Veteran journalist and broadcaster Rams Mabote, in association with SowetanLIVE, hosts a weekly podcast that looks at the funny side of news and current affairs. Mabote will take listeners on a journey to the light side of dark. Because life is too short to take the news to heart, and in typical South African style, we choose to laugh so we don’t cry.
Zuma: God’s Greatest Gift to Ramaphosa
How Jacob Zuma actions have been good for Ramaphosa. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
2/1/2024 • 16 minutes, 42 seconds
May The Real Thabi Leoka Please Stand Up
How Thabi Leoka doctored herself out of hearts and minds. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
1/25/2024 • 13 minutes, 5 seconds
A Skeptic’s guide to AFCON
In this episode, Rams Mabote chats to BBK about the AFCON. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
1/18/2024 • 42 minutes, 16 seconds
Mbalula delivers the real January 8 Statement
In this episode, Rams Mabote believes that Fikile Mbalula tells more truths than lies about the ANC. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
1/11/2024 • 11 minutes, 20 seconds
"X"clusive: Mbalula puts Msimang in his place
In this episode, Rams Mabote shares a private letter Fikile Mbalula wrote to Mavuso Msimang. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
12/14/2023 • 17 minutes, 16 seconds
When friends are dark, days are few for the ANC
In this episode, Rams Mabote calls out of the friends of the ANC that have abandoned the party. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
12/7/2023 • 18 minutes, 15 seconds
The Ghost of Buthelezi comes back to haunt the IFP
In this episode, Rams Mabote is shocked to learn that Mangosuthu Buthelezi is back. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
11/30/2023 • 12 minutes, 7 seconds
You get a gift. You get a gift. Everybody Gets A Black Friday Gift
In this episode, Rams Mabote dishes out Black Friday gifts to political parties. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
11/23/2023 • 16 minutes, 7 seconds
JJ Tabane rants his way onto Rams’ studio
In this episode, Rams Mabote takes JJ Tabane on his popular rants. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
11/16/2023 • 45 minutes, 32 seconds
An Idiot’s Guide to Cricket
Of fine legs, chokers and inside edges. Rams Mabote takes us on An Idiot’s Guide to Cricket. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
11/9/2023 • 48 minutes, 56 seconds
The hope and delusion of a Springbok win
In this episode Rams Mabote asks if the Bok euphoria makes South Africa delusional. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
11/2/2023 • 26 minutes, 45 seconds
Mmusi Maimane makes clear who is Boss-a of the house
In this episode catch a wide-ranging chat between Rams Mabote and Mmusi Maimane SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
10/26/2023 • 1 hour, 10 minutes
An Idiot’s Guide To Rugby
In this episode Rams Mabote takes us on An Idiot’s Guide Of Rugby. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
10/19/2023 • 41 minutes
In fairness, “Dr” Lani is not alone in the circus of doctors
In this episode Rams Mabote compares “Dr” Matthew Lani to many fake doctors in our midst. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
10/12/2023 • 17 minutes, 52 seconds
Rams takes Redi Tlhabi by the horns
In this episode Rams Mabote hosts Redi Tlhabi for a no-holds barred chat. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
10/5/2023 • 40 minutes, 18 seconds
For Metro FM, there is no such thing as a stupid question
In this episode Rams Mabote explains Metro FM’s Twitter poll. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
9/28/2023 • 15 minutes, 12 seconds
Dear Advocate Dali Mpofu, please defend me
In this episode Rams Mabote writes an open letter to Advocate Dali Mpofu. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
9/21/2023 • 12 minutes, 7 seconds
Is Busisiwe Mkhwebane the Jesus Christ of our times?
In this episode Rams Mabote explores how lack of modesty killed Busisiwe Mkhwebane. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
9/14/2023 • 14 minutes, 12 seconds
The ANC revives apartheid from the dead.
In this episode Rams Mabote finds out that apartheid is not really dead. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
9/7/2023 • 11 minutes, 56 seconds
Luis Rubiales delivers a kiss of death to his job
In this episode Rams Mabote explains why Spanish football boss should kiss his job goodbye. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
8/31/2023 • 9 minutes, 20 seconds
An Idiot’s Guide To Brics
In this episode Rams Mabote explains the good, the bad and the funny of BRICS. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
8/24/2023 • 12 minutes, 11 seconds
Is the moonshot pact a mission impossible even before launch?
