Democracy Unplugged
Democracy Unplugged is a panel discussion podcast that examines democratic principles and the challenges they face today. It brings together thought leaders, activists, and influencers to explore current affairs, political dynamics, and social issues. Each episode aims to untangle complex threads and envision possible futures for democracy. The show encourages open conversation and diverse perspectives.
Episodes
50 Days to Go: SA Politics Heats Up
With local government elections less than 50 days away, the political temperature is rising.
Phumi Mashigo sits down with Justice Malala and Mondli Makhanya to unpack the ANC’s candidate-list chaos, the DA’s missed opportunities, MK’s rise in KwaZulu-Natal and whether the EFF has lost its political edge. Plus: Ramaphosa’s leadership in Africa, Trump and the US midterms, Europe’s shift to the righ
The ANC Is Falling Apart. Who Takes Its Place?
With the local government elections less than 50 days away, South Africa's political landscape is heating up.
This week Phumi Mashigo speaks to Justice Malala and Mondli Makhanya from the This Is Politics podcast about the ANC's candidate-list chaos, the DA's missed opportunities, MK's rise in KwaZulu-Natal and whether the EFF has lost its political edge.
They also discuss Africa, SADC and Cyril
Is Tobacco Policy Going Up in Smoke?
Can South Africa get tobacco policy right? What do these decisions mean for you? Phumi Mashigo speaks to Prof Lekan Ayo-Yusuf, Professor of Public Health with more than 20 years of experience across higher education, hospital management, university leadership and executive management. With specialist expertise in epidemiology, health promotion, research and tobacco control regulatory science, Prof
The Politics of Protest: 10 Years After #FeesMustFall
Ten years after #FeesMustFall, does protest still have the power to
change South Africa? From the Wits campus to the streets, student
activism has shaped some of the country’s most important political
conversations. But has that activism translated into lasting change, and
where does a new generation of young leaders take the fight from here?
Siya Sangweni leads this conversation with Wits SRC mem
Who will take back our streets?
When basic services fail, corruption takes root and criminal networks become more powerful, what happens to the communities left behind? Phumi Mashigo speaks to Action SA’s Xolani Khumalo about his plans to bring a more aggressive approach to fixing local government as he runs for Ekurhuleni mayor; and whether South Africans should expect more from their leaders. The Burning Platform
The Big Debate - Who do you trust to lead our cities?
Who do you trust to lead our cities? As we wrap Women’s Month, meet the
women vying to shape futures as host Phumi Mashigo profiles female
mayoral candidates on their leadership, vision, priorities and plans,
and what they believe our cities need next. Featuring Build One South
Africa’s Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster (Johannesburg), Action SA’s Gibsy Diale
(Mogale City) and Land Party’s Ntsiki Mazwai (Joha
Lukhona Mnguni on the Fight to Fix Johannesburg
Is Johannesburg ready for a new kind of political leadership? Lukhona
Mnguni joins Phumi Mashigo to unpack his vision for the city, from
cleaner and safer communities to greater transparency, accountable
government and principled coalition politics. He also discusses his
political career, learnings from his experience and his journey within
RISE Mzansi. The Burning Platform
Why is Durban in crisis?
What has gone wrong in Durban, and what will it take to fix the city? Phumi Mashigo speaks to the Democratic Alliance’s Haniff Hoosen about the challenges facing eThekwini and why residents are increasingly demanding action. In this discussion, Hoosen shares his vision for an eThekwini where communities take action, leaders listen and residents have a stronger voice in shaping the city’s future. T
Does the world understand Israel?
Why does Israel believe the world misunderstands its actions? Phumi
Mashigo gets into a conversation about this with Ambassador Mark Regev,
one of Israel's most experienced diplomats and communicators. Having
served as the country's international spokesman, ambassador, and senior
adviser to the Prime Minister, Regev has spent decades explaining
Israel's decisions to the world. They unpack the real
Who Belongs? Who Decides?
