The Open Word Podcast

After a three-week long hiatus, Sbusiso and Sakhile are back for the normal dosage of the pod.

They start by recapping Sbusiso's birthday before getting into a discussion about how the podcast makes it difficult for them to have flourishing love lives.

The boys also break down the issue of sharing someone's privileged information when you no longer are on good terms, the controversial farm gate case which put South African President Cyril Ramaphosa under the microscope and much more!

Sbusiso - Blxckie - 'Umoya'

Sakhile - Pharrell Williams ft 21 Savage and Tyler the Creator - 'Cash in, Cash out'

On this special episode in celebration of pride month, the boys invite Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minorities Board chairperson Melusi Simelane to come kick it with them.

They converse about the controversial High Court ruling denying the organisation from being legally recognised, and how it ultimately undermines efforts to fight the historical and continuous prejudice against sexual minorities and how the discrimination of LGBTQI persons affects their mental health.

Melusi also teaches the gang about the differences between gender and sexual identity, issues faced by transgenders, queer activism and much more!

SONGS OF THE WEEK

Sbusiso - Frank Ocean - 'Pink + White's

Sakhile - Kendrick Lamar - 'The jig is up'

On this episode recorded on Father's Day in celebration of fatherhood, the boys invite young psychologist Sakhile 'Mack' Shabangu to come kick it with them.

The trio deliberates on African gender stereotypes that promote toxic masculinity, the need to develop safe spaces amongst friends, teenage pregnancies, as well as the need to heal and unlearn in order to break the continuous cycle of generational traumas.

SONGS OF THE WEEK

Sbusiso - Zyah Belle - 'I think I love you'

Sakhile - Sir - 'New Sky'

On this episode, Sbusiso and Sakhile start by discussing having a snoring partner and the need to divulge key medical information during the first date.

They also look into the appalling wealth disparity in Eswatini and South Africa which leads into a conversation about the need to have a positive outlook to life.

Sakhile questions Sbusiso's foot fetish, UNESWA update, the contentious issue of whether owing pupils should be sent home and much more!

SONGS OF THE WEEK

Sbusiso - Rayvn Lenae ft Steve Lacy - 'Skin Tight'

Sakhile - The Weeknd - 'The Knowing'

On the return of the biggest festival in the land, Sbusiso and Sakhile invite Siye and Philani, who unlike both of them, managed to fully experience this year's edition of the renowned three-day long festival.

They discuss the economic spin-offs of the festival, favourite performances from local and International acts as well as improvements they hope will be implemented in future.

Sbusiso and Siye also share their experiences from the screening of the award winning Liyana film and much more!

Sbusiso - Manana - 'Summervibe'

Siye - !Sooks - 'Musa'

On this special episode aimed at commemorating Africa Day, Sbusiso and Sakhile invite South African journalist Naledi Sikhakhane to discuss strengthening resilience in nutrition and food security in the African continent.

The trio looks into what African leaders could do better, the reality on the ground, how conflict plays a huge role in execerbating hunger, unemployment, young people playing their part in dealing with food insecurity and much more!

Songs of the week

Sbusiso - Somi, Sean Kuti ft Thandiswa - 'Milele'

Naledi - Thandiswa Mazwai - 'Zabalaza'

On this episode aimed at celebrating and motivating women to pursue STEM related careers, Sbusiso and Sakhile invite WomenEng' Bongekile Matsenjwa and Unathi Dlamini, the first recipient of the Girls in ICT tertiary bursary by the telecommunications regulator in Eswatini, ESCCOM.

Together, they discuss issues that contribute to men vastly outnumbering women majoring in STEM fields, the importance of mentorship, smart women 'scaring' away men, Unathi shares how she got picked for the bursary which fully-covers her entire undergraduate degree costs at the University of Pretoria and much more!

On this episode, Sbusiso and Sakhile start by celebrating mother's day and gifting in general.

They then recap Sbusiso's time away which leads into a conversation about silent competition in friendships.

The boys also discuss the idea to amend the constitution to afford the electorate power to recall underperforming legislators, Sakhile asks if it's bad to think of yourself as your partner's best sexual experience and much more!

SONGS OF THE WEEK

Sbusiso - 2 Pac - 'Dear Momma'

Sakhile - Sade - 'By Your Side'

On this episode, Sbusiso and Sakhile start by recapping their unannounced break from the podcast before getting into the physical abuse of men and how society tends to disregard the abuse of men in general. They also look into the case of the FINCORP employee challenging the company's recruitment of a new Chief Insurance Officer, the Prime Minister's announcement of the Thabani Nkomonye report and the controversial constitutional court ruling against an LQBQTI organisation.

SONGS OF THE WEEK

Sbusiso - FKJ ft Santana - 'Greener'

Sakhile - Belly - 'All of me’

After making way for the special episode commemorating Creativity and Innovation Day, Sbusiso and Sakhile are back for a regular dosage of the podcast.

They start by taking a trip down memory lane as they reminisce on youth camps, school trips and debauchery teenage behaviour.

The boys also talk about Bushfire plans before getting into a discussion about the new child pornography law in Eswatini which also covers unsolicited nudes and much more!

SONGS OF THE WEEK

Sbusiso - Kenyon Dixon 'Get high, get by'

Sakhile - Jaden Smith - 'Rolling Around'