SA Institute of Race Relations Freedom Fanatics

Freedom Fanatics

Hosted by the astute and engaging Phila Shongwe, Freedom Fanatics offers thought-provoking, probing, and thoroughly researched content featuring one-on-one conversations with academics, public figures, and thought leaders on economics, public policy, and news events that shape your world.

Phila aims to make the case for liberty at every turn by defending and promoting liberal and democratic values—individualism, non-racialism, and free markets. The hour-long interview format of the show lends itself to doing just that.
Monthly English South Africa Politics · News Commentary
149 Episodes
40 – 60

Communities shows government how to get things done | Freedom FANatics Ep. 43

Potholes sink our economy but organised communities are taking initiative to fill them in, like in Honeydew west of Jo'burg. The FAN crew discusses this and takes time to reflect on what young people should think about this Freedom Day. SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCAST · SUBSCRIBE ON SPOTIFY · SUBSCRIBE…
26 Apr 2022 37 min

Is South Africa plagued by Socialism? | Burning Questions Ep. 41

On this episode of #BurningQuestions, the FAN team discuss whether the failures of capitalism are indeed better than the successes of socialism and whether South Africa truly is a free market. SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCAST · SUBSCRIBE ON SPOTIFY · SUBSCRIBE ON GOOGLE PODCASTS · WATCH ON YOUTUBE
19 Apr 2022 14 min

Knowing the ropes gives hope | Freedom FANatics Ep. 42

Young female boxers show what's possible when you have the #FreedomToPlay. The FAN team chats about an aspiring professional boxer from a township in the Western Cape and how a school-voucher system could help parents pay school fees. SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCAST · SUBSCRIBE ON SPOTIFY · SUBSCRIBE ON GOOGLE…
19 Apr 2022 34 min

Sport Stadiums: SA scoring own goals | Freedom FANatics Ep. 41

If looting state funds was sport, the government would be in the top division. From Mamelodi to Komani, we look at sport facilities across the country that are being torn down or crumbling, undermining your #FreedomToPlay. Then, the current impact of impact of tobacco bans during the lockdown. And in…
12 Apr 2022 44 min

The power of having the freedom to earn | Freedom FANatics Ep. 40

You are the best resource available to kick-starting your future. The FAN crew discusses the success story of Nqobile's Nkosi's jewellery brand NQ and how it could build a new South Africa. On #BurningQuestions we look at what is really dividing South Africans by reflecting on a Nelson Mandela quote…
5 Apr 2022 45 min

VANDALISED libraries = ravaged futures | Freedom FANatics Ep. 39

Thousands of school facilities and libraries have been vandalised and ransacked during the lockdown, with devastating consequences for youngster's #FreedomToLearn. We discuss this and get an update on FAN's action against racist hiring policies at a car manufacturer. SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCAST · SUBSCRIBE ON SPOTIFY · SUBSCRIBE ON GOOGLE…
29 Mar 2022 36 min

Is "systemic racism" a "real" problem? | Burning Question Ep. 36

It often feels that every week there is a new racism scandal. But how do instances of racism rank against other issues facing South Africans? #BuringQuestions #BadgerOfLiberty #Racisim SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCAST · SUBSCRIBE ON SPOTIFY · SUBSCRIBE ON GOOGLE PODCASTS · WATCH ON YOUTUBE
17 Mar 2022 16 min

SA schools need principals with principles | Freedom FANatics Ep. 37

A former school principal in the Eastern Cape has been removed from the teaching registry after demanding a student search for his cell-phone in a pit toilet. We discuss the importance of ensuring children feel safe at school and the vital role of principals in a school's success. SUBSCRIBE ON…
15 Mar 2022 36 min

Where freedom fails people suffer | Freedom FANatics Ep. 36

After hearing the disgraceful news of the Gauteng Department of Health not paying medical interns for months, FAN turned up the heat to get the interns what they were owed. And then, we're heading to Mahikeng this week, taking the fight for free and fair elections for all to the…
8 Mar 2022 28 min

Is the ANC a threat to unity? | Burning Questions Ep. 34

Does the ANC threaten unity and inclusion in South Africa? The FAN team tackles this #BurningQuestion and your fiery responses. SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCAST · SUBSCRIBE ON SPOTIFY · SUBSCRIBE ON GOOGLE PODCASTS · WATCH ON YOUTUBE
5 Mar 2022 8 min

Is Malema weaponising victimhood? | Burning Questions Ep. 33

Julius Malema recently took the stand in the case brought against the EFF by AfriForum at the Equality Court over the singing of the song 'Shoot the Boer/Dubul'ibhunu'. Mbali leads the chat around some of his comments which play up stereotypes and victimhood - or do they? SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE…
22 Feb 2022 20 min

This is how the Budget Speech affects YOU | Freedom FANatics Ep. 34

Economic policies and budget allocations affect your daily life whether you like it or not. We speak to analyst, Bheki Mahlobo, from the Centre for Risk Analysis to understand how, in the lead up to the National Budget Speech 2022. On #BurningQuestions, we look at whether Malema weaponizes victimhood. SUBSCRIBE…
22 Feb 2022 42 min
40 – 60