In this episode we bring together political leaders and commentators for an unfiltered discussion on one of South Africa's most pressing and divisive issues; illegal immigration and its ripple effect on governance, crime, economic growth, and the future of the country. Following the events surrounding the March and March protests on the 30th of June, the panel examines what really happened, whethe
A Nation Under Pressure
Are we paying enough attention to the warning signs? With
crime, protest, poverty, and public trust being increasingly
intertwined, Phumi Mashigo speaks to two experts to unpack what's
driving tensions, political and otherwise, and what can be done to build
a more stable future. She is joined by David Bruce, researcher, writer,
and analyst; as well as Thato Masiangoako, researcher at the
Socio-Eco
Is JHB ready for new leadership? With Build One SA’s Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster
What does Johannesburg need most right now? Better
management, bold ideas, or both? Phumi Mashigo speaks with Nobuntu
Hlazo-Webster about her journey into politics, her plans to restore
confidence in city governance, and what a Build One South Africa-led
Johannesburg could look like. The Burning Platform
What Does America’s 250th Anniversary Really Mean?
Can a nation built on freedom still be grappling with who
truly belongs? As the United States marks 250 years of independence,
Phumi Mashigo unpacks the promises and contradictions that have shaped
the American story. She is joined by Charles Belk, founder of "Fitting
The Description", a nonprofit focused on addressing wrongful arrests and
mistaken identity cases. Charles gained international atte
The Illegal Immigration Tipping Point with Rebone Tau
What sparked the illegal immigration protests? Recent
protests across the country have exposed growing frustrations around
illegal immigration, service delivery, unemployment, crime, and the
perceived failure of the state to respond effectively. Yet beneath the
headlines lies a far more complex conversation about policy,
accountability, human rights, and national identity. Phumi Mashigo
speaks wit
Politics, Labour and Leadership with MK Party's Patrick Motubase
What lessons can be drawn from decades spent in activism, labour movements, government, and politics? Patrick Motubase joins Phumi Mashigo for a wide-ranging discussion about his path through South Africa's democratic journey, the work of the MK Party, and the opportunities and obstacles that lie ahead for the country's next generation. The Burning Platform
Inherited freedom or unfinished business?
As South Africa reflects on five decades since the Soweto Uprising, a
critical question remains: have young people inherited freedom, or
unfinished business? Host Siya Sangweni brings together youth leaders to
discuss opportunity, inequality, leadership, and the future of democracy
in South Africa. Featuring ANC’s Onwabile Lubhelwana, uMkhonto weSizwe’s
Sthembile Nkosi, Defend Our Democracy’s Wade
Youth Month, Broken Promises and the Fight for Change
What happens when a student activist enters the political
establishment? Naledi Chirwa-Mpungose joins Phumi Mashigo for a
wide-ranging discussion on power, protest, Parliament and the issues
that matter most to young South Africans. From jobs and education to the
GNU, youth participation and protecting women and children, this episode
examines whether South Africa is creating opportunities for its
Did the Youth of 1976 Get the SA They Fought For?
50 years later - has South Africa kept its promise to the youth? As
South Africa marks Youth Month, Phumi Mashigo sits down with Seth
Mazibuko, one of the surviving leaders of the Soweto Uprising. Together
they explore the promises of democracy, the challenges facing young
people today and whether the aspirations of the 1976 generation have
truly been realised. The Burning Platform
What Would Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Want Us to Remember Today?
How do the descendants of South Africa’s most famous
freedom fighters understand freedom in today's world? Phumi Mashigo
speaks with Princesses Swati Mandela-Dlamini and Zaziwe Manaway, two of
Nelson and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s granddaughters about the deeply
personal stories behind their new Netflix documentary. Serving as
co-producers of the Netflix documentary series “The Trials of Winnie
M
Survival or strategy? SA’s informal economy
South Africa's informal economy is everywhere - from taxi ranks and
pavement stalls to township salons and spaza shops. But is it simply a
response to unemployment and inequality, or is it becoming the country's
real engine of growth and innovation?
