Activate! Change Drivers Podcast

Welcome to A! Heartbeat Podcast. In this episode, host Jennifer Mdluli and co-host Lebohang Zimba unpack whether South Africa’s 2024 elections and the Government of National Unity have truly changed the game for young people. Joined by Gugulethu Mkandla(Engage SA), Khanyisile Ngqalela (Research Institute), and Steven Nkonyeni (Action SA), the discussion dives into youth disillusionment, economic exclusion, and the meaning of democracy when the majority feels unheard. The episode challenges surface-level participation and reimagines what real civic engagement could look like for South Africa’s youth.

Host: Jennifer Mdluli 
Co-host: Lebohang Zimba 
Guests: Gugulethu Mkandla (National Project Coordinator - Engage SA), Khanyisile Ngqalela (Public Affairs - Research Institute), Steven Nkonyane (Activator & PR Councilor - Action SA)
Director: Mpho (MrSir) Matlhabegoane
Technical Support: Lonwabo Kente

Join us on A! Heartbeat Podcast as we tackle the pressing issue of disability inclusion in South Africa. With millions of young people with disabilities facing social stigma, inaccessible infrastructure, and limited opportunities, it's time to spark dialogue and drive change. In this episode, we're joined by two special guests: Dulcie Molefe, a dedicated Social Worker passionate about empowering Persons with Physical Disabilities, and Mxolisi Mvubu, a paraplegic activist who's living proof that disability doesn't define potential. Together, they'll share their insights, experiences, and vision for a more inclusive society. 

Host: MrSir Mpho 
Co-host: Neo Iyame Masilela 
Guests: Dulcie Molefe (Social Worker) and Mxolisi Mvubu (2019 Activator)
Directors: Mpho (MrSir) Matlhabegoane & Nontsikelelo Khunju 
Technical Support: Lonwabo Kente

Welcome to the 3rd episode of A! Heartbeat Podcast. In this episode, we will explore how South Africa's Heritage and Arts shape identity and community. Joined by Mxolisi Masilela (CEO & Artistic Director of The TX Theatre) and Don Sidiya (2025 Activator - Alumni of ACTIVATE! Change Drivers programme), we unpack stories, challenges, and opportunities that highlight the power of creativity in building social cohesion. 

Host: Mpho (MrSir) Matlhabegoane

Co-host: Nhlanhla Msiza 

Expert Guest: Mxolisi Masilela (Author, Director, Actor, Producer, Facilitator, Curator, and CEO & Artistic Director of The TX Theatre)

Activator Guest: Don Sidiya (2025)

Directors: Mpho (MrSir) Matlhabegoane and Nontsikelelo Khunju 

Technical Support: Lonwabo Kente

In this episode, MrSir Mpho (Host) and Selokela Slu Molamodi (Co-Host) explore the rise of South Africa's “Hustle Economy” and what it reveals about your survival in a broken economic system. With expert insights from development economist Phelisa Nkomo (B.O.D Chair of OXFAM) and lived experiences from young hustlers within the Activate network (Activators such as Tshidi Mabe), the conversation questions whether side hustles represent empowerment or a symptom of structural exclusion. The episode challenges listeners to imagine alternatives that move beyond survival toward dignity, equity, and lasting economic justice.

Production details

Host: MrSir Mpho
Co-Host: Selokela Slu Molamodi
Guests: Phelisa Nkomo, and Tshidi Mabe (2018 Activator)
Directors: Mpho (MrSir) Matlhabegoane & Nontsikelelo Khunju
Technical Support: Kamohelo Moloi & Lonwabo Kente

In this episode, MrSir Mpho (Host) and Neo lyana Masilela (Co-host) unpack the role of South Africa’s R370 unemployment support grant in the lives of young people. Through expert insights from Siphelele Chirwa (CEO of ACTIVATE! Change Drivers), lived experiences from youth voices within the Activate network (Activators such as Wanda Pato), and a breakdown of the policy, the discussion interrogates whether the grant is a lifeline or a Band-Aid. The episode challenges listeners to reflect, mobilize, and demand sustainable solutions for youth economic justice.

