With the court now pausing the VAT hike in South Africa, where will the money come from to plug the budget deficit? What happens to the two key bills the minister tabled alongside the framework? And what does this mean for you and your pocket?

Phumi Mashigo breaks this down with Tara Roos, a sharp, young policy mind in Parliament as a researcher for various portfolio committees, founder of the Participation Project and So We Vote on IG, former UNESCO Youth Ambassador, and someone who’s had a seat at the table on global youth and climate policy.

Together they unpack the fiscal framework: what it really is, what Parliament actually voted on, and how it links to the controversial VAT proposal. They also examine the impact on social spending — including a potentially vulnerable SASSA grant. Is this a win for the public, or just a reshuffling of the same pressures under a different name? Join the conversation as they cut through the spin and follow the money! The Burning Platform

Where is South Africa headed - and what should you be keeping your eye on? Journalist and political commentator Justice Malala reunites with Phumi Mashigo on Level Up to dissect some of the local and international political happenings. Fom Julius Malema looking “lonely and sad”, why Justice missed Mbeki and what a G20 Summit looks like with or without President Donald Trump… it’s time to level up. The Burning Platform

What went wrong with South Africa’s budget process and does the Democratic Alliance (DA) have a case in their court challenge of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s decision to hike Value Added Tax (VAT)? There has since been varying responses and reactions around this so Phumi tackles this point in our country’s trajectory with Mark Oppenheimer, practicing advocate and member of the Johannesburg Bar, and Kristen Heim, an expert on institutional change in African Legislatures and has been engaged in parliamentary capacity development across the continent since 2008 | Level Up with Phumi Mashigo The Burning Platform

What are the blockages holding SA back? TikTok sensation Darren Campher shares some of his thoughts, as someone who has kept a keen eye on South Africa’s political happenings, making a new generation interested too. More than an interest in politics, he now plays an active role in it: After toying with the idea of joining the EFF, he’s now firmly in the Jacob Zuma-led uMkhontho weSizwe (MK) political party as head of research. In this one-on-one with Phumi Mashigo, he chats about his background, view of the world, and issues plus solutions that within our nation. The Burning Platform

With South Africa in dire need of faster economic growth - what role does the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) play in shaping South Africa’s future? In this episode of Level Up with Phumi Mashigo, Thulani Tshefuta from NEDLAC dives into their work to give some insight. They explore its successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement in addressing South Africa’s economic issues. The Burning Platform

What are the current priorities of South Africa’s health committee? From the NHI to tabled bills - there’s been a lot of talk, and a big spotlight, on the interaction of politics and health. Dr Kgosi Letlape joins Level Up this week to give his take, as a portfolio committee member for health in Parliament. In this wide-ranging discussion, he touches on funding, the solutions we need to implement… and even what he would change if he was Minister of Health. Let’s Level Up! The Burning Platform

What is really happening at the Stilfontein mines, weeks after the entire nation’s attention was first pulled to the unfolding tragedy as the police, the community and miners were in a standoff? This edition of Level Up interrogates this with Mametlwe Sebei, attorney with the NGO “Lawyers for Human Rights”, to get a deeper understanding of this layered story. In this conversation with Phumi Mashigo, find out the complex circumstances that have led to hundreds of dead bodies being extracted from the mine, hundreds more facing uncertain legal futures and why Sebei implores South Africa to relook at its treatment of miners. The Burning Platform

How do the markets, investors and markets respond to market uncertainty in light of the Budget Speech being postponed on Wed 19 Feb 2025? How did we get to this point?

There’s lots to unpack in this episode of Level Up. Phumi is joined by David Ansara, CEO of the Free Market Foundation, and Kgathatso Tlhakuli, a former public servant with specific experience of state-owned companies oversight, to discuss and debate.

How state funds are used, tax, government’s capabilities, race, and more gets discussed. The Burning Platform

Is Donald Trump bullying South Africa with his executive orders? Or does he just know how to use the soft power of aid money?

Phumi Mashigo chats to renowned academic, analyst and commentator Kofi Kouakou — explaining this and more. Listen to this discussion around aid, soft power, how it works and what it means for you. The Burning Platform

State of the Nation Address with President Cyril Ramaphosa was delivered in just under 90 minutes, in 6773 words he set out his GNU’s blue print for the year ahead but did he inspire the nation or even just today’s guests. Khaya Sithole and Mark Oppenheimer are Leveling up with us On the highlights and lowlights. The Burning Platform