Justice Malala leads an expert panel for a provocative conversation
exploring who South Africa's economy is really built for - and what the
rise of i
Can the Constitution Still Save South Africa?
What happens when one of the world’s most progressive
constitutions collides with corruption, inequality and political
dysfunction? In this week’s episode, Phumi Mashigo explores whether
South Africa’s democracy is being protected, or slowly weakened, and why
the Constitution still matters now more than ever. She is joined by
human rights lawyer, policy advocate, and civil society leader, Nicole
F
From "New Dawn” to Political Crossroads
Did South Africans buy into hope, only to end up
confronting more political disappointment? Phumi Mashigo dives into
President Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala fallout, the ANC’s growing credibility
crisis, and the debate over whether Cyril Ramaphosa is a consensus
builder - or simply too passive for the moment South Africa finds itself
in. She is joined by Mametlwe Sebei, Lecturer, College of Law,
Univers
Can the gap between education policy and delivery finally be closed?
Following our previous education discussion, a clearer picture begins to emerge: one defined not just by underperformance, but by mounting pressure. Demand is rising faster than capacity, and while the state continues to expand its role, it’s increasingly doing so through partnerships that sit adjacent to the system itself.
So what does this mean in practice? As the model of education begins to s
Democracy vs Reality: Why South Africans Are Losing Faith in Voting
South Africa is a young democracy, yet its voters are ageing while optimism continues to fade. Every election cycle raises the same concerns about youth disengagement and low voter turnout, but the deeper issue may not be a lack of understanding—it may be a loss of belief in impact. For many young people, participation is no longer seen as a meaningful tool for change, especially in the face of co
Has education transformation worked?
What has 30 years of education reform in South Africa actually produced?
For more than three decades, James Urdang has worked at the intersection
of education, civil society, and social change. As the founder of
Education Africa, his work has been shaped by a clear belief that
education remains one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle
of poverty.
What makes his perspective especially
Broken basics: who’s responsible?
Who is responsible when service delivery stops working, and how do we
fix it? Phumi Mashigo moderates this timely conversation with a panel of
politicians on the state of infrastructure in South Africa’s urban
centres, the barriers to delivery, and the solutions needed to rebuild
confidence in our cities. Featuring Freedom Front Plus’ Jaco Mulder,
political commentator and Youtuber June Hlongwane
The Constitution Promises Housing… So Why Are South Africans Still Fighting Evictions?
Nearly 30 years into democracy, why are housing rights still being
fought for in court? Housing is a constitutional right in South Africa,
yet for millions of people it remains out of reach. In this episode,
Phumi Mashigo sits down with Nomzamo Zondo, Executive Director:
Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI) to unpack the reality behind
evictions, informal settlements, and the widening gap betwee
Tobacco Bill Chaos: You Could Be Arrested for Smoking in Your Own Car
In this episode, Phumi sits down with a parliamentarian to unpack the real impact of the bill, from controversial definitions of “smoking” to the unintended consequences for informal traders and the economy.
They discuss:
Why smokers could technically be arrested in their own cars or homes
The explosive growth of the illicit cigarette market
How stricter regulations could hurt township economies
What matters to South Africa’s youth?
What do young South Africans really want from politics today? Recorded live at University of Johannesburg, Phumi Mashigo places students at the centre of the national conversation. Lehumo Dibakoane (UJ SRC President), Donald Mkhwanazi (Student leader), and Angelic Mafadza (Student leader) participate in this candid discussion about youth priorities, political participation, and the realities young
A loaf of bread and a broken political system... with Build One South Africa's Tsepo Mhlongo
A loaf of bread can feed a family for a day - but can it fix a broken political system? A video showing people wearing African National Congress (ANC) regalia distributing loaves of bread to residents with the phrase ‘one loaf, one family - there is life with the ANC’ has sparked a strong public reaction. Phumi Mashigo interviews Tsepo Mhlongo about this video, and to hear his argument that South
South Africa’s illegal mining crisis, and why you should care about this
What really drives South Africa’s illegal mining crisis, and how does this impact you? Phumi Mashigo investigates the complex world of so-called “zama zama” miners and the forces that keep the underground economy alive. She is joined by guests Sabelo Mnguni, National Coordinator at Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA); Kgothatso Nhlengetwa, Artisanal Mining Specialist and founding
SA’s budget: Fragile or fixable?
