About
“the nation has grown”
Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh is a South African author, academic, and the founder and host of the current affairs podcast SMWX. He lectures in International Relations at Wits University and holds a DPhil in International Relations from the University of Oxford.
His work explores power, democracy, inequality and South Africa’s place in the world. His first book, Democracy and Delusion: 10 Myths in South African Politics (2017), won the City Press–Tafelberg Nonfiction Award and was accompanied by a rap album of the same name. His second book, The New Apartheid, was published in 2021.
Through the SMWX podcast, he hosts interviews and political analysis that bring public figures, researchers and audiences into conversation. He hosted Unfiltered on the SABC in 2023 and completed a law degree at UNISA in 2024. His academic research examines nuclear politics, disarmament and international order.
He served as UCT SRC president in 2010. Today, his work spans research, teaching, writing, broadcasting, music and public speaking.
View academic publications on Google Scholar · Watch the SMWX podcast
For speaking invitations, panel moderation and media enquiries, contact info@smw-x.co.za.
Education
In addition to his studies at UCT and Oxford, Sizwe completed a law degree at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2024.
2008 — 2011
UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN
Bachelor of Social Sciences in Politics, Philosophy and Economics
2012 — 2012
UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN
2013 — 2015
UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
2015 — 2020
UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations
2024
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
