Democracy Unplugged

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 youth,

or failing them. The Burning Platform

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

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

Mandela”, Phumi speaks to the pair about growing up within a family that

played a central role in South Africa’s liberation struggle, the lasting

impact of apartheid on their lives, and the responsibility that comes

with preserving an important chapter of the country's history. Through

their candid reflections, they offer a unique perspective on legacy,

identity and the continuing relevance of the struggle for freedom. The Burning Platform

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 informal trade says about the future of work, opportunity, and

survival in South Africa.

Panel:

Kefilwe Ndaba - National Informal Traders Alliance of South Africa

(NITASA)

Botsang Moiloa - Action SA

Lubabalo Magwentshu - African Transformation Movement

Tags:

South Africa, Democracy Unplugged, Podcast Party SA, Justice Malala,

politics, current affairs, informal trade, economy, news, Action SA,

African Transformation Movement The Burning Platform

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

Fritz. The Burning Platform

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,

University of South Africa. The Burning Platform

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 shift toward more specialised pathways, the tension between ambition and delivery becomes harder to ignore. In this episode, Phumi Mashigo explores that gap, and brings in Onwabile Lubhelwana, spokesperson to the Gauteng MEC for Basic Education Lebogang Maile, to understand how this evolving system is being carried forward today. The Burning Platform

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 corruption, unemployment, and poor service delivery. This conversation explores whether democracy is still showing up in people’s daily lives in a way they can recognise, and challenges the idea that disengagement is harmless. Instead, it argues that stepping away from the process may actually weaken the very system capable of driving change, making active participation more important than ever for shaping South Africa’s future. The Burning Platform

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 valuable is not only what he has

built, but what he has witnessed over time. From the early years of

democratic transformation to the realities facing schools today, his

journey offers a rare long view of how the system has evolved. This

conversation with Phumi Mashigo asks a difficult but necessary question.

After three decades of effort, investment, and ambition, what progress

can we truly see, and what still remains unfinished? The Burning Platform

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 and DA's Kingsol

Chabalala. The Burning Platform