Production details

Host: MrSir Mpho
Co-Host: Neo lyana Masilela
Guests: Siphelele Chirwa, and Wanda Pato (2020 Activator)
Directors: Mpho (MrSir) Matlhabegoane & Nontsikelelo Khunju
Technical Support: Kamohelo Moloi & Lonwabo Kente

In this episode, Merlize Jogiat and Samm Marshall explore the impact of positive storytelling in driving awareness and action around gender justice and gender-based violence (GBV). They discuss how Social TV is at the forefront of telling compelling stories that highlight progress and solutions in the fight for gender equity. By focusing on good news stories and uplifting narratives, the conversation emphasizes how positive storytelling can inspire change, shift perspectives, and foster a deeper understanding of social issues.

Credits:

Sound: Flue
Producer: Zamayirha Peter
Research: Merlize Jogiat
Facilitator: Merlize Jogiat
Technical Support: L.S. Gumede
Podcast Editor: Karabo Ramuhashi

In this powerful episode of Gender Chats, Merlize Jogiat, a Generation G Media Maker for Activate Change Drivers, sits down with Sabrina Walter, the founder of Women for Change, to unpack one of the most urgent issues in South Africa—gender-based violence (GBV)—and why it must be declared a national disaster.

The conversation begins by exploring how Women for Change evolved from a social media-driven movement into a multi-dimensional force for activism, advocacy, and survivor support. Sabrina explains the multi-layered nature of the platform, which serves as a watchdog, an educational tool, a support network, and a national mobilizer.

Key Themes Discussed:

• Why GBV must be declared a national disaster: Triggered by a shocking 33.8% rise in femicide in just one year, the petition demands urgent government intervention.
• Systemic failure in justice: The episode discusses landmark cases like Tim Omotoso’s, which highlight the cruelty survivors face in court and the urgent need for reforms in the judicial system, including the National Prosecuting Authority’s stance on bail for GBV offenders.
• Budget and political will: A major focus is on the lack of funding for the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, and how declaring GBV a disaster would unlock emergency resources and accountability.
• Public participation: Sabrina shares practical ways that ordinary South Africans can join the movement, from signing the petition to engaging in local advocacy.

Final Message:

The episode ends with a firm message to listeners: change will not come from silence. If South Africans want to see a shift, they must stand up, speak out, and demand accountability.

Research and Facilitation: Merlize Jogiat

Producer: Zamayirha Peter

Tech support: Karabo Ramuhashi

Podcast Editor: Karabo Ramuhashi

Pitso Ntokoane in conversation with Generation Gender Champions from KwaZulu Natal

Credits

Facilitated: Pitso Ntokoane

Producer: Zamayirha Peter

Technical support: Karabo Ramuhashi

As the Generation G programme draws to a close, we sat down with the young people who joined the programme as gender champions and took on the role of championing various campaigns and programmes in their respective communities. As the programme ends, has its aspirations of realising a gender just and violence-free society with and for young people been achieved? What are the pressing issues in their respective communities? Why did they volunteer to join this work? In this episode, we sit down with them to hear their thoughts on the programme and their role beyond it.

Facilitated: Pitso Ntokoane

Producer: Zamayirha Peter

Technical support: Karabo Ramuhashi

Podcast Editor: Karabo Ramuhashi

In this powerful episode of Gender Chats, Merlize Jogiat, a Generation G Media Maker for Activate Change Drivers, sits down with Sabrina Walter, the founder of Women for Change, to unpack one of the most urgent issues in South Africa—gender-based violence (GBV)—and why it must be declared a national disaster.

The conversation begins by exploring how Women for Change evolved from a social media-driven movement into a multi-dimensional force for activism, advocacy, and survivor support. Sabrina explains the multi-layered nature of the platform, which serves as a watchdog, an educational tool, a support network, and a national mobilizer.

Key Themes Discussed:

• Why GBV must be declared a national disaster: Triggered by a shocking 33.8% rise in femicide in just one year, the petition demands urgent government intervention.
• Systemic failure in justice: The episode discusses landmark cases like Tim Omotoso’s, which highlight the cruelty survivors face in court and the urgent need for reforms in the judicial system, including the National Prosecuting Authority’s stance on bail for GBV offenders.
• Budget and political will: A major focus is on the lack of funding for the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, and how declaring GBV a disaster would unlock emergency resources and accountability.
• Public participation: Sabrina shares practical ways that ordinary South Africans can join the movement, from signing the petition to engaging in local advocacy.

Final Message:

The episode ends with a firm message to listeners: change will not come from silence. If South Africans want to see a shift, they must stand up, speak out, and demand accountability.

Research and Facilitation: Merlize Jogiat

Producer: Zamayirha Peter

Tech support: Karabo Ramuhashi