Democracy Unplugged

Alex Weiss (content coordinator at the Freedom Advocacy Network) and Phumlani Majozi (Senior fellow at African Liberty) join the team to discuss the latest politics and news - including the increase in the cost of living, and South Africa's skills mismatch.

Kanthan Pillay joins the team to discuss Mandisa Maya possibly becoming the next Deputy Chief Justice. He also weighs in on Ukraine and the impact of the Russian invasion. Could Roe v Wade be a pivotal issue the Democrats can run on in the next elections?

Dumo Denga shares some of his thoughts on the recent purchase of Twitter by Elon Musk, the SCOPA fallout, and the ANC NEC suspending the Women's League. Justin Plaatjes is a 31-year-old qualified CA (SA) who works in investment banking, and he joins the team to talk about his contribution to a book called ‘This Generation Leads: The Latest Leadership Ideas from South Africa’.

Ian Scher is the CEO of Rescue South Africa, and he joins the team to talk about the KZN floods and what has made this current flooding so much worse than previous years. Wayne Duvenage later joins to talk about the work OUTA has done over the past few years, and the potential for looting of the KZN relief funds… how can the government ‘prove’ they are trustworthy with their shocking track record?

Ivo Vegter joins the team this week as they have a candid conversation about Zuma, and the figureheads of fractionalisation within the ANC. Can coalitions topple the party? They also delve into the Digital Vibes scandal regarding Zweli Mkhize’s absolution by the ethics committee, and how it just doesn't make sense. And who is behind the Amazon HQ development in Cape Town?

Gabriel Crouse and Leeto Nthoba make a return to The Burning Platform. The team looks at the end of the state of disaster and the effectiveness of lockdown, regulations put in place by Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, and how politicians are treated differently when they commit crimes. Gabriel also shares his thoughts and a first-hand account of his experience in Rwanda.

In this edition of The Burning Platform, Muzi Kuzwayo joins us to talk about the true meaning of sacrifice, why South Africans don’t go out and vote, and why it’s important to not fall victim to the “me me me” mentality, but to rather give back and help others.

Phumi and Leeto are joined by Khaya Sithole. They have an in-depth conversation about the emigration problem (and not just in a South African context), the Russia - Ukraine crisis, the education system, and how Khaya has helped shape the lives of many.

Phumi gets a live report directly from Peter Strydom, who is currently in Tokyo, Japan. They have a discussion about living abroad, what sets Japan apart from South Africa, Japan's stand on the Russia and Ukraine war... and if you think our corruption is bad - wait until you hear about the kind of government corruption over there!

Solly Moeng joins Gareth and Phumi to discuss the role the government played in failing to regulate the illegal immigration problem that is facing South Africa. They also look at the ANC’s structure, whether it is a dying organisation, or simply a corpse... and Gareth wants to know when we should start building bomb shelters.