State of the Nation is a South African independent media platform and political analysis show founded and hosted by Mike Sham. It examines the country’s power dynamics through interviews, data‑driven explainers and on‑camera commentary, with new episodes released on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Flagship strands include Political Insider, which follows Parliament, commissions of inquiry and policing scandals in real time, and State of the Nation Business, a weekly market and macroeconomy segment produced with partners such as Corion Capital. The channel frequently features subject‑matter experts—recent guests include former Statistician‑General Dr Pali Lehohla, investigative reporter Jeff Wicks, policy analyst Gabriel Crouse and Rise Mzansi chair Vuyiswa Ramokgopa—to test claims against evidence. Coverage focuses on accountability issues that directly affect citizens: hospital procurement corruption linked to the Babita Deokaran case, the alleged capture of policing and political killings in KwaZulu‑Natal, the costs and incentives of BEE and employment regulations, national debt and growth, and South Africa’s foreign‑policy choices. Produced by Stream IN Studios, State of the Nation extends beyond video into a podcast feed, live community streams and ticketed events. The editorial stance is explicit: pro‑accountability and solutions‑oriented rather than neutral, aiming to turn public frustration into informed action.

Source: Code for Africa

Last updated date: September 2026

Location:
Johannesburg, South Africa
Year the organization
started publishing:
2022
Languages:
English
Type of coverage:
National

Content

Editorial coverage:
Generalist, focused on multiple topics
Type of content produced by theme:
Politics
Economy and business
Economy and finance
Journalism genres:
Interviews and reporting
Opinion
Journalism coverage types and techniques:
Explanatory journalism
Tech platforms and other mediums used:
Website
Social media platforms
Podcast
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
Tiktok

Management and team

Founders

Female:
0
Male:
1
Founders:
Mike Sham
Directors:
Mike Sham

Team

Full-time employees:
5
Part-time employees:
0
Freelancers or consultants:
0
Volunteers:
0

Business structure and revenue sources

Organization tax status:
Hybrid model (more than one nonprofit or for-profit)

Why is this profile included?

This media outlet is part of our directory because it meets SembraMedia’s inclusion criteria: it produces original content, serves the public interest, and works with independence and transparency. This profile was developed using information provided directly by the media outlet, through surveys or interviews. We aim to keep the information current, but SembraMedia does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness, and recommends verifying any key details with the media organization.

In SembraMedia we use own and third party cookies for analytical purposes that allow us to track, monitor and analyze your browsing and behavior to make improvements to the product based on the analysis made, as well as own technical cookies that allow the proper functioning of the website. You can accept all cookies by clicking the "Accept" button or configure or reject their use by clicking "Reject". More information in the Privacy and Cookies Policy.