Democracy Unplugged

How do the descendants of South Africa’s most famous

freedom fighters understand freedom in today's world? Phumi Mashigo

speaks with Princesses Swati Mandela-Dlamini and Zaziwe Manaway, two of

Nelson and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s granddaughters about the deeply

personal stories behind their new Netflix documentary. Serving as

co-producers of the Netflix documentary series “The Trials of Winnie

Mandela”, Phumi speaks to the pair about growing up within a family that

played a central role in South Africa’s liberation struggle, the lasting

impact of apartheid on their lives, and the responsibility that comes

with preserving an important chapter of the country's history. Through

their candid reflections, they offer a unique perspective on legacy,

identity and the continuing relevance of the struggle for freedom. The Burning Platform

South Africa's informal economy is everywhere - from taxi ranks and

pavement stalls to township salons and spaza shops. But is it simply a

response to unemployment and inequality, or is it becoming the country's

real engine of growth and innovation?

Justice Malala leads an expert panel for a provocative conversation

exploring who South Africa's economy is really built for - and what the

rise of informal trade says about the future of work, opportunity, and

survival in South Africa.

Panel:

Kefilwe Ndaba - National Informal Traders Alliance of South Africa

(NITASA)

Botsang Moiloa - Action SA

Lubabalo Magwentshu - African Transformation Movement

Tags:

South Africa, Democracy Unplugged, Podcast Party SA, Justice Malala,

politics, current affairs, informal trade, economy, news, Action SA,

African Transformation Movement The Burning Platform

What happens when one of the world’s most progressive

constitutions collides with corruption, inequality and political

dysfunction? In this week’s episode, Phumi Mashigo explores whether

South Africa’s democracy is being protected, or slowly weakened, and why

the Constitution still matters now more than ever. She is joined by

human rights lawyer, policy advocate, and civil society leader, Nicole

Fritz. The Burning Platform

Did South Africans buy into hope, only to end up

confronting more political disappointment? Phumi Mashigo dives into

President Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala fallout, the ANC’s growing credibility

crisis, and the debate over whether Cyril Ramaphosa is a consensus

builder - or simply too passive for the moment South Africa finds itself

in. She is joined by Mametlwe Sebei, Lecturer, College of Law,

University of South Africa. The Burning Platform

Following our previous education discussion, a clearer picture begins to emerge: one defined not just by underperformance, but by mounting pressure. Demand is rising faster than capacity, and while the state continues to expand its role, it’s increasingly doing so through partnerships that sit adjacent to the system itself.

So what does this mean in practice? As the model of education begins to shift toward more specialised pathways, the tension between ambition and delivery becomes harder to ignore. In this episode, Phumi Mashigo explores that gap, and brings in Onwabile Lubhelwana, spokesperson to the Gauteng MEC for Basic Education Lebogang Maile, to understand how this evolving system is being carried forward today. The Burning Platform