The Burning Platform - Level Up

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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

Mind Your Mining with Leeto Nthoba

Are the solutions to South Africa's problems political? The year is winding down and South Africa's problems only seem to be ramping up. From water shortages to illegal miners, it's understandable to not have handle on the latest news. Political commentator and junior lecturer at the Central University of Technology,…

21 Nov 2024 1 hr 04 min

Trump Cards with Timothy Maurice

How do the US election results affect SA? Back to regularly scheduled programming, Gareth and Phumi are in the studio and joined by regular contributor Kanthan Pillay. Up for discussion is the recent results of the American elections. Behavioural psychology author and thought leader Timothy Maurice steps in to help…

14 Nov 2024 1 hr 06 min

The Burning Platform : 100 Days of GNU Part 2

Welcome to this special episode of Burning Platform - in the last two weeks we’ve held two events hosted by Justice Malala and Penuel the Black Pen, with leaders from political parties who accepted the invitation to come and talk about 100 Days of GNU - how are we doing…

6 Nov 2024 1 hr 22 min

The Burning Platform Special : 100 Days of GNU Part 1

Welcome to this special episode of Burning Platform - in the last two weeks we’ve held two events hosted by Justice Malala and Penuel the Black Pen, with leaders from political parties who accepted the invitation to come and talk about 100 Days of GNU - how are we doing…

31 Oct 2024 1 hr 19 min

South Africa Branded with Thebe Ikalafeng

How is South Africa viewed by the world? Countries typically have two powers, hard power and soft power. Gareth and Phumi are joined by advocate for a brand-led African revolution and marketer, Thebe Ikalafeng. Looking at the brand that is South Africa and how the world views and interacts with…

24 Oct 2024 1 hr 09 min

Schools of Thought with Prof. William Gumede

Where are the buoys in the ocean of South African politics? With more than a 100 days into the GNU, it could be said that South Africa has more questions than answers. To help Gareth and Phumi find the answers is, Associate Professor, School of Governance at the University of…

17 Oct 2024 1 hr 06 min

Power Struggles with Mike Sham

What should we make of the political movements? The removal of Cilliers Brink has caused quite a few ripples in the political landscape, Mike sham joins the show to give his analysis. Gareth and Phumi would also like to know what’s brewing inside the Democratic Alliance. Mike Sham also discusses…

10 Oct 2024 1 hr 12 min

An Insider's view with Helen Zille

After 100 days of GNU, are we headed in the right direction? South African politics has been a hive of activity in recent times, from questionable hiring practices to political floor crossing. Joining Gareth and Phumi to give an insider's view, Chairperson of the Federal Council of the Democratic Alliance,…

3 Oct 2024 1 hr 05 min

Is the GNU the solution to SA's problems?

Classically-liberal South African YouTuber Sihle Ngobese AKA Big Daddy Liberty takes a hot seat on The Burning Platform to give his take on some of the week's political stories and interrogate whether the Government of National Unity (GNU) is the solution to the issues South Africa currently faces.

26 Sep 2024 1 hr 18 min

American Dream...Or Nightmare?

What does America look like after the elections? With Gareth in Bulgaria, Phumi is joined by Jack Motlanthe as co-host as we turn our attention to the elections in the US. To add some perspective, Associate Editor at the Daily Maverick, J Brooks Spector and Durban based District Prosecutor, Treasure…

19 Sep 2024 1 hr 03 min