5FM Podcast

Pap & Politics is a podcast that unpacks the stories behind the stories, while also getting to know them a little better. It’s current affairs with a twist: insightful, unexpected, and just the right amount of cheek. In this episode of Pap & Politics, Thabo sits down with former Statistician-General Dr Pali Pehohla for a wide-ranging conversation about the relationship between data and socio- economic crises. Dr Lehohla answers the crucial question: If the evidence is clear, why does government fail?

Pap & Politics is a podcast that unpacks the stories behind the stories, while also getting to know them a little better. It’s current affairs with a twist: insightful, unexpected, and just the right amount of cheek. On this week’s episode Thabo sits down with the powerhouse herself , Qaanitah Hunter You know her for her fearless political reporting… but now she’s flipping the script. Qaanitah talks about swapping breaking news for heart-hitting fiction, and why she chose to leave the newsroom to build a bold, digital-first media platform that tells South African stories differently and in a way we can all actually digest. She also gets real about balancing politics with passion, the courage it takes to start over, and what storytelling in Mzansi should look like today.

Pap & Politics is a podcast that unpacks the stories behind the stories, while also getting to know them a little better. It’s current affairs with a twist: insightful, unexpected, and just the right amount of cheek. On this week's episode Thabo Baloyi sits down with UDM Deputy President and MP, Nqabayomzi Kwankwa. They unpack the UDM’s role in the Government of National Unity, what’s at stake in the upcoming local elections and after a bit of nudging touch on his own political ambitions (though he’s not dishing all the pap just yet

Pap & Politics is a podcast that unpacks the stories behind the stories, while also getting to know them a little better. It’s current affairs with a twist: insightful, unexpected, and just the right amount of cheek. This week, the episode shifts gears from the political hot seat to the drama on our screens. Thabo Baloyi is talking to Skeem Saam star Mogau Motlhatswi, the woman behind Mapitsi. Her character found herself in the middle of a messy cheating scandal that set social media on fire. The actress talks about the drama, fan reactions, and what it’s really like bringing such a talked-about storyline to life.

Pap and Politics is a podcast about newsmakers shaping headlines. from politicians to pop culture icons who unpack the stories behind the stories, while also getting to know them a little better. It’s current affairs with a twist: insightful, unexpected, and just the right amount of cheek. In this laughter-filled episode, award-winning comedian and ventriloquist Conrad Koch joins Thabo Baloyi for a candid chat about South Africa’s current political landscape. From the inner workings of political party dynamics to the complicated conversations around race and identity, Conrad brings his signature wit and his sharp-tongued puppet, Chester Missing, who doesn’t hold back. Expect insightful commentary, unfiltered humour, and plenty of laughter as Chester turns the tables on the host with his cheeky one-liners. It's politics, and comedy rolled into one unforgettable conversation.

Pap and Politics is a podcast about newsmakers shaping headlines. from politicians to pop culture icons who unpack the stories behind the stories, while also getting to know them a little better. It’s current affairs with a twist: insightful, unexpected, and just the right amount of cheek. In his debut episode Thabo's first guest in the hot seat is Communications Minister Solly Malatsi, who gets candid about his rise in South African politics, whether he has settled into his ministerial post and navigating the GNU drama.

Pap & Politics is a podcast that unpacks the stories behind the stories, while also getting to know them a little better. It’s current affairs with a twist: insightful, unexpected, and just the right amount of cheek. In this second episode, Thabo Baloyi sits down with Michael Beaumont, National Chairperson of ActionSA, for a no-holds-barred conversation about South Africa’s political crossroads. They unpack the current state of government, how opposition MPs are performing in Parliament, what’s at stake in the upcoming local government elections and ActionSA’s vision for accountability and shaking up the status quo. With 2026 on the horizon, this episode delivers real talk on leadership, change, and what’s next for our democracy. No fluff. Just facts and bold opinions.