Democracy Unplugged

Tito takes a hard line at long last. The much-anticipated Budget Speech felt like Tito Mboweni has at last acted as an economist would by cutting state salaries, which although fiscally responsible, will come with a sting in the tail politically. The thorn in the side though is the R16b which has been extended to SAA as an injection - surely this is just “good money after bad?” Maybe it’s time to let SAA and Dudu Myeni both fall from their lofty heights and become creatures of the past. Apple has projected a $4b loss in profit because of coronavirus and their inability to obtain stock from China. And has the ANC failed the children of this country?

Mhlanganisi Madlongolwana joins us for a sizzling episode of The Burning Platform, and he unpacks the highlights and lowlights of Cyril’s 2020 SONA. Is the field of politics in South Africa too emotive to allow for constructive intellectual engagement? As SA finds itself leaving 'Ramaphoria' and that honeymoon period of hope, what lessons if any can be drawn from Deng Xiaoping’s early reforms in China? Is coalition in government progressive, or does it put a stranglehold on bureaucratic processes which need to serve citizens? Did Elizabeth Warren put the final nail in her own coffin in the public debate with Michael Bloomberg? Is the Democratic Party falling apart, or is it just business as usual?

The State Capture inquiry is moving forward slowly... why is it taking so long? If any prosecutions were to be made in the case, would that affect South Africa's outlook short term for citizens? Mandy Wiener details what she would like to hear from Cyril Rhamaposa at SONA. Along with special guest Mark Heywood, the team tackles the issue of economic disparity... does it create conditions for exploitation? Is AngloGold’s departure from South Africa just business, or a sign of things to come? And Carl Niehaus displays a lack of awareness that defies political logic by any standard.

Has the Iowa caucus proven that the democrats are a complete shambles? Kanthan Pillay details his lunch with FW de Klerk and the old National Party top brass. Donald Trump's impeachment has been dismissed, even after Romney crossed the floor. America’s foreign policy is clear - pro Saudi. Did the ANC really liberate South Africa like Robert Mugabe liberated Zimbabwe?

Following SANEF backing Daniel Friedman after his suspension, we look at whether they are fit for purpose in their current form? What does free speech mean, can we just say what we want to say or should we be regulated by laws? How do journalists help shape a society, what is their role as agents of dispersing important information? Is nepotism unacceptable, or do we just accept it as looking after our kin?

Is South Africa putting its best foot forward in Davos? Is Tito Mboweni beyond the point of being a corruptible man? What will the effect of The Land Bank being downgraded by Moody’s be? There are guns in the hands of criminals, where do they come from? Should guns be legal for citizens to carry at all? The WEF has its say about the investment environment and international sentiment towards South Africa currently. Are Russia and democracy going through a divorce? Donald Trump’s impeachment trial rolls on... the senate has spoken. God bless America!

Dmitry Medvedev has resigned, what happens to Russia's government now? Is a lifetime president a democratic notion? Vladimir Putin... political mastermind or monster? Peter Moyo and Trevor Manuel's Old Mutual saga rolls on. Is Bernie Sanders sexist? How is Norway getting the past, present and future so right, while we're all still a world behind?

Kanthan Pillay is back for the first Burning Platform of 2020. Is America’s approach in Iran a disaster for the Middle East at large? Is ISIS manageable without Iran’s intervention? Is the DA imploding, or has it already imploded? Helen Zille seem to be at last chance saloon. Will the EFF take significant votes from the ANC in 2021?

Is our president dead in the water? Are open borders a viable option for Africa? Is David Mabuza a loser? Reactions to Boris becoming the UK PM... Twitter hype and election results are polls part.

Kanthan Pillay is joined by Dumo Denga on the Burning Platform and they’re zooming in on the affairs of our eventful country, from the SAA business rescue to Eskom's load shedding rearing its ugly head again. Dumo thinks we could implement better methods of collecting tax where everyone benefits. Then, could Donald Trump be the first president to be impeached by congress... and potentially go on to win the 2020 elections?