Militarised Democracy: Washington, the ANC, and the Politics of Power
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
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21:52
Redi Tlhabi on why the Army Chief’s Iran visit is a diplomatic disaster in the making
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
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14:53
Redi Tlhabi on Trump, institutions, and the future of US–Africa policy
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/
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34:18
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34:18
Power Chat – Inside the Investigation: Pieter-Louis Myburgh on Reporting the IDT CEO Bribery Scandal
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/
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24:14
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24:14
EXCLUSIVE | Alleged attempt to bribe Daily Maverick journalist caught on camera
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/
South Africa