In this episode Rams Mabote takes a look at the convention to sign the moonshot pact of opposition parties. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
8/17/2023 • 11 minutes, 27 seconds
South African potholes are not for the fainthearted
In this episode Rams Mabote gives a 10-Step guide of how to survive potholes in South Africa. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
8/3/2023 • 12 minutes, 3 seconds
Zandile Khumalo puts up a hilarious fight against defence lawyers
In this episode Rams Mabote looks at the testimony of Zandile Khumalo at the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
7/27/2023 • 15 minutes, 4 seconds
Radical Economic Transformation on show at a Midrand restaurant
In this episode Rams Mabote analyses a R275 000 bill accumulated in less than five hours. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
7/20/2023 • 11 minutes, 32 seconds
uShaka ILembe: A story of well-toned and sexy people of the 1700s
In this episode Rams Mabote joins the bandwagon on millions who are crazy about uShaka ILembe. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
7/13/2023 • 19 minutes, 15 seconds
Mashatile releases an “unfortunate” statement about police violence
In this episode Rams Mabote questions Paul Mashatile’s choice of words after the VIP police drama. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
7/6/2023 • 10 minutes, 33 seconds
Edwin Sodi: South Africa’s own Vito Corleone
In this episode Rams Mabote traces the powerful hand of Edwin Sodi. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
6/29/2023 • 12 minutes, 49 seconds
Snakes on the Plane in Poland
In this episode Rams Mabote wonders about the real truth behind the Poland plane saga. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
6/22/2023 • 27 minutes, 14 seconds
Could Ace Magashule rise from the political dead?
In this episode Rams Mabote explores the road to the demise of Ace Magashule. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
6/15/2023 • 11 minutes, 18 seconds
Kabelo Gwamanda: South Africa is indeed alive with possibilities.
In this episode Rams Mabote looks at the legacy of Kabelo Gwamanda. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
6/9/2023 • 9 minutes, 7 seconds
Eusebius McKaiser, the King of Vatiekakie, is gone.
Eusebius McKaiser is no more. Long live Eusebius. How does one pay tribute to this larger than-life man who died so suddenly. In this episode Rams Mabote pays tribute to Eusebius McKaiser by sharing some of Eusebius' ever lasting moments that highlighted the person, journalist, analyst and thought leader he was. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
5/31/2023 • 13 minutes, 24 seconds
How Prince Mashele moved from a biographer to a fiction writer
In this episode Rams Mabote wades through the lies and denials of an almost biographer Prince Mashele. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
5/25/2023 • 12 minutes, 18 seconds
12,5-million unauthorised questions about Herman Mashaba’s book
In this episode Rams Mabote pages through the controversy surrounding Herman Mashaba’s “unauthorised” biography SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
5/22/2023 • 8 minutes, 48 seconds
Of new books, ponzi schemes and fake qualifications.
In this episode Rams Mabote breaks down the shocking stories of the week SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
5/18/2023 • 9 minutes, 40 seconds
Will the real Songezo Zibi rise or fall in 2024?
