In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Hlengiwe Ndlovu to unpack the complex dynamics of state-society relations. We dive deep into the tension between freedom and democracy, exploring the often overlooked nuances of these concepts. Drawing from her thesis, Dr. Ndlovu shares insights from interviews with local historians in Duncan Village, who reveal that their struggle was not simply for democracy, but for something much deeper. Known for her unconventional approach, Dr. Ndlovu writes as a true labor of love, blending rigorous scholarship with heartfelt storytelling. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation.

Links to articles:

Dr Ndlovu’s PhD

https://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/items/4e6995ae-b6bb-49a9-96a2-c073f9acc021

Labor of love: Re‐membering dismembered bodies in community research

https://doi.org/10.1111/gwao.13117

Forgotten Bodies or Silenced Voices? Recasting Women’s Voices at the Bantu Square Massacre of East London, 1952

https://doi.org/10.1080/03057070.2023.2337516

Bodies that (do not) matter? Black Sunday and narratives of the death of Sister Aidan Quinlan in Duncan Village protest, 1952

https://doi.org/10.1080/10130950.2019.1690314

In this episode, the mic is turned as Keo Mbebe interviews me about my research on governance, democracy, and public perceptions in Africa. We discuss how everyday experiences shape democratic perceptions, the type of democrat emerging in Africa, and whether democracy is truly working for its people. From elections in SADC to the role of governance in shaping civic engagement, this conversation unpacks the complexities of African democracy beyond indexes and international rankings.

I speak with Keo Mbebe about her PhD research on the TRC and its colonialist historiography. We unpack the TRC’s misplaced aims, the dangers of misusing concepts like reconciliation, and the enduring psychological and political consequences of South Africa’s unresolved history.

Links to articles |

Why impatience was a key facet of Tutu’s life story: https://www.news24.com/news24/opinion-keolebogile-mbebe-why-impatience-was-a-key-facet-of-tutus-life-story-20211229

In this episode, Silindile Mlilo draws from her PhD research to shed light on unconventional forms of citizenship, the intersections of indigeneity and ethnicity, and the ways these “marginalized” groups assert agency and shape state practices. Join us as we unpack traditional notions of identity, citizenship, and nation-building.

In this episode we’re joined by Tumi Mampane, a lecturer and PhD candidate whose research examines the portrayal of township femininities in South African media. We discuss how TV shows like Scandal and Gomora shape the perceptions of black and the evolving portrayals and perceptions of black township women in media and church. Tune in for a conversation on womanhood, faith, media, representation, and the power of storytelling.

Links |

Article: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14725843.2022.2082378

Book: https://hsrcpress.ac.za/product/pentecostal-charismatic-women-constructions-of-femininity-in-alexandra-township/

The PhD can be a fun and an adventurous journey of self, knowledge and the world and it also requires balance. Join Silindile, Ntokozo and I as we discuss the different waves of balance in the PhD journey.

Ps: this episode was recorded 2 months ago hence why I refer to it as episode 2

Today, we delve into a candid discussion on navigating the challenges when things don’t go as planned during the PhD journey

Today, we explore the transition ‘From Masters to PhD’, reflecting on the challenges, lessons, and personal growth experienced along the way