Democracy Unplugged

Who do you trust to lead our cities? As we wrap Women’s Month, meet the

women vying to shape futures as host Phumi Mashigo profiles female

mayoral candidates on their leadership, vision, priorities and plans,

and what they believe our cities need next. Featuring Build One South

Africa’s Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster (Johannesburg), Action SA’s Gibsy Diale

(Mogale City) and Land Party’s Ntsiki Mazwai (Johannesburg). The Burning Platform

Is Johannesburg ready for a new kind of political leadership? Lukhona

Mnguni joins Phumi Mashigo to unpack his vision for the city, from

cleaner and safer communities to greater transparency, accountable

government and principled coalition politics. He also discusses his

political career, learnings from his experience and his journey within

RISE Mzansi. The Burning Platform

What has gone wrong in Durban, and what will it take to fix the city? Phumi Mashigo speaks to the Democratic Alliance’s Haniff Hoosen about the challenges facing eThekwini and why residents are increasingly demanding action. In this discussion, Hoosen shares his vision for an eThekwini where communities take action, leaders listen and residents have a stronger voice in shaping the city’s future. The Burning Platform

Why does Israel believe the world misunderstands its actions? Phumi

Mashigo gets into a conversation about this with Ambassador Mark Regev,

one of Israel's most experienced diplomats and communicators. Having

served as the country's international spokesman, ambassador, and senior

adviser to the Prime Minister, Regev has spent decades explaining

Israel's decisions to the world. They unpack the realities of diplomacy,

the role of media and narrative, the aftermath of 7 October, and the

complex relationship between security, politics, and public opinion. The Burning Platform

In this episode we bring together political leaders and commentators for an unfiltered discussion on one of South Africa's most pressing and divisive issues; illegal immigration and its ripple effect on governance, crime, economic growth, and the future of the country. Following the events surrounding the March and March protests on the 30th of June, the panel examines what really happened, whether the demonstrations achieved their intended goals, and what practical solutions exist beyond political rhetoric.

Moderated by Justice Malala, the panel consisted of:

Solly Mkhize from the Patriotic Alliance

Herman Mashaba from ActionSA

Sihle Ngubane from uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party

Donovan E. Williams - Political Commentator The Burning Platform