Is South Africa’s economy on the brink of renewal, or just
surviving? Directly after Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered his 2026
Budget Speech, political commentator and author Justice Malala led a
high-stakes discussion from Cape Town with politicians unpacking the
country’s finances - featuring DA’s Dr Mark Burke, RISE Mzansi’s
Makashule Gana, SACP’s Anthony Dietrich and Action SA’s Alan Beesle
Inside SA's budget choices
Is South Africa’s national budget really working for our households? Phumi Mashigo examines what a truly community-centred national budget would look like, from food affordability and social grants to VAT increases, austerity, and fiscal anchors. This conversation is joined by Mervyn Abrahams, Programme coordinator at the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group; Dr Siphesihle Qange, Pr
What has changed since SONA 2025?
What has been delivered since the last State of the Nation (SONA), and what does that mean for ordinary South Africans? In his address last year, the President signalled a renewed focus on healthcare - from advancing the National Health Insurance (NHI) roll-out, to infrastructure upgrades for hospitals and clinics, to responding to the loss of major foreign health funding from PEPFAR and USAID. Th
SA’s Water Emergency, with Phumi Mashigo and WaterCAN's Dr Ferrial Adam
What has changed since last year’s State of the Nation (SONA) promises? At last year’s SONA, water infrastructure was particularly framed as a national priority yet in parts of Johannesburg, the heart of South Africa’s economy, and in municipalities across the country, taps still run dry. Treatment plants fail. Maintenance collapses. Phumi Mashigo, along with Dr Ferrial Adam from WaterCAN, a civic
The state of SA’s defence force, with Frank Ntwali & Ricardo Teixeira
Can South Africa defend human rights without the power to enforce them? South Africa speaks confidently about justice, peace, and human rights on the world stage. But holding that position requires real capacity, and that’s where things get complicated. Phumi Mashigo explores the consequences of a country that still wants to lead morally, but may no longer have the muscle to do so. How does this a
If democracy is changing, are we changing with it?
This edition of Democracy Unplugged is a forward-looking conversation on
where South Africa, and the world, is headed politically. Phumi Mashigo
picks the brains of Ismael Steenkamp, ward 29 councillor from the
Patriotic Alliance; Solly Msimanga, leader of the opposition in the
Gauteng Legislature from the Democratic Alliance; and Lerato Madisha,
grassroots activist and community leader within the
Is SA’s education system broken? With Hendrick Makaneta and Dr Linda Meyer
Higher education in South Africa - are we future-proofing the country, or stuck in an old system? Just after the grade 12 results have been released, Phumi Mashigo hosts a conversation that cuts through the feel-good headlines and asks harder questions about the system. She’s joined by Hendrik Makaneta, education activist, former teacher and director of the Foundation for Education and Social Just
Who really writes our laws? With RISE Mzansi’s Makashule Gana and The New South Institute’s Ivor Chipkin
How do South Africa’s laws and policies come to be, and what can you do to be part of the change? Phumi Mashigo dives into the stages and processes involved in making or changing a law, with RISE Mzansi’s Makashule Gana and The New South Institute’s Ivor Chipkin. This episode brings an understand of the nation’s policy making process, how the public can participate in the legislative process, and
Power, institutions, and incentives with Dr Levy Ndou
What should citizens be watching — not emotionally, but analytically — as we head into 2026? Kicking off the new political year, Phumi Mashigo speaks to Dr Levy Ndou (political analyst and politics lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology) for a catch-up on Jan 8, the 114th birthday of the ANC - a liberation movement that became a governing party, and now governs in coalition after losing
Mike Sham wraps up 2025 - where do we go from here?
