Candid Conversations

Is peace in the Middle East possible? Growing up in Jeddah in a Radical Muslim home and community, Loay al-Sharif became one of Saudi Arabia’ biggest stars. And almost overnight lost it all because he believes that this to be true. In this Candid Conversation, Phumi Mashigo discusses deradicalisation and peace in the Middle East; what we South Africans don’t understand about that conflict; and what it means.

Is peace in the Middle East possible? Growing up in Jeddah in a Radical Muslim home and community, Loay al-Sharif became one of Saudi Arabia’ biggest stars. And almost overnight lost it all because he believes that this to be true. In this Candid Conversation, Phumi Mashigo discusses deradicalisation and peace in the Middle East; what we South Africans don’t understand about that conflict; and what it means.

Why should you choose Xero to support your business? In this special Candid Conversation, Lebang Kgosana speaks to Susan van der Valk, an Audit Partner at MGI Bass Gordon, to find out. As a member of the Xero Partner Advisory Council, Susan discusses how Xero changed the way they approach audit and advisory services. They also discuss what businesses - just like yours - should know about staying financially compliant and competitive in South Africa.

Are you a small business juggling your accounting needs? Then Xero is exactly what you need, offering you the ability to automate admin and work from anywhere, anytime. In this conversation, Siya Sangweni speaks to Caroline Sculley, the Chief Operations Officer at DNKA Inc, a distinguished firm of accountants and auditors, about this more. Hear about Caroline's journey, DNKA's innovative approaches, and the impact of Xero on their operations and client success.

Is Antisemitism a thing that is confined to few ultra right crazies? Is Antizionism a rising form of discrimination? How are these two words, their meanings and the people they describe shaping the way politics is evolving or devolving? Phumi Mashigo gets into these questions, and more with Founder of the London Centre for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism, David Hirsh.

About David Hirsh:

David Hirsh has pioneered a sociological account of contemporary antizionism and its relationship to antisemitism. He has worked on crimes against humanity, totalitarianism, democracy and populism. He teaches core Sociology, Criminology, Crimes against Humanity and Human Rights courses at UG and MA level as a senior lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London.

Link to his website and work:

https://londonantisemitism.com/

Is 18 years old too young to decide what one wants to do after high school? What do young people want for their lives once they’ve matriculated? Former Redhill school pupil Thomas Hele dives into this topic with current pupils Anushka Patnaik, Sayuri Pillay, and Ansh Puri to find out what viable options lay ahead of youngsters these days and how best parents can support them in preparing for a prosperous future.

Are young people interested in staying in South Africa to study and continue building this nation, or are they more inclined to pursue opportunities abroad? During Redfest 2024, Shyla Meyers, Owama Koyana, Nimsy Mbuthia and Imaan Bhana - pupils from Redhill School in Johannesburg - sit down for a robust discussion to share their thoughts on the matter. This is an informative conversation that gives one insight into the current state of mind of some young people and how they view this country and the world.

As part of a student exchange programme at St David's Marist Inanda, Kanego Mashigo (son of the Burning Platform co - host, Phumi Mashigo) and Daniel Retenbach are joined by their Chilean counterparts, Juan Pablo Flores and Jose Tomas Neira. The 4 young men discuss their adventures and what they've learned about each other's cultures.

On October 7th 2023 Sapir Cohen, who lives in Tel Aviv, was visiting family with her boyfriend on Kibbutz Nir Oz on the Gaza border. On that fateful day Sapir, her boyfriend Sacha, his mother and grandmother were all kidnapped by Hamas. She was released as well as Sacha’s mother and grandmother – Sacha remains in captivity. Gareth Cliff spoke to Sapir during her visit to South Africa as she recalls this harrowing experience which is far from over.