Democracy Unplugged

After 100 days of GNU, are we headed in the right direction? South African politics has been a hive of activity in recent times, from questionable hiring practices to political floor crossing. Joining Gareth and Phumi to give an insider's view, Chairperson of the Federal Council of the Democratic Alliance, Helen Zille. Getting insight into news headlines is the order of the day. The Burning Platfo...

Classically-liberal South African YouTuber Sihle Ngobese AKA Big Daddy Liberty takes a hot seat on The Burning Platform to give his take on some of the week's political stories and interrogate whether the Government of National Unity (GNU) is the solution to the issues South Africa currently faces. The Burning Platform

What does America look like after the elections? With Gareth in Bulgaria, Phumi is joined by Jack Motlanthe as co-host as we turn our attention to the elections in the US. To add some perspective, Associate Editor at the Daily Maverick, J Brooks Spector and Durban based District Prosecutor, Treasure Ntimane. The Burning Platform

What does the future hold for party members who change allegiances? After recently leaving the party she founded, Colleen Makhubele joins Gareth and Phumi, as well as regular contributor Kanthan Pillay in studio. The shockwaves of her departure from SARA to join the MK can still be felt as South Africans grapple with the ever changing political landscape. The team question Colleen to understand th...

What exactly is a political commentator and what qualifies a person to be one? Gareth and Phumi are joined by a man who wears many hats, who considers himself an 'accidental political commentator' even though he is a lot more than that. Solly Moeng is a renowned outspoken political commentator, columnist, communications and brand strategist. He brings his thoughts and opinions on the political hap...

What does it mean to be a minister in the GNU? With the olympics behind us and life settling back to normal, Gareth and Phumi are joined by firebrand minister of sports, arts and culture, Mr Gayton Mckenzie. On the table for discussion is how Mr McKenzie has found his feet after 97 days since the general elections, his ministry and much more, as we get an insider's view on the Government of Nation...

Has journalism gone off the rails? Phumi and Gareth mull over the recent political happenings in South Africa after a busy news week. They are then joined by journalist and founder of Biznews.com, Alec Hogg, as he lends his voice and know how to the sometimes chaotic South African political and financial landscape. The Burning Platform

What options do you have in conflict? Phumi is back after a two week hiatus and she joins Gareth as they jump into the contentious issues shaping our communities. From the threat of conflict in our cities, beyond the 2021 KZN unrest, to the growing challenges of migration and xenophobia. Conflict resolution specialist and author, Andre Vlok, lends his voice and expertise to the show. The Burning P...

What should South Africans prioritise for genuine progress? Gareth Cliff is back in studio and is joined by Penuel Mlotshwa (The Black Pen) to explore the landscape of South Africa's politics. The conversation tackles multiple topics, from the ambitious R3.8 billion project by Solidarity to the crucial steps needed to enhance our Olympic performance. Also up for discussion is what South Africans s...

How do we deepen our understanding of world politics? With all the news developments taking place in South African politics, Gareth is in studio and joined by opinionated contributors Kanthan Pillay and Jonathon Witt. Deconstructing the often complex world of politics, is what's on the menu. The Burning Platform

Having a hard time making sense of SA's political landscape? In this episode, Mandy Wiener joins Gareth and Phumi to shed light on South Africa's political environment. Through expert analysis and thoughtful commentary, Mandy discusses the key players, policies, and events that are currently shaping the nation's political discourse. The Burning Platform

Where does America go from here after such tumultuous political happenings? A gunman opened fire on former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania… President Joe Biden has more flubs on-stage… the Republican National Convention is currently underway with many developments… and the list goes on! The Guardian's Washington DC bureau chief, David Smith, joins Gareth and Phumi to weig...

So South Africa, what lies ahead? To help answer this question and more, Gareth and Phumi are joined by political strategist, pollster, and commentator, Gareth van Onselen. They discuss the potential political, social, and economic impacts and what this historic shift means for the future of the nation. The Burning Platform

It's been a big week in South African and international politics! Gareth and Phumi talk about the Cabinet announcements and the latest coming out of GNU with political observer Xavier Bapoo: and then Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Henry Jackson Society, Alan Mendoza, joins us live from London to give key insights on the UK's election, what's happening in Europe and how the world views So...

What does the future hold? Gareth and Phumi are joined by the ever insightful contributor Kanthan Pillay as they talk to futurist ,economist and business trends analyst Bronwyn Williams of Flux Trends. Let's take a look at the future. The Burning Platform

Is South Africa ready for a political remix? Phumi is back to join Gareth for another episode of the Burning Platform. They are joined by Gabriel Crouse from IRR (Institute of Race Relations) and David Ansara from FMF(Free Market Foundation), to discuss South Africa's new dispensation. The Burning Platform

With Phumi unfortunately out sick, Gareth is joined contributor Kanthan Pillay. They have a chat with South Africa's Shadow Minister of Justice, Glynnis Breytenbach. This episode offers a deep dive into the political landscape and potential reforms that could shape South Africa's future. The Burning Platform

With the official announcement of this year's election results having been made public, the country now faces the uncharted territory of the possibility of coalition government. Gareth and Phumi are joined by economist and political analyst, Moeletsi Mbeki to help navigate these choppy political waters. The Burning Platform

Join Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo a day after the elections for a 2- special edition of the Burning Platform. First - Phumi reports back on her fact-finding trip to Israel last week and chats to David Benjamin - consultant on international law, the law of armed conflict and counter-terrorism. Then as the results election results start trickling in, Kanthan Pillay joined the conversation #VotingD...

A week away from this year's election, we bring you a special edition of the Burning Platform with two guests who can help to make the numbers make sense for us. Wayne Sussman - an independent elections analyst, known as ‘the Elections Geek’, and we spoke to him not so long ago on Democracy 101 and The Burning Platform. Dawie Scholtz, who is joining us from Dubai, is also an independent elections...

How serious should we take independent candidates? Do they even stand a real chance of making it into parliament? Gareth and Phumi dig into to the realities faced by independent candidates in the lead to this year's elections. Joining them for a quick chat is Anele Mda, she expands on the discussion as from her vantage point as someone who is running as an independent candidate. The Burning Platfo...

How serious should we take independent candidates? Do they even stand a real chance of making it into parliament? Gareth and Phumi dig into to the realities faced by independent candidates in the lead to this year's elections. Joining them for a quick chat is Anele Mda, she expands on the discussion as from her vantage point as someone who is running as an independent candidate. The Burning Platfo...

“The Burning Platform” has been the long-time flagship current affairs feature on “The Gareth Cliff Show,” hosted by Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo, and we’re proud to announce that it has now graduated to be a stand-alone podcast. As we reset with the new series exclusive to Podcast Party, regular contributor Kanthan Pillay joins Gareth and Phumi to reflect on the journey thus far and assess wher...

How well is the governing party holding up? In the first edition of the Burning Platform for the month of May, Gareth and Phumi are joined by ANC spokesperson, Lesego Makhubela. The three of them go back and forth about the governing parties flaws and strengths ahead of this year's elections. The Burning Platform

Is the dream of one South Africa fools gold? Leader of Build One South Africa (BOSA) Mmusi Maimane joins Gareth and Phumi for an in studio conversation. They take a look at Mmusi's political history and delve into the ideas he has for the country moving forward. Phumi also grills Mmusi on coalitions, will they work? Listen here to find out more. The Burning Platform The Burning Platform