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. South Africa’s public healthcare system is the backbone of care for millions, but it’s also facing serious challenges. From overwhelmed facilities and staffing shortages to infrastructure gaps and patient backlogs, the pressure is visible across the country. On this episode of Pap and Politics, Vuyo Zungula joins the conversation to unpack the mounting political pressure facing President Cyril Ramaphosa amid the ongoing Phala Phala scandal saga. The discussion explores the African Transformation Movement’s long-standing call for Ramaphosa’s impeachment, his decision to challenge the Phala Phala report in court, and what his attempts to interdict impeachment proceedings could mean for South Africa’s political landscape moving forward.

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. South Africa’s public healthcare system is the backbone of care for millions, but it’s also facing serious challenges. From overwhelmed facilities and staffing shortages to infrastructure gaps and patient backlogs, the pressure is visible across the country. This Week on Pap & Politics, Thabo Baloyi sits down with the man at the helm, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi to unpack the real state of public healthcare today. The minister also speaks about the contentious National Health Insurance Scheme and why he thinks it’s been on the receiving end of criticism.

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 businessman and Action SA President Herman Mashaba. Known for his blunt style and business-minded approach to governance, Mashaba doesn’t hold back as he reflects on his previous tenure as Joburg Mayor and explains why he believes he is the right person to lead the city again. He also speaks about his party’s hard stance on immigration and key issues he believes need to be addressed in the city.

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 episode, Thabo Baloyi sits down with DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille. The veteran politician speaks about her decision to run for Mayor of Johannesburg in the upcoming local government elections. She talks about why she wants the job, what she believes Johannesburg needs right now, and what her leadership would look like in a city as complex and demanding as this one. But it’s not all politics and policy - there are moments of reflection, humour, and a few laughs along the way.

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.