What can we learn from 2025 to anticipate where the world is going next year? In this year-end conversation, State of the Nation host Mike Sham joins Phumi Mashigo for an unfiltered assessment of our political reality. This conversation cuts through the spin to examine local and global happenings, asking what the year truly revealed about accountability and the political path going forward. The Bu
Municipal Meltdown: Part 2
What will it take to turn South Africa’s municipal crisis around? Can
local government still be rescued before the 2026 elections?
In this follow-up episode of Democracy Unplugged, moderator Phumi
Mashigo brings together panelists from multiple political parties to
confront the question head-on. Featuring Afrika Mayibuye Movement’s
Sydney Baloyi, PAC’s Jaki Seroke, GOOD’s Sarah Mabotsa and Action
The AI Reality Check - Are We Ready for 2026?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is re-writing the rules. Are we ready? In this episode of Democracy Unplugged Timothy Maurice Webster leads a dynamic conversation with AI experts George Nichas, Callan Abrahams and Mushambi Mutuma on how AI is reshaping work, creativity, governance, and daily life. The Burning Platform
Conviction or convenience - what drives Floyd Shivambu?
What does South Africa need now, according to Floyd Shivambu? And will he be the answer to our political problems? Phumi Mashigo unpacks the evolution behind the headlines with him - from the ANC Youth League to the EFF, a stint in MK, and now his role in shaping the Afrika Maibuye Movement. Is this reinvention or conviction in motion? Floyd speaks candidly about ideological consistency, political
Can Helen Zille Really Save Johannesburg?
Johannesburg is falling apart - power cuts, potholes, broken pipes,
waste piling up, and corruption choking the city that once symbolised
South Africa’s promise. But one of the country’s most formidable
political figures says she can fix it. Phumi Mashigo sits down with
Helen Zille, the former Mayor of Cape Town, Western Cape Premier, and
now 2026 Johannesburg Mayoral candidate for the Democratic
Local Government – Down but not out
Local government is meant to be the heartbeat of democracy. But as cities crumble, services collapse, and trust erodes, South Africans are asking: can our municipalities still be saved? In this episode of Democracy Unplugged, host Phumi Mashigo leads an honest discussion with a panel of political leaders tackling the state of local governance ahead of the 2026 municipal elections. From collapsing
How to break the corruption chain, with Xavier Bapoo, Stefan Grobler and Mike Bolhuis
What does it really take to root out corruption in South Africa?
Stand-in host Xavier Bapoo speaks to former South African Police Service
(SAPS) Anti-Corruption Unit head Stefan Grobler and specialist
investigator Mike Bolhuis about the deep-seated culture of corruption
exposed by the Madlanga Commission. This conversation lays bare the
forces eroding accountability, looking at political interfere
South Africa's voice in the G20
What does South Africa’s G20 presidency mean for the country’s future?
In this episode of LevelUp, Phumi speaks with Ercilia Mata Ubisse, Regional Head for the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) and a member of the Startup20 Foundations & Alliances Taskforce, to unpack how small business, collaboration, and policy can reshape global development from an African lens. The Burning Plat
Morals in Dirty Politics | With ATM's Vuyo Zungula
How does a values-based politics survive in a system built on power and pragmatism? And what drives a leader who still speaks of conviction in an age of calculation? In the noise of South Africa’s political landscape in flux, African Transformation Movement’s parliamentary leader Vuyo Zungula stands out for being both familiar and unexpected: a young leader who speaks the language of faith, morali
Who’s Really Calling the Shots? With Mayihlome Tshwete, Sunday Times' Sabelo Skiti and News24's Bongekile Macupe
Is local government failing the people? Part two of our discussion on local government - Phumi Mashigo discusses this with Sabelo Skiti, Sunday Times Investigative Journalist, Bongekile Macupe, News24 Deputy Politics Editor, and Mayihlome Tshwete, former government spokesperson and political commentator. What do voters in Gauteng really want to see and hear going into the local government campaign
Can business save South Africa?
