Wide Awake Podcast

In this episode of The Wide Awake Podcast, I interview Zephany Nurse, also known as Miché Solomon, whose extraordinary story will leave you speechless. Zephany was abducted from Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town when she was just two days old in 1997. For roughly 17 years, she was raised by a woman named Lavona Solomon, who kidnapped her, while her real parents searched tirelessly for her. As Zephany grew older, rumours started circulating at school about a younger girl who looked just like her. This led to an unexpected meeting between Zephany and the girl, who turned out to be her biological sister. This revelation set off a series of events, including an investigation, a court case, and a dramatic family reunion. In this conversation, Zephany opens up about her harrowing journey, the trauma of being raised by a kidnapper, the emotional rollercoaster of discovering her true identity, and the legal battle that followed. She also shares insights from her book, which chronicles her life story in incredible detail. Tune in for this gripping and emotional episode.

In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast, I spoke with Riaan Swiegelaar and Adri Norton, former leaders of the South African Satanic Church. They shared their journeys from Satanism to Christianity, highlighting profound encounters with Jesus that transformed their lives. Adri opened up about her struggle with identity and acceptance within Christianity, which led her to the Satanic Church and ultimately to becoming one of its leaders. Both Riaan and Adri discussed the dark moments that prompted them to question their paths and their decisions to leave the church.

In this episode of the Wide Awake podcast, I sat down with Duduzane Zuma, the son of former South African president Jacob Zuma. We had a deep and wide-ranging conversation that covered everything from his childhood in Mozambique and what it was like growing up with a father like Zuma in a family with six wives and 24 siblings, to his encounters with Vladimir Putin and Robert Mugabe. We also touched on some important topics, including South Africa’s current political climate, the town of Orania, and Duduzane’s own political journey as he launched his own party. In addition, we delved into his involvement in major controversies, including his links to the Gupta family, his role in the state capture scandal, and how his connections with the Guptas led to him being debanked. Finally, Duduzane shared the story of the best day of his life. Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 01:30 - Growing Up In Mozambique 04:00 - Zuma Family Dynamics 14:55 - Duduzane’s Mom 21:47 - Crazy Childhood Stories 29:47 - Meeting Vladimir Putin & Robert Mugabe 43:22 - South Africa & politics & Orania 1:13:33 - Duduzane’s Political Journey 1:19:02 - Controversies & Gupta Family 1:42:45 - The Best Day Of Dudu’s life

In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast, I spoke with Mmusi Maimane, the former leader of the Democratic Alliance and the current leader of Build One South Africa. We talked about the reasons behind Mmusi's departure from the DA, his predictions for the outcome of the 2024 elections in South Africa, and discussed major issues like Load Shedding, Crime & Corruption, Cyril Ramaphosa, the National Health Insurance Bill, ANC, EFF and the future of South Africa.

In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast, I had a conversation with Riaan Swiegelaar, the former leader of the South African Satanic Church. We explored his journey from being a Satanist to embracing Christianity after a profound encounter with Jesus during a satanic ritual. Riaan also shared the immense challenges he faced while leaving the church, including a lawsuit filed against him by other high-ranking members. This legal battle aimed to silence him and prevent him from exposing the shocking truths about Satanism and the activities that took place behind closed doors.

In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast, I spoke to Gayton McKenzie, who is the leader of one of South Africa’s largest political parties, the Patriotic Alliance. We discussed former President Jacob Zuma and his new political party called MK. Additionally, we delved into his visit to Orania and his efforts to combat illegal immigration. However, the main topic we discussed, and the reason I invited Gayton back onto my show, is because on the 19th of February 2024, a girl named Joshlin Smith went missing from her home in Saldana Bay in the Western Cape. Gayton has played a significant role in the investigation that followed her disappearance and he even met Joshlin's mother and her boyfriend, who are the main suspects in this case!  

In this episode, I sat down with the most well-rounded sprinter of all time, Wayde Van Niekerk. We talked about his road to recovery after suffering from an injury. His unbelievable comeback and reclaiming the number 1 rank in the world. We explored his historic world record breaking run at the Rio Olympics, growing up alongside his cousin Cheslin Kolbe, the Springboks victory at the Rugby World Cup, Usain Bolt, competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics and much more!

In this episode, I sat down with the Mayor of Cape Town and Ex-Gangster Thando. We talked about some of the most significant issues facing South Africa, including the unfortunate reality of people living in Cape Town's most forgotten and dangerous areas, the rising crime rate, the South African military, the housing crisis in South Africa, corruption, education, gangsterism, the impact of load shedding on the country, the DA and their plans for the 2024 elections and the future of South Africa.

In this weeks episode I spoke to the host of the True Crime South Africa podcast, Nicole Engelbrecht about the Krugersdorp cult killers.During this episode we delve deep into the disturbing and twisted world of these Killers and the shocking events that transpired.The Krugersdorp Cult Killers, also known as the "Electus Per Deus" cult, shocked the world with their gruesome crimes and their warped belief system. We will explore the dark and sinister secrets of this cult, the charismatic leader who manipulated her followers, and the heinous crimes committed in the name of a twisted ideology. Through extensive research and in-depth analysis, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the case, from the cult's formation to the disturbing murders that rocked a quiet community. Nicole also sheds light on the investigation that ultimately led to the cult's unraveling and the arrest of its key members.

