{
  "id": 2335926,
  "title": "Welcome to the batshit republic where things smell rather foul",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/welcome-to-the-batshit-republic-where-things-smell-rather-foul",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-21T08:24:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Maverick",
    "slug": "daily-maverick",
    "url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2026-08-21-welcome-to-the-batshit-republic-where-things-smell-rather-foul/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Welcome to the batshit republic where things smell rather foul, according to South African journalist Bhekisisa Mncube. The country has mastered the English language's shits, dogshit, bullshits, horseshits, batshits, chickenshits, jack shits, and holy shits. Former IDAC boss advocate Andrea Johnson reportedly described the inquiry as a \"shit show,\" while State Advocate Drushantha Ramsamy spoke of leaving the country if summoned. The Madlanga Commission heard this recorded conversation among other evidence, suggesting a profanity-laden atmosphere in South African politics.\n\nThe Madlanga Commission inquiry into corruption, led by former IDAC boss advocate Andrea Johnson, has revealed a \"shit show\" atmosphere in South African politics. Johnson's comments were reportedly the least offensive part of the proceedings, which also included talk of leaving the country if summoned.\n\nFormer IDAC boss advocate Andrea Johnson faced accusations of referring to the inquiry as a \"shit show\" while speaking to state advocate Drushantha Ramsamy. Johnson's resignation from IDAC is noted, but Mncube suggests it should not become the Gupta Republic's \"giant toilet brush.\" While resignation must follow wrongdoing, it should not erase the need for accountability.\n\nThe ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, uBaba's MK party, is undergoing constant leadership restructuring. Key figures like Duduzane Zuma and Tony Yengeni have risen, while others have moved sideways, downwards, or towards the nearest exit. The constant changing of leadership and organizational structures suggests a lack of stability within the party.\n\nAcross the Government of National Unity (GNU) fence, the Democratic Alliance (DA) faces its own issues with political corruption. Former DA strategist Ryan Coetzee allegedly helped steer the party into the GNU while running Dubai-based Consulum, which later received a contract to advise the DA's operations in government. The DA denies a conflict of interest, yet former leader John Steenhuisen's involvement in a \"dogshit\" lobbying scandal raises concerns.",
  "summary": "We need industrial-strength air freshener to cover the strong whiff coming from our politicians and officials.",
  "key_points": [
    "South African journalist Bhekisisa Mncube describes politics as a \"batshit republic.\"",
    "Madlanga Commission inquiry called a \"shit show\" by Andrea Johnson."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}