nothing works but the people

After two years of unmet promises of renewal and sweeping change by the elected Government of National Unity (GNU) in South Africa, some citizens are ready to take matters into their own hands to ensure accountable governance.    A landmark citizens perceptions and expectations survey conducted in 2025, revealed that not only do people know what things are keeping them from accessing their basic n...

As the world observes and celebrates Internaltional Workers Day on May 1, 2026 – we take the opportunity to take stock of the season that was in a bonus episode. Co-producer, Kabir Jugram and host, Pheladi Sethusa speak about the work they do, the origins of ‘nothing works but the people’, reflect on the modern world of work and producing the first season together.   Show Notes: Host: Pheladi Seth...

We’ve talked a lot about money this season, everything from how much people make to how they go about making more. In this sixth and final episode for this season, we speak to the people who help you manage the money you do have, safeguard it and grow it – financial advisors. They fall under the financial services sector and their work goes way beyond the sales component most of us are familiar wi...

According to research, South Africans are the fifth highest guzzlers of beer in the world, with the average drinker consuming an average of 30 litres of the golden stuff per year. In metros like Joburg, craft beers are slowly overtaking demand. In this episode, we take a slight shift in form to tell a truly extraordinary tale of one brewmaster's almost 20 year journey in the industry. Someone who...

They say the relationship between one’s hair stylist is one of the most sacred and intimate bonds one can develop. More than just a place for personal grooming, sitting in a salon chair is a place of unburdening and vulnerability for both parties. In episode four of nothing works but the people, a hairdresser and barber share their workspace and workings with us.   Show Notes: Host: Pheladi Sethus...

South Africans are listed among some of the world’s earliest risers – a direct consequence and hangover of Apartheid spatial planning. While public transit routes remain limited and oversubscribed, millions rely heavily on predictable and reliable public transport. In this episode, we ride along with bus drivers, as they usher commuters to and from work.   Show Notes: Host: Pheladi Sethusa Produce...

In this episode, a profession that falls under the broad umbrella of community and social services. Education is this week’s focus, and such, teachers will be the engine for our 32 minute journey. We follow a private and public school educator over the course of a day. As we move from class to class, we get a unique and intimate insight into the challenges and glimmers that come with being a teach...

The built environment is one of the few industries within the formal sector that has seen some growth in the last few months. But like all industries, construction is complex, and its growth is uneven. This episode follows the chaotic days, mostly on the road, of two architects who own and manage their own firms in Johannesburg. While their projects range from niche ones like cat cafés to everyday...

At a time when workers the world over are being told that their jobs are two minutes away from redundancy thanks to AI, this podcast highlights the necessity of humanity and our labour. Nothing works, but the people - a statement of fact and an ode to the value of our collective labour. Journey with us as we spend real time with people at work, people using their hands, minds and hearts to add val...