Democracy Unplugged

According to Phumi, it’s going to get worse before it gets better! Magda Wierzycka is a Polish-South African businesswoman, and she joins the show to discuss the general state of South Africa, Eskom and possible electricity alternatives, water shortages, and what happens when the ANC is out? The Burning Platform The Burning Platform

Veteran journalist, filmmaker, and author Jacques Pauw joins Gareth, Phumi and Kanthan Pillay to unpack his latest book - Our Poisoned Land. They have a candid conversation about the deceit, corruption and incompetence that we have witnessed over the years from our government. The Burning Platform The Burning Platform

Veteran journalist, filmmaker, and author Jacques Pauw joins Gareth, Phumi and Kanthan Pillay to unpack his latest book - Our Poisoned Land. They have a candid conversation about the deceit, corruption and incompetence that we have witnessed over the years from our government. The Burning Platform The Burning Platform

Head of Policy and Research at the Rivonia Circle, Lukhona Mnguni joins the show to talk about the work he is currently up to, and to shed light on some of the pressing issues that various communities face, comments on the ANC ‘ecosystem’, and thoughts on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s UK visit.

The team discuss Trump’s announcement of running for office again in 2024. The debate then heats up as Ashley Sauls I - the Patriotic Alliance’s Premier Candidate for Gauteng and Former MMC for Health, Social Development, and Transport - joins to talk about coalition party antics, the work done so far, and much more!

Researcher, analyst and commentator Mighti Jamie joins the show this week to unpack coalition governments, COP27, and South Africa being used as a pilot for green energy transition. The team also speaks to Brooks Spector - a former US diplomat - about the US midterm election results.

Mayor Mpho Phalatse and Kanthan Pillay join Gareth and Phumi live in the studio to discuss the recent events surrounding the vote of no confidence. Mpho also answers question about coalitions, voter apathy, future plans for the city, and the role of a mayor.

This week the team is joined by SA journalist, author and news editor Ferial Haffajee, to unpack her new book - Days of Zondo. They look at the moments that took everyone by surprise, and more. Dr Alan Mendoza joins to talk about what is currently happening in UK politics, and gives his prediction about England in the World Cup.

Kanthan Pillay joins the team to discuss both local and international political issues including the consequences of breaking a coalition, defining a good system of governance, and the downstream effects of current US politics. The Republican divide is brought to the forefront of the conversation, before diving deeper into the Ukraine/Russia saga.

Moeletsi Mbeki joins Phumi Mashigo to unpack a number of topics that include South Africa having a massive stunting growth problem, our leaders lack of care, whether or not the DA is a white party, and what ordinary South Africans can do to make a change.