Democracy Unplugged

As South Africa heads towards the 2026 local government elections, Siya Sangweni brings political parties in Cape Town together for one last, important conversation before voters head to the polls.

What are they promising voters, and what will those promises mean for your everyday life?

Featuring Afrika Mayibuye Movement’s Apostle Musa Joshua Mohlala, Build One South Africa’s Kerryn Rehse, the African National Congress’s Khalid Sayed, and GOOD Party’s Brett Herron.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests and panellists do not necessarily reflect those of Podcast Party. Podcast Party encourages open dialogue and diverse perspectives and does not endorse any political party, candidate or viewpoint. The Burning Platform

What do the numbers tell us about Johannesburg’s local elections? Political and economic analyst Paul Berkowitz joins Phumi Mashigo to unpack the data behind the upcoming local elections. Together they explore what the numbers could mean for Johannesburg, and beyond, and whether they tell the full story of what voters can expect. With so many parties competing for power, what should voters be looking at beyond the party name on the ballot? Hear more about that in this conversation.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests and panellists do not necessarily reflect those of Podcast Party. Podcast Party encourages open dialogue and diverse perspectives and does not endorse any political party, candidate or viewpoint. The Burning Platform

How do you decide who gets your vote?

With South Africa’s political landscape offering more choices than ever, understanding what political parties actually believe has never been more important.

In this episode, Phumi brings together highlights from conversations with politicians across the political spectrum, exploring what their parties stand for, the kind of South Africa they want to build, and the ideas they believe should shape the country’s future.

**Disclaimer:** The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Podcast Party.

Podcast Party does not endorse or take responsibility for the views expressed by individual guests.

Podcast Party is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or aligned to any political party. The Burning Platform

Johannesburg needs a mayor. But what does each candidate believe is broken, what do they want the city to become, and who pays for their plans?

In this episode, Phumi Mashigo puts different candidates’ answers side by side, exploring their visions for Johannesburg, the cost of fixing the city, the realities of coalition politics and who stands to benefit from the economic future they imagine. Because before you decide who gets your vote, you need to understand what they’re asking you to trust them with. The Burning Platform

As South Africa marks Heritage Day, Phumi Mashigo is joined by Zulu Royal Historian and author Shalo Mbatha to ask: what kind of South Africa are we building for the next 30 years?

From King Shaka and the formation of the Zulu nation to apartheid, identity, inequality and belonging, they explore what our history can teach us about our future - and what it will take to build a stronger shared South African identity The Burning Platform