What will it take to turn South Africa’s municipal crisis around? Can
local government still be rescued before the 2026 elections?
In this follow-up episode of Democracy Unplugged, moderator Phumi
Mashigo brings together panelists from multiple political parties to
confront the question head-on. Featuring Afrika Mayibuye Movement’s
Sydney Baloyi, PAC’s Jaki Seroke, GOOD’s Sarah Mabotsa and Action SA’s
Kholofelo Morodi. The Burning Platform
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1:10:01
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1:10:01
The AI Reality Check - Are We Ready for 2026?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is re-writing the rules. Are we ready? In this episode of Democracy Unplugged Timothy Maurice Webster leads a dynamic conversation with AI experts George Nichas, Callan Abrahams and Mushambi Mutuma on how AI is reshaping work, creativity, governance, and daily life. The Burning Platform
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1:15:28
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1:15:28
Conviction or convenience - what drives Floyd Shivambu?
What does South Africa need now, according to Floyd Shivambu? And will he be the answer to our political problems? Phumi Mashigo unpacks the evolution behind the headlines with him - from the ANC Youth League to the EFF, a stint in MK, and now his role in shaping the Afrika Maibuye Movement. Is this reinvention or conviction in motion? Floyd speaks candidly about ideological consistency, political disillusionment, organisational decay, and why he believes South Africa still needs a true revolutionary movement. If you've ever wondered what motivates a strategist to abandon comfort for controversy, this conversation is essential listening. The Burning Platform
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1:04:19
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1:04:19
Can Helen Zille Really Save Johannesburg?
Johannesburg is falling apart - power cuts, potholes, broken pipes,
waste piling up, and corruption choking the city that once symbolised
South Africa’s promise. But one of the country’s most formidable
political figures says she can fix it. Phumi Mashigo sits down with
Helen Zille, the former Mayor of Cape Town, Western Cape Premier, and
now 2026 Johannesburg Mayoral candidate for the Democratic Alliance.
She’s one of the most polarising voices in South African politics, and
the question that everyone’s been whispering is asked: Can she really
save Johannesburg? The Burning Platform
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40:12
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40:12
Local Government – Down but not out
Local government is meant to be the heartbeat of democracy. But as cities crumble, services collapse, and trust erodes, South Africans are asking: can our municipalities still be saved? In this episode of Democracy Unplugged, host Phumi Mashigo leads an honest discussion with a panel of political leaders tackling the state of local governance ahead of the 2026 municipal elections. From collapsing infrastructure to coalition chaos as well as lessons from the GNU, this episode asks what real local leadership should look like in 2026 and beyond. The Burning Platform
After a decade run as South Africa’s first and longest-running online current affairs show, The Burning Platform, launched alongside CliffCentral.com in 2014 with Gareth Cliff and Justice Malala, is levelling up – Level Up with Phumi Mashigo. Phumi a founder host of CliffCentral and current Burning Platform co-anchor, will continue to bring insightful perspectives and questioning with thought leaders, politicians and social commentators on the critical issues that affect our lives. Podcasts available on Podcast Party app, website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms.
South Africa