This edition of Democracy Unplugged is a forward-looking conversation on

where South Africa, and the world, is headed politically. Phumi Mashigo

picks the brains of Ismael Steenkamp, ward 29 councillor from the

Patriotic Alliance; Solly Msimanga, leader of the opposition in the

Gauteng Legislature from the Democratic Alliance; and Lerato Madisha,

grassroots activist and community leader within the Gauteng government

from Build One South Africa. This is an insightful look at the impact

and the future of democracy.

Want to be part of the live audience? Democracy Unplugged records once a

month from our Sandton studios. Email [email protected] to

request free tickets. The Burning Platform

Higher education in South Africa - are we future-proofing the country, or stuck in an old system? Just after the grade 12 results have been released, Phumi Mashigo hosts a conversation that cuts through the feel-good headlines and asks harder questions about the system. She’s joined by Hendrik Makaneta, education activist, former teacher and director of the Foundation for Education and Social Justice, as well as Dr Linda Meyer; the managing director of ADvTECH, Africa's leading private education provider. The Burning Platform

How do South Africa’s laws and policies come to be, and what can you do to be part of the change? Phumi Mashigo dives into the stages and processes involved in making or changing a law, with RISE Mzansi’s Makashule Gana and The New South Institute’s Ivor Chipkin. This episode brings an understand of the nation’s policy making process, how the public can participate in the legislative process, and shedding light on some of the legal changes we can anticipate in 2026. The Burning Platform

What should citizens be watching — not emotionally, but analytically — as we head into 2026? Kicking off the new political year, Phumi Mashigo speaks to Dr Levy Ndou (political analyst and politics lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology) for a catch-up on Jan 8, the 114th birthday of the ANC - a liberation movement that became a governing party, and now governs in coalition after losing its majority for the first time. Class is in session! The Burning Platform

What can we learn from 2025 to anticipate where the world is going next year? In this year-end conversation, State of the Nation host Mike Sham joins Phumi Mashigo for an unfiltered assessment of our political reality. This conversation cuts through the spin to examine local and global happenings, asking what the year truly revealed about accountability and the political path going forward. The Burning Platform

What will it take to turn South Africa’s municipal crisis around? Can

local government still be rescued before the 2026 elections?

In this follow-up episode of Democracy Unplugged, moderator Phumi

Mashigo brings together panelists from multiple political parties to

confront the question head-on. Featuring Afrika Mayibuye Movement’s

Sydney Baloyi, PAC’s Jaki Seroke, GOOD’s Sarah Mabotsa and Action SA’s

Kholofelo Morodi. The Burning Platform

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is re-writing the rules. Are we ready? In this episode of Democracy Unplugged Timothy Maurice Webster leads a dynamic conversation with AI experts George Nichas, Callan Abrahams and Mushambi Mutuma on how AI is reshaping work, creativity, governance, and daily life. The Burning Platform

What does South Africa need now, according to Floyd Shivambu? And will he be the answer to our political problems? Phumi Mashigo unpacks the evolution behind the headlines with him - from the ANC Youth League to the EFF, a stint in MK, and now his role in shaping the Afrika Maibuye Movement. Is this reinvention or conviction in motion? Floyd speaks candidly about ideological consistency, political disillusionment, organisational decay, and why he believes South Africa still needs a true revolutionary movement. If you've ever wondered what motivates a strategist to abandon comfort for controversy, this conversation is essential listening. The Burning Platform

Johannesburg is falling apart - power cuts, potholes, broken pipes,

waste piling up, and corruption choking the city that once symbolised

South Africa’s promise. But one of the country’s most formidable

political figures says she can fix it. Phumi Mashigo sits down with

Helen Zille, the former Mayor of Cape Town, Western Cape Premier, and

now 2026 Johannesburg Mayoral candidate for the Democratic Alliance.

She’s one of the most polarising voices in South African politics, and

the question that everyone’s been whispering is asked: Can she really

save Johannesburg? The Burning Platform

Local government is meant to be the heartbeat of democracy. But as cities crumble, services collapse, and trust erodes, South Africans are asking: can our municipalities still be saved? In this episode of Democracy Unplugged, host Phumi Mashigo leads an honest discussion with a panel of political leaders tackling the state of local governance ahead of the 2026 municipal elections. From collapsing infrastructure to coalition chaos as well as lessons from the GNU, this episode asks what real local leadership should look like in 2026 and beyond. The Burning Platform