South Africa is running out of time. Load shedding, unemployment, corruption, crumbling infrastructure - the challenges keep stacking up. But can business step in where government is failing and help put the country back on solid footing?
Join us for this urgent conversation with moderator Justice Malala, political economist Moeletsi Mbeki, corporate leader Bonang Mohale, founder of ActionSA Herm
Fake cigarettes financing terror | With commonwealth law enforcement, Rohan Pike
How do criminals exploit borders, trade systems, and corruption to move their money? For most of us the idea of ‘fake’ cigarettes and illicit trade really came to the fore during the Covid Lockdowns when even law abiding South Africans found themselves looking in the strangest places for their fix. Since then the conversations about illicit trade, the financial Action Task Force greylisting of Sou
Media, Mayors & Missed Chances: A Joburg Dilemma
Is Helen Zille right for mayor of JHB? Has the mainstream media
left us in the lurch when thinking about our choices? And has the ANC
abandoned its post when choosing who to put forward for the positions of
mayor? Phumi Mashigo asks these of her esteemed panel: Sabelo Skiti,
Sunday Times Investigative Journalist, Mayihlome Tshwete, former
government spokesperson and political commentator, and Soll
Media, Mayors & Missed Chances: A Joburg Dilemma
Is Helen Zille right for mayor of JHB? Has the mainstream media left us in the lurch when thinking about our choices? And has the ANC abandoned its post when choosing who to put forward for the positions of mayor? Phumi Mashigo asks these of her esteemed panel: Sabelo Skiti, Sunday Times Investigative Journalist; Mayihlome Tshwete, former government spokesperson and political commentator; and Soll
SA’s Illicit Economy
Who's profiting from SA’s black market? Who's paying the price? And what will it take to stop the cycle of chaos? Following from our previous Democracy Unplugged panel on crime, host Penuel the Black Pen continues the discussion with Free Market Foundation CEO David Ansara, Business Unity South Africa CEO Khulekani Mathe and Chad Thomas, IRS Forensic Investigations CEO. The Burning Platform
Exclusive interview: Rosheda Muller of National Informal Traders Alliance of South Africa (NITASA)
Have you ever thought how the gogo on the side of the road selling her
vegetables or the flower trader at the station is affected by the
decisions made in the legislature regarding trade and industry? Or even
if their voices are ever considered in those ever talked about
consultative processes? Rosheda Muller is the National President of the
National Informal Traders Alliance of South Africa (NITAS
Who really holds accountability in state-owned entities? | Dr Simo Lushaba & Wayne Duvenage
Is political interference endemic in South Africa’s governance failures? Dr Simo Lushaba from the Institute of Directors SA and Wayne Duvenage from OUTA joins Phumi Mashigo to unpack the tensions between boards and ministers in state-owned entities. With SA Tourism once again in the spotlight after Minister Patricia de Lille dissolved its board, we explore where the line should be drawn between le
Whistleblowers: Breaking the Silence | Tebogo Khaas and Martha Ngoye
What is the price of speaking out? Four years after the brutal murder of whistleblower Babita Deokaran the conversation about protection and support for whistleblowers. Phumi Mashigo is joined by social justice activist Tebogo Khaas and whistleblower Martha Ngoye to talk about changing the negative term “impimpi” to a valued guard of our social fabric. The Burning Platform
"South Africa has collapsed?" - Lucky Montana
Has South Africa collapsed? Embattled PRASA CEO and now Member of parliament for the MK, Lucky Montana seems to think so. He joins Phumi Mashigo for a wide-ranging conversation about changing his allegiance from ANC to MK and what he believes a collapsed nation can gain from his new party and its ideology. The Burning Platform
National Dialogue: Beyond the Headlines
Is it fair to judge the National Dialogue before it’s even finished? Phumi Mashigo digs deeper into South Africa’s much-debated, two-day gathering of politicians, activists, academics, and community voices. While critics were quick to call it a failure, this episode asks: what did the headlines miss? Political analyst Matlala Setlhalogile; Project Leader of Indlulamithi SA Scenarios, Xolelwa Kashe
What Women Want - with Phumi Mashigo, Ayanda Allie & Mandisa Mashego
What does it mean to be a woman in today’s world, and how do we create a future where women are truly valued? Phumi Mashigo along with Ayanda Allie and Mandisa Mashego have an unfiltered conversation about womanhood, feminism, and the complex realities women face in South Africa today. In honour of Women’s Month, this discussion dives deep and makes for an honest, and necessary dialogue. The Burni
Can corruption be beat? With OUTA's Wayne Duvenage, writer Siya Khumalo & Phumi Mashigo
Is transparency possible in South Africa's government? Phumi Mashigo dives deep into political accountability, corruption, and the role of citizens in demanding better governance for our country. Together with writer Siya Khumalo and OUTA's Wayne Duvenage, they explore whether new political approaches could be the way forward, how money is extracted from the political system, the complexities of p
Crime, chaos & commissions: What’s really going on in South Africa?
