Punk is always political. But how much weight does this statement hold when marginalised voices are the minority in the punk scene?

Shinesh Ramballi, “local musician final boss” (his words), is a cool Indian bro, widely known as the guitarist in the band Lefokolodi. In this episode of Podcast for Change, Raeesah and Shinesh speak about what it is to be South African Indians in the white dominated punk scene. Shinesh shares his journey, from his early musical beginnings, to standing inside a music shop looking for people to join a band, to the wide success of Lefokolodi. They discuss the unique cultural and societal barriers that brown people face when entering the music world, and what it means to be your own representation.

This conversation is a hilarious moment of sharing and genuine solidarity. Important takeaway: Lefokolodi are ordinary dudes and do not drive Ferrari’s.

Even after a century away, South African Indians and Indians from India have similarities, a culture deeply embedded within them.

In the first episode of Podcast For Change, Raeesah Noor-Mahomed is joined by Priyanka Akkar. From Maharashtra, India, Priyanka is pursuing their Masters degree in Cape Town, where they are part of the same academic cohort as Raeesah, a fifth generation South African Indian. Both curious about each other, throughout the year, they have had many discussions about identity, histories, religion and language - the beautiful consistencies, as well as the toxic cycles that have perpetuated through the generations. Along with their unique food and cultural adaptations, South African Indians also recreate and reproduce the caste system.

Based on the experience of their respective religions, Priyanka and Raeesah talk about what it means to be an "Indian" in contemporary India and South Africa. This episode documents a conversation where, through sharing what usually remains silent, a space for reflection, connection and healing is created. The laughter throughout says it all.

The potential for change lies in every moment—small changes, big changes. Minor shifts, life-altering transformations.

In this opening episode, Raeesah Noor-Mahomed sets the scene, reflecting on the moments that led to the creation of Podcast For Change.

Within the everyday encounter lies the possibility of change. This podcast highlights those powerful moments through organic conversations. Every person has a story to tell. We all have something to learn from each other.

Podcast For Change documents these moments—holding space for people to share, and offering those conversations to the wider world.