---
title: "Redi Tlhabi on Trump's Washington, the ANC, and the politics of power"
description: "In this episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi unpacks two parallel crises of leadership and legitimacy. In South Africa, ANC leaders now admit the party has lost its way — but only after years of silence during corruption and state capture. In Washington, Donald Trump declares a crime emergency and floods the streets with troops, despite data showing crime is down. Redi connects the dots between hypocrisy, militarization, and the erosion of democracy at home and abroad."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "THE READINESS REPORT"
author: "Redi Tlhabi"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/redi-tlhabi/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-08-26-trumps-washington-the-anc-and-the-politics-of-power/"
published: "2025-08-26T20:52:57"
updated: "2025-08-26T21:58:04"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 45
---

# Redi Tlhabi on Trump's Washington, the ANC, and the politics of power

> In this episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi unpacks two parallel crises of leadership and legitimacy. In South Africa, ANC leaders now admit the party has lost its way — but only after years of silence during corruption and state capture. In Washington, Donald Trump declares a crime emergency and floods the streets with troops, despite data showing crime is down. Redi connects the dots between hypocrisy, militarization, and the erosion of democracy at home and abroad.

By Redi Tlhabi · Published 26 August 2025, 22:52 SAST · Updated 26 August 2025, 23:58 SAST

## Key points
- In a world where readiness is king and chaos lurks around every corner, Redi Tlhabi's latest episode serves up a hearty dose of insightful banter that might just prepare you for the unpredictable twists of life.
- The latest episode of The Readiness Report, hosted by Redi Tlhabi, dives into pressing societal issues.
- Produced by Emilie Gambade, Bernard Kotze, and Joel Seboa, the podcast emphasizes the importance of informed discussions.
- Original theme music and design by Bernard Kotze enhance the listening experience.
- Support independent journalism that safeguards democracy by becoming a Maverick Insider.

## Content

[YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVSgVaAzL-w)

[Media](https://player.simplecast.com/6eb5304e-0dbd-48d7-856d-d56b3a82672d?dark=false)

**The Readiness Report is supported by**

![Image](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/NinetyOne_Protea-Red_IFAWOC_HEXlogo_91.png)

**Hosted** by Redi Tlhabi**Produced by** Emilie Gambade, Bernard Kotze & Joel Seboa
**Original Theme Music & Design**by Bernard Kotze

Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a [Maverick Insider](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/).
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