In this episode Rams Mabote speaks to Songezo Zibi about his Rise Mzansi party. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
5/15/2023 • 24 minutes, 36 seconds
For the ATM, it seems Manyi is too tight to mention
In this episode Rams Mabote looks at Mzwanele Manyi’s move to join the EFF. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
5/11/2023 • 10 minutes, 40 seconds
Face it, pun intended, Buthelezi owns the IFP
In this episode Rams Mabote looks at the election t-shirt fracas in the IFP. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
5/8/2023 • 11 minutes, 20 seconds
Panyaza’s kitskonstabels hit the ground strolling
In this episode Rams Mabote assesses the chances of the new Gauteng crime wardens. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
5/4/2023 • 9 minutes, 12 seconds
How Hani’s death drove the Nats into a corner
In this episode Rams Mabote speaks to Justice Malala about how Chris Hani’s death nearly derailed Freedom Day. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
4/27/2023 • 35 minutes, 5 seconds
Blade Nzimande gets slightly more than he asked for
In this episode Rams Mabote observes how Nzimande’s search for fame went pear-shaped. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
4/24/2023 • 10 minutes, 2 seconds
Whisky, sheep and blankets to keep politicians quiet
In this episode Rams Mabote scrutinises Members of Parliament gift register. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
4/20/2023 • 16 minutes, 16 seconds
From Central Karoo, Gayton McKenzie comes to Joburg
In this episode Rams Mabote weighs in Gayton McKenzie’s plan to take over Joburg. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
4/17/2023 • 10 minutes, 55 seconds
The ANC is A-mad over Joburg mayor
In this episode Rams Mabote says the ANC must stick with Al-Jama-ah for better or for worse. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
4/13/2023 • 15 minutes, 37 seconds
Guptas and Bester run circles around Ronald Lamola
In this episode Rams Mabote speaks to department of justice about their week from hell SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
4/11/2023 • 15 minutes, 37 seconds
The DA drops the ANC and declares the EFF is the new enemy
In this episode Rams Mabote asks why is it that the DA has declared war on the EFF. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
4/3/2023 • 26 minutes, 53 seconds
Lesotho could just take the problem children from South Africa
In this episode Rams Mabote explores the good, the bad and the ugly of annexing parts of South Africa into Lesotho. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
3/30/2023 • 11 minutes, 12 seconds
Thabo Bester is a 21st century headache for correctional services
In this episode Rams Mabote takes a closer look at the mess of surrounding the escape of Facebook rapist and murderer Thabo Bester. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
3/27/2023 • 10 minutes, 28 seconds
It’s time the People’s Advocate died for his ideals
In this episode Rams Mabote calls on Advocate Dali Mpofu to lead the fight against colonial legal practices. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
3/23/2023 • 10 minutes, 24 seconds
The national shutdown turns into a PR free for all
In this episode Rams Mabote counts new and strange voices supporting and dissing the shutdown. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
3/20/2023 • 10 minutes, 29 seconds
Is Lungile Phenyane an April fool’s joke or is this the end of an error for the DA?
In this episode Rams Mabote shows why Lungile Phenyane could lead the DA to the promised land. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
3/16/2023 • 10 minutes, 36 seconds
Ramaphosa goes fat and then promises to go lean
In this episode Rams Mabote likens Cyril Ramaphosa to Piet Koornhof SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
3/13/2023 • 23 minutes, 48 seconds
God forsakes Makwarela after a short stay as Tshwane mayor
In this episode Rams Mabote explores the drama surrounding former Tshwane mayor Murunwa Makwarela. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
3/9/2023 • 12 minutes, 55 seconds
The 'bully' takes on the 'buffoon': Showdown between Phakeng and Tabane
In this episode Rams Mabote reviews the verbal war between JJ Tabane and Mamokgethi Phakeng. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
3/6/2023 • 16 minutes, 2 seconds
David “The Cat” Mabuza goes home to enjoy his ninth life.
In this episode Rams Mabote looks at the immemorable three years of David Mabuza as deputy president of South Africa. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
3/2/2023 • 15 minutes, 59 seconds
How Andre De Ruyter set the cat among the pigeons
In this episode of Taking The Rams By The Horns on Sowetan LIVE, we find out if Andre de Ruyter was a man out of his mind or simply smitten when he made his startling revelations? SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
2/27/2023 • 14 minutes, 17 seconds
The Derby, the last hope of Soweto.
In this episode Rams explores the “myth” that is the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
2/23/2023 • 17 minutes, 22 seconds
Is Mpho Phalatse's 'walk and talk' enough to make her DA leader?
In this episode Rams speaks to Sowetan political editor Fikile-Ntsikelelo Moya to explore Mpho Phalatse’s chances to take over the DA. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
2/20/2023 • 19 minutes, 38 seconds
Men in blouses, capes and berets
In this episode of Taking The Rams By The Horns on Sowetan LIVE, Rams finds out that in the stakes of fashion, this is no longer a man's world. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
2/16/2023 • 17 minutes, 35 seconds
Ramaphosa goes on a random shooting at SONA
In this episde of Taking The Rams By The Horns on SowetanLIVE, Rams argues that President Ramaphosa went rogue at SONA SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
2/13/2023 • 14 minutes, 49 seconds
Will SONA shoot the lights out on loadshedding
In this episode of Taking The Rams By The Horns on SowetanLIVE, Rams previews what is unlikely to come out of #SONA2023 SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
2/8/2023 • 17 minutes, 15 seconds
Could the EFF be turning into Education Freedom Fighters?
