Democracy Unplugged

Need to know what's happening in the world of politics the world over? Then this is the podcast for you. Gareth and the team examine stories like Boris Johnson's new position as Prime Minister and how President Trump is dealing with 'The Squad', before bringing it back to South Africa by discussing jobs, where President Ramaphosa is, and the rise of the private sector, amongst other things. Brought to you by Nando’s.

Former President Jacob Zuma's testimony at the State Capture Inquiry was slightly anticlimactic, given that he didn't admit much. City Press journalist Juniour Khumalo, who's been covering the Inquiry, has read between the lines nonetheless and gives his take on what our previous Number One citizen disclosed. Following the death of legendary musician Johnny Clegg, Gareth interrogates the team on where the boundaries of cultural appropriation lie. Could Hillary Clinton be the answer the democrats need? Kanthan Pillay teases that idea when discussing the 2020 elections, and more around US politics. Brought to you by Nando’s.

Journalist Thando Maeko has been reporting on the Public Investment Corporation inquiry; she chats to the team about her observations - most recently on former CEO Dan Matjila’s testimony. There are also the week's other big political stories, like Marianne Thamm's investigation on the EFF.

Kanthan Pillay joins Phumi and Siya for "The Burning Platform". Together with Daily Maverick's Tabelo Timse, they unpack her story that reveals the Ekurhuleni municipality is spending R1.9 billion on chemical toilets. There’s also a discussion about the G20 summit, OUTA's plan to take legal action against the eThekwini Municipality and more on "The Burning Platform", fired up by Nandos.

With the State of the Nation Address reply behind us, what's the team's take on what transpired in parliament? Hear that here before Mabine Seabe, the DA's Acting Executive Director of Communications, shares his thoughts on #SONAReply too. Then, all the attention turns to the G20 Summit that will be taking place in Osaka and who the key players in it are.

Journalist Sam Mkokeli has written a piece titled "Who’s winning the battle of the bulls, Cyril or Ace? And will Busisiwe Mkhwebane survive?" His analysis in the article raises many pertinent points that Gareth and Phumi discuss, just ahead of the second State Of the Nation Address. Brought to you by Nando's.

Gareth, Phumi and Kanthan have Khaya Sithole join them for this week's edition of The Burning Platform. Khaya doesn’t shy away from voicing his political opinions, which makes him the perfect fit to the team. From questioning what deputy cabinet ministers do, to looking at what might happen to the Conservative Party in the UK, and even why Kanthan doesn't like marches, in light of the Hong Kong protests. Brought to you by Nando's.

Kanthan Pillay makes a triumphant return! Together with Phumi, they discuss Cyril’s gormless economy; Ace Magashule’s insistence on making us all poorer; the real reason the ANC are so interested in the Reserve Bank; whether the Proteas are a threat to National Unity; which cabinet minister you’d want in the family (at gunpoint) and Jacob Zuma writing a book. You won’t be bored!

Gareth and Phumi pick Ivo Vegter's brain as he gives his take on President Cyril Ramaphosa's new cabinet. Who's in? Who's out? Who are the surprising non-movers? Hear it all, with in-depth analysis here. They conclude with their comments on Helen Zille and Thuli Madonsela's high tea. Brought to you by Nando’s.

It's been a heavy and hot political week, so the best solution is some comedy! Hear what John Vlismas thinks about post-elections SA, Helen Zille's tweets, a Gigaba-free parliament and lots more.