Democracy Unplugged

Is this the countdown to chaos? Iran, Israel and US conflict explained

Is this the countdown to chaos? Phumi Mashigo asks this of activist Elaaheh Jamali as they unpack the rising tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States. What’s really driving the conflict? Is the region on the brink of a broader war - or is there still room for diplomacy?…

26 Jun 2025 53 min

Who really shapes South Africa’s policy? Level Up with Phumi Mashigo explores

Who really shapes South Africa’s policy? A growing influence of foreign-funded NGOs in shaping South Africa’s legislation leads Level Up with Phumi Mashigo to interrogate this question. She is joined by Nhlanhla Ndlovu, CEO of NEDLAC Community Trust, a Community Constituency Structure, to explore whether international policy templates are drowning…

12 Jun 2025 44 min

What is AfriForum’s vision for South Africa? Ernst van Zyl answers

What is AfriForum’s vision for South Africa? Following their Democracy Unplugged panel discussion, Phumi Mashigo sits down with the organisation’s Ernst van Zyl for a candid conversation on its roots, its role in defending minority rights, and its views on South Africa’s current challenges and its controversial engagement with U.S…

5 Jun 2025 57 min

David McWilliams on exploring money, how elites use money to control, and how SA can change

What happens when trust in money breaks down? In these economic times, Phumi Mashigo explores money, economies and more with author of "Money: A Story of Humanity" and economist David McWilliams. This conversation shows how money isn't just a financial tool - it's a shared belief, a social contract and…

22 May 2025 44 min

Cheap cigarettes, costly secrets with Johnny Moloto

Is South Africa serious about fighting organised crime, or just blowing smoke? Phumi Mashigo takes a dive into the dark underbelly of our tobacco market with industry expert Johnny Moloto. As the Area Head of Corporate & Regulatory Affairs at British American Tobacco (BAT) Sub-Saharan Africa, Johnny unpacks the deep…

15 May 2025 51 min

Lebogang Ramafoko on foreign funding and the political tension between donors

What are the real-time funding crises in South Africa, and how are they affecting vital health and social services, especially in underserved communities? In this powerful episode of Level Up, Phumi Mashigo is joined by thought-leader and social justice veteran Lebogang Ramafoko for a fearless deep dive into the state…

8 May 2025 1 hr 02 min

VAT, Budgets & Battles: Unpacking South Africa’s Fiscal Tug of War

With the court now pausing the VAT hike in South Africa, where will the money come from to plug the budget deficit? What happens to the two key bills the minister tabled alongside the framework? And what does this mean for you and your pocket? Phumi Mashigo breaks this down…

1 May 2025 52 min

Where is South Africa headed? Justice Malala gives his take, and more

Where is South Africa headed - and what should you be keeping your eye on? Journalist and political commentator Justice Malala reunites with Phumi Mashigo on Level Up to dissect some of the local and international political happenings. Fom Julius Malema looking “lonely and sad”, why Justice missed Mbeki and…

24 Apr 2025 1 hour

What went wrong with South Africa's budget process?

What went wrong with South Africa’s budget process and does the Democratic Alliance (DA) have a case in their court challenge of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s decision to hike Value Added Tax (VAT)? There has since been varying responses and reactions around this so Phumi tackles this point in our…

17 Apr 2025 53 min

What are the blockages holding SA back? | Level Up with Phumi Mashigo

What are the blockages holding SA back? TikTok sensation Darren Campher shares some of his thoughts, as someone who has kept a keen eye on South Africa’s political happenings, making a new generation interested too. More than an interest in politics, he now plays an active role in it: After…

3 Apr 2025 52 min

How does NEDLAC shape South Africa's future? | Level Up with Phumi Mashigo

With South Africa in dire need of faster economic growth - what role does the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) play in shaping South Africa’s future? In this episode of Level Up with Phumi Mashigo, Thulani Tshefuta from NEDLAC dives into their work to give some insight. They…

12 Mar 2025 1 hour

Who's footing the bill for SA's healthcare woes?

What are the current priorities of South Africa’s health committee? From the NHI to tabled bills - there’s been a lot of talk, and a big spotlight, on the interaction of politics and health. Dr Kgosi Letlape joins Level Up this week to give his take, as a portfolio committee…

6 Mar 2025 53 min

Still Waters Run Deep at Stilfontein

What is really happening at the Stilfontein mines, weeks after the entire nation’s attention was first pulled to the unfolding tragedy as the police, the community and miners were in a standoff? This edition of Level Up interrogates this with Mametlwe Sebei, attorney with the NGO “Lawyers for Human Rights”,…

27 Feb 2025 1 hr 06 min

Postponement, problems and public servants

How do the markets, investors and markets respond to market uncertainty in light of the Budget Speech being postponed on Wed 19 Feb 2025? How did we get to this point? There’s lots to unpack in this episode of Level Up. Phumi is joined by David Ansara, CEO of the…

20 Feb 2025 1 hr 10 min

Is South Africa addicted to aid?

Is Donald Trump bullying South Africa with his executive orders? Or does he just know how to use the soft power of aid money? Phumi Mashigo chats to renowned academic, analyst and commentator Kofi Kouakou — explaining this and more. Listen to this discussion around aid, soft power, how it…

13 Feb 2025 38 min

Unpacking SONA

State of the Nation Address with President Cyril Ramaphosa was delivered in just under 90 minutes, in 6773 words he set out his GNU’s blue print for the year ahead but did he inspire the nation or even just today’s guests. Khaya Sithole and Mark Oppenheimer are Leveling up with…

7 Feb 2025 47 min

Level Up with Phumi Mashigo: What to expect in 2025

After a decade run as South Africa’s first and longest-running online current affairs show, The Burning Platform is levelling up – Level Up with Phumi Mashigo - under Podcast Party’s Democracy Unplugged umbrella.…as well as live events where you can be part of the audience. Email podcastparty.co.za to reserve your…

6 Feb 2025 47 min

2024's Political Progress

Where has the political world made the most progress in 2024? Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo are joined by Burning Platform regular commentators, Jonathan Witt and Kanthan Pillay, for a roundtable discussion on the most uplifting and transformative political stories of 2024, taking a closer look at the key victories…

12 Dec 2024 1 hr 10 min

Is there a woke agenda in schools?

Is there a woke agenda in schools? And if so, how is it undermining education in South Africa and why should you be worried? Attorney and essayist Richard Wilkinson is fighting hard against the anti-woke school capture he sees playing out in our local landscape. ”School Capture" refers to the…

5 Dec 2024 1 hr 05 min

The Burning Platform : USA Rep. Thomas Massie

How much money is too much in foreign aid? First off catching up, Phumi and Gareth chat about some of the highlights that made news in recent times. Moving onto an interview with representative for Kentucky's 4th congressional district, Thomas Massie. He gives his insights on the American elections and…

28 Nov 2024 1 hr 07 min