In this episode of Taking The Rams By The Horns on SowetanLIVE, Rams looks at the EFF's unexpected call for its members to get a matric. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
2/6/2023 • 17 minutes, 29 seconds
Mbalula is in the house. Lights. Camera. Action.
In this episde of Taking The Rams By The Horns on SowetanLIVE, previews what awaits us during Fikile Mbalula's reign as ANC secretary general. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
2/1/2023 • 16 minutes, 41 seconds
Zuma goes back to civic politics, by hook or crook
In this episode of Taking The Rams By The Horns on SowetanLIVE, looks at Zuma and his bogus Sanco appointment, and the unknown Joburg mayor SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
1/30/2023 • 12 minutes, 32 seconds
A DA march that wasn't
In this episde of Taking The Rams By The Horns on SowetanLIVE, drama, chaos and comedy as the DA marches on the ANC SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
1/25/2023 • 14 minutes, 39 seconds
With Sheba gone, Gwede The Tiger Mantashe flexes his muscles
In this episode of Taking The Rams By The Horns on SowetanLIVE, Gwede The Tiger Mantashe was on the rampage this weekend and Rams traces his footsteps. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
1/23/2023 • 8 minutes, 51 seconds
Sheba the tiger dies after much shock and drama
In this episode of Taking The Rams By The Horns on SowetanLIVE, Rams traces the story of Sheba the Tiger before she was unfortunately put down on Wednesday. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
1/18/2023 • 11 minutes, 58 seconds
Nqaba Bhanga quits the DA and Ramaphosa retreats from Davos
In this episode of Taking The Rams By The Horns on SowetanLIVE, Rams smells a rat as Nqaba Bhanga quits the DA’s Eastern Cape leadership.And in an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, our intrepid podcaster says “vamos to Davos, Mr President”. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
1/16/2023 • 14 minutes, 3 seconds
Fikile Mbalula is the most popular minister on Twitter, numbers show
In this week's edition of Taking The Rams By The Horns on SowetanLIVE, we find out how government leaders are doing on the social media platform. Apparently, newly elected ANC spokesperson Fikile Mbalula is the ANC's most popular leader thereon.
We also watch the legal battle between former president Jacob Zuma and President Cyril Ramaphosa. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
1/11/2023 • 23 minutes, 12 seconds
An ANC conference or a comedy
This week’s edition of Taking The Rams By The Horns is all about the ANC’s 55th national conference. Who are the winners and losers? Was spokesperson Pule Mabe the ANC’s own comical Ali? Did presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya put his foot in it? SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
12/21/2022 • 41 minutes, 30 seconds
Cyril shows some horns & Qatar flips the script on football
In this week’s edition of Taking The Rams By The Horns on SowetanLIVE, Rams asks if President Cyril Ramaphosa is finally growing a pair. He also looks at the good, the bad and the ugly of the Fifa World Cup so far, and let’s you in on why he hates weddings. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
12/14/2022 • 43 minutes, 56 seconds
JHB mayor breaks many hearts as ANC ponders way out of Phala Phala cow dung
In this week's edition of Taking The Rams By The Horns on SowetanLIVE, our host Rams goes asks if it is not time for the ANC to close shop. He also asks what could President Ramaphosa have done better with Phala Phala. And finally, Rams muses about the heartbreaking wedding of Joburg mayor Mpho Phalatse. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
12/7/2022 • 46 minutes, 48 seconds
Cyril Ramaphosa caught in a pothole & SA Ambassador accused of witchcraft
In this week's edition of Taking The Rams By The Horns on SowetanLIVE, host Rams Mabote goes around Rivonia Circle with Songezo Zibi, President Cyril Ramaphosa is stuck in the potholes of Ditsobotla and South Africa's ambassador to the US is the subject of sorcery and voodoo.
Rams also shares the drama of a Soweto police chase gone wrong. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
11/30/2022 • 42 minutes, 29 seconds
Another Meyiwa trial lawyer bites the dust & Zuma’s book buyer speaks
In this inaugural edition of Taking The Rams By The Horns, our host Mabote makes an observation that lawyers representing the accused in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial seem to be afflicted by some sort of madness which is sinking them one by one.
Mabote also looks at the sale of the former president Jacob Zuma’s book for a whooping R20,000 to a labour union, and the intoxicating news of the alcohol ban at the Qatar Fifa World Cup 2022. SowetanLIVE · SowetanLIVE Twitter
