The Burning Platform
Various people in the know tell us the truth about what’s going on in South African and global politics.
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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.
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…
Future Prospects with Colleen Makhubele
What does the future hold for party members who change allegiances? After recently leaving the party she founded, Colleen Makhubele joins Gareth and Phumi, as well as regular contributor Kanthan Pillay in studio. The shockwaves of her departure from SARA to join the MK can still be felt as South…
The Burning Platform : Solly Moeng
What exactly is a political commentator and what qualifies a person to be one? Gareth and Phumi are joined by a man who wears many hats, who considers himself an 'accidental political commentator' even though he is a lot more than that. Solly Moeng is a renowned outspoken political commentator,…
The Burning Platform : Minister Gayton McKenzie
What does it mean to be a minister in the GNU? With the olympics behind us and life settling back to normal, Gareth and Phumi are joined by firebrand minister of sports, arts and culture, Mr Gayton Mckenzie. On the table for discussion is how Mr McKenzie has found his…
Power and Perspective with Alec Hogg
Has journalism gone off the rails? Phumi and Gareth mull over the recent political happenings in South Africa after a busy news week. They are then joined by journalist and founder of Biznews.com, Alec Hogg, as he lends his voice and know how to the sometimes chaotic South African political…
Navigating Conflict with Andre Vlok
What options do you have in conflict? Phumi is back after a two week hiatus and she joins Gareth as they jump into the contentious issues shaping our communities. From the threat of conflict in our cities, beyond the 2021 KZN unrest, to the growing challenges of migration and xenophobia…
Politics, Progress, and Priorities with Penuel The Black Pen
What should South Africans prioritise for genuine progress? Gareth Cliff is back in studio and is joined by Penuel Mlotshwa (The Black Pen) to explore the landscape of South Africa's politics. The conversation tackles multiple topics, from the ambitious R3.8 billion project by Solidarity to the crucial steps needed to…
Deconstructing the Complex World of Politics
How do we deepen our understanding of world politics? With all the news developments taking place in South African politics, Gareth is in studio and joined by opinionated contributors Kanthan Pillay and Jonathon Witt. Deconstructing the often complex world of politics, is what's on the menu.