In this episode, I had the opportunity to interview Gayton McKenzie, the leader of the Patriotic Alliance. Our conversation delved into a wide range of topics, starting with his early involvement in criminal activities that ultimately led to a 17-year prison sentence. We explored his experiences within the prison system, where he notably received special treatment and was regarded as a king behind bars. Gayton also shed light on the extensive corruption he exposed, which ultimately resulted in his early release.Our discussion extended to his connections with Rashied Staggie, one of South Africa's most infamous gang leaders, as well as his business partnership with Kenny Kunene. Gayton shared insights into how he amassed his wealth through various business ventures. He outlined his vision for the future of South Africa if he were to become president in 2024, which included his stance on controversial issues such as advocating for the reinstatement of the death penalty and his plan to address the issue of illegal immigration through mass deportations.

In this weeks episode I speak to Ellen Pakkies. She was known as a loving mother, a religious woman and an upstanding member of her community in Lavender Hill. But on a September morning in 2007, she killed her own son Abie by strangling him with a rope.In this episode we discuss Ellen's early years and the horrific abuse she went through, how addiction destroyed her family, the days leading up to the tragic incident with her son Abie, and the reasons behind her actions. We also went into great detail about the day she murdered her son and what happened afterwards!

In this week's episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I had a conversation with the leader of the DA, John Steenhuisen. During our chat we discussed John's epic clashes with Cyril Ramaphosa in Parliament, the questionable release of Jacob Zuma from prison, the riots that erupted in Durban and Cape Town, Cyril Ramaphosa's $4 Million Couch Scandal, John's thoughts on becoming the president of South Africa, addressing the growing issue of homelessness in Cape Town, the challenges related to drugs and gangs in the Cape Flats, concerns about police corruption, Gayton Mckenzie, what BRICS means, the recent legalisation of marijuana in SA and much more!

In this week’s episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I had a chat with the leaders of the Bad Boys gang and Pastor Andie. During this episode we talk about what it was like growing up in one of South Africa’s most dangerous areas, how they joined and eventually became the leaders of the Bad Boys gang, life inside South Africa’s most notorious prison, how they make money for the gangs, corruption in South Africa, where they see themselves in 10 years and much more!

In this week’s episode of the Wide Awake Podcast, I had a chat with Penuel Lungelo Mlotshwa, self-proclaimed "God Penuel". During this episode we talked about Penuel’s journey of self discovery, his pursuit of knowledge and identity, how he made and lost millions of his own and other people’s money, being reborn as a God and starting his own “religion” which he calls a Cult.We also had a heated debate about Antisemitism, Andrew Tate, Kanye West, how Cult leaders use their influence to manipulate their followers and much more!

From Social media to one of South Africa’s fastest rising musical talents. This week I speak to Will Linley. This chat was one of the most insightful discussions I’ve had about the music industry and what it takes to become successful at such a young age. During this episode we discussed what Spotify actually pays artists, the story behind the song that put Will on the map, advice for other artists trying to make it in the industry, opening for One Republic and much more.

In this week's episode of the Wide Awake Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Jonathan Shapiro, South Africa's most acclaimed and controversial political cartoonist, better known as Zapiro. Despite facing lawsuits, death threats, and enduring a stint in South Africa's notorious Pollsmoor prison, he remains unwavering in expressing his opinions and fearlessly confronting influential figures. Tune in to hear the remarkable journey of this acclaimed and controversial artist!

In this weeks episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I spoke to social media influencer and medical doctor, Dr Siya.We spoke about how Siya gained over 3 million followers on social media, the reality inside South Africa's township hospitals, how Siya survived a brutal attack by Skinheads in Russia, sex education and medical misconceptions, the strangest injuries he has treated and much more.

In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast, I had a heartfelt conversation with my dad. We delve into his upbringing, the challenges he faced, and how he emerged as the amazing person he is today. We also talked about my recent trip to America and shared stories about some of our favourite guests from previous episodes.During this episode we also discussed my journey as a recovering addict, the changes I've experienced over the past four years and some SHOCKING new developments.

In this weeks episode of the Wide Awake Podcast I speak to former gang member, Thando. His journey is unique because instead of joining a street gang he chose to stand alone in Africa’s most dangerous city, Cape Town.During this episode we discussed his childhood and how he transformed from an innocent kid to a ruthless gangster. Thando also shared his experiences inside Pollsmoor, South Africa's most notorious prison. We delve into the story of the Numbers Gang, how he survived after being shot 11 times, his confrontations with other street gangs and the reasons behind his decision to leave his life of crime. Thando also shared some of the most unbelievable stories I have ever heard and much more..

In this episode of the Wide Awake Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dariusz Dziewanski. Dariusz is an experienced researcher, journalist, and author who has dedicated the last fifteen years to international development and humanitarian work.He specialises in research, monitoring, evaluation, and learning, with his main focus on gangs. His extensive academic research has resulted in the publication of a book titled "Gang Entry and Exit in Cape Town: Getting Beyond The Streets in Africa’s Deadliest City," as well as numerous articles in esteemed peer-reviewed journals.During our conversation, we delved into Dariusz's journey of working with gangs in South Africa and explored why Cape Town holds the unfortunate distinction of being Africa's deadliest city. We discussed the Cape Flats and examined the most influential gangs in South Africa. Additionally, we explored the reasons behind individuals joining gangs and the various pathways they take to exit such environments. Dariusz also shared an insane story about a lone gangster engaged in an extraordinary battle and much more…