What’s really going on with crime in South Africa? How did we get to this point? Phumi Mashigo gets investigative journalist and AmaBhungane’s Sam Sole to unpack the alarming state of crime and policing in South Africa today. Following the theatrics of Police Commissioner Mkhwanazi and more recently, the implications of President Ramaphosa’s fifth judicial commission, together they look at what th
What's next, South Africa? With Xavier Bapoo
A heated police expose, a judge in the midst of a sexual harassment saga and more have gripped the nation - where does South Africa go from here? Phumi Mashigo speaks to political commentator Xavier Bapoo about that. The Burning Platform
Freedom, force and the Middle East's future | Level Up with Phumi Mashigo
Are we misunderstanding the roots of the Middle East conflict? Phumi Mashigo sits down with Brooke Goldstein, human rights attorney, filmmaker, and advocate, to unpack the complex realities of the Middle East conflict. Together, they explore the meaning of freedom, the role of force, and what’s truly at stake for the region’s future. This conversation goes beyond headlines to examine how justice,
Promises and Pitfalls... GNU in Review with Action SA's Solly Moeng #LevelUp
Where is the GNU headed? Strategist, columnist, lecturer, and Action SA member Solly Moeng joins Phumi Mashigo on #LevelUp to take stock of South Africa's political happenings as they review the Government of National Unity (GNU) so far. The Burning Platform
Is this the countdown to chaos? Iran, Israel and US conflict explained
Is this the countdown to chaos? Phumi Mashigo asks this of activist Elaaheh Jamali as they unpack the rising tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States. What’s really driving the conflict? Is the region on the brink of a broader war - or is there still room for diplomacy? Elaaheh offers sharp insights into the historical context, current pressure points, and what the world should be watc
Who really shapes South Africa’s policy? Level Up with Phumi Mashigo explores
Who really shapes South Africa’s policy? A growing influence of foreign-funded NGOs in shaping South Africa’s legislation leads Level Up with Phumi Mashigo to interrogate this question. She is joined by Nhlanhla Ndlovu, CEO of NEDLAC Community Trust, a Community Constituency Structure, to explore whether international policy templates are drowning out South African realities, and what it will take
What is AfriForum’s vision for South Africa? Ernst van Zyl answers
What is AfriForum’s vision for South Africa? Following their Democracy Unplugged panel discussion, Phumi Mashigo sits down with the organisation’s Ernst van Zyl for a candid conversation on its roots, its role in defending minority rights, and its views on South Africa’s current challenges and its controversial engagement with U.S. officials. As South Africa navigates complex political terrain, Af
David McWilliams on exploring money, how elites use money to control, and how SA can change
What happens when trust in money breaks down? In these economic times, Phumi Mashigo explores money, economies and more with author of "Money: A Story of Humanity" and economist David McWilliams. This conversation shows how money isn't just a financial tool - it's a shared belief, a social contract and one of the most powerful forces shaping our world. The Burning Platform
Cheap cigarettes, costly secrets with Johnny Moloto
Is South Africa serious about fighting organised crime, or just blowing smoke? Phumi Mashigo takes a dive into the dark underbelly of our tobacco market with industry expert Johnny Moloto. As the Area Head of Corporate & Regulatory Affairs at British American Tobacco (BAT) Sub-Saharan Africa, Johnny unpacks the deep economic and public health impact of the trade - and why he believes foreign influ
Lebogang Ramafoko on foreign funding and the political tension between donors
What are the real-time funding crises in South Africa, and how are they affecting vital health and social services, especially in underserved communities? In this powerful episode of Level Up, Phumi Mashigo is joined by thought-leader and social justice veteran Lebogang Ramafoko for a fearless deep dive into the state of South Africa’s NGO sector. From the fallout of USAID’s shutdown to the politi
VAT, Budgets & Battles: Unpacking South Africa’s Fiscal Tug of War
With the court now pausing the VAT hike in South Africa, where will the money come from to plug the budget deficit? What happens to the two key bills the minister tabled alongside the framework? And what does this mean for you and your pocket?
