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.
27episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Tobacco Bill Chaos: You Could Be Arrested for Smoking in Your Own Car
Mar 2600:18:53Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Phumi sits down with a parliamentarian to unpack the real impact of the bill, from controversial definitions of “smoking” to the unintended consequences for informal traders and the economy. They discuss: Why smokers could technically be arrested in their own cars or homes The explosive growth of the illicit cigarette market How stricter regulations could hurt township economies Whether the government even has the capacity to enforce the law Is this smart public health policy or a law that misses the mark entirely? The Burning Platform
Transcribe →What matters to South Africa’s youth?
Mar 1900:46:33Tap to summarizeWhat do young South Africans really want from politics today? Recorded live at University of Johannesburg, Phumi Mashigo places students at the centre of the national conversation. Lehumo Dibakoane (UJ SRC President), Donald Mkhwanazi (Student leader), and Angelic Mafadza (Student leader) participate in this candid discussion about youth priorities, political participation, and the realities young South Africans are navigating today. The Burning Platform
Transcribe →A loaf of bread and a broken political system... with Build One South Africa's Tsepo Mhlongo
Mar 1700:17:19Tap to summarizeA loaf of bread can feed a family for a day - but can it fix a broken political system? A video showing people wearing African National Congress (ANC) regalia distributing loaves of bread to residents with the phrase ‘one loaf, one family - there is life with the ANC’ has sparked a strong public reaction. Phumi Mashigo interviews Tsepo Mhlongo about this video, and to hear his argument that South Africa’s political leadership must move beyond symbolic campaign gestures and start delivering real solutions. They discuss the country’s unemployment crisis, the role of political accountability, and what leadership should look like if South Africa truly wants to build a better future. The Burning Platform
Transcribe →South Africa’s illegal mining crisis, and why you should care about this
Mar 501:07:32Tap to summarizeWhat really drives South Africa’s illegal mining crisis, and how does this impact you? Phumi Mashigo investigates the complex world of so-called “zama zama” miners and the forces that keep the underground economy alive. She is joined by guests Sabelo Mnguni, National Coordinator at Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA); Kgothatso Nhlengetwa, Artisanal Mining Specialist and founding Director at Imbokodo Mining Services; and African Transformation Movement’s Vuyo Zungula. Together they explore why illegal mining has become such a deeply entrenched challenge in South Africa, and why policing alone may never solve it. The Burning Platform
Transcribe →SA’s budget: Fragile or fixable?
Feb 2601:04:30Tap to summarizeIs South Africa’s economy on the brink of renewal, or just surviving? Directly after Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered his 2026 Budget Speech, political commentator and author Justice Malala led a high-stakes discussion from Cape Town with politicians unpacking the country’s finances - featuring DA’s Dr Mark Burke, RISE Mzansi’s Makashule Gana, SACP’s Anthony Dietrich and Action SA’s Alan Beesley. The Burning Platform
Transcribe →The Israel-Hamas Conflict
Oct 19, 2023Tap to summarizeBafana Modise and Kanthan Pillay join the panel and conversation gets heated after Kanthan has some strong opinions on the conflict from both sides. Bafana emphasises the argument government makes about supporting an anti-apartheid state, and Phumi believes the ANC is using this conflict as a distraction. The Burning Platform The Burning Platform
Transcribe →The Israel-Hamas Conflict
Oct 19, 2023Tap to summarizeBafana Modise and Kanthan Pillay join the panel and conversation gets heated after Kanthan has some strong opinions on the conflict from both sides. Bafana emphasises the argument government makes about supporting an anti-apartheid state, and Phumi believes the ANC is using this conflict as a distraction. The Burning Platform The Burning Platform The Burning Platform
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