership and indifference. “You can modernise it, clean it up, put in all the cosmetic fixes you want,” she says. “But without vision, and without people who care, Johannesburg will not thrive.”This episode is brought to you by global investment manager Ninety One: https://ninetyone.com/en/south-africaProduced by Emilie Gambade, Joel Seboa & Bernard KotzeOriginal Theme Music & Design by Bernard KotzeYou can listen to the podcast everywhere, including Spotify!Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://tinyurl.com/SupportDailyMaverick01:00 Moderating the Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture 01:30 Personal Connection to Johannesburg 03:09 Challenges with City Services 07:20 Billing System Woes 09:02 Personal Experiences with Overbilling 18:07 The Decision to Sell the House 19:34 Observations on Johannesburg's Infrastructure 21:06 Cosmetic Changes for G20 22:57 Comparing International Practices 24:03 Positive Experiences in Washington 24:48 The Importance of Dignity and Smart Practices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

South Africa’s gambling industry just hit R1.5 trillion and it’s not just for fun anymore. Behind the flashing lights are stories of poverty, desperation, and survival. In today’s episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi talks to Wendy Knowler, Consumer Journalist at News24, about how gambling has quietly become one of the country’s biggest social and economic fault lines.This episode is brought to you by global investment manager Ninety One: https://ninetyone.com/en/south-africa Produced by Emilie Gambade, Joel Seboa & Bernard Kotze Original Theme Music & Design by Bernard Kotze You can listen to the podcast everywhere, including Spotify! Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://tinyurl.com/SupportDailyMaverick00:42 Personal Stance on Gambling 01:20 Gambling in South Africa: A Growing Crisis 01:59 Shocking Statistics and Research 02:45 Interview with Wendy Nola: Consumer Insights 03:38 The Impact of Advertising on Gambling 05:45 The Rise of Online Gambling 06:13 Personal Stories of Gambling Addiction 06:50 Economic Desperation and Gambling 10:28 Regulatory Environment and Accountability 11:15 Behavioral Engineering and Advertising 12:28 The Role of Banks and Self-Imposed Blocks 14:26 The Need for Legislative Action 25:04 Addressing the Gambling Crisis Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Readiness Report with Redi Tlhabi, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay reflects on a lifetime spent pursuing justice, from defending anti-apartheid activists in South Africa to presiding over landmark international trials. As lead investigator of the recent UN report on Gaza, Judge Pillay discusses why she believes accountability still matters, even in the face of power, politics, and impunity. A conversation on the law and the weight of truth.“In 1967, Judge Navi Pillay became the first woman to open a law practice in Natal and later the first black woman appointed to South Africa’s High Court. She defended anti-apartheid activists before serving eight years at the UN’s International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, four of them as president. A pioneer in international law, she has been especially influential in advancing justice for sexual violence in conflict.” (Source: International Criminal Court) This episode is brought to you by global investment manager Ninety One: https://ninetyone.com/en/south-africa Produced by Emilie Gambade & Joel SeboaEdited by Malibongwe TyiloOriginal Theme Music & Design by Bernard Kotze You can listen to the podcast everywhere, including Spotify!Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://tinyurl.com/SupportDailyMaverick Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi calls out world leaders for pushing a Gaza “peace plan” without Palestinians at the table. How can there be peace when the people at the heart of the conflict are excluded? This episode is brought to you by global investment manager Ninety One: https://ninetyone.com/en/south-africaProduced by Emilie Gambade, Joel Seboa & Bernard KotzeOriginal Theme Music & Design by Bernard KotzeYou can listen to the podcast everywhere, including Spotify!Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://tinyurl.com/SupportDailyMaverick00:35 Breaking News: Death of South African Ambassador 01:08 Speculations and Historical Context 03:26 Transition to Main Topic: US Plan for Gaza 03:34 Overview of the US Plan for Gaza 04:07 Key Issues with the Plan 05:14 Core Elements of the Plan 07:07 Demilitarisation and Governance Concerns 09:27 Security and Reconstruction Challenges 12:00 Accountability and International Involvement 14:07 Regional Reactions and Controversies 17:59 Symbolic Actions and Their Implications 22:30 Conclusion: The Importance of Palestinian Consent  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ahead of World News Day 2025, Daily Maverick co-founder and Project Kontinuum’s Leader Branko Brkic speaks to Rebecca Davis about the crisis facing global media, from Africa’s “media deserts” to growing distrust in journalism. In this candid conversation, he asks: if not the media, then what? And despite the challenges, he insists there is hope, grounded in the decency of ordinary people and the resilience of journalists worldwide.Hosted by: Rebecca Davis Guest: Branko BrkicProduced by Emilie Gambade, Joel Seboa & Bernard KotzeOriginal Theme Music & Design by Bernard KotzeYou can listen to the podcast everywhere, including Spotify!Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://tinyurl.com/SupportDailyMaverick01:30 Project Kontinuum: An Overview 02:37 The Existential Threat to Civilization 03:11 The Role of Media in Crisis 03:46 Project Continuum's Mission 05:31 The Decline of Democracy and Media 06:17 The Urgency of Media Survival 07:10 World News Day: Importance and Impact 07:39 The Disappearance of News Media 11:27 Rebuilding Trust in Media 11:58 The Role of Social Media 15:47 Government and Consumer Roles in Supporting Media 21:44 Hope for the Future: Fighting for Truth Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Just a few days before World News Day - on 28 September - Redi Tlhabi is joined by Karen Attiah to confront the shrinking space for free expression. With Attiah’s own high-profile firing from the Washington Post as a backdrop, their conversation explores how powerful forces exploit polarisation, smear campaigns, and censorship to dilute truth and weaken journalism worldwide.This episode is brought to you by global investment manager Ninety One: https://ninetyone.com/en/south-africaProduced by Emilie Gambade, Joel Seboa & Bernard KotzeOriginal Theme Music & Design by Bernard KotzeYou can listen to the podcast everywhere, including Spotify!Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://tinyurl.com/SupportDailyMaverick00:42 Press Freedom and Suppression02:25 The Information Ecosystem03:21 Media Ownership and Control04:04 Introducing Karen Attiah05:13 Karen's Firing and Public Reaction06:41 Obama's Support and Karen's Last Article09:25 The Charlie Kirk Incident19:35 The Broader Implications of Media Control22:50 Social Media's Influence on Journalism28:05 Corporate Media Acquisitions30:35 The Future of Independent Journalism Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi speaks to Daily Maverick’s Rebecca Davis about the commission of inquiry into the recent claims made by top cop Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, which has been underway since 17 September. From political power to law enforcement accountability, they reflect on the nation’s repeated failures to confront corruption and the long road to meaningful justice. This episode is brought to you by global investment manager Ninety One: https://ninetyone.com/en/south-africa Produced by Emilie Gambade, Joel Seboa & Bernard Kotze Original Theme Music & Design by Bernard Kotze You can listen to the podcast everywhere, including Spotify! Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://tinyurl.com/SupportDailyMaverick Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“We cartel. We don’t forgive you.” A voice note like that may be linked to the fate of Peter Jaggers and William Petersen, reported as kidnapped in Gauteng and later found murdered. Daily Maverick journalist Caryn Dolley traces the deadly reach of South Africa’s gangs and international drug networks, from coastal cocaine drops to city streets, and reveals a criminal underworld that spares no one. Reporting by: Caryn Dolley Edited by: Rufaro Chiswo Filmed by: Bernard Kotze & Joel Seboa Produced by: Emilie Gambade Sub-edited by: Kevin Flynn Caryn Dolley has covered organised crime in South Africa for nearly two decades, exposing how the country fits into the global criminal landscape, how gangsters appear to have infiltrated aspects of private security, and how politics, rogue intelligence, and state corruption are infused in these noxious arenas. Despite threats to her safety, she remains committed to uncovering the truth and bringing it to the public. If you like this video, subscribe to our YouTube channel for more. Would you like to become a Maverick Insider and support our journalism? Click here for all the details: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As war and political fractures reshape global alliances, Redi Tlhabi reports on shifting diplomatic winds: sharper criticism of Israel, unease over U.S. rhetoric, and hard questions about double standards in Ukraine and Gaza. She explains why these changes matter — and where South Africa fits in.This episode is brought to you by global investment manager Ninety One: https://ninetyone.com/en/south-africaProduced by Emilie Gambade, Joel Seboa & Bernard Kotze Original Theme Music & Design by Bernard Kotze You can listen to the podcast everywhere, including Spotify!Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/00:28 Welcome to the Readiness Report 00:36 Insights from the Bled Strategic Forum 01:21 Shifting Narratives in EU Diplomacy 01:58 Slovenia's Role in Multilateralism 03:12 Protests in Washington DC 04:15 US-South Africa Relations and the G20 06:44 Behind the Scenes Diplomacy 08:46 Geopolitical Realignments: BRICS and Beyond 12:04 China's Strategic Moves 15:39 US Tariffs and Global Reactions 19:13 The Impact of US Foreign Policy 20:36 A Call for US Recalibration  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi unpacks two parallel crises of leadership and legitimacy. In South Africa, ANC leaders now admit the party has “lost its way” — but only after years of silence during corruption and state capture. In Washington, Donald Trump declares a “crime emergency” and floods the streets with troops, despite data showing crime is down. Redi connects the dots between hypocrisy, militarisation, and the erosion of democracy at home and abroad. This episode is brought to you by global investment manager Ninety One: https://ninetyone.com/en/south-africa Produced by Emilie Gambade, Bernard Kotze & Joel Seboa You can listen to the podcast everywhere, including Spotify! Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/ 00:43 Returning from Vacation 00:47 The Daily Maverick Gathering 01:32 State of South Africa 02:14 ANC Leadership Critique 02:48 Personal Frustrations with ANC 02:58 Historical Context and ANC's Response 03:56 Hypocrisy in ANC Leadership 09:03 Washington DC Under Trump 11:01 Crime Data and Public Perception 11:34 Militarization and Public Reaction 19:28 DC's Unique Status and Statehood Debate 20:18 Concluding Thoughts on DC Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, The Readiness Report’s host, Redi Tlhabi, takes apart the Army Chief’s eyebrow-raising trip to Iran, in the very week South Africa is scrambling to ease US tariffs. She calls it an own goal of epic proportions, a foreign-policy free-for-all, and a masterclass in how not to win friends or influence markets. This episode is brought to you by global investment manager Ninety One: https://ninetyone.com/en/south-africa Produced by Emilie Gambade, Bernard Kotze & Joel Seboa You can listen to the podcast everywhere, including Spotify! Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/ 00:09 South Africa's Trade Dilemma 00:36 Importance of US Market 00:41 General's Controversial Visit to Iran 01:02 Welcome to the Readiness Report 01:10 DIRCO's Clarification 02:28 Anti-US Sentiments and Reactions 02:55 DIRCO's Statement Analysis 03:49 Foreign Policy Confusion 06:27 Strategic Interests and Missteps 09:33 Leadership and Coordination Issues 11:35 Strategic Gains and International Relations 12:57 Call for Leadership and Strategy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi speaks with Judd Devermont, academic, former Special Assistant to President Biden, and author of Post Strategy, a Substack on US foreign policy in Africa, to unpack the evolving landscape of US foreign assistance and shifting global power dynamics. Together, they explore how aid strategies are changing, what’s beginning to unravel, and what it all means for diplomacy, influence, and Africa’s place in a rapidly transforming world.This episode is brought to you by global investment manager Ninety One: https://ninetyone.com/en/south-africa00:19 America's Shift in Focus Post-199400:38 Biden Administration's Global Focus01:31 Challenges in South African Institutions02:48 US Jobs Report and Political Manipulation04:29 Diplomacy in Turbulent Times04:39 US Foreign Assistance in Africa05:28 Global Political Dynamics07:40 Next Generation Diplomacy10:19 Misunderstandings in US-Africa Relations16:52 The Role of African Leadership25:08 Special Envoys vs. Ambassadors Produced by Emilie Gambade, Bernard Kotze & Joel SeboaYou can listen to the podcast everywhere, including Spotify!Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Power Chat, Daily Maverick’s Rebecca Davis speaks with investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh about his recent exposé on Independent Development Trust’s suspended CEO, Tebogo Malaka, and her attempt to bribe him. Myburgh unpacks how the story developed, what led him to a face-to-face meeting with Malaka and her spokesperson in a Western Cape restaurant, and the behind-the-scenes steps taken to expose the truth.01:24 Understanding the Independent Development Trust (IDT) 04:24 The Oxygen Plant Scandal 06:37 Investigating the IDT CEO, Tebo Malaka 07:53 Political Schemes and Allegations 10:31 The Bribery Setup 11:24 The Meeting 14:20 The Bribe Offer 16:37 Documenting the Bribe 20:51 Reactions and Aftermath 22:18 Reflections on Corruption 23:25 Ongoing Investigations Hosted by: Rebecca Davis Guest: Pieter-Louis Myburgh Produced by: Emilie Gambade, Bernard Kotze & Joel Seboa Original Theme Music & Design by: Bernard Kotze You can listen to the podcast everywhere, including Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/show/6vQ3HkDUOE5br035sJ8JpZ Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In what could be the most brazen act of attempted bribery ever recorded on camera in South Africa, the IDT’s suspended CEO and the entity’s spokesperson offered Daily Maverick investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh R60,000 in cash to bury an ongoing investigation into her dodgy property dealings. Reporting by: Pieter-Louis Myburgh Edited by: Malibongwe Tyilo In-studio filming by: Bernard Kotze & Joel Seboa Produced by: Emilie Gambade Sub-edited by: Krash King Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi sits down with veteran journalist Phillip van Niekerk to unpack the geopolitical chaos unleashed by Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs. From South Africa to Brazil, global economies are reeling, and the implications run deeper than trade. Are we witnessing the collapse of multilateralism, or the rise of something far more personal and dangerous? Tune in for sharp analysis and commentary, and to hear more about why this matters for South Africa right now. 00:42 Trump's Tariff Disruption 02:08 Global Reactions to Tariffs 02:59 South Africa's Perspective 04:30 Global Economic Chaos 05:14 Impact on South Africa's Economy 05:45 American Economy Under Strain 08:16 Trump's Misunderstanding of Trade 10:16 Legal and Political Ramifications 11:54 South Africa's Trade Challenges 13:10 Trump's Unpredictable Behavior 17:16 China's Strategic Response 18:34 Future Trade Relationships 27:22 Geopolitical Chess Game Produced by Emilie Gambade, Bernard Kotze & Joel Seboa You can listen to the podcast everywhere, including Spotify! Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.