Democracy Unplugged

With South Africa in dire need of faster economic growth - what role does the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) play in shaping South Africa’s future? In this episode of Level Up with Phumi Mashigo, Thulani Tshefuta from NEDLAC dives into their work to give some insight. They explore its successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement in addressing South Africa’s economic issues. The Burning Platform

What are the current priorities of South Africa’s health committee? From the NHI to tabled bills - there’s been a lot of talk, and a big spotlight, on the interaction of politics and health. Dr Kgosi Letlape joins Level Up this week to give his take, as a portfolio committee member for health in Parliament. In this wide-ranging discussion, he touches on funding, the solutions we need to implement… and even what he would change if he was Minister of Health. Let’s Level Up! The Burning Platform

What is really happening at the Stilfontein mines, weeks after the entire nation’s attention was first pulled to the unfolding tragedy as the police, the community and miners were in a standoff? This edition of Level Up interrogates this with Mametlwe Sebei, attorney with the NGO “Lawyers for Human Rights”, to get a deeper understanding of this layered story. In this conversation with Phumi Mashigo, find out the complex circumstances that have led to hundreds of dead bodies being extracted from the mine, hundreds more facing uncertain legal futures and why Sebei implores South Africa to relook at its treatment of miners. The Burning Platform

How do the markets, investors and markets respond to market uncertainty in light of the Budget Speech being postponed on Wed 19 Feb 2025? How did we get to this point?

There’s lots to unpack in this episode of Level Up. Phumi is joined by David Ansara, CEO of the Free Market Foundation, and Kgathatso Tlhakuli, a former public servant with specific experience of state-owned companies oversight, to discuss and debate.

How state funds are used, tax, government’s capabilities, race, and more gets discussed. The Burning Platform

Is Donald Trump bullying South Africa with his executive orders? Or does he just know how to use the soft power of aid money?

Phumi Mashigo chats to renowned academic, analyst and commentator Kofi Kouakou — explaining this and more. Listen to this discussion around aid, soft power, how it works and what it means for you. The Burning Platform

State of the Nation Address with President Cyril Ramaphosa was delivered in just under 90 minutes, in 6773 words he set out his GNU’s blue print for the year ahead but did he inspire the nation or even just today’s guests. Khaya Sithole and Mark Oppenheimer are Leveling up with us On the highlights and lowlights. The Burning Platform

After a decade run as South Africa’s first and longest-running online current affairs show, The Burning Platform is levelling up – Level Up with Phumi Mashigo - under Podcast Party’s Democracy Unplugged umbrella.…as well as live events where you can be part of the audience. Email podcastparty.co.za to reserve your place and add your voice.

In the premiere episode of Level Up, this powerhouse panel unpacks the trends, shifts, and surprises 2025 has in store. Phumi is joined by trends guru Dion Chang, brain and brand expert Timothy Maurice, and political observer Xavier Bapoo to explore how politics, business, and human behavior will shape the year ahead. From global disruptions to South Africa’s evolving political landscape, this episode is your guide to the future. The Burning Platform

Where has the political world made the most progress in 2024? Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo are joined by Burning Platform regular commentators, Jonathan Witt and Kanthan Pillay, for a roundtable discussion on the most uplifting and transformative political stories of 2024, taking a closer look at the key victories that have shaped the year on this final, special edition of the show for the year. The Burning Platform

Is there a woke agenda in schools? And if so, how is it undermining education in South Africa and why should you be worried? Attorney and essayist Richard Wilkinson is fighting hard against the anti-woke school capture he sees playing out in our local landscape. ”School Capture" refers to the woke takeover of South African schools and universities, specifically the growing and toxic influence of Critical Race Theory and Gender Ideology on all aspects of education. This edition of The Burning Platform delves into this topic and unpacks how all that glitters might not always be gold. The Burning Platform

How much money is too much in foreign aid?

First off catching up, Phumi and Gareth chat about some of the highlights that made news in recent times. Moving onto an interview with representative for Kentucky's 4th congressional district, Thomas Massie. He gives his insights on the American elections and what's to come. The Burning Platform