Phumi Mashigo breaks this down with Tara Roos, a sharp, young policy mind in Parliament as a researcher for various portfolio committees, founder of the Pa
Where is South Africa headed? Justice Malala gives his take, and more
Where is South Africa headed - and what should you be keeping your eye on? Journalist and political commentator Justice Malala reunites with Phumi Mashigo on Level Up to dissect some of the local and international political happenings. Fom Julius Malema looking “lonely and sad”, why Justice missed Mbeki and what a G20 Summit looks like with or without President Donald Trump… it’s time to level up.
What went wrong with South Africa's budget process?
What went wrong with South Africa’s budget process and does the Democratic Alliance (DA) have a case in their court challenge of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s decision to hike Value Added Tax (VAT)? There has since been varying responses and reactions around this so Phumi tackles this point in our country’s trajectory with Mark Oppenheimer, practicing advocate and member of the Johannesburg
What are the blockages holding SA back? | Level Up with Phumi Mashigo
What are the blockages holding SA back? TikTok sensation Darren Campher shares some of his thoughts, as someone who has kept a keen eye on South Africa’s political happenings, making a new generation interested too. More than an interest in politics, he now plays an active role in it: After toying with the idea of joining the EFF, he’s now firmly in the Jacob Zuma-led uMkhontho weSizwe (MK) politi
How does NEDLAC shape South Africa's future? | Level Up with Phumi Mashigo
With South Africa in dire need of faster economic growth - what role does the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) play in shaping South Africa’s future? In this episode of Level Up with Phumi Mashigo, Thulani Tshefuta from NEDLAC dives into their work to give some insight. They explore its successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement in addressing South Africa’s e
Who's footing the bill for SA's healthcare woes?
What are the current priorities of South Africa’s health committee? From the NHI to tabled bills - there’s been a lot of talk, and a big spotlight, on the interaction of politics and health. Dr Kgosi Letlape joins Level Up this week to give his take, as a portfolio committee member for health in Parliament. In this wide-ranging discussion, he touches on funding, the solutions we need to implement…
Still Waters Run Deep at Stilfontein
What is really happening at the Stilfontein mines, weeks after the entire nation’s attention was first pulled to the unfolding tragedy as the police, the community and miners were in a standoff? This edition of Level Up interrogates this with Mametlwe Sebei, attorney with the NGO “Lawyers for Human Rights”, to get a deeper understanding of this layered story. In this conversation with Phumi Mashig
Postponement, problems and public servants
How do the markets, investors and markets respond to market uncertainty in light of the Budget Speech being postponed on Wed 19 Feb 2025? How did we get to this point?
There’s lots to unpack in this episode of Level Up. Phumi is joined by David Ansara, CEO of the Free Market Foundation, and Kgathatso Tlhakuli, a former public servant with specific experience of state-owned companies oversight, to
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