The Burning Platform — Various
Various people in the know tell us the truth about what’s going on in South African politics. Fired up by Nando's.
09
APR
Oligarchs & Lockdown
The lockdown can sometimes feel like a daunting period, especially if you don't understand why it has to happen... yes to save lives, but are there any other tangible reasons for it? From the revelation of oligarchs who may have South Africa's economy at their beck and call, to ensuring that South Africa's social security is kept in order - our returning champions deliver on some of the hottest speaking points as the coronavirus lockdown continues in South Africa.
02
APR
Let them eat cake... in isolation
The best way to predict the future is to look at the past. Is there any chance of rebellion from the poor in South Africa if they are forced to comply with lockdown laws? What would this violent outbreak look like? We only have 3 ways of dealing with Covid-19, none are great but we must pick one and move forward... apathy is not a choice. Self-isolation might not be the best way to deal with coronavirus. Does China need to worry about a cold war against them from a technological and production standpoint post Covid-19? Will the rest of the world search for new centres of economic supply chains? Everyone seems to think the IMF is the next point of call for South Africa, just how true is this? Cyril Ramaphosa, the country is watching - your move!
26
MAR
A Maverick in Knysna
Ivo Vegter tells us why he left the Daily Maverick. As we move into Day 1 of #Lockdown2020 in South Africa, where should we be looking for threats of violence to pop up? The sharp end of capitalism will have brutal effects on the economy at macro and micro levels, what lessons can we learn from the Covid-19 period about the state of our economic structures? Globalisation has its pros and its cons - will China be able to recover its place as the production hub of the world post Covid-19?
19
MAR
The ANC Spy Bible
When you leave the intelligence services, can you just go back to a normal life? Public interest and national interest are always in a delicate relationship, but who manages it? South Africa is filled with racial tension - both now and historically. What happened during apartheid if you loved a person with a different skin colour? Moe Shaik gives us his take on the limitations he faced when he was the head of intelligence. His book, ‘The ANC Spy Bible’, is sure to have tongues in South Africa's power sanctums wagging for some time to come.
12
MAR
The Public Protector needs protection
The Covid-19 epidemic is now in South Africa and has spread beyond the “Italy 10”. What does this mean for the health structures that already exist in SA, are we prepared to contain it? OPEC and their indecisive nature means Russia and Saudi Arabia are now the kings of the oil world - if only for a while. The tension between the two nations means oil is cheaper, but will this affect your petrol price? What wage should we pay our MPs in South Africa? The Public Protector can’t protect herself right now, the triad she is a part of might be a house of cards.
05
MAR
Cosatu ‘declares war’ on Tito's budget
South Africa is officially in a double dip recession, strap yourself in! Does Cyril have the backbone to prevent 'triple dip’ by making the necessary pragmatic calls immediately? The unions have ‘declared war’ on Tito and government's plans to cut jobs and save R150 billion in the medium term. The sovereign wealth fund sounds nice, but is South Africa in a position to administer such? Will the world pivot from a China-centric production model after coronavirus stalls all production there? Bloomberg is out, Biden is now the front runner.
27
FEB
Tito in a tight spot
Tito takes a hard line at long last. The much-anticipated Budget Speech felt like Tito Mboweni has at last acted as an economist would by cutting state salaries, which although fiscally responsible, will come with a sting in the tail politically. The thorn in the side though is the R16b which has been extended to SAA as an injection - surely this is just “good money after bad?” Maybe it’s time to let SAA and Dudu Myeni both fall from their lofty heights and become creatures of the past. Apple has projected a $4b loss in profit because of coronavirus and their inability to obtain stock from China. And has the ANC failed the children of this country?
20
FEB
Bloomberg embarrasses Bernie
Mhlanganisi Madlongolwana joins us for a sizzling episode of The Burning Platform, and he unpacks the highlights and lowlights of Cyril’s 2020 SONA. Is the field of politics in South Africa too emotive to allow for constructive intellectual engagement? As SA finds itself leaving 'Ramaphoria' and that honeymoon period of hope, what lessons if any can be drawn from Deng Xiaoping’s early reforms in China? Is coalition in government progressive, or does it put a stranglehold on bureaucratic processes which need to serve citizens? Did Elizabeth Warren put the final nail in her own coffin in the public debate with Michael Bloomberg? Is the Democratic Party falling apart, or is it just business as usual?
13
FEB
SONA 2020 watch
The State Capture inquiry is moving forward slowly... why is it taking so long? If any prosecutions were to be made in the case, would that affect South Africa's outlook short term for citizens? Mandy Wiener details what she would like to hear from Cyril Rhamaposa at SONA. Along with special guest Mark Heywood, the team tackles the issue of economic disparity... does it create conditions for exploitation? Is AngloGold’s departure from South Africa just business, or a sign of things to come? And Carl Niehaus displays a lack of awareness that defies political logic by any standard.
06
FEB
De Klerk & the Dems
Has the Iowa caucus proven that the democrats are a complete shambles? Kanthan Pillay details his lunch with FW de Klerk and the old National Party top brass. Donald Trump's impeachment has been dismissed, even after Romney crossed the floor. America’s foreign policy is clear - pro Saudi. Did the ANC really liberate South Africa like Robert Mugabe liberated Zimbabwe?
30
JAN
SANEF in retrograde?
Following SANEF backing Daniel Friedman after his suspension, we look at whether they are fit for purpose in their current form? What does free speech mean, can we just say what we want to say or should we be regulated by laws? How do journalists help shape a society, what is their role as agents of dispersing important information? Is nepotism unacceptable, or do we just accept it as looking after our kin?
23
JAN
Saint Tito
Is South Africa putting its best foot forward in Davos? Is Tito Mboweni beyond the point of being a corruptible man? What will the effect of The Land Bank being downgraded by Moody’s be? There are guns in the hands of criminals, where do they come from? Should guns be legal for citizens to carry at all? The WEF has its say about the investment environment and international sentiment towards South Africa currently. Are Russia and democracy going through a divorce? Donald Trump’s impeachment trial rolls on... the senate has spoken. God bless America!
