Democracy Unplugged

How do the US election results affect SA? Back to regularly scheduled programming, Gareth and Phumi are in the studio and joined by regular contributor Kanthan Pillay. Up for discussion is the recent results of the American elections. Behavioural psychology author and thought leader Timothy Maurice steps in to help make sense of the nuances in current American politis. The Burning Platform

Welcome to this special episode of Burning Platform - in the last two weeks we’ve held two events hosted by Justice Malala and Penuel the Black Pen, with leaders from political parties who accepted the invitation to come and talk about 100 Days of GNU - how are we doing South Africa? What are the burning issues? These are important conversations and we decided it was well-worth including as part o...

Welcome to this special episode of Burning Platform - in the last two weeks we’ve held two events hosted by Justice Malala and Penuel the Black Pen, with leaders from political parties who accepted the invitation to come and talk about 100 Days of GNU - how are we doing South Africa? What are the burning issues? These are important conversations and we decided it was well-worth including as part o...

How is South Africa viewed by the world? Countries typically have two powers, hard power and soft power. Gareth and Phumi are joined by advocate for a brand-led African revolution and marketer, Thebe Ikalafeng. Looking at the brand that is South Africa and how the world views and interacts with brand South Africa. The Burning Platform

Where are the buoys in the ocean of South African politics? With more than a 100 days into the GNU, it could be said that South Africa has more questions than answers. To help Gareth and Phumi find the answers is, Associate Professor, School of Governance at the University of the Witwatersrand and founder and Executive Chair of Democracy Works Foundation, Prof. William Gumede. Getting to the botto...

What should we make of the political movements? The removal of Cilliers Brink has caused quite a few ripples in the political landscape, Mike sham joins the show to give his analysis. Gareth and Phumi would also like to know what’s brewing inside the Democratic Alliance. Mike Sham also discusses whether John Steenhuisen is becoming more of a liability than an asset. The Burning Platform

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...