Democracy Unplugged

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

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. The Burning Platform

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 realities of diplomacy,

the role of media and narrative, the aftermath of 7 October, and the

complex relationship between security, politics, and public opinion. The Burning Platform

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, whether the demonstrations achieved their intended goals, and what practical solutions exist beyond political rhetoric.

Moderated by Justice Malala, the panel consisted of:

Solly Mkhize from the Patriotic Alliance

Herman Mashaba from ActionSA

Sihle Ngubane from uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party

Donovan E. Williams - Political Commentator The Burning Platform

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-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI). The Burning Platform

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

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 attention in 2014

after being wrongfully arrested for armed bank robbery because he "fit

the description" of a suspect. Together, they discuss the lessons of

history, the realities of the present, and what the next chapter of the

American experiment could look like. The Burning Platform

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 with political commentator and author Rebone Tau about what is

fuelling public anger, whether the concerns being raised are justified,

and how South Africa can navigate one of the most difficult policy

challenges facing the country today. The Burning Platform

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

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 Manning, RISE Mzansi’s

Lawrence Manaka, Patriotic Alliance’s Kotlwano Seloane and Action SA’s

Advice Chuma. The Burning Platform