In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast I speak with public intellectual and author, Songezo Zibi, about his new book, 'Manifesto: a New Vision for South Africa'.

Songezo and I speak about why he chose to leave a successful career in corporate communications to co-found the Rivonia Circle, a new think-tank focused on civic education.

We speak about the crisis of leadership in South Africa, and the reasons why the African National Congress has failed to govern the country. 

Songezo and I debate the role of the state in economic development, and why civil society groups and organised business should be more active in shaping the political and policy agenda. 

Songezo has longer-term political ambitions, and we speak about why he is reluctant to join one of the more established opposition parties. 

We conclude by addressing one of South Africa's holy cows: race-based empowerment. 

LINKS

About the book: https://manifestobook.co.za/

Rivonia Circle: https://rivoniacircle.org/

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction

(01:00) Songezo Zibi on his corporate career

(03:59) Songezo Zibi on the Rivonia Circle

(06:07) Songezo Zibi on why the ANC has failed

(10:50) Songezo Zibi on loadshedding

(14:22) Songezo Zibi on the role of the state

(16:40) Songezo Zibi on the role of civil society

(19:20) Songezo Zibi on the role of business

(26:15) Songezo Zibi on political correctness

(28:14) Songezo Zibi on his political ambitions

(30:32) Songezo Zibi on opposition parties

(34:57) Songezo Zibi on defeating the ANC

(37:50) Songezo Zibi on race-based policy

(46:11) Songezo Zibi on how to affect change in SA