TimesLIVE Podcasts The Political Arena

The Political Arena

The Political Arena is a podcast hosted by the Arena Holdings political team, bringing together reporters and editors from across the group to unpack the political stories shaping South Africa.
From party politics and elections to Parliament, governance, coalitions and the personalities influencing the country’s future, the podcast offers insightful, thought-provoking and in-depth political analysis from the journalists covering the stories.
Monthly English South Africa Politics · Politics
8 Episodes

Inside SA’s lobbying debate: Power, influence and politics

The controversy surrounding Tony Leon, Resolve Communications and allegations of lobbying on behalf of clients, including Starlink, has sparked a wider debate about political influence, transparency and accountability in South Africa. In this episode of The Political Arena, Business Day political editor Hajra Omarjee is joined by Sowetan editor Sibongakonke…
29 Jul 24 min

DA’s GNU reshuffle: Succession or strategy?

Some DA members were reportedly unhappy with Geordin Hill-Lewis's reshuffle request after President Cyril Ramaphosa consulted the DA leadership and demoted former party leader John Steenhuisen to a deputy minister role.
29 Jul 30 min

Immigration crisis: Politics, power and South Africa's future

Following growing tensions around immigration, calls for a national shutdown and President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent address to the nation, questions are mounting about government policy, border management and the political forces shaping the debate. In this episode of The Political Arena, TimesLIVE and Sunday Times Digital Politics editor Lizeka Tandwa…
29 Jul 40 min

Inside the Phala Phala storm

In this episode of The Political Arena, TimesLIVE and Sunday Times digital politics editor Lizeka Tandwa is joined by Business Day political editor Hajra Omarjee, Sowetan editor Sibongakonke Shoba, and Sunday Times political journalist Kgothatso Madisa to unpack the ANC’s response to growing pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa after the…
29 Jul 23 min

From alliance to rivalry: ANC and SACP head for a political showdown

The historic alliance between the ANC and the SA Communist Party (SACP) appears to be entering its most uncertain chapter yet as the SACP prepares to contest the 2026 local government elections independently for the first time. In this episode of The Political Arena, Business Day politics editor Hajra Omarjee…
29 Jul 26 min

DA leadership reset and coalition politics

More than two decades into South Africa’s democracy, the DA believes it is on the brink of a breakthrough, positioning itself as a viable governing alternative as service delivery frustrations grow across the country. In this episode of The Political Arena, Business Day’s politics editor, Hajra Omarjee, alongside Sunday Times’…
29 Jul 26 min

ANC conference chaos and power plays

More than three months after the ANC’s “renew or die” message at its National General Council, the party’s internal processes are once again under the spotlight. In this episode of The Political Arena, Business Day politics editor Hajra Omarjee, alongside Sowetan deputy editor Thabiso Thakali and The Herald assistant editor…
29 Jul 26 min

ANC succession showdown

More than two decades after the rise of former President Jacob Zuma reshaped South Africa’s political landscape, the ANC again finds itself at a critical crossroads. In this debut episode of The Political Arena, Arena Holdings’ political team, Hajra Omarjee, Business Day political editor; Sibongakonke Shoba, Sowetan editor; and Kgothatso…
28 Jul 25 min