Freedom Fanatics

Joining Simo today is Dumo Denga. Dumo holds a BCom(Hons) and an MCom attained from the University of Witwatersrand. He is founder of ManPatria , a leading Austro-Libertarian web platform based in South Africa. He also co-hosts the Manpatria podcast.

They begin by talking about the importance of alternative media platforms as well as the shortcomings of mainstream media.

They then discuss Dumo's organisation - ManPatria, and Dumo's journey thereto.

Further, they speak about the views Dumo holds as an Austro-Libertarian and what it means to be one.

Finally, the conversation returns to alternative media as they briefly discuss the challenge of getting liberal message out there when mainstream media - and the consumers thereof - are all for and about the leftist agenda.

On today's episode Simo and I discuss Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Notes From The Underground" - a book we hold very dear.

We first discuss the context in which the book was written, after which - in our style of a book review, we discuss the key insights found in the book. We discuss rational egoism (as seen in Nikolay Chernyshevsky's "What is to be done?"), the pursuit of a utopia, collectivism vs individualism, the rationality vs the irrationality of human beings in the context of freedom, and the warnings and lessons we can draw from the "Underground Man".

The conversation then veers toward what the South African reader (and voter) can learn from the insights and events of the Underground man.

"Notes from Underground" is a short, impactful, and extremely well-written piece of existentialist writing, by a fantastic author. We recommend that you pick up a copy!

Joining Phila today is David Ansara. David is the Chief Executive at the Free Market Foundation.

The Free Market Foundation is an independent Public Benefit Organisation founded in 1975 to promote and foster an Open Society, the rule of law, and economic and press freedom as fundamental components of its advocacy of human rights and democracy based on classical liberal principles.

David begins by clarifying what he means by "Free Market" and quickly dispels some lingering myths about it. In addition to this, David elaborates on the values that the Free Market Foundation stands for.

Further, David talks about what he would like to achieve and why he thinks that South Africa is desperate for Free Market ideas.

Finally, David and Phila talk about the current economic climate in South Africa, drawing on some tangible issues that urgently need addressing.

Visit the FMF's website here: https://www.freemarketfoundation.com/about-us-who-we-are

Joining Phila is Professor Johan Fourie. Professor Fourie attained his PhD in Economic History from Utrecht University. He currently lectures economics (and economic history) at Stellenbosch University. He joins Phila to talk about his book, "Our long walk to economic freedom: 100 000 years of human history".

They begin by talking about the importance of Johan Fourie's book, stressing the importance of an economic history book written from an African perspective. Professor Fourie proceeds to talk about how his lectures motivated him to write the book.

Further, Professor Fourie talks about the driving forces behind the prosperity that the planet has witnessed over the past 200 years, arguing that it is not due to exploitation and autarky, but rather innovation, interdependence and trust.

Professor Fourie and Phila proceed to talk about slavery and other forms of tyranny, briefly highlighting their inception, and how they have shaped the world we live in today.

Finally, they talk about the economic history discipline more generally and its projections for the future.

Links: Visit Prof. Johan Fourie's website, (https://www.johanfourie.com/) and substack (https://johanfourie.substack.com/).

After a short hiatus and time spent at the drawing board, we have reimagined Freedom Fanatics. We've moved from FAN to the Daily Friend (our sister organisation) and got a new host - Phila Shongwe.

Instead of weekly updates about important news stories, you can expect thought-provoking, probing, and thoroughly researched content featuring one-on-one conversations with academics, public figures, and thought leaders on economics, public policy, and news events that shape your world.

Phila aims to make a case for liberty at every turn by defending and promoting liberal and democratic values—individualism, non-racialism, and free markets. The hour-long interview format of the show lends itself to doing just that.

Freedom Fanatics episodes will now premiere on the Daily Friend YouTube channel on the second Sunday of every month at 18h00 and of course, continue to be available as an audio podcast on your favourite podcast player.

An Action SA breakaway has arrived on the political scene - Activists South Africa. We discuss their launch and look at the journey of Sisipho Hamlomo, from ice-cream seller to Mathematics graduate. Then we look at #YourReactions to a quote by the esteemed economist Ludwig von Mises.

Welding, Needlework and Plumbing - these are some of the subjects on the list that the Department of Basic Education wants to introduce at high schools. We discuss this and a new courier service - Thumela - that leverages taxi's and taxi ranks. Then, we look at #YourReactions to our article warning against Xenophobia.

Former leader of the DA, Mmusi Maimane, is has launched his own political party - Build One South Africa. We discuss this plus look at the desperation caused by load-shedding to business owners, big and small. Then, we look at #YourReactions to the billions of rands lost due to irregular expenditure in the Water and Sanitation department.

A fatal mugging of a University of Pretoria student highlights the desperation of South Africa's crime rates. We discuss the tragic passing of Thapelo Menwe and a business advertising initiative in townships. Then, we respond to #YourReactions about the punishment of a schoolboy after setting a teacher's car on fire. SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCAST · SUBSCRIBE ON SPOTIFY · SUBSCRIBE ON GOOGLE PODCASTS · WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi, wants businesses who hire foreign-born workers to be punished. We discuss this and the story of Tebogo Maredi's animal welfare programme in Shoshanguve. Then, we look at #YourReactions to a quote by Imtiaz Sooliman from Gift of the Givers.

#Employment #Welfare #Township #FreedomFANatics