Podcast
Democracy Unplugged
Hosted by Podcast Party · EN
Democracy Unplugged brings together thought leaders, activists and influencers to untangle the threads of democratic principles, dissect current challenges, and envision what our future could look like. Join the conversation as our panels delve into current affairs, political dynamics and social issues.
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
What Does America’s 250th Anniversary Really Mean?
1w ago00:37:10Tap to summarizeCan a nation built on freedom still be grappling with who truly belongs? As the United States marks 250 years of independence, Phumi Mashigo unpacks the promises and contradictions that have shaped the American story. She is joined by Charles Belk, founder of "Fitting The Description", a nonprofit focused on addressing wrongful arrests and mistaken identity cases. Charles gained international attention in 2014 after being wrongfully arrested for armed bank robbery because he "fit the description" of a suspect. Together, they discuss the lessons of history, the realities of the present, and what the next chapter of the American experiment could look like. The Burning Platform
Transcribe →The Illegal Immigration Tipping Point with Rebone Tau
2w ago00:52:25Tap to summarizeWhat sparked the illegal immigration protests? Recent protests across the country have exposed growing frustrations around illegal immigration, service delivery, unemployment, crime, and the perceived failure of the state to respond effectively. Yet beneath the headlines lies a far more complex conversation about policy, accountability, human rights, and national identity. Phumi Mashigo speaks with political commentator and author Rebone Tau about what is fuelling public anger, whether the concerns being raised are justified, and how South Africa can navigate one of the most difficult policy challenges facing the country today. The Burning Platform
Transcribe →Politics, Labour and Leadership with MK Party's Patrick Motubase
3w ago00:21:39Tap to summarizeWhat lessons can be drawn from decades spent in activism, labour movements, government, and politics? Patrick Motubase joins Phumi Mashigo for a wide-ranging discussion about his path through South Africa's democratic journey, the work of the MK Party, and the opportunities and obstacles that lie ahead for the country's next generation. The Burning Platform
Transcribe →Inherited freedom or unfinished business?
3w ago01:25:06Tap to summarizeAs South Africa reflects on five decades since the Soweto Uprising, a critical question remains: have young people inherited freedom, or unfinished business? Host Siya Sangweni brings together youth leaders to discuss opportunity, inequality, leadership, and the future of democracy in South Africa. Featuring ANC’s Onwabile Lubhelwana, uMkhonto weSizwe’s Sthembile Nkosi, Defend Our Democracy’s Wade Manning, RISE Mzansi’s Lawrence Manaka, Patriotic Alliance’s Kotlwano Seloane and Action SA’s Advice Chuma. The Burning Platform
Transcribe →Youth Month, Broken Promises and the Fight for Change
Jun 1500:42:27Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a student activist enters the political establishment? Naledi Chirwa-Mpungose joins Phumi Mashigo for a wide-ranging discussion on power, protest, Parliament and the issues that matter most to young South Africans. From jobs and education to the GNU, youth participation and protecting women and children, this episode examines whether South Africa is creating opportunities for its youth, or failing them. The Burning Platform
Transcribe →Youth Month, Broken Promises and the Fight for Change
Jun 1500:41:15Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a student activist enters the political establishment? Naledi Chirwa-Mpungose joins Phumi Mashigo for a wide-ranging discussion on power, protest, Parliament and the issues that matter most to young South Africans. From jobs and education to the GNU, youth participation and protecting women and children, this episode examines whether South Africa is creating opportunities for its youth, or failing them. The Burning Platform
Transcribe →Did the Youth of 1976 Get the SA They Fought For?
Jun 1100:33:53Tap to summarize50 years later - has South Africa kept its promise to the youth? As South Africa marks Youth Month, Phumi Mashigo sits down with Seth Mazibuko, one of the surviving leaders of the Soweto Uprising. Together they explore the promises of democracy, the challenges facing young people today and whether the aspirations of the 1976 generation have truly been realised. The Burning Platform
Transcribe →What Would Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Want Us to Remember Today?
Jun 400:52:50Tap to summarizeHow do the descendants of South Africa’s most famous freedom fighters understand freedom in today's world? Phumi Mashigo speaks with Princesses Swati Mandela-Dlamini and Zaziwe Manaway, two of Nelson and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s granddaughters about the deeply personal stories behind their new Netflix documentary. Serving as co-producers of the Netflix documentary series “The Trials of Winnie Mandela”, Phumi speaks to the pair about growing up within a family that played a central role in South Africa’s liberation struggle, the lasting impact of apartheid on their lives, and the responsibility that comes with preserving an important chapter of the country's history. Through their candid reflections, they offer a unique perspective on legacy, identity and the continuing relevance of the struggle for freedom. The Burning Platform
Transcribe →Survival or strategy? SA’s informal economy
May 2801:11:12Tap to summarizeSouth Africa's informal economy is everywhere - from taxi ranks and pavement stalls to township salons and spaza shops. But is it simply a response to unemployment and inequality, or is it becoming the country's real engine of growth and innovation? Justice Malala leads an expert panel for a provocative conversation exploring who South Africa's economy is really built for - and what the rise of informal trade says about the future of work, opportunity, and survival in South Africa. Panel: Kefilwe Ndaba - National Informal Traders Alliance of South Africa (NITASA) Botsang Moiloa - Action SA Lubabalo Magwentshu - African Transformation Movement Tags: South Africa, Democracy Unplugged, Podcast Party SA, Justice Malala, politics, current affairs, informal trade, economy, news, Action SA, African Transformation Movement The Burning Platform
Transcribe →Can the Constitution Still Save South Africa?
May 2100:27:07Tap to summarizeWhat happens when one of the world’s most progressive constitutions collides with corruption, inequality and political dysfunction? In this week’s episode, Phumi Mashigo explores whether South Africa’s democracy is being protected, or slowly weakened, and why the Constitution still matters now more than ever. She is joined by human rights lawyer, policy advocate, and civil society leader, Nicole Fritz. The Burning Platform
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