Democracy Unplugged

Following a heated week in the world of politics, Gareth relies on journalist Ivo Vegter to break down some of the biggest stories that grabbed headlines. Amongst other topics, they touch on Barbara Hogan's testimony and Malusi Gigaba's resignation. Imagine if voters had the right to recall ward councillors? And what would happen if we extended such a right to parliament too? The segment concludes with a discussion around this, following Luke Jordan from the Daily Maverick's piece titled “We will lose our power on election day”.

The week that was has been nothing short of hot and spicy - that's why it's necessary to have editor of Business Day, Tim Cohen, to discuss some of the biggest political stories. Listen in as he breaks down the latest on the SAA saga, Dan Plato, the new Cape Town mayor, catching up on South Africa’s parliament, and keeping an eye on the US mid-term elections. Brought to you by Nando's.

Katharine Child is your political expert on the Burning Platform this week - brought to you by Nando's. The Brian Hlongwa corruption saga is a hot topic that reminds us of the unsavoury people within the ANC ranks. The clouds continue to gather over Patricia de Lille as she continues to dodge corruption allegations, and Duduzane Zuma is tired of being seen as a sex object.

Michael Appel returns for the latest edition of the Burning Platform brought to you by Nando's. The Estina Dairy saga could see more deaths as whistleblowers fear for their lives. South Africa's rising debt and Tito Mboweni's plans around it, plus the fate of Tom Moyane and other hot topics making the news this week.

The VBS Bank debacle is the fiery issue on today's Burning Platform brought to you by Nando's. Ivo Vegter lays all the facts on the table for you to digest, and what this all means for the EFF who have been linked to it all via Floyd Shivambu's brother. Plus some thoughts on SA's new (old) finance minister Tito Mboweni.

Taking a look at some of the week's hottest current affairs topics, journalist Katharine Child joins Gareth and the team to comment on Finance Minister Tito Mboweni, the ConCourt's ruling against Malusi Gigaba and Bathabile Dlamini, the Wellington farm attack, and a march by ANC supporters for better service delivery. Then, Katharine concludes by looking at the VBS bank saga and who could possibly be the next public prosecutor. Brought to you by Nando's.

Stepping up to the hot mic on this week's Burning Platform, Simon Allison opens up about the somewhat worrying Pegasus spyware software. The potential of a rapper-led revolt in Uganda, Liberians take to the streets to demand the return of state funds, plus an interesting discussion around Melania Trump's Africa visit and why the media aren't that interested in it. Brought to you by Nando's.

Kanthan Pillay presents this week's Burning Platform, brought to you by Nando's. Is the SABC really going to follow the law to the letter with retrenchments? President Trump got the usual attention at the United Nations, but is it all as controversial as it seems? Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa had a real missed opportunity there, according to Kanthan. And Former President Jacob Zuma left government officials scrambling this week, after sneaking out of SA to attend a mystery meeting in Doha with the Emir of Qatar. Plus a discussion over the TV licence issue.

Mmusi Maimane and the DA show a little panic around the leadership of the Western Cape, which again highlights how the party lacks the necessary leadership to make a big difference in South Africa. Didi Mabuza doesn't seem too bothered about the recession, Enoch Godongwana and the State Capture Inquiry, and what we still need to know about Bell Pottinger. Brought to you by Nando's.

Michael Appel from eNCA returns with SA's hottest topics on the Burning Platform - brought to you by Nando's. Lifestyle audits, amnesty for #FeesMustFall activists, and Jacob Zuma still making R3 million a year. All of this and more as nothing